A pre-loved school uniform initiative in Norwich is entering its third year after giving away 2,500 pieces of clothing.

Parents and carers looking to replenish their children’s school uniforms for the spring term are invited to Castle Quarter’s next pre-loved pop-up event, taking place on Monday 5^th January.

Now entering its third year, the Norwich social, leisure and lifestyle destination runs a community initiative which welcomes donations of good-quality used uniform items, that are then offered, for free, at pop-up events to anyone needing support in pulling together or refreshing their child’s school clothing. 

The project has proved so popular that Castle Quarter has been hosting pop-up events throughout the past year.

On 5^th January, parents and carers will be able to visit the Centre Management Office, on Level 3, between 9am and 4pm, and pick up one set of pre-loved school uniform per child at no cost. All are welcome to just turn up, with no pre-booking required.

Since Castle Quarter launched the scheme in 2024, more than 2,500 items, including branded blazers, shirts, jumpers, skirts, PE kit and shoes, have been distributed to over 200 families. It is estimated that this has saved families almost £15,000. 

As well as helping to ease the financial burden of school uniform shopping, the initiative has also diverted more than 900kg of textiles from landfill – that’s the weight equivalent of nine baby elephants! 

According to the Department of Education, a uniform for a child in primary school can cost, on average, £343, which rises to £442 for a child in secondary school. Some uniforms require a high number of branded items, which can only be purchased in specialist shops and can drive up the overall price.

“If you find yourself in need of new items, please come along to our pop-up event and see if we can help.”

Gemma Hyde, marketing and administration manager at Castle Quarter, who has led the project, said: “The demand for uniform, especially branded clothing such as blazers and jumpers, remains constantly high so we’re delighted to be able to support our local community once again with our latest pop-up event. 

“Winter can be a tough time for many financially, but with the wet and muddy weather, it’s also a very challenging time to keep uniforms clean and in good condition. If you find yourself in need of new items, or perhaps your child has had a growth spurt and desperately needs longer trousers or a new shirt, please come along to our pop-up event and see if we can help.”

Gemma added: “We’ve had some incredibly generous donations of pre-loved pieces over the last year, and we would encourage anyone with uniform going spare, to donate it to us, especially those branded higher value items such as blazers. Thank you so much to the people of Norwich for their support.”

To donate pre-loved school uniform at Castle Quarter, please drop off bags at the Centre Management Office, on Level 3, between 9am and 4pm, on any day. Items must be washed and in good, wearable condition, with all name tags removed where possible. 

Check Castle Quarter’s website and Facebook page for the latest events and announcements.