Bedford schools trust to give free uniforms to pupils as cost of living crisis bites

A Multi-Academy Trust with schools in some of the most disadvantaged parts of Bedford is doing its bit to help out as the cost of living crisis continues – by handing out free uniforms to its pupils.

HEART Academies Trust is offering a blazer and tie to all 260 of its pupils starting in Year 7 this September and a school jumper for the 180 pupils starting Reception class.

The Trust, which is based in Bedford, will also give a free breakfast to all staff and a free lunch to those on playground duty.

And it will also repackage surplus food and offer it to vulnerable families in the community, as well as give any unused food to the local food bank and the Salvation Army.

David Morris, Chief Executive Officer of the Trust, said: “We have heard distressing stories of families in our community who can no longer afford to feed and clothe their children.

“The impact of the cost of living crisis is acutely felt here. Our community is at the heart of everything we do and we want to help in any way we can. Our children cannot be successful learners if they are not clothed and fed.”

The Trust’s schools are Bedford Academy, Cauldwell Primary, Shackleton Primary and Shortstown Primary.

A parent living in Bedford at one of HEART’s schools, who did not want to be named, said: “The food offered at school is like a safety net during those weeks when it’s hard to make ends meet.”