Organizers report that a highly successful uniform exchange event necessitated a move to a larger venue to accommodate demand.
The Great Big Hornsea Uniform Swap took place on Saturday at East Riding Leisure Hornsea.
The event offered parents and guardians the opportunity to acquire primary and secondary school uniforms free of charge.
Parent Claire Potter described the initiative as “invaluable”.
Natalie Wilson, a teaching assistant at Hornsea Community School and the event’s organizer, noted that unclaimed uniform items found in lost property often lacked identification, making it impossible to return them.
“I’d rather it was getting reused because a lot of it’s got a lot of life left in it,” she stated.
While the event was held in the parish hall in 2024, the sheer volume of uniforms available for exchange this year required a more spacious location.
Unclaimed uniforms were collected from Hornsea Burton Primary School and Hornsea School and Language College.
Parents also contributed outgrown uniforms.
“We’ve made it a big thing that it is about saving the environment rather than a financial thing,” Ms. Wilson explained.
Government figures indicate that the average cost of a school uniform is just over £340 for primary school children and approximately £454 for secondary school students.
However, all pre-owned uniforms at the Hornsea event were provided at no cost.
“To recycle is far better for the planet,” Ms. Potter emphasized.
“It helps people with the cost of living.”
Sarah Hyde, a mother of three, questioned, “What will happen to all this uniform otherwise?”
“It would all go into landfill, so it’s amazing. It gives the clothes a second life.”
Emma Watts, a parent currently between jobs, shared, “I’m in between jobs so it’s going to help me out until I get my first pay.”
“The school jumpers are £35 each, and you get them here for free, so it’s worth coming down.”
“It’s great, it’s well organized, and I’m surprised how many people are here.”
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