Back for February half-term, the Castle Quarter school uniform pop-up will be opening for a second week to help parents of school-age children reduce the cost of buying new.
After collecting good quality pre-loved items of school uniform last summer, the city’s leading social leisure and lifestyle destination will be hosting its pop-up for a second time this year, with clothing available to pick up for free.
It comes as a recent report shows that parents of girls have to spend up to £30 more on their school unform, than boys. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill has also reached committee stage in the Commons, with the aim of addressing the high cost of uniforms and PE kits being a barrier to children attending school.
In a 2023 survey, published by the Department for Education, it was found that primary-age girls’ uniforms cost £246.80 on average, while boys’ uniforms were almost £30 cheaper, at £217.65. With day-to-day bills rising, Castle Quarter hopes the pop-up will be well used by anyone who needs it, and that it will remove some of the worry and expense of buying new.
Gemma Hyde from Castle Quarter came up with the idea last year. Launching a public collection in the summer, more than 600 pieces of clothing were donated. The majority of items are good quality second-hand, while some people generously purchased brand new pieces for the collection.
Everything has been sorted and checked, to ensure all items are in a good, wearable condition, ready to be passed on and re-used by other children.
The first pop-up took place in early January. From Monday 17th to Friday 21st February, it opens for a second time.
“We hope lots of parents and carers will make use of it”
Parents and carers will be able to collect a full set of uniform, including a blazer, shirts, dress, skirt or trousers and shoes, all for free. Available sizes range from 5-6 years up to 17-18 years.
Gemma Hyde, marketing and administration manager at Castle Quarter says, “One set of school uniform rarely lasts the entire school year, and it’s expensive to keep buying new. It’s the second time we’ve hosted the pop-up, and hope lots of parents and carers will make use of it.
“Any items left over after February half-term, will be passed on to local charities and community groups who support Norwich families with school-age children. If you’re involved in a group or charity who can help to distribute the uniform, please get in touch.”
When and where is the pre-loved school uniform pop-up?
The Castle Quarter ‘given-in-kindness’ school uniform pop-up will be open from Monday 17th to Friday 21st February, from 9am to 4pm. Go to the centre management office on level three (take the escalator or lift outside Superbowl). Just drop in.
What can you collect for free?
School uniform items that are in a good, wearable condition, including:
- Blazers
- Cardigans
- Jumpers
- PE kits
- Polo shirts
- Shorts
- Shoes
- Skirts
- Pinafores
- Summer dresses
- Trousers
Find out more at www.castlequarternorwich.co.uk
