Want to avoid the back-to-school rush? Here’s when supermarket school uniforms go on sale

If you like to get organised early, you might be surprised to hear that school uniforms for the autumn term are already hitting the shelves, well before the summer holidays have even begun.

Several major supermarkets are launching their back-to-school ranges in June and July, with basic items starting from less than £2. While shopping early won’t always guarantee the absolute lowest price, it can mean less stress and more choice, especially when it comes to popular sizes and colours.

Here’s when and where you can start shopping, plus other ways to keep costs down.

School uniform launch dates at major supermarkets

Find out when school clothes will start hitting the shelves at your local supermarket.

Sainsbury’s – in store from 15 June

Sainsbury’s is first to roll out its range this year. Expect school staples like trousers, skirts, shirts, sweatshirts and PE kits in popular colours (red, blue, green, grey and white). Prices haven’t yet been confirmed, but Sainsbury’s usually offers good value across its TU clothing line.

Aldi – in store from 29 June

Aldi’s back-to-school bundle is hitting shelves for the fourth year running, and still just £5. It includes:

• 2 polo shirts
• 1 sweatshirt or cardigan
• 1 skirt, trousers or pair of shorts

You can also buy items separately:

• 2-pack of polo shirts for £1.75
• Sweatshirts for £1.50 each

Aldi’s uniforms are made using recycled materials and ethically sourced cotton, and they come with a 12-month satisfaction guarantee.

Tesco – in store from 21 July (7 July in Scotland)

Tesco is launching its F&F school uniform range on 21 July across the UK, or from 7 July if you’re in Scotland. Details on pricing are still to come, but Tesco typically stocks a wide range of affordable schoolwear.

Morrisons – available all summer

Morrisons sells uniforms year-round in many of its stores, with wider availability in summer. Highlights include:

• 3-pack of polo shirts for £4.95
• 2-pack of joggers for £8
• 2-pack of pinafores for £10

Other ways to save on school uniform

Buying from supermarkets isn’t the only way to keep uniform costs down. Here are some extra tips that could save you money:

• Uniform exchanges – Many schools and community groups offer free or low-cost second-hand uniforms. Ask your child’s school or check local Facebook groups and community centres for details.
• School-specific grants – Some local councils offer school uniform grants or vouchers for low-income families. Availability varies, so check with your council.
• Buy and sell groups – Local online marketplaces or parent forums are often full of barely-worn school uniforms at bargain prices.
• Label everything – It’s not a saving at the till, but labelling uniform items clearly can help prevent costly replacements during term time.

Bottom line

If you like to tick things off early, picking up school uniform over the next few weeks could save you a last-minute panic in August. But if you're happy to wait or want to explore second-hand options, there are still plenty of ways to kit out your kids without spending a fortune.