Back to school: How to save on uniform costs

Back-to-school anxieties often revolve around the expense of uniforms, with nearly half of parents citing financial concerns, according to research by Save the Children and the Baby Bank Alliance. Even a third of polled parents admitted to sacrificing personal items to meet back-to-school costs. A new rule, effective in September, caps the number of school-branded items a child can wear to three, intended to alleviate this financial burden.

To help offset these costs, various resources are available, including baby banks, council grants, and second-hand uniform options. While these measures are a step in the right direction, they may not fully address the wide range of financial situations families face. Parents are encouraged to seek assistance from their child's school, explore uniform hubs, swap shops, and hardship funds, and consider purchasing pre-loved items from supermarkets or charity shops.

Additionally, families may be eligible for grants from their local authority if their income falls below a certain threshold or they are receiving specific benefits.