Old School Uniform is a new one-stop website for parents wanting to give away or sell second-hand school uniform. Within months of its official launch, the site already has over 95% of UK schools registered to its service. CWB’s Laura Turner speaks to site founder Andrea Grant to learn more.

 

Laura Turner: What led to the creation of Old School Uniform?

Andrea Grant: The idea for Old School Uniform started in 2016 when my daughter was finishing her GCSEs. I began considering what I could do with her uniform once she had finished school, especially the skirt she never wore. I knew I couldn’t just approach someone at the school gates and I also didn’t want to give it to the school for them to sell on. I wanted to donate it to a parent who needed a cost-saving action. As we all know, the price of uniforms is not cheap.

But how could I communicate to other parents that I had school uniform items they may want? I felt I surely couldn’t be alone in my thinking and that maybe there were other parents who wish to give away or sell their unwanted uniforms to help with the cost of a new one? Even better still, there must be parents we can help without making it so visible by attending an open day where they can buy pre-loved items? No embarrassment, no shame, just one parent helping another.

After a discussion with my husband we decided the only way to do this was to put the items online. That’s when we began building a website that would allow other parents like us to give away – or for a modest price sell – unwanted school uniform items. The process was slow but by 2018 we had made the basic skeleton site live and continued to add improvements. It wasn’t until June 2019 when we began marketing the site to schools and through social media that parents started registering. Since then the response has been nothing but positive.

LT: How does the website work?

AG: The process is simple. Parents register for an account and select the school of their choice. They then have the option to be alerted via email when uniform items have been added to the school. Once a parent has registered they can upload items to any school they choose, setting the cost from free to anything they want. Visitors can view all products on the site without registering.

LT: How many schools are currently signed up to the website? Are there any hotspots where you have a higher demand for your service?

AG: We have over 95% of the schools in the UK registered. It has only been a few months since officially launching the site, but Surrey stands out as a hotspot at the moment. In a year’s time we will have a better idea as more schools and parents will be using the platform.

LT: What has the feedback been to Old School Uniform?

AG: It’s been amazing. The goal was to make a difference to a few people’s lives but the emails we have received have been heart-warming, with customers thanking us for the service and praising the concept of Old School Uniform.

LT: The website also includes a blog. What kind of topics do you cover?

AG: We try to cover a variety of general topics. For example, preparing for exams, children’s mental health and examinations and preparing a child for their mock exams.

LT: You recently partnered with Stevensons, the UK’s largest independent school uniform retailer. What does this involve and how has it helped your cause?

AG: Stevensons approached us after coming across the site. They commented on what a fantastic initiative it is and asked if it was possible to get involved. Stevensons shares our vision of supporting families and communities and reducing waste going to landfill and as such wanted to be our main sponsor. Stevensons’ support has been instrumental in enabling our site to reach as many schools and parents as possible across the UK.

LT: How can other independent school uniform retailers support your work?

AG: We would simply ask all independent retailers to inform their schools and parent communities about what we are doing. Not only will they help parents, but they will be helping the community and the environment too.

LT: How big a part does the sustainability aspect play for parents choosing to buy second-hand uniform?

AG: Sustainability in the home has always been a factor for parents, no matter how many years you go back. After all, parents have been passing uniform down within their own households forever. Old School Uniform is not just for parents or families who are struggling to make ends meet, it also helps those who want to help others.

LT: Do you foresee demand for second-hand school uniform growing?

AG: Yes, I do. In today’s climate there are many savvy parents and families out there who are simply trying to save money wherever they can and don’t have a problem purchasing pre-loved school items. The stigma that used to surround second-hand or pre-loved items is definitely getting less, but still has some way to go.

LT: What are the plans for Old School Uniform?

AG: Our short-term plan is to increase visibility, awareness and registrations of the website. Also, to grow the number of active users. Our long-term plan is to become an eBay-style platform for old school uniform, but with a much more personal service.

 

For further information on Old School Uniform contact info@oldschooluniform.co.uk.