Running from Monday 28th July to Sunday 31st August, the award-winning School Uniform Swap Shop is returning for 2025 for families in North West Leicestershire. 

The scheme offers families the chance to 'pass on and pick-up pre-loved school uniform for free – helping to reduce waste and ease the financial pressure of back-to-school shopping,' says North West Leicestershire District Council.

Ivanhoe School official uniform guidance (Photo: Ivanhoe School)

The price of school uniform is a growing financial burden on parents, with local school uniforms racking up a large bill, especially for families with multiple children. 

Ashby School Uniform prices for boy's uniform from an official supplier (Photo: Grace Kennington)

For example, to buy a full Ashby School boy's uniform from one official supplier cost a minimum of approximately £88 to £108 for one blazer, shirt, jacket, tie and pair of trouser. This is excluding the cost of shoes, bag, supplies, PE kit and textbooks and also doesn't take into account the additional cost of buying spare jumpers, replacements or having to buy bigger sizes as children grow. 

There are seven venues across the district that will have uniforms for the local primary and secondary schools, including Ashby School Sixth Form, Castle Donington College, Ivanhoe School, King Edward VII Science and Sport College and more. 

This year's Swap Shops are located: 

• Ashby - Co-op, Derby Road, 
• Castle Donington - The Hub, Bondgate, 
• Coalville - Co-op, Cropstone Drive, 
• Hugglescote - Co-op, Oak Corner, 
• Ibstock - Co-op, Ashby Road, 
• Measham -Co-op, High Street, 
• Whitwick - Co-op, Market Place 

Portfolio Holder for Communities and Climate Change at North West Leicestershire District Council, Councillor Michael Wyatt said: "We understand how expensive it can be each year for parents to buy new school uniform. 

"This campaign aims to support families to save money, whilst helping the environment by reusing perfectly good uniform. 

"Last year was very successful and we received a huge amount of praise locally, as well as a national award. We're hoping to build on that success this year to support even more families to swap school uniform for free. 

"Thank you to everyone who has donated in previous years."