This pilot study aims to explore the impact of school uniform banks in relation to the affordability and sustainability of school uniforms in Scotland. School uniform affordability and sustainability are interrelated as the cost of clothing is linked to where it is sourced from and what it is made of, which may also determine what happens to it once it has been used. Exploring the role of uniform banks in relation to affordability is important because of the potential for supporting families living in poverty. Thus, this work includes educational, environmental and sociological dimensions.
The research questions being explored in this pilot study are:
- How do school uniform banks address the issues of affordability and sustainability of school uniforms?
- How can these two functions of school uniform banks be measured?
The pilot study will inform the development of research tools to assess the impact of uniform banks. In a subsequent larger study the potential of school uniform banks to address the affordability and sustainability of school uniforms will be researched. This research closely aligns with the University’s 2040 Sustainability theme and has the potential to show how more sustainable and more affordable school uniform practices could be developed.