School Uniform Savvy Hacks
Savvy Parents Buying School Uniform In June
Plan Ahead and Save
September might seem like a lifetime away, but it’ll be here before we know it. The start of the school year brings with it the added expense of kitting out your kids in new uniforms. School essentials quickly add up, with the average family spending just short of £250 per child on uniforms and necessary accessories last year, according to a survey by shoe retailer Wynsors. While for many it’s a cost they could do without, for others – especially those living with negative income – it’s money they just don’t have.
Early-Bird Discounts
Buying in advance can save you a lot of money. Some of the high street’s biggest names offer early-bird discounts on school uniforms:
- **Sainsbury’s**: 25% off school uniform offer starts 19 June.
- **M&S**: Expected to offer 20% off school uniforms from 2 July. Prices have been frozen since 2021.
- **Aldi**: £5 school uniform bundles available from 4 July.
- **Lidl**: Re-running its £5 school uniform bundles from 4 July.
- **Tesco**: Predicted to offer 25% off school uniforms starting 23 July.
- **Peacocks**: Set to offer 20% off school uniforms from 28 July.
- **Matalan**: Keeps uniform costs low year-round, with items starting from just £4. Some sale items, like a pack of girl’s school blouses, are available for £2.
Financial Assistance
If uniforms are still out of reach even with reductions, there are plenty of organisations and charities that can help with the cost.
Grocery Aid School Essentials Grant
Applications open on 18 June. You can get up to £150 per school-age child for up to three kids. To be eligible, you need to:
- Have worked for a grocery employer for at least six months
- Be receiving universal credit or child tax credit for school-age children
- Have savings of less than £4,000
The grant is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so act fast as money is limited.
Unison School Uniform Grant
Unison members on a low income may be eligible for up to £75 worth of vouchers per child. Applications open on 29 May.
Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust
This charity helps families working in the UK fashion and textile industry who are struggling financially. They offer grants to help with uniform costs, including clothing, footwear, study essentials, laptops for homework, and specialist educational tools. To qualify, you must be the parent or carer of a child under 18 and have worked in fashion or textiles for at least one year within the last nine.
Turn2us Grant Finder
Search for grants from various specialist charities that could help.
Council School Uniform Grants
Many councils offer grants to help parents on low incomes buy school uniforms and essentials for their kids. Typical support includes:
- £42.90 for a primary school pupil
- £61.20 for a secondary school, further education, or special school pupil under 15 years old
- £67.20 for a secondary school, further education, or special school pupil over 15 years old
- £26.40 for a secondary school, further education, or special school pupil PE kit
You’re generally eligible if your child receives free school meals. Applications open around 1 July. Visit your local council’s website to see if grants are available in your area.
Household Support Fund
If you’re not eligible for a school uniform grant or your council doesn’t offer them, you might still be able to get help from the household support fund. Depending on how your local council has chosen to spend its allocation, you could get money or vouchers to help towards the cost. Support from the household support fund was extended in the spring budget until 30 September 2024. Visit your local council’s website to find out more.
Why Act Now
Planning and purchasing school uniforms in advance not only saves money but also reduces the stress and financial burden that comes with the start of the school year. Take advantage of early-bird discounts and explore available financial assistance to ensure your kids are fully equipped for their return to school. By taking action now, you can ease the financial pressure and focus on what really matters – your child's education and well-being.
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