How to save money on back-to-school shopping 

The lead up to the new school term is often an expensive time for families. Parents are faced with the costs of keeping their children entertained all summer break and then there’s the extra cost of stocking up on uniforms and supplies for the new school year.  

If you’re struggling with money, this time of year can bring extra anxiety. Many parents feel worried or embarrassed if they can’t afford brand new uniforms for their children, or you might be worried about how your child will feel if they can’t afford the same things as their friends. There are ways to help keep the costs down and extra help is available for families who are struggling to pay. 

Check your school’s uniform policy to see what items (if any) need to be branded. Schools now need to follow government guidance to keep the cost of uniforms down. This includes keeping branded items to a minimum. The uniform policy might say that while clothes with their logo on are preferred, they aren’t essential. 

Clothes with the school logo on usually have to come from specific shops and cost more than high street or supermarket clothes. If your child’s uniform doesn’t need to be branded, you can shop around online for more affordable clothes in the school colours.

The new guidance says that schools must make second hand uniform accessible for parents and carers. Some schools run a uniform swap shop or they might have a stall at their summer fair selling clothes donated by parents. 

If your child is starting a new school, check if there are any parent groups on Facebook. These are usually a good place to find parents selling second hand and sometimes unworn uniforms.  

Planning ahead for back-to-school season can make the costs more manageable. You could: 

• Keep a list of everything your child needs for a new school year and buy them over the course of the year to spread the cost. 
• Look out for deals at other times of year. School uniforms often go into a sale after the rush in July and August, so you could buy uniform in the next size up for the following year. 
• Think carefully before signing up to any ‘buy now, pay later’ agreements when shopping online. They can be helpful to spread the cost, but they are still credit agreements and you will be charged for late payments. 

As your children get older and move into secondary school, the list of things they need for school gets longer and might include sports equipment and a laptop or tablet. It’s a good idea to look out for these items at different times of year when there are sales on.  

If your child’s school gives a reading list for books your child will need, you could ask for the list in advance so you can keep an eye out for them in second hand shops or borrow them from your local library. 

There are some charities and schemes that loan or give children secondhand laptops for schoolwork. These are usually local organisations so it’s best to ask your school or local council for information about these. The digital poverty alliance currently helps to supply laptops in 7 areas across the UK.  

If you have a low income, you might be able to apply to your local council for a grant to help you pay for school uniforms. Money Saving Expert has information on school uniform grants in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  

Don’t be embarrassed to speak to the school if you are unable to pay for everything on your child’s uniform and kit list. They might be able to help you find the things you need or direct you to some financial support.