As the summer holidays loom near, parents across the UK are already preparing for the ‘back to school’ season in autumn 2024.
With the ongoing cost of living crisis and economic uncertainty, parents and carers are exploring ways to keep the cost of school clothing as low as possible, reports Wales Online.
For those keen on securing the best deals on uniform essentials well before the new academic year begins, several major UK supermarkets – including ALDI, MandS, Sainsburys, and Tesco – have revealed when they will be hosting sales on their ranges this summer – with some bargains to be had from this week.
Announced sales so far include:
Sainsbury’s
25% off school uniform (19/06/2024)
M&S
20% off ALL school uniform (02/07/2024)
ALDI
£5 uniform bundle (04/07/2024)
Tesco
25% off school uniform (23/07/2024)
Nick Drewe, retail expert and founder of online discounts platform Wethrift, has put together a list of tips for families on how to plan ahead and cut back-to-school spending this summer.
Carry out a uniform inventory check
A significant financial concern for many families is the cost of new school uniforms. This worry is particularly pronounced for families with multiple children, who need to buy numerous uniforms for different schools with varying requirements.
It can be tempting to feel that you have to buy everything brand new when it comes to a new school year. However, it’s always worthwhile doing inventory and quality checks on your children’s existing uniforms before hitting the shops.
If some items are still good quality and still fitting well for the time being, save on money and continue wearing them until they need replacing.
Purchase pre-loved uniforms
Another great way to cut down on the amount you’re spending on school uniforms is to shop for pre-loved items, particularly on the more expensive items such as blazers and clothing with your child’s school logo on them. Look out for local second-hand uniform retailers who offer uniforms with the school’s branding.
Also be sure to add yourself to local school Facebook pages or parents’ WhatsApp groups, as many others may be looking to hand down their child’s outgrown items rather than seeing good quality pieces going to waste. Not only does this save money, it is also better from a sustainability perspective.
Search for discount codes when shopping for shoes
One of the most expensive elements of the school uniform shop is arguably new school shoes. Not only do parents have to contend with the associated wear and tear, but also the fact that children’s feet are constantly growing, meaning that the costs can start to pile up throughout the school year.
That being said, there’s a wide range of discount codes available online for many of the high-street shoe retailers. Yes, go into the shop in person to try on the fit of the shoes, but then search online for discount codes, and make your purchase through the retailer’s website.
Also, be on the lookout for retailers that offer a warranty guarantee, with some offering refunds or replacements if the product is of poor quality, or if your child grows out of them within a certain period. Remember to always check the terms and conditions.
Use loyalty points or cash-back sites
If you are planning on shopping for uniforms and back-to-school essentials at your local supermarket and take advantage of the above sales, why not also use any loyalty points to help you save even more money on the more expensive items?
Reward and cash-back sites are also a great way to help to cut the cost of back-to-school shopping.
Government uniform grants
School uniform grants are available from local councils across Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, offering money towards the costs of school uniforms and PE kits. It is always worth checking your local council to see if such grants are available and if you meet the terms and conditions to qualify to receive it.
If such a grant is unavailable from your local council, check with your child’s school to see if any other incentives or grants are available to help you save on the cost of uniforms.
Carry out a stationery check
When it comes to stocking up on new stationery for the upcoming term, it’s easy to get carried away with a plethora of colourful pens, notepads, calculators and more. However, we always advise treating this as you would with school uniforms – take stock of what you already have, assess the quality of existing items, identify what’s missing and what needs replacing.
It’s also beneficial to liaise with your child’s school to determine if any equipment will be provided and what exactly you need to buy yourself. This prevents unnecessary duplication of items.
Consider buying second-hand books
For older children in secondary school, they may need to buy specific books for their studies. The cost of these across multiple subjects can quickly accumulate.
Therefore, it’s worth scouting for retailers that offer the option to buy pre-owned books at a discounted price. Not only does this save money, but it also promotes a more sustainable approach to shopping for school supplies.