Your back-to-school money-saving checklist

Aren't the summer holidays flying by? It feels like yesterday the kids broke up, yet the new school term is already just around the corner.

If you're starting to think about school uniforms, packed lunches, childcare and everything else that comes with the start of a new term, you're probably also wondering how much it's all going to cost.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to keep those costs down.

Whether it's claiming help with childcare, checking if your child is now eligible for free school meals or picking up school uniform for a fraction of the usual price, spending a little time now could save you hundreds of pounds over the coming months.

Here's your back-to-school money-saving checklist before the school gates reopen.

Could you save around £100 a month on childcare?

If you're a working parent, this is one of the first things you should check.

Tax-free childcare can be used to pay for approved childcare, including childminders, wraparound care, after-school clubs and holiday clubs. For every £8 you pay into your account, the government adds another £2, meaning you could receive up to £2,000 a year per child towards your childcare costs, or up to £4,000 if your child is disabled.

According to official figures, families already using the scheme are saving almost £100 every month on average.

Once you've opened an account, you can pay money in whenever you need to and even withdraw unused funds later, making it a flexible way to manage childcare costs.

If you're paying for childcare and haven't checked your eligibility recently, it's well worth doing.

You can apply for tax-free childcare on the government website.

Check if your child can now get free school meals

You could also save money on school lunches.

From the start of the new school year, all children living in households that receive universal credit will be entitled to free school meals, regardless of household income. That means many families who previously missed out may now be eligible.

The savings don't stop there either.

In many areas, qualifying for free school meals can also open the door to additional support, including help with school trips, holiday activity programmes and, in some cases, assistance with school uniform costs.

How to apply

If you're unsure whether your child qualifies, then get in touch with your local council directly. In most areas, you can apply through your local authority’s website.

Before you buy new uniform, shop around

School uniforms are one of the biggest back-to-school expenses.

Before buying everything brand new, have a look at what's available locally.

Many charity shops stock good-quality school clothing, often donated by families whose children have outgrown it.

Your child's school may also run a pre-loved uniform shop through its PTA, while some councils and community groups operate school uniform banks where you can pick up clothing either free or for a small donation.

This summer, the Salvation Army has also been giving away more than 30,000 school uniform items across the UK, making it another great place to check before you spend money elsewhere.

And if you're still looking for a bargain, don't forget online marketplaces like Vinted, Facebook Marketplace and local parenting groups, where parents often sell, or even give away, school uniform for a fraction of the cost.

New school uniform rules could save you money

There's more good news this year.

From September 2026, schools in England will be restricted in how many branded uniform items they can require. In most cases, schools will only be able to insist on three branded items, giving parents much more freedom to buy affordable alternatives from supermarkets and high street retailers instead of expensive specialist suppliers.

Despite these changes, our research shows almost half of parents are unaware the new rules are coming into force.

If you've previously felt tied to buying costly branded uniform, this change could make a noticeable difference to your back-to-school budget.

Extra help if you need it

For some families, even finding cheaper uniforms isn't enough to make the numbers add up.

If you work, or have worked, in the UK fashion or textile industry, the Fashion and Textile Children's Trust (FTCT) may be able to help.

The charity offers grants to eligible families to help cover the cost of school uniforms, clothing, footwear, study equipment, laptops and other educational essentials. It's continued to support families throughout 2026 as the cost of education remains a challenge for many households.

Visit FTCT for more information about their school uniform grants. 

So, before the new term begins, take a few minutes to check you're getting all the financial support you're entitled to. It could save you hundreds of pounds over the school year.