The charity shops where parents could find FREE or cheap school uniform this summer

With the summer holidays under way, many parents are bracing themselves for one of the biggest annual costs - buying school uniform.

But before you head straight to the supermarket or high street, it could pay to check your local charity shop first.

One of the UK's biggest charity retailers has announced it's giving away more than 30,000 school uniform items this summer, while many other charity shops regularly stock affordable school basics thanks to donations from families and retailers.

Here's where to look before you buy new.

Salvation Army: More than 30,000 school uniform items available

The biggest school uniform initiative this year comes from The Salvation Army Trading Company (SATCoL), which runs more than 250 charity shops across the UK.

The charity has announced it's distributing over 30,000 school uniform items ahead of the new school year, including a mix of brand-new donated uniform and high-quality pre-loved clothing.

Depending on your local shop, families may be able to pick up items free of charge or for a small voluntary donation while stocks last.

If you have a Salvation Army charity shop nearby, it's worth checking in before buying new.

Cancer Research UK

While Cancer Research UK doesn't run a dedicated national school uniform campaign, many of its shops stock children's clothing donated by local families.

Some stores also receive donations of brand-new surplus clothing from retailers, meaning it's not unusual to find items with their original tags still attached.

Stock varies from branch to branch, but it's worth keeping an eye out for:

• White school shirts and polo shirts
• Grey trousers and skirts
• Cardigans and jumpers
• School shoes
• Winter coats

Barnardo's

As a children's charity, Barnardo's shops are another good place to browse for affordable children's clothing.

While there isn't a nationwide school uniform scheme, many branches stock children's basics throughout the year, and summer often brings an increase in school uniform donations as children outgrow last year's clothes.

British Heart Foundation

British Heart Foundation shops are often overlooked when it comes to children's clothing, but larger stores regularly receive donations of schoolwear and everyday essentials.

You may find shirts, trousers, skirts, coats and shoes for a fraction of the price of buying new.

Scope

Scope charity shops also stock children's clothing, with availability depending on local donations.

If you're looking for plain school basics rather than branded uniform, it's worth popping in if you have a store nearby.

Sue Ryder

Sue Ryder shops vary in size, but many carry children's clothing and shoes that could be suitable for school.

As with all charity shops, stock changes daily, so it's worth checking back regularly if you don't find what you need on your first visit.

Don't forget your child's school

One of the biggest money-saving secrets isn't on the high street at all.

Thousands of schools now run their own pre-loved uniform shops through PTAs or parent associations, selling donated branded jumpers, blazers and PE kits for a fraction of their original price.

Some schools even hold dedicated uniform sales before the start of term, making it one of the cheapest ways to buy expensive branded items.

Check if your council has a school uniform bank

Many councils, community organisations and local charities also run school uniform banks where families can pick up good-quality clothing for free or for a small donation.

Some operate all year round, while others hold special back-to-school events during the summer holidays.

It's worth searching online for your local authority followed by "school uniform bank" or "pre-loved uniform" to see what's available near you.

Five more places to find cheap school uniform

If you still can't find everything you need, try:

• Vinted, where parents often sell bundles of school uniform for just a few pounds.
• Facebook Marketplace, particularly for coats, shoes and PE kits.
• Local parenting Facebook groups, where families frequently give away outgrown uniform for free.
• School swap events, often organised by PTAs before the new term.
• Community Facebook pages, where local uniform exchanges are regularly advertised.

Top tips for charity shop shopping

• Visit little and often – stock changes every day.
• Ask staff if they have children's clothing or school uniform in the stockroom.
• Check larger branches, which often have dedicated children's sections.
• Visit during July and August when donations tend to increase.
• Don't dismiss items with small logos, as sew-on patches and embroidery removal services can sometimes transform them into usable schoolwear.