At this time of year, many parents are finding themselves having to dig deep to fork out for new school uniforms ahead of the new academic year in September.
But stop: school uniform needn’t break the bank – thanks to a brilliant local project which helps families cut costs AND is good for the planet, too.
The Uniformity shop in Leigh Spinners Mill helps to recycle good quality school uniform from local schools – making it available for free to local families.
It all started when Golborne mum Kerry Bamber decided to do something to help local families with the cost of new school uniforms.
Three years on, the Uniformity Project has gone from strength to strength, preventing tonnes of unneeded uniform from going to landfill and supporting families, too.
When is the Uniformity shop open?
You’ll find Uniformity inside Spinners Mill in Leigh. This summer holiday, they have closed for a few weeks to process all their donations – they will reopen on Monday, 4 August 2025 at 9am.
The shop stocks recycled uniform from partnered schools in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Golborne, Lowton, Leigh, Tyldesley and Atherton.
Parents can call into the shop as you would an average uniform shop and take what you need to the checkout… the only difference at the checkout the cost will be £0.00.
Uniform for the shop is mainly being donated via local schools – so check with yours whether they have signed up to be involved yet.
To help fund the cost of the project, they will also accepting donations of clothing for children aged 3 – 16 that will be sold at 50p per item. However School Uniform will always remain free of charge.
Sustainability, as well as cost, is a key factor
The focus is on recycling used uniform in excellent condition. Not only does this help parents with costs, it also spreads an important message about sustainability, improving our environment by reducing the number of uniforms going to landfill.
Kerry said: “We are really excited that we are in a position to open a physical shop for the project as this means we can help more families than ever, across a wider area and support all year round.
“The work we have done over the last two years in Golborne and Lowton has been much needed and rewarding. We are incredibly grateful for the support of the community and schools in helping us achieve what we have.”
She added: “We want to encourage the community to donate and recycle, preventing as many uniforms as possible going to landfill. Where we cannot recycle for uniform, we are going to be running some textile craft sessions for both adults and children to be as sustainable as possible. ”
How did Uniformity come about?
The idea was the brainwave of local mum, Kerry Bamber, during the summer of 2022. Realising that the cost of buying new uniforms for the new school term was a real worry for many people she knew, Kerry set up an appeal for local people to share old uniform that they no longer needed, so that it could be re-distributed.
The idea was that all uniform would be free, and with people able to place their orders online, there was no stigma attached and no questions asked.
The appeal returned the following year, with the backing of AIM Northwest, a domestic abuse charity which Kerry also helps to run. And with the cost of living continuing to rise, the Uniformity Project went on to open its own shop, where it continues to support families all year round.
So, whatever your reason for using the shop – whether it’s financial or just because you want to support their recycling ethos – the Uniformity Shop is for you.
You can find out more on their Facebook page..
Anyone interested to know more can contact Uniformity on 01942 918648, or email uniformity@aimnorthwest.org.uk.
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