August is a mixed month for many parents. It’s high summer, so the weather is (hopefully) good. The kids are off school, so you get to spend more time with them, but it’s almost time for them to go back, which is also good news.
Then there’s school uniforms.
Late August is traditionally the time to traipse into town to get the new school uniform.
With the average primary school uniform costing around £287 and secondary uniform costing up to £422, it’s not a happy time for many parents!
That’s why I wrote this guide on how to save money on the cost of school uniforms.
The cost of school uniforms
There is no way a school uniform should cost anything close to £287 or £422. You wouldn’t spend that on other outfits your children will outgrow in a year, so why should you just so they can go to school?
Even though the government has tried to control the cost of a school uniform, it can still cost too much.
There’s also a problem with how the system is run.
Many schools insist on using brand name products supplied only by ‘approved’ stores. Which stinks a little to me.
Why does it matter where parents buy the uniform as long as it complies?
Why should a parent have to buy a specific blazer made by a specific brand from a specific retailer?
Anyway, enough of that. Let’s get to those ways to save money.
Save money on school uniforms
We use the same principles to save money on the cost of school uniforms as we do everywhere else on Saving Superstar.
Namely:
- Buy secondhand uniforms: Check local charity shops, online marketplaces, uniform exchanges and community groups for gently used school uniforms. Children often outgrow their uniforms quickly, so you may be able to find good quality items at a fraction of the cost.
- Shop off-season: Buy uniforms during off-peak times, like after the school year begins or just before it ends. Many stores offer discounts on school clothing during these periods to clear out inventory. This won’t always be possible but you don’t know until you try.
- Take advantage of sales and promotions: Keep an eye out for back-to-school sales, holiday sales, and special promotions offered by retailers. This can help you save a significant amount on some uniform items.
- Opt for generic brands: While some schools require specific uniform items with logos, others allow plain alternatives. Check to see if the school accepts generic alternatives without the school logo, as they tend to be more affordable.
- Coordinate with other parents: Consider organizing uniform swaps or sharing bulk purchases with other parents. This can help you get discounts for buying in larger quantities and reduce overall costs.
- Check for grants and government support: Local councils should have a system of local grants available to help with the cost of school uniforms. Check to see what’s available with your local council and get what you can.
I appreciate no child wants to be seen in a secondhand uniform or a generic alternative, but when money is tight, they’ll have to get over it.
You may find other parents are in the same position and, by banding together, you can buy in bulk, get a bulk discount or find other ways to get the school uniform cheaper.
There probably aren’t any large savings to be had with school uniforms, but when every penny counts…
