We’ve set up the Leeds School Uniform Exchange to make it as easy as possible for people across Leeds to share good quality second hand school uniform helping them save money whilst also being more sustainable by reusing rather than buying new.
We help local schools and community groups set up their own uniform exchanges and promote pop up events across Leeds where families can access free pre-loved uniform. We have created a dedicated website where you can find your nearest exchange by simply typing in the name of the school or your postcode in the search engine. It also lists current and future pop up events where uniform is available.
Recent studies conducted by the the Department for Education found that the average cost of a full school uniform and PE kit for a child at secondary school is £442, and is £343 for a primary school pupil. Many families in our region are still feeling the pinch from the cost of living crisis, so the Leeds School Uniform Exchange aims to help families across Leeds save money, whilst also cutting down on textile waste.
Clothing creates
1.2 billion tonnes of CO₂
Every year, global emissions from textile production are equivalent to 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2, a figure that outweighs the carbon footprint of international flights and shipping combined.
82% of Leeds schools are now covered by a uniform exchange – a mix of Facebook groups, exchanges in schools and pop up exchanges run by community groups. Last year (September 2023 – September 2024) we supported, promoted and helped run over 367 uniform pop up events where over 22,880 items of uniform were given away for free. This saved families approximately £388,960 and prevented 4,576kg of textiles ending up as waste.
To find out more about our our school uniform reuse project or to get involved, visit the dedicated Leeds School Uniform website. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
If you’d like to set up a uniform exchange, support our work or collaborate with us, please get in touch by emailing tracy@zerowasteleeds.org.uk.