The new Labour Party Prime Minister Andy Burnham is implementing three significant changes to school policies from September 2026, building on measures first confirmed under the previous Sir Keir Starmer administration. These reforms aim to reduce costs for families and improve children's wellbeing, covering uniform regulations, breakfast provision, and free school meals.
Background and Political Context
The changes were initially announced by former Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson before the transition of power. In a statement earlier this month, Phillipson emphasised the government's commitment to easing financial pressures on parents: "No parent should have to choose between a summer day out to the beach and kitting their child out for school. From September, families will feel the difference at the school gates: free breakfast clubs at 1,400 more schools, an end to expensive lists of branded uniform, and more free lunches for those who need them."
With Burnham's appointment, Lucy Powell has taken over as Secretary of State for Education. Powell previously expressed concerns about over-prescription in education. In a 2019 interview with Tes, she warned: "You have got to a position where policy keeps pushing and pushing but are we expecting to have identikit kids? Education is becoming overprescribed and micro-managed. And that is the same for teachers as well. Some of the joy has gone out."
School Uniform: New Limits on Branded Items
From September, schools must comply with new legal limits on the number of branded uniform items they can require. This means parents can purchase everyday basics such as trousers, shirts, and skirts from any shop or supermarket rather than being restricted to a single, often expensive, supplier.
The government stated: "Governing boards must make sure uniform policies comply with the limit on branded items of school uniform and PE kit from 1 September 2026. The limit is set out in the Education Act 1996 (as amended by the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026). The statutory guidance has more information on the limit. Governing boards will also need to ensure that, in developing and implementing their uniform policy, they comply with the Human Rights Act 1998 and Equality Act 2010 and take into account key considerations such as safeguarding requirements and the health and safety of their pupils."
This measure is expected to save families hundreds of pounds per child annually, as branded items from specific suppliers are often significantly more expensive than generic alternatives.
Breakfast Clubs: Expansion to 2,700 Schools
Parents at 1,400 more schools will be able to access free breakfast clubs from September, bringing the total to over 2,700 schools. The government has surpassed its target of adding 2,000 schools to the programme this year. More than 680,000 children will attend these clubs after the summer holidays, up from 300,000 currently.
The breakfast club initiative aims to save families up to £450 per child per year while ensuring children start the day with a nutritious meal, supporting their learning and concentration.
Free School Meals: Expansion to Universal Credit Households
The third change expands free school meals to every household on Universal Credit. A child could benefit from up to £450 a year through a free breakfast club and up to £500 a year through this expansion, on top of savings from cheaper uniform due to the branded-item limit.
The government stated: "Beyond the financial benefits, this programme ensures children receive nutritious meals during school hours, which supports their learning and concentration in the classroom, physical health and development and overall wellbeing. The government is also acting quickly to revise the School Food Standards, so every school is supported with the latest nutrition guidance."
Implementation and Impact
These measures collectively represent a major investment in child welfare and cost-of-living support. The government estimates that combined savings from uniform, breakfast clubs, and free meals could exceed £1,000 per child per year for eligible families. Schools are expected to have updated their policies before the start of the autumn term, and local authorities will monitor compliance.
Bridget Phillipson concluded: "That’s the British childhood this government believes in – and why we’ll always fight to give every child the very best start in life."
