Best places to buy uniforms this year – and tricks to save on back-to-school costs
TO make the most of your money for the new term, you should go “hack to school”.
Our ideas will save you time and cash — and ensure you’re all sorted for the start of the new school year.
Follow our ten tips to go straight to the top of the class for being the most organised parent around . . .
SORT and size school uniform: Lay out the current uniform you have for each child.
If you can hand it down to younger kids, pack it away and label the box with the size, so it is easy to find when you need it.
If your child has outgrown it, list if for sale on your school WhatsApp group or on Facebook marketplace. Put the money your earn towards the new uniform.
SEARCH for school uniform super-deals: Marks & Spencer runs regular 20 per cent off deals throughout the summer, while Lidl has a whole uniform offer from just £5.
Check voucher sites for additional savings.
Vouchercloud deals are already live at vouchercloud.com/back-to-school-voucher-codes.
DOUBLE up: Seen a bargain uniform deal? Snap up next year’s size too.
THE “savvy six”: Buy six of some key school items, such as shirts, as well as extra skirts and trousers.
It will ensure your child has one to wear for each day of the week, with one spare.
It also cuts down on laundry costs and allows you to do a single weekend wash.
Buy three of Lidl’s two-packs of shirts, £2.49 each, and you’ll spend just £7.47
SAVE the date: Most schools operate a second-hand uniform shop and open at least once before term starts.
Get there early and you’ll find items up to 80 per cent cheaper than new.
Can’t find all you need? Don’t panic. More second-hand options might appear after term starts.
CHOOSE best style: Is your child a keen footballer? Get trousers with reinforced knees. Are they a messy eater or art fan? Try stain-resistant fabrics.
Growing fast? Look out for adjustable waists on trousers and skirts.
SAVE on shoes: Shop in the afternoon when you child’s feet have expanded.
This way you’ll get the perfect fit which won’t pinch. Know the size you need? mandmdirect.com has clearance school shoes at up to 50 per cent off.
TAKE stock: Before you buy anything, check what you already have.
Empty out this year’s school bags, search the kitchen cupboards and ensure the kids scour their rooms. You’ll probably find everything, from lunch boxes and pencil cases to old gym kit.
LABEL it: The cheapest piece of school kit is the one the kids don’t lose. So get their names on it.
Avoid sewing in expensive uniform labels by using a Sharpie-style pen to name clothes, PE kit, shoes and lunch boxes. Wilko sells a four-pack of pens for £1.
EAT and drink: Save the pennies by buying a combined lunch box and bottle set. Asda has one for £6, down from £8.
Uniform best buys
LOOKING for some class kit? Here are the best value back-to-school buys.
