Black Country School offers free uniform as cost of living crisis hits families

A Black Country secondary school is set to help families during the cost of living crisis – by providing free uniforms for every new pupil.

Perryfields Academy, in Oldbury, has announced that new students who enrol for the start of the next academic year will each receive not only a complete free uniform but also a PE kit.

Head of School Clare Harris said: “Perryfields is a school that is at the heart of the communities it serves, and we want to support local families as best as we can.

“We know that when children transition from their primaries schools to ‘big’ school the cost of a uniform can be significant, particularly at the moment, which is why we have taken the unusual decision to provide free uniforms for every pupil who joins us in Year 7 from this September.

“People are struggling at the moment. Bills are up, fuel costs are rising and we are acknowledging how we can support families in our community.

“Beyond that, it will also help us ensure that standards are maintained in the school, by ensuring everyone can have a good quality new inform as they start their first year with us at Perryfields.

Footwear such as shoes and trainers are not included in the offer from the school, which is part of the Broadleaf Partnership Trust and draws students from Sandwell, Dudley, Halesowen and Oldbury.

Sarah Thompson, who oversees the transition of new students into the school, added: “Year Six children who have accepted their place here in September will be getting their free uniform and PE kit, and there are still a few places available for parents who are interested.”

Perryfields works proactively with more than 50 primaries across the area to help local youngsters transition to secondary school, including organising a ‘flight day’ in June, where Year Five pupils can spread their wings and spend a day taking part in fun activities on at the Oldacre Road site.

Mrs Harris said: “We have a really extensive and friendly transition programme that runs throughout the year that really helps young children make the switch to Perryfields comfortably and happily, and providing a free uniform for students seemed like the natural next step in that process.”