With the new school year fully underway, we are reflecting back on the back-to-school season and how we created impact for families this summer.

The summer months are always a busy time for our grants team, as financially stressed parents reach out for support with back-to-school costs. 

With only a few options available for uniform grants, demand typically increases from early July onwards. This summer was no different and as enquiries started to flood in, we worked together with our community of partners to host our annual Back to School Campaign, a fundraising and awareness drive highlighting the financial pressure many parents feel at this time of year.

With their support we raised over £5,600 and helped more than 150 children with grants for essential items, including school uniform, pencil cases, laptops and school shoes.

Our impact in numbers: 

 

A Surge in Support for School Uniforms

This year, we saw more than 4,240 parents visit our website for advice and guidance on back-to-school costs. This represents more almost double the number of visitors compared to the same period last year. For us, these statistics demonstrate a growing need for alternative funding sources, as families continue to struggle during the back-to-school period. 

Essential School Items Funded

Our grants provided vital resources for students, covering a wide range of items that are crucial to support a child’s education. From study equipment and desks to clothing and tech for homework, we helped ensure that children have what they need to thrive at school. The total value of these items reached £31,000. 

The impact of these grants goes beyond the items themselves. It’s about providing children with the confidence and tools they need to succeed in the classroom.

Clothing Bundles to Start the Year Right

For many families, the new school year brings a set of challenges for families living in financial hardship. Of the 194 children who received our grants between July 1st and September 5th, 72% were awarded a uniform bundle whether for primary, secondary, or college-level students. In the words of this parent, these uniform bundles were vital for helping children to feel confident and as they return to school.

Partners Stepping Up to Support

Our campaign would not have been possible without the amazing support from our partners, including Ralph Lauren, Boden, Clean Linen and Workwear, Salisbury Linen Services and Kannegiesser. Their contributions not only helped raise awareness but also provided crucial funding that enabled us to help more families. We are grateful for their continued partnership and dedication to helping children to thrive at school.

Aside from providing vital support for our work, these fundraisers also supported our partners ESG and staff engagement goals, with many finding their fundraisers provided a great chance to boost staff morale, particularly during peak business periods.

Get involved

Our campaigns run twice a year and we are always looking for UK fashion and textile businesses to get involved. 

Find out more.