· Hal Rain · House · 3 min read
How to Save Money on School Uniform in the UK
School uniforms can be a significant expense for parents, but there are plenty of ways to cut costs while ensuring your child has everything they need. From buying second-hand to making the most of supermarket deals, here’s how to save money on school uniforms in the UK.
1. Buy from Supermarkets and Budget Retailers
Many supermarkets and budget retailers sell high-quality school uniforms at a fraction of the price of specialist school shops.
Best Places to Buy Affordable Uniforms:
- Supermarkets – Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Lidl, and Aldi often have school uniform ranges at competitive prices.
- High Street Retailers – Primark, Matalan, and George (Asda) offer low-cost, durable school clothing.
- Online Retailers – Amazon, eBay, and discount school uniform websites can have great deals.
Top Tip:
- Look out for multi-buy offers and back-to-school sales in late summer for the best deals.
2. Check Second-Hand and Pre-Loved Uniform Shops
Many schools and charities sell second-hand school uniforms in good condition at a fraction of the price.
Where to Find Second-Hand Uniforms:
- School PTA sales – Many schools hold second-hand uniform sales.
- Facebook Marketplace & Local Selling Groups – Parents often sell or give away uniforms.
- Charity Shops – Some charities stock school uniforms.
- Online Second-Hand Uniform Shops – Websites like Old School Uniform offer pre-owned school clothing.
3. Use School Uniform Grants
If you’re on a low income, you may be eligible for a school uniform grant from your local council.
How to Apply:
- Visit Gov.uk to check if your council offers grants.
- Search for “school uniform grant + your council name” online.
- Check eligibility based on income or benefits.
4. Buy Bigger Sizes to Make Uniforms Last Longer
To avoid replacing uniform items too frequently, consider buying slightly larger sizes so your child can grow into them.
Smart Sizing Tips:
- Adjustable waist trousers last longer as your child grows.
- Buy long-sleeved shirts and roll up sleeves to extend their use.
- Invest in good-quality shoes that are durable.
5. Take Advantage of Cashback and Discount Codes
Using cashback and discount codes can help reduce uniform costs.
Where to Find Savings:
- Cashback Sites – TopCashback and Quidco often offer cashback on school uniform retailers.
- Voucher Sites – Check VoucherCodes and HotUKDeals for uniform discounts.
- Loyalty Schemes – Supermarkets like Tesco (Clubcard) and Sainsbury’s (Nectar) offer reward points on purchases.
6. Wash and Maintain Uniforms Properly
Proper care can extend the lifespan of school uniforms, saving you money in the long run.
Uniform Care Tips:
- Wash at lower temperatures (30°C) to prevent fading.
- Avoid tumble drying to prevent shrinkage.
- Use fabric protectors to reduce wear and tear.
7. Swap Uniforms with Other Parents
Uniform swaps are an excellent way to get free school clothes.
How to Organise a Swap:
- Check with the school PTA if they run uniform swap events.
- Start a local swap group via Facebook or WhatsApp.
- Ask family and friends with older children if they have outgrown uniforms to pass down.
8. Avoid Buying Unnecessary Extras
Schools may list optional extras that aren’t essential.
Save Money By:
- Buying generic plain uniforms instead of expensive branded ones.
- Checking if your child really needs PE kits, blazers, or specific socks before purchasing.
- Asking the school which items are mandatory before shopping.
9. Look for Multi-Pack Deals
Buying in bulk can significantly reduce costs.
Where to Find Multi-Pack Savings:
- Supermarkets like Asda, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s sell multi-pack polo shirts, trousers, and skirts.
- Online retailers like Amazon often offer discounts on bundles.
10. Time Your Purchases Wisely
Back-to-school sales and end-of-season discounts offer the best deals.
Best Times to Buy:
- July-August – Supermarkets run major back-to-school promotions.
- January Sales – Some stores discount remaining uniform stock.
- End of Term Sales – Schools sometimes sell excess uniform stock cheaply.
Conclusion
Saving money on school uniforms in the UK is all about shopping smart. By comparing prices, looking for second-hand options, using cashback and discount codes, and maintaining uniforms properly, you can significantly reduce your costs.
