How to get cheap school uniforms

Buying everything your kid needs to start a new school year can be tough on your wallet.

If you’re struggling to pay for your child’s uniform, you’re not alone - four in ten parents are in the same boat, research by Wacky Warehouse has found.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to get your hands on free or affordable school clothing and footwear. You just need to know where to look.

Cheap uniform deals

Some supermarkets are selling cheap school uniforms over the summer holidays. These deals often sell out fast, so the sooner you go, the better your chance of bagging a bargain.

• Lidl – full school uniform for £5 (ages 4-12)
• Aldi – full school uniform for £4 (ages 4-12)
• Tesco – school uniform items from £4 (ages 3-16)
• Morrisons – school uniform items from £4.95 (ages 3-13)

Check what support your school offers

Schools have a legal requirement to make sure uniforms are affordable and that they’re never a barrier to students attending school.

Some schools offer second-hand uniforms – check the website to see if your kid’s school is one of them.

If you can’t afford to buy a uniform, PE kit or footwear, contact your child’s headteacher directly to find out if they can offer any help.

Help from your local council

In England, there used to be a school uniform grant, but now it’s the responsibility of local schools and councils to help with uniform costs. This means you might be able to get a grant for school clothing if your local council offers one and you qualify.

Local councils in Scotland help parents who can’t afford to buy their children uniforms through a school clothing grant. If you can apply and how much money you’ll get depends on the council.

Lower-income families in Wales who qualify for certain benefits can apply for a school essentials grant to help with the costs of school.

In Northern Ireland, the clothing allowance scheme helps cover the cost of school uniforms for eligible students.

Other help with school uniforms

The Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust helps families working in the UK fashion and textile industry who are struggling with money. They offer grants to help with costs including uniforms, study essentials, laptops and specialist educational tools.

To qualify, you need to have worked in fashion or textiles for at least a year within the last nine years and be responsible for a child under 18.

You can also search for more grants offered by other specialist charities.

Wacky Warehouse’s uniform drive                                                

The popular soft play chain is taking donations of pre-loved school uniforms for the second year in a row. Contact your local Wacky Warehouse to find out what charity they’ve partnered with, and they’ll tell you where you can pick up a free second-hand uniform.

On top of this, they’ve have partnered with B&M to run a competition giving away vouchers for stationery, sports equipment, and bits for breakfast and after-school clubs.

Simply nominate your child’s school to give them the chance of winning a £1000, £250 or £100 B&M voucher. 

Find a uniform exchange

Uniform swap shops are another popular way of getting your hands on free school uniform. Whether you’re struggling to find the money to pay for new items of school clothing or you’re simply making the effort to be as green as possible, they’re worth checking out.

Simply take in school uniform your child has grown out of and swap it for items in the right size.  

Find details of swap shops in your area.