2026 UK Primary School Survey Results: Summary For Parents

Primary schools across the UK say they are struggling with lost property – despite the availability of easy to use name label products.

Label Planet Ltd surveyed primary schools across the UK about their experience with lost property. Two thirds ranked their lost property problems as medium or severe.

Despite almost 90% of schools identifying name labels as the best way to reduce lost property, only 3% reported that most school uniform and kit is labelled.

 With ongoing concern from parents about the cost of school uniform and a change in the law about branded items expected later this year, many schools are frustrated by the amount of lost property they deal with. One respondent described it as “an ongoing battle” and another as “wasteful and exasperating”.

98% of schools store lost property, which takes up resources. While most schools have tried a multitude of ways to store, sort, display, and remind parents about lost property, only 13% feel things are improving.

Despite schools’ best attempts to return lost property, unlabelled items are often doomed to “sit and fester forever”, with one school reporting: “the children will smell items to see if they are theirs.”

In schools where name labels are used by parents, lost property is a much less severe problem. Of those who reported that half of parents actively label school kit, only 9% ranked their lost property as severe – compared to 49% when less than a quarter of kit is labelled.

While labelling school uniform was once a test of parental sewing skills, today’s parents have access to a wide range of solutions, including stick on name labels like Stikins®. This easy access to a simple solution lies at the root of many schools’ frustration. As one respondent noted: “it’s incredibly frustrating, especially when it takes seconds to name clothes.”

For many UK primary schools, the biggest problem with lost property is the problem has already been solved – they just can’t get enough parents to apply the solution. It seems likely that lost property will persist in schools across the country unless schools can find a way to work with parents to get all their children’s belongings labelled.

Stikins® provide busy parents with a quick and simple way to label all school uniform and kit. These stick on name labels take seconds to apply (with no sewing or ironing). Their unique adhesive stays stuck through washing machines, tumble-dryers, dishwashers, and microwaves. Each bright white, dirt-resistant, label is personalised with a bold black font that is clear and easy to read. Stikins® can be purchased online in four pack sizes of 30, 60, 90, or 120 name labels. Pack prices range from just £9 to £18 and include VAT and free UK delivery. All orders despatch by Royal Mail’s first class service on the same or next working day.

Learn more about Lost Property In UK Primary Schools.