Schools in Wales have been told logos must not be compulsory on uniforms to help parents cut costs.
Education Minister Jeremy Miles unveiled new statutory guidance to make uniforms more affordable by ensuring families aren't made to buy branded items or specific styles which can drive up bills.
Heads must make arrangements so school kit can be bought second hand and should avoid asking children to wear blazers and caps which can be pricey.
The guidance also asks schools to consider whether separate winter and summer clothes are necessary and to avoid changing uniform frequently so families can use hand-me-downs.
Mr Miles said: "School uniforms are an important part of identify for a school, but it is absolutely vital that uniforms are affordable.
"This is why I am asking schools to prioritise making school uniforms cheaper for families, who continue to feel the pressure of rising costs."
Families on lower incomes can also apply for a £300 grant to help with school costs.
School leaders said keeping costs low was welcome but said heads were not given much time to look at plans.
ASCL Cymru director Eithne Hughes said: "This guidance has not left schools very long to consult with governors, suppliers and the community before feeding back any changes before the end of term."
"This is an extremely busy time of year and it would have been helpful for schools to have been given this guidance earlier."
The Schoolwear Association, which represents suppliers and retailers, said limiting logos could create more inequality.
Chairman Matthew Easter said: “This will undermine the value of uniform and increase social inequality between pupils, who will feel under pressure to abide by the latest fashion trends.
“Costs are also likely to rise for parents too, who may end up purchasing more expensive designer items for their children.
"Furthermore, high quality uniforms offered by specialist retailers are durable and long-lasting, offering parents the best long-term value for children’s uniform and reducing the need for regular repeat purchases.”
Similar guidance was introduced in England in 2021 under the Education (Guidance About Costs of School Uniform) Bill to try and keep costs down.
But there have been reports that some schools are still flouting the advice.
Why we must make uniforms cheaper
By Education Minister for Wales, Jeremy Miles
Time and time again we hear from parents that the cost of school uniforms can be eye watering. That is why, in Wales, we are calling on schools to take urgent action to reduce these costs.
I believe uniforms still very much have a place in schools. They can provide a sense of identity and help avoid peer pressure to dress in a particular way.
But we also know they can be expensive. Many schools are making every effort to keep costs down, but, there are still too many cases where costs are too high.
Logos, in particular, can increase costs. That’s why our new statutory guidance makes clear that schools should not make logos mandatory. This will allow families to buy items from a bigger selection of shops, rather than one single supplier.
We in Wales have long led the way. Our previous school uniform guidance asked schools to keep the cost of uniforms to a minimum and many families on lower incomes are eligible for our School Essentials Grant which helps with the cost of school uniform and other school items. This is the most generous scheme in the UK, worth up to £300 for qualifying families.
Alongside no longer having mandatory logos, the new guidance has an emphasis on reusing and recycling clothing. Children and young people are very aware of the impact on our environment and the new guidance helps expand on the fantastic work already being seen across Wales.
We all know how quickly children grow and many schools have recognised that items children have grown out of are still in good condition and can benefit other members of the school community. I recently visited a uniform recycling and exchange scheme at St Michael’s Catholic Primary School in Pontypridd.
The initiative at the school provides pupils, families and the community with affordable uniform opportunities. Parents and carers within the school have responded positively to donating school uniform that no longer fit their child/children. This is great work that we want to see more of.
The Welsh Government is committed to using every lever it can to help people with the cost-of-living. As the Education Minister I want to ensure that living costs are never a barrier to learning.
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