Parents spending nearly £400 a year on school uniform - how can you keep costs down?

The new school year is just around the corner and the costs for parents are mounting up, especially if you’re buying new uniform items.

According to Nationwide research, parents are spending an average of £381 on uniform and sports kit every year.

School shoes are the most expensive item, costing an average of £43, followed by PE trainers (£42), blazers (£37) and tracksuits (£29).

But costs are being pushed up further because parents often have to replace items throughout the year.

Mums and dads said they had replaced about 25 uniform or sports kit items every year, because they were lost, damaged or worn out.

Half of parents don't know school uniform rules are changing

For many families, the money they spend on sending their children to school isn’t cash sitting in the bank waiting to be spent. 

It’s money they’re forced to borrow.

So to help ease the pressure on parents, new rules are being introduced in September that mean most schools in England can only require up to three branded uniform items per child.

But we recently found that almost half of parents (48%) don't even know the changes are happening.

That means many run the risk of paying over the odds for new uniform items without having to, or borrowing money to cover the cost.

In fact, nearly one in 10 parents (9%) told us they use a credit card or buy now, pay later to pay for school uniform items, and a further 4% rely on help from family or friends.

Families making tough choices to manage back-to-school costs

As well as borrowing money, many parents are also making cutbacks to free up money for the new school year.

For example, Nationwide found that one in five parents (20%) are spending less on clothes for themselves.

Meanwhile, many are cutting back on eating out and takeaways (37%), holidays and travel (21%) and home improvements (18%).

What should you do if you're struggling with uniform costs?

If the cost of school uniform is stretching your budget, try speaking to your child's school before reaching for a credit card or buy now, pay later.

Many schools offer:

• second-hand uniform sales
• hardship support
• advice on lower-cost alternatives

Check if you're eligible for a school uniform grant

Many local councils offer grants towards school uniform costs for families on a low income. 

Eligibility varies depending on where you live, but you may qualify if you receive benefits such as universal credit.

Visit your local council's website or contact them directly to find out what support is available.

Many national and local charities also offer free or low-cost help with school uniforms across the UK, including:

• The Salvation Army
• Family Fund
• Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust

For money-saving tips, check out our 10 ways to keep back-to-school costs under control.