Where to get school uniform for less

The new school year is just around the corner, so it’s time to fork out for new school uniforms for the kids. So where can you buy it without breaking the bank?

Well, plenty of supermarkets and major retailers are offering good deals, so it could be worth taking advantage sooner rather than later, before stock runs out.

Cheap uniform deals

You can find great deals on school uniforms at:

• Aldi - £5 uniform bundle from 28 June
• Lidl - £5 uniform bundle from 25 June
• Asda - the 20% off uniforms sale has now ended, but some items can now be bought for £3
• Tesco - 25% off uniforms – expected to start from 2 July
• Sainsbury’s - uniform items from £3 available now
• M&S - 20% off sale starts on 2 July

What else can I do to cut costs?

If you’re still struggling to pay for a new school uniform or you’ve missed out on the sales, there are other options.

Check what support your school offers

Schools are legally required to make sure uniforms are affordable and that they’re never a barrier to students attending school.

Some offer second-hand uniforms, so check their website to see if your child’s school is one of them.

If you can’t afford to buy a uniform, PE kit or footwear, speak to your child’s headteacher directly to see if they can offer any help.

Find out if your council can help you 

Some local councils offer up to £200 as a non-repayable grant to help with the cost. 

You can usually get help if your child qualifies for free school meals, and if you’re claiming at least one of the following benefits:  

• child tax credit
• income support
• income-based job seekers allowance
• income-related employment and support allowance
• support under part VI of the immigration and asylum act 1999
• the guaranteed element of pension credit
• universal credit
• working tax credit 

To find out if you're eligible or apply for help, contact your local council.

Look for second-hand uniform

Platforms like Vinted, eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Uniformly are full of pre-loved items at bargain prices.

Even if they’ve been worn before, plenty will still be in great condition, and you might even find items that are brand new and still with tags.

It’s also worth speaking to friends and relatives who have older kids who go to the same school.

They might have a few bits they don’t need any more that are as good as new, and they’ll probably be quite happy to let you have them for nothing.

Check for local 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.

Whether you’re struggling to find the money to pay for new items of school clothing or you’re trying to be as green as possible, they’re worth checking out.

Simply take in school uniform your child has grown out of and swap it for items in the right size.