Open letter to schools about the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026

We, the young people at the Free School Meals and Tackling Poverty Campaign Group (FSM&TP) at Kent Youth County Council (KYCC) are writing to you to highlight that on Wednesday 29 April 2026, the landmark Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 received Royal Assent. We are all excited about these positive changes around school uniform and free school meals from September 2026.

FSM&TP has been the most voted for campaign group in KYCC for the last four years, showing how these issues have become an increasingly important priority for the young people of Kent.

The bill states that schools will be required to limit the number of compulsory branded uniform items students will be required to buy. While schools will still be able to offer additional branded items, these will be optional.

And new changes to eligibility criteria will mean more school pupils will be able to benefit from free school meals.

We believe this will bring down costs for families and remove barriers, giving every child equal access to academic opportunities. This bill is a key step towards breaking the link between young people’s background and their future success.

We asked young people about their thoughts on this bill, and this is what they told us;

• “This can help families feel more confident about what they’re spending for their child to have an education.” - Tommy, Youth Representative for Thanet
• "I think this is a good change that can enable families to spend less on uniforms.” - Nadesh, Representative for Tunbridge and Malling
• “I think this is an excellent change that aids in helping the cost-of-living crisis” - Flourish, Representative for Dartford.

We would like to spotlight how schools are responding to the bill, by featuring some examples in our new e-magazine for schools and young people in Kent coming soon. We think this will encourage other schools to act and help their students with these changes.

If you would like to share your good news stories about what your school is already doing to support your students, or plans to do from September 2026, please complete the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill feedback form

Thank you for taking the time to read our open letter and we appreciate any feedback.