School's out for summer, and for many families, the cost-of-living crisis is already putting pressure on the family purse without the extra worries of buying school uniform. There's no doubt uniform can be cheaper than it used to be, but the constant advertising and 'deals' that abound from June onwards can make you think that it's essential to buy new uniform for the new school year.
If your child has uniform that fits, it makes sense from a financial - as well as an environmental - point of view to not replace until it need to be replaced. By making things last just a bit longer, you can spread the cost rather than have to foot the bill for everything new.
If you're looking to save money this month, we have some tips top cut uniform costs, with the help of school uniform provider David Lukes.
Read more: Award-winning North Shields teacher retires after 30 years at same school
1. Audit the Old
If you just shoved last year's uniform into a cupboard at the end of term, get it out and have a good look at what you already have that might last a few more weeks. If your child wears summer dresses or shorts, it's worth holding out on buying warmer clothes until the weather turns, as they may already be too small for them by the time they need them. Wash and then lay everything out and persuade the kids to have a quick trying-on session before you make a list of the essentials you actually do need to buy.
2. A Measured Approach
We can all remember being forced to wear an oversized blazer or a huge jumper on the first day of school, but there is logic in sizing up to extend the wear of certain items. These days, luckily for today's kids, manufacturers have incorporated some clever hacks into school clothing to enable the wearer to grow into them without feeling swamped. Look for school uniform with adjustable waistbands and oversized hems.
3. Swap Shop
There is usually still plenty of wear in school uniform even if your child has outgrown it. A lot of schools now have a uniform swap shop or local parents often set up Facebook groups that encourages swapping or selling second-hand uniform. Don't discount it - these can be a great place to find spare items such as cardigans, sweatshirts and PE kits. Blending in some pre-worn items could save you quite a bit of money, especially on expensive items such as blazers and PE hoodies.
4. Repair
Don’t let a fallen hem or loose button be the end for a perfectly wearable piece of uniform. Quick fixes can breathe new life into skirts and trousers.
5. Upcycle
Did you know you can extend the life of trousers by turning them into shorts for the summer? With some simple hemming, ankle-skimming trousers can be given a new lease of life. See how here.
6. Shop wisely
The most expensive retailers aren't always the best, but cheaper uniform can wear out before it's too small for your child if you don't shop wisely. As a general rule of thumb, the younger the child, the more appropriate it is to buy cheap uniform, as it can be outgrown or staned within a matter of weeks. Most supermarkets, chain stores and department stores have offers on uniform right now, so take time to decide what best fits your child and your budget.
7. Look for help
Routine uniform grants from local authorities are becoming more rare as councils juggle with budget constraints. Nortumberland and South Tyneside are the only two councils in our area to give any sort of financial help towards costs for low-income families. Here's what all our local authorities had to say:
Newcastle City Council:
"Unfortunately, like many other local authorities, there is no direct support from the council to support costs of school uniform. As a council we are doing our best to support families with free school meals for children, free holiday activities and financial support. We advise any concerned parents/carers to contact their child’s school if they are having difficulties regarding school uniform.”
Durham County Council:
“We appreciate that with the current rise in the cost-of-living, money is a concern for many families and there are a number of ways in which parents and carers can access help with school uniform costs. We encourage schools to set up uniform re-use and recycle schemes, in line with statutory Department for Education school uniform guidance. There are also a number of organisations which can help provide new and preloved school uniforms. A directory of distribution points can be found on our website, making it easier for parents and carers to access support countywide. We would urge anyone who is experiencing financial hardship or dealing with debt to seek help as soon as possible as we offer a range of impartial advice and support to residents.”
Sunderland City Council:
"Parents need to speak to the school their child attends about grants, vouchers or charitable support towards clothing costs."
Gateshead Council:
"The rising cost of school uniforms can be a struggle for parents and carers. Many of our schools now allow you to buy cheaper, unbranded uniform items, or offer uniform swaps through their own recycling schemes. Please check with your school on what support they can offer. There are also charities in Gateshead who support residents with the cost of school uniform, such as the Gateshead West Pre-loved School Uniform Scheme. The scheme accepts donations of all good quality uniform that can be re-used, whether school branded or not. The service is donation based, so residents only pay what they can, if they can."
Northumberland County Council:
Did not respond but the council's website states: Between 1- 8 August 2022 there will be various drop-off points around the county for those wishing to donate their good-quality uniform, coats, shoes, PE kits and bags. These donations will then be sorted and organised by volunteers and partner organisations and distributed to pre-loved school uniform services around the county. Preloved uniform is a low-cost and environmentally friendly option available to everyone in Northumberland with no eligibility criteria. Some schools may also have their own uniform support process in place, please contact your school to find out.
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Bright Charity is also collecting preloved uniform throughout the summer holidays, with drop-off points located at their hospital sites. Parents or carers of children and young people who receive free school meals during term time are also eligible to receive £80 in vouchers which can be used towards school uniform should they choose.
North Tyneside:
“We have lots of support available to help parents through their children’s education, and we know that the cost of uniform can be a concern for some. We work with families in the borough to provide support based on individual circumstances, which can include financial support to help with buying school uniforms. While we don’t have a grant system in place, we do work closely with the brilliant Community School Clothing Scheme who provide free uniform and equipment to those in need.”
South Tyneside Council:
"Supermarket vouchers are to be given in early September to families whose children have free school meals. and are either entering reception, year 3 or year 7 (so when going to school for the first time or changing schools). The vouchers can be used for food to offset the cost of the uniforms if already bought. The vouchers are worth £25 per reception and Year 3 FSM child and £50 per Year 7 FSM child. Ask at your school office for details of discretionary bursaries that may be available via your local council or through uniform suppliers in the area."
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