How much do you spend on children’s school supplies?

Has your child grown out of their uniform that you bought last summer, got too big for those expensive school shoes and lost their shiny new pencil case?

Now that spring has arrived, many parents are already having to replace and update school supplies that they bought ahead of the new school year.

But that costs money.

In fact, research from Rakuten has found that parents expect to spend an average of £85 on school supplies this spring.

Parents doing back to school shopping throughout the year

Nearly eight in ten (78%) parents top up on school items during the spring months.

And that’s partly to spread the financial burden throughout the year.

“Back to school shopping is no longer just a September moment,” said Bola Sol of Rakuten.

“Parents are planning ahead, spreading the cost and making small, smart savings wherever they can. 

“When budgets are tight, changing when you shop can be just as important as where you shop.”

How much does sending a child to school cost?

Parents were paying at least £1,000 a year to send their child to a state primary school in 2025.

According to the Child Poverty Action Group and the Centre for Research in Social Policy, this is 16% higher than it was in 2022, and well above inflation (8%) and earnings growth (12%) during this period.

The number was even higher among people with slightly older children.

Last year, parents were paying almost £2,300 a year to send their child to secondary school.

That’s 30% higher than it was three years earlier.

We should stress that these figures are based on what parents feel is the minimum that a child needs to go and take part in school life.

So they don’t include extra costs such as school trips, learning a musical instrument or using wraparound childcare.

What can I do if I’m struggling with the cost of school supplies?

If you’re struggling to pay for basic supplies that your child needs at school, there are a few ways to keep costs down.

Budget for back-to-school costs

As well as basics like uniform, shoes and stationery, many kids will need (or demand) a laptop or tablet.

So it’s worth setting a budget for back-to-school purchases, so you know beforehand how much you can afford to spend.

Knowing your upper limit can also help you stay on top of other financial priorities, like paying your rent or mortgage.

Check our guide on how to create a budget to get started.

Speak to your local council about help with uniform costs

Just 22 out of 153 local education authorities in England were offered dedicated school uniform support last year, Money Wellness research found.

But if your child gets free school meals and you receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for a uniform grant of up to £200. 

Qualifying benefits include: 

• child tax credit
• income support
• universal credit
• working tax credit
• pension credit (guaranteed element)
• income-based job seeker’s allowance
• income-related employment and support allowance
• support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 

To check eligibility, visit your local council’s website or give them a call. 

Check local uniform exchanges

Many schools and community groups offer free or low-cost second-hand uniforms. 

Check your school’s website or ask your PTA. 

Local Facebook groups can also be a good resource. 

Speak to friends or family with older kids

Check in with friends or relatives who have older children at the same school.

They might have some items of clothing they don’t need any more that are still as good as new - and they’ll probably be happy to give them to you free of charge.

Size up where you can

Sizing up means your child has room to grow into their clothes.

That can help uniforms last a bit longer and stop you having to buy more uniform items later in the term.

Look for deals

Sign up for retailer newsletters, loyalty schemes, discount platforms and cashback sites, so you’re first in line for special deals and promo codes.

It’s also worth checking our Money Saver pages, as we regularly share details of some of the great deals that are out there.