It’s the time of year when you’ll be thinking about school uniform.  You may qualify for a school clothing grant if you receive certain benefits or are on a low income. If your child qualifies for free school meals on financial grounds, you’ll automatically receive the clothing grant.

You can apply if you receive any of the following:

• • Income Support
  • Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance
  • Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
  • Universal Credit (monthly earned income of £1,670 or less)
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • Scottish Child Payment (for P6 and P7 free meals)

Grant amounts vary depending on the local authority you live in.

North Ayrshire

• • £132 per child in primary school
  • £164 per child in secondary school

How to Apply: Apply online via the North Ayrshire Council website

South Ayrshire

• Grant Amounts:
  • £120 per primary school pupil
  • £150 per secondary school pupil

How to Apply: Apply online via the South Ayrshire Council website

East Ayrshire

Grant Amount: The exact amount may vary, but it’s typically in line with national guidance (around £120–£150 per child, depending on age and eligibility).

How to Apply:

Apply online via the East Ayrshire Council website

Or go directly to the application portal

Dumfries & Galloway

Grant Amounts:

• • £134 per year for each primary school child
  • £150 per year for each secondary school child

How to Apply:

Apply online via the Dumfries and Galloway Council website

Or call 030 33 33 3006 for help

 

Free School Uniform Banks & One Stop Shop Events

Dumfries and Galloway Council also runs permanent School Uniform Banks and Back to School One Stop Shop events offering:

• • Free new and pre-loved uniforms
  • Free stationery
  • Free haircuts for children.

Free Back to School Uniform Events 2025

Hairdressers will be in attendance to give free “Back to School Trims”.

Saturday 9 August 2025, 11am – 3pm,
The Ryan Centre, Fairhurst Road, Stranraer, DG9 7AP

Sunday 10 August 2025, 11am – 3pm,
Castle Douglas Community Centre, Cotton Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1AJ

Saturday 16 August 2025, 9am – 12 noon
Newstart Recycle, Unit E, Provost Mill, Queensberry Street, Annan, DG12 5BL

Sunday 17 August 2025, 11am – 12 noon
The Oasis Youth Centre, Newall Terrace, Dumfries, DG1 1LW

Permanent Uniform Bank Locations are listed on their website: Get free school uniforms | Dumfries and Galloway Council

These services are available year-round to help families reduce the cost of preparing for school