Help with buying items for school
The cost of school uniforms can be a struggle for families. Many schools now allow you to buy cheaper, unbranded uniform items, or offer uniform swaps. Please check with your school what they offer.
Where to get school uniform
There are some organisations throughout the county who can help you with new and preloved school uniforms - see the list of where to get school uniform below.
Organisation | Information | Contact |
|---|---|---|
Schools | Contact your child's school to find out about their local arrangements as some will offer recycled schemes. | Your child's school |
| Family hubs | Your local family hub may also have a school uniform rail, or be able to point you in the direction of a local organisation that does. Pop into your family hub to ask. | Website: Family Hubs |
Eastlea Community Centre
| Preloved primary school and secondary uniform available for schools across Seaham. Monday to Thursdays from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Open from Monday 24 July 2023 and throughout the holidays. | Eastlea Community Centre Telephone: Michelle 07821 69170 |
The Academy of Shotton Hall
| Preloved uniform give away is up and running. Simply get in touch with the school to arrange a browse - term-time only. | The Academy of Shotton Hall Telephone: 0191 518 0222. |
The House of Hope
| We have some donated uniforms in excellent condition free to swap or take as needed. Monday to Thursdays from 10.00am to 2.00pm. | The House of Hope Telephone: 07478 942140 Email: houseofhope@gmail.com |
Flambard Hall
| County Durham Clothing Bank is now open at their new premises from 10.00am to 2.00pm every Tuesday unless stated. Please bring your own bags to carry clothing home, please leave the coat hangers behind. All clothing is free, toiletries will be available for those who need it at the hatch in main room. Please go to reception desk as you enter and sign in. Also use, sanitizer as you enter the hall and where possible wear a face covering for our safety and yours. One way system is in place, In through the front out through the back. School uniforms available. | Flambard Hall, Telephone: Dawn Wilson 07707 031625 |
Community School Clothing Scheme | Provides families with free preloved school uniform. We are open:
| Community School Clothing Scheme Facebook: Community School Clothing Scheme on Facebook Telephone: 0191 323 3609 |
Ferryhill Foodbank
| Food bank will be offering recycled uniforms during the summer months for:
Tuesdays and Fridays from 10.00am to 12.00 noon. | Ferryhill Foodbank Telephone: Liam 01740 654123 |
Lifeline Community Action
| We have school uniform section at the hub for the following schools:
We are open:
| Lifeline Community Action Telephone: Corrinn on 07936 431262 Email: Corrinchamberslca@gmail.com
|
Influence Church
| We offer a school uniform bank enabling parents to access free school uniform, school supplies and basic essentials for their children. For schools in Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle. Open from Monday 7 August 2023 from 10.00am to 2.00pm. | Influence Church Telephone: 01833 631107 |
TCR Hub
| Teesdale School uniform exchange. Exchange pre-loved Teesdale School uniform including PE kits. Open Thursday 6 July to Tuesday 18 July 2023 from 10.00am to 6.00pm. | TCR Hub Telephone: 01833 690150 |
Glenroyd House
| Uniform bank available all year round. New and Preloved uniforms available.
| Glenroyd House Telephone: 01207 297349 |
Consett area school uniform shop | Facebook page where parents can buy swap or sell uniform. | |
| Sedgefield Comp Uniform Swap | Facebook page where parents can buy swap or sell uniform. | Facebook: Sedgefield Comp Uniform Swap on Facebook |
| PACT House | New and pre-loved uniforms available . Uniform bank available all year round. | PACT House Telephone: Darren 07720 650533 |
| Shildon Town Council | Preloved primary school and secondary uniform available. Sizes from 2-3 years to 12 years plus and lots in between. We have red, blue and green sweatshirts and a range of white polo shirts, school trousers, dresses and skirts. Please call in and take what you need. We are open Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 4.30pm and Fridays from 8.30am to 4.00pm. | Telephone 01388 772563 We would be happy to make a bag up of your Email: l.evans @shildon.gov.uk |
| St Anne's Church | Preloved and new uniforms - preschool, primary and secondary schools. Open Saturday 19 August 2023 from 2.00pm to 3.30pm. | St Anne's Church Telephone: 01388 60437 |
Lots of schools have their own Facebook pages where uniforms can be swapped and donated and there are many dedicated school uniform Facebook groups across the county. You can find one in your area by searching school uniform on Facebook.
A Family Loan
If you are in receipt of child benefit and require help with buying items for school you can apply for a NE First Credit Union Family Loans. This could provide you with a loan of up to £500 without having a credit check - this will be conditional upon an affordability check and child benefit being paid directly from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to the Credit Union.
A Family Loan allows you to access a cash loan up front to purchase the required items as well as giving you the option to saving something each month for the future.
More information about help with your money.
