As the new school year settled into its rhythm, many parents found themselves reflecting on the annual challenge of school uniform shopping. According to The Children’s Society, the average cost of uniforms for a primary-aged child last year was £287, and it climbed to £422 for secondary school students. While the expense may have seemed overwhelming, there were plenty of ways to save for those who shopped smart. Supermarkets offered some of the most affordable options, often outpricing high-street retailers. Below, we’ve listed the 5 best supermarket deals on school uniforms that were available this year, plus 9 expert money-saving tips that helped many parents stretch their budgets even further!
The 5 Best Supermarket Deals on School Uniforms
George at Asda
Asda’s George range remained a favourite for its affordability and durability. With items like polo shirts starting from £2.50 and full uniforms under £10, Asda offered some of the best deals around. Their multi-buy deals also allowed parents to stock up for less. Though availability varied by store, George consistently ranked as a top pick for parents.
Top pick: 2-pack polo shirts for £3.
Tesco F&F
Tesco’s F&F Clothing line was another great option for budget-conscious parents. Known for their practical and durable fabrics, Tesco’s uniforms offered value for money. Their 3 shirts for £5 and trousers or skirts from £4 made it easy to dress children without breaking the bank. Tesco also ran promotions through their Clubcard, offering up to 25% off at certain times.
Top pick: 3-pack polo shirts for £5.
Lidl
Lidl competed closely with Aldi, offering ultra-affordable uniform options. During their back-to-school promotion, uniforms were priced similarly to Aldi’s. These deals tended to disappear from shelves fast.
Top pick: Boys’ or girls’ sweatshirts for £1.50.
Sainsbury’s Tu Clothing
Sainsbury’s Tu Clothing provided an excellent balance between quality and price. Their uniforms were known for being easy to wash and replace, making them a go-to for parents. Sainsbury’s often ran sales with up to 25% off, so keeping an eye on promotions helped snag a great deal. Although they were slightly more expensive than other supermarkets, they offered reliability in fabric and fit.
Top pick: 2-pack skirts from £6.
Aldi
Aldi was famous for its super-low-cost school uniforms. Their Back to School event offered a full uniform (polo shirt, sweatshirt, and trousers or skirt) for just £5. Aldi’s uniform bundles were available starting in July and tended to sell out fast. Though stock was limited, it was worth checking back regularly as these deals were unbeatable.
Top pick: Full uniform set for £5.
9 Expert Tips to Save Even More on School Uniforms
While supermarket deals were great, many parents found additional ways to save by following these tips:
- Stocked Up Early at the Supermarket
Supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl offer unbeatable uniform bundles for £5, which include two polo shirts, one sweatshirt, and either trousers, a skirt, or shorts. These bundles hit stores in early July, but they sell out fast, so plan to shop as soon as they’re available. Even if you miss out, other supermarkets like Asda, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s also offer competitive pricing on uniform essentials throughout the summer. - Looked Out for Sales
Retailers like Marks & Spencer offer back-to-school promotions, such as 20% off school uniforms starting in early July. Tesco frequently offers 25% off for Clubcard holders, so be sure to check their clothing sales during the summer holidays. High-street retailers often discount their school uniform ranges during this period, so it’s worth shopping around. - Used Outlet Stores
Clarks and other stores have outlet locations that can save you up to 30% on school shoes, and sometimes as much as 70%. Even if you don’t live near an outlet, you can find great deals online, though you may need to measure and fit your child yourself. - Bought Second-hand
Preloved uniforms are an excellent way to save, especially on branded or logoed items. Many school PTAs offer second-hand uniform sales at school fairs or open days. You can also find bargains on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local charity shops. Some areas even have uniform swap shops where you can pick up items for free. - Avoided Logos
Uniforms with school logos are often much more expensive than plain items. Check your school’s policy to see where logos are necessary and only buy them when required. For other pieces, choose generic, logo-free options to save money. - Looked for Grants
If the cost of school uniforms is a financial strain, check with your local council to see if grants or financial aid are available. Many local authorities offer support, particularly in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and some parts of England. Schools may also offer interest-free payment plans for uniforms, allowing you to spread out the cost. - Made Uniforms Last Longer
Extend the life of your child’s uniform by buying items with plenty of growing room or choosing items with extendable hems. Attach high-quality name tags to prevent lost clothing and ensure that uniforms are washed and maintained according to care instructions. - Shared Costs with Friends
Buying in bulk can sometimes reduce costs. Team up with other parents to split the cost of multipacks and share delivery fees. This is especially useful for things like shirts or trousers, where you may not need the entire pack yourself. - Bought Throughout the Year
If your child’s uniform still fits by the end of July, don’t feel pressured to buy everything new. Spread out your purchases throughout the year, especially for non-essential items like lunch boxes or school bags. These often go on sale at the start of the school year in September, offering significant discounts.
Conclusion
As we look back on the start of this school year, it’s clear that outfitting children for school didn’t have to break the bank. With great deals from supermarkets like Asda, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s, combined with smart money-saving strategies, many parents were able to significantly reduce the cost of school uniforms.
For parents who may have missed out on some of these deals, don’t worry – many of these strategies can be applied throughout the year. Some items like lunch boxes or school bags often went on sale at the start of the school year in September, offering significant discounts to those who waited.
As we settle into the school routine, it’s a good time to take stock of what worked well in your uniform shopping strategy and what you might do differently next year. Did you find supermarket uniforms held up well to the challenges of school life? Were there any unexpected expenses you’ll plan for next time?
Remember, it’s never too early to start planning for next year. Keep an eye out for end-of-season sales, and consider buying a size up if you spot a great deal. By applying the lessons learned this year, you’ll be even better prepared when the next back-to-school season rolls around.
Lastly, if you found yourself struggling with uniform costs this year, don’t hesitate to reach out to your school or local council. Many have support systems in place to help families manage these expenses. After all, ensuring all children have access to proper school uniforms is an important part of creating an inclusive educational environment.
