Back to school: How to save on uniform costs

Back to school can stir up many emotions for parents, including anxiety about the extra costs it brings.

Almost half of parents said they're worried about the cost of school uniforms, according to research by the charity Save the Children and the Baby Bank Alliance network.

And a third of the 2,000 parents polled said they've sacrificed things for themselves to meet back-to-school costs like uniforms, bags or books.

New rules limiting the number of items branded with a school logo to three per child come into force in September, aimed at helping ease the financial burden.

From baby banks to council grants, here are ways parents can ease the cost of kitting out their kids for school.

Save the Children said the new uniform rules are a "good start" but back-to-school costs remain a concern for families across almost all income brackets.

The government said schools should make second-hand uniforms accessible to parents.

"Speak to a teacher you trust, and explain that the costs are difficult," said Megan Meek-O'Connor, head of England and Westminster at Save the Children.

Many schools have uniform hubs, swap shops and sales just before term starts, and hardship funds.

In London, the School Uniform Reuse Network launched earlier this year, giving schools practical advice to start or improve their own swap shops.

During its first term of operation, it saw more than 1,500 items reused across 24 schools.

Don't dismiss baby banks

Parents of older children may not realise a so-called baby bank can help them, but many of the 400 support hubs across the UK provide uniforms for children up to and through secondary school.

In its latest survey of members, the Baby Bank Alliance found school uniform was reported as a priority item for the first time.

Late summer is one of the busiest times for Little Stars Shrewsbury - just over half the children helped since June have been given uniform support.

Hannah Stoddart, operations manager at Little Stars Shrewsbury, said families come to them in varying circumstances. A child starting school might need fully kitting out, while an older pupil may just need to replace one or two items.

Stoddart stressed that while the summer holidays "take their toll", the charity provides help all year.

"So when they've had that growth spurt, when they've scuffed their shoes or they've ripped their trousers or they need a winter coat, that's something they can come back to us for as well," she said.

Supermarkets and pre-loved items

The relaxed rules on uniform branding mean parents can purchase more items from supermarkets and charity shops, said Save the Children's Meek-O'Connor.

Pre-loved items are usually what "kids have grown out of quickly rather than things that are poor quality", she said.

Parents can cheaply stock up on frequent-wear items with supermarket bundle deals, while the charity Family Action suggested they team up to bulk buy items that would otherwise take them over budget.

According to research from the bank Nationwide, a third of parents said they buy uniform from supermarkets, a third shop around for the best value and 23% purchase larger sizes so items last longer.

Kate Steere, parent and consumer editor at the comparison site Finder, said sports kit costs can be "brutal".

"I always encourage parents to tap into their club's community. Families with older kids are usually eager to pass down gear," she said.

"My boys' football team runs a summer sale for second-hand kit, and apps like Vinted or Facebook Marketplace are goldmines."

You may be able to get a grant from your local authority if your income is below a certain threshold or you're receiving certain benefits.

These can be worth up to £200 per child.

Eligibility and how much you can get can vary according to where in the UK you live, so it is best to check with your council directly.

Struggling with uniform costs is common and people shouldn't feel ashamed if they need to ask for help, said Meek-O'Connor.

"Uniform is supposed to be about making school kind of more accessible, more equal... it should be something positive," she said.

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