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Guidance

Period products in schools and colleges

Guidance for schools and post-16 education organisations in England on providing free period products for pupils and students.

Updates to this page

From:
Department for Education
Published:
18 January 2020
Last updated:
21 September 2026
Show all updates

  1. Updated to confirm the scheme will continue for the 2026 to 2027 and 2027 to 2028 academic years. Added guidance on making products available during exams and sports events.

  2. Updated to reflect that the scheme will continue to run for the academic year 2025 to 2026.

  3. Updated 'Period product scheme for schools and colleges' for the academic year 2024 to 2025.

  4. Updated to reflect that, in April 2024, the scheme was extended and will continue to operate for the 2024 to 2025 academic year.

  5. 'Period product scheme for schools and colleges' has been updated with information on the scheme for the 2023 to 2024 academic year. The eligibility for the scheme remains unchanged.

  6. Updated 'Period product scheme for schools and colleges in England' to include period pants and tights, which are now available through the scheme.

  7. Added 'women who are staff (including supply staff, volunteers and contractors)' to the list of people not covered by this scheme. Changed some of the language around learners to make it clearer.

  8. Added information about spring and summer allocations available in January 2022.

  9. Added information about the extension of the scheme until December 2021.

  10. First published.

Applies to England

Documents

Period product scheme for schools and colleges

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Details

This guidance is for:

  • academies and free schools
  • local-authority-maintained schools
  • sixth-form colleges
  • further education colleges and training providers

It may also be useful for:

  • parents
  • governing boards
  • local authorities

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