Added by: Shropshire Mums on Mon Aug 18 12:05 2025
In the blink of an eye the School Summer Holidays will be drawing to a close. The average national cost of school uniform just like verything else has spiraled with school uniforms setting parents back hundreds of punds each year...
Hand me downs
Don’t be afraid to use hand me downs. If a blazer for one child fits the younger one when they’ve outgrown it, then make good use of it. Don’t just share hand me downs with siblings - if you and your friends all have children at the same school, then make use of that network.
Uniform swap
It’s becoming a popular trend among parents to help save some extra cash. There may be an online group for your local school where you can easily swap uniforms such as a ‘year 4’ top for some ‘year 5’ trousers. It’s always best to do it just before the academic year starts.
Look out for ‘pre-loved giveaways’
Check around selling groups for members who are selling bundles of school uniforms as part of free giveaways. These are often first come first serve, so make sure to turn post notifications on!
Shop around at different retailers
Explore various shops which are selling packs of uniform items for your unbranded clothing. This will further help when buying multiple packs to last throughout the year. Supermarkets such as Sainburys and Tesco frequently hold discounted school uniform events saving you up to 25% off.
Spread the costs
Have a look at where you can put away the spare £10 or £20 every week and allocate it directly for school uniforms. If you save these extra pennies, you’ll be able to have a higher budget for the start of the academic year. Some school uniform stores accept payments from places such as paypal credit, klarna finance etc and can help spread the cost interest free over a few months.
Keep your eyes peeled
It’s always worth keeping an eye out for any discounts or voucher codes. These can make a big difference to the school uniform spend.
Go directly to the school
Many parents aren’t aware of this tip but heading straight to the schools is a great way to get free school uniforms. Lots of kits are donated at the end of the academic year and these are usually available for collection in the first month of re-opening. School uniform banks have become a regular in schools with many schools across the county now holding supplies.
Little Stars Charity - Easing the School Uniform Burden: Join The Back-to-School Ready Campaign
The Little Stars Charity Back-to-School Ready campaign will run throughout Shropshire and seeks to ensure that children of primary and secondary school ages have the essential items they need, by distributing uniforms through community hubs and referrals from health professionals and schools. With public support, they can make a significant difference in children in our community and ensure they start the school year with confidence.
How You Can Help
Donate: Support by sponsoring a uniform. Your donation will help children fit in with their peers and focus on their education. Donate now and find out more: GoFundMe Back-to-School Ready Campaign
Drop Off Pre-Loved Uniforms: Drop off pre-loved non-branded uniforms at Tesco Extra donation bins in Shrewsbury and Ellesmere or Morrisons donation bins in Shrewsbury and Oswestry.
For more information about Little Stars Charity year-round uniform service Cool for School: Click Here
We have been taking a look at some great Back To School products to help settle your big and little kids back to school.
Disclaimer – We received these products for the purpose of this review feature.
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