A Scottish grant to help families with the cost of school uniforms has opened and been increased.

The Scottish government and local authority leaders have agreed to increase the national school clothing grant to a minimum of £120 per eligible primary school pupil and £150 per eligible secondary school pupil.

It was previously a minimum of £100.

Background: Child poverty was rising before Covid

News: 6 ways Covid has hit poorer pupils the hardest

Research: Call to end monopolies on school uniform supply

Big read: How schools are helping poorer families with money

Education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “School uniforms can place a significant financial burden on families, some of whom are already facing additional hardship as a result of the pandemic.

“This school clothing grant will help to relieve some of that pressure for around 145,000 families and it will help to ensure that all children can go to school feeling comfortable, confident and ready to learn.”

The initiative will be supported by £11.8 million of additional funding to local authorities.

Stephen McCabe, Cosla’s children and young people’s spokesman, said: “Councils and schools are working to tackle the costs of the school day, ensuring that all children are able to fully participate in their education.

“Working with the Scottish government, we are pleased that the national minimum school clothing grant has been increased and that families can get extra support as we continue on the road to recovery from the pandemic.”

Eligible families can apply for the school clothing grant through their local council, with information available online at www.mygov.scot/clothing-grants