Though the school summer holidays seem long, it won't be very long before your kids are returning to school.
Given how quickly kids outgrow their clothes, finding the money to buy school uniforms can become a huge expense.
New statutory guidance, which was announced in November 2021 and will come into effect from September, orders schools to make uniform more affordable for all children.
More high street options will be offered and households will also be able to buy second-hand uniform, with schools being told to make sure the necessary arrangements are in place.
However, until the new guidance kicks into place, here are the cheapest places to buy your children's school uniform.
Tesco
Tesco might not be the first place that pops into your mind when thinking of places to buy your child's school uniform.
But you can grab the store's affordable F&F range of uniforms from your nearest store.
You can buy a two-pack of regular trousers and pleated skirts starting from £7 and a two pack of V-neck jumpers from £6. A two-pack of regular short-sleeve shirts cost as little as £3 and a two-pack unisex polos starts at £2.50 at Tesco.
Morrisons
Morrisons customers can order uniforms online, as well as pick it up from their nearest supermarket branch.
Prices of school uniforms at Morrisons start from a two-pack of grey trousers at £9 to a plain white shirt at £3.50. While a black shirt costs £4, a two-pack cardigan will cost you £8.
Marks and Spencer
Marks & Sparks is a great choice for any parents looking to save a few pounds without compromising on quality.
A five pack of boys shirts 2-18 years will only set you back £12.80-£24, and the same for girls is a similar price range between £11.20-£22.40.
Shoes are between £26-£34 across all sizes, and are available in multiple widths.
John Lewis
Though not currently on sale, John Lewis prices for socks, dresses, shirts and trousers do not differ much from Marks & Spencers, with dresses and playsuits available for between £9-£12.
A pack of five socks is only £6-£8 and a pack of two boys stain-resistant shirts £8-£14.
JL differ from other brands as it can also offer you tech that your children might need for school, saving you another trip to the shops.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's has some the best budget options on the market, with two boys shirts costing only £7.
Its recent 20% off sale has ended now, but it often has flash sales so keep an eye out.
Jumpers, which seem ludicrous now during the UK’s ever-lasting hot weather, will be needed in a few months time and Sainsbury's offer a variety of colours for boys and girls.
V-necks start at £8 for age 10-16, and a two pack of scalloped cardigans for 3-12 year olds cost the same.
Matalan
As well as the usual favourites, Matalan also offers great deals on lunchboxes, water bottles, PE bags and more.
Its ranges of school bags come in a huge variety of colours, designs, sizes and styles, and all range from £10-£15.
It also has a £5-and-under section clearly marked on the site for parents who need to budget.
H&M
This high street store offers cardigans, shoes and cute dresses for affordable prices, and is a firm favourite for suits to wear at college, sixth form or university.
It also has a great selection of fancy dress costumes and sports-wear for all ages, but the best deals can be found in-store.
Argos
Argos’ prices start as little as £2.50, and its TU range prides itself on being affordable but durable.
Found in stores and online, its trousers and shorts have reinforced knee technology, and its shoes and pumps are scuff resistant to help them last longer.
It also offers a wide PE and sportswear range, with two skirts from £2.50 and two pairs of black sweat shorts for £5.
Amazon
It is hard to think of anything that Amazon doesn’t sell, and sure enough, its range of school uniforms is fantastic.
Another added benefit is that you don’t need to leave your house to get the goods delivered right to your door.
It also offers caps and gowns for graduates.
New Look
New Look offers a slightly more stylish range than the other stores, including flared trousers and flowy long-sleeved shirts.
Organised by age range, it has year-round knits, skirts, easy care shirts, and long-lasting trousers all on offer.
You can also save a few pounds by signing up and saving 25% off your shop (but terms and conditions do apply).
Next
Next is a stalwart when it comes to uniform selection. However, it can be a bit pricier than other brands.
You can check out uniform ranges at Next, both online and in store. Items include grey trousers and V-neck jumpers for £8 each, white polo five-pack for £17, white shirt for £9 and a pencil skirt for £6.
Aldi
Budget chain Aldi has also just announced a school uniform bundle costing only £5.
The School Uniform Bundle includes a sweatshirt, a two-pack of polo shirts, and trousers or a skirt for just £5.
