The Peterborough pop-up swap shop drew more than 600 people seeking free second-hand school uniforms, from blazers to prom dresses. Parents praised the initiative for easing mounting uniform costs, while volunteers and the council highlighted its environmental benefits. Organisers hope to make the event regular and are exploring a permanent hub, with the council accepting donations of outgrown items.
Peterborough Swap Shop Helps Parents Save on School Uniforms as 600+ Attend
Cristina Fernandez-Hierro said families were helping by reducing textile waste [BBC]
More than 600 people queued outside a former burger bar on Bridge Street in Peterborough to collect free, second-hand school clothing at a Friday pop-up swap shop, organisers said. Donated items ranged from coats and blazers to tops and even prom dresses, and organisers hope to run the event regularly.
Victoria said she was looking for summer dresses for her five-year-old daughter [BBC]
Parents Say Event Eases Rising Costs
Thirty-year-old Hannah (the BBC agreed not to publish her surname), whose eldest daughter starts secondary school in September, said branded uniforms "really hit a hole in the budget." "I put money aside even before they finish the previous school year, because I'm thinking of the costs coming out of summer," she said. "This is a great way to give back to the community."
Roland said his parents struggled with the cost of uniform when he was growing up [BBC]
Victoria, 33 (surname withheld by the BBC), said her five-year-old had "shot up" and now needs larger summer dresses. Describing herself as "quite savvy," she added that free local events help reduce stress and household costs during the school holidays.
The pop-up included branded items from local schools including tops and blazers [BBC]
Volunteers, Council and Environmental Benefits
Organisers emphasised that everything at the pop-up was free and argued the scheme also helped cut clothing waste. Cristina Fernandez-Hierro from Peterborough City Council said reuse reduces pressure from excess retail and helps the environment. "They are not just 'having charity' — they are actually making a difference," she said. "Every time you reuse an item of clothing you are helping the environment."
"Supermarkets and shops are selling too much and there's much more that can be shared," Cristina added.
Local artist and community volunteer Roland Burt, who previously ran a community project in Queensgate Shopping Centre, is pushing to create a permanent uniform hub so support is available year-round. He recalled childhood hardship when his family could not afford a uniform: "My mum recalled me crying as to why I couldn't go to school one day, and it was because I didn't have a school uniform. Parents make a lot of sacrifices."
Chris Wiggin, Peterborough City Council's member for the environment, said the authority is exploring options for a permanent space and is encouraging donations of outgrown uniform items so they can be passed on to other families.
How to Help: Organisers are accepting donations of clean, serviceable school uniforms and are seeking volunteers to support future events. Details on donation drop-offs and future dates will be announced locally.
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