The Warrington School Uniform Network helping families save money this summer

17 August 2023

The Warrington School Uniform Network store has opened its doors again to continue helping families to simultaneously reduce waste and save hundreds of pounds with free pre-loved school uniform.

Originally founded by Friends of WhiteCross Community group, demand for the Warrington School Uniform Network has grown as the cost-of-living increases. Now, the Warrington School Uniform Network, with partners including Torus Foundation, Healthy Neighbours Project, Friends of Whitecross, Friends of St Elphins Park, Roy Humphries Centre, Golden Square and Warrington Foodbank, is linking in with schools and communities across the town to help families living in the area tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

The Schoolwear Association has found the average cost of compulsory secondary school uniforms and sportswear items for a child starting secondary school in England in 2023 is £96.24 per pupil. The Warrington School Uniform Network hopes to save the average family hundreds while reducing the amount of quality clothing going to landfill.

The Warrington School Uniform Network’s central shop, located in Golden Square shopping centre by The Works, was officially opened last year by former Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Jean Flaherty.

You don’t need to be accessing the Foodbank or receiving benefits to access this service. Anyone from any background can visit The Warrington School Uniform Network Shop and pick up pre-loved school uniform in a range of sizes and schools, all free of charge, thanks to donations from across the town.

Sam Birchall, Health Promotion Officer at Torus Foundation said: “We know that people from all backgrounds are feeling the pinch due to rising costs. That’s why The Warrington School Uniform Network is not just for people who are using the Foodbank or accessing benefits, it's really for everyone. The store is full of items which would probably have ended up in landfill, but thanks to people from across Warrington, all these uniforms can go to families that need them.”

If you have pre-loved school uniforms or school shoes, donating them to The Warrington School Uniform Network can help families in Warrington cut costs this summer while reducing the amount we are sending to landfill.

To donate your pre-loved school uniform, all you need to do is take it to one of the several drop-off points across the town.

Anyone can pick up free school uniforms from the Warrington School Uniform Network Shop, all they ask is that you make a donation to Warrington Foodbank if you can.