Isle of Man Government – Education, Sport and Culture

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) is firmly placed in the heart of the Island’s community and plays a pivotal role in Island life.

It is responsible for operating educational establishments throughout the Island, including 32 primary schools, five secondary schools and University College Isle of Man.

School Uniform Assistance August and September 2022

Educational Endowments

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture administers an educational endowment provided by a benefactor.  In order to help with rising living costs this winter, this endowment may be able to offer assistance towards the cost of school uniforms to those families who are struggling.

You may be eligible for financial assistance towards the cost of school uniforms for the academic year 2022 -2023 if you are responsible for a child that is registered at one of the Island’s schools. 

Applying for financial assistance

Those families experiencing hardship, can apply for financial assistance towards the cost of school uniform by completing the form titled ‘Endowment Application form’ available via the downloadable documents section of this page.

Amount of financial assistance

The amount of financial assistance you may receive depends on how much household income you currently have (your reckonable income).  When you have submitted your form, it will be reviewed and, if eligible, you will be advised of the amount of assistance you will receive.

The assistance will be paid either in the form of a voucher which can be redeemed in the retail outlet you choose to purchase uniform from or in the case of on-Island outlets, may be paid direct to the uniform supplier. 

As the name suggests, the organisation not only provides education services, it also incorporates Manx Sport and Recreation, which provides facilities for sport and physical activity to all residents.

The Youth Service offers open access to community-based clubs, projects and more specialist or targeted work, which involves activities that provide help, support, and bespoke learning opportunities, both inside and outside of the school environment, through links with external organisations.

The DESC actively promotes Manx language and its unique history, heritage and culture. Its cultural remit extends to the Island’s main entertainment complex at VillaGaiety housing the iconic Gaiety Theatre, the Island’s largest entertainment venue at the Villa Marina and the Arts Development team.

Our vision                           

To inspire, empower and provide learning, sporting and cultural opportunities that support all children, young people and adults.

In striving for excellence, be a forward thinking, inclusive and nurturing organisation which enables everyone to achieve; enriching the lives of the community within the Isle of Man.

Our values                 

• Respect
• Integrity
• Caring
• Fairness
• Trust