Uniform Grants  

Update 01/07/2025 - This fund is now closed for applications and will reopen in spring 2026. Unfortunately, due to the number of requests already received for uniform grants we are unable to consider any further applications. Please therefore contact your child's school who may be able to offer assistance.

If you have already submitted an application you will receive an outcome notification email w/c 14th July 2025. If you have not received an email from us by Monday 21st July please email us at info@bfef.org.uk. (NB: Please check your junk email folder before contacting us).     

Uniform grants of up to £110 are available for students moving up from Primary to Secondary School in September 2025 within the former area of Taunton Deane. 

Qualifying secondary schools are: 
  • Bishop Fox’s School
  • The Castle School
  • Pyrland School
  • Monkton Wood Academy
  • Court Fields School
  • Kingsmead School 
Eligibility is assessed via receipt of free school meals / pupil premium (confirmed by the school) and/or universal credit. 

PLEASE NOTE: Owing to the increasing numbers of applications we receive each year we are unfortunately unable to offer uniform grants to students already attending secondary schools (years 8-11). 
 
Please read the summary below for details of this year’s process.

Application dates and timelines
  • 6 May 2025 - Application window opens 
  • 29 June 2025 - Application window closes
  • 30 June 2025 to 11 July 2025 - Application verification process takes place with schools
  • w/c 14 July 2025 - Grant awards notifications sent out.

Verifying applications 
  • Once the application window is closed, schools will be contacted directly to verify the application information provided including name, school, and free school meals or pupil premium eligibility. Primary schools will be contacted for verification in the first instance. 
Eligibility/application priorities
  • Students from families eligible for Pupil Premium / Free School Meals will be considered first, and then students whose families receive Universal Credit but not Pupil Premium / Free School Meals.
Queries
  • All enquiries relating to BFEF uniform grants should be submitted using the ‘contact us’ section on this website or by emailing info@bfef.org.uk
  • Common questions will be answered in the FAQ’s section below, so please check this first before submitting a query.
FAQ's

Am I eligible for a uniform grant?

If the following all apply, you could be eligible. 
  • You live in the former area of Taunton Deane (see this map), 
  • Your child is due to start Year 7 (in September 2025) at one of the schools listed 
  • You are eligible for free school meals / pupil premium and/or universal credit 
What is Pupil Premium? 

Pupil Premium is money given to schools to help disadvantaged pupils of all abilities achieve their full potential. You may qualify for Pupil Premium if your child receives free school meals.

My child is currently in year 8/9/10/11 at one of the eligible schools, can I apply for a uniform grant? 

Unfortunately, not. This year we are only able to offer uniform grants to students starting Year 7 in September 2025. We previously offered grants to older students but no longer have sufficient funds to continue this. If your child will be in Year 8 -11 in September 25, please contact your secondary school directly as they may be able to help.  

How do I get a grant if I am eligible? 

We first need to check with the school that the details provided in your application are correct. If you are awarded a grant, you will receive a confirmation email after 14 July, which you will need to present to the South West Schoolwear shop in Taunton. All uniforms must be redeemed from South West Schoolwear, and no payments are made directly to applicants. Full contact details for South West Schoolwear will be provided in award emails.  

How often can I apply for a uniform grant?

You can only apply for a uniform grant once, when your child is due to start Year 7 (in September 2025) at one of the eligible secondary schools. 

Can I apply for more than one child? 

Yes, but only if you have more than one child starting Year 7 in September 2025.  

Can I still apply if my child lives in the right catchment area, but attends secondary school outside of it? 

Yes, you can still apply for a grant however where your child will be going to school may affect whether your application is accepted and the amount awarded. 

Will I definitely get a grant if I am eligible? 

Grants awarded are always subject to the number of applications received and available funds at the time. If you are unsuccessful in your application for a grant, we will write to you explaining why.  

If you have any other questions or need assistance with your application, please contact us at info@bfef.org.uk.