Education under 16
Are unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) and children of asylum seekers entitled to free school uniforms?
Children of asylum seekers are entitled to the same help with the cost of school uniforms as any other pupils. The Education Department of your Local Authority (LA) can help with the cost of, or provide free school uniforms in cases of hardship. However they do so on a discretionary basis and it is for them to decide on the qualifying criteria [1].Furthermore, most LAs will only provide school uniform grants for secondary school children.
It is social services' responsibility to pay for school uniforms for UASC looked after under s.20 of the Children Act 1989.
The UKBA is not responsible for providing funds for school uniforms.
Contact the National Education Law Advice Line for free advice and information on all matters relating to education law on 0845 345 4345
Revised 25/01/08
Notes
[1] See s.518 Education Act 1996 and Local Authority (Payment of School Expenses) Regulations 1999
