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.
Pip Organic, the healthy organic food & drink company, was founded by husband and wife Patrick & Karen O’Flaherty who with a true belief in working with nature, began making 100% pure organic juices from a small stall in London’s Borough Market. A whole heap of juicing and a couple of kids later Pip Organic was born, with the mission of creating top-tasting, fun and healthy food & drink for all the family, that is so crammed with 100% organic goodness there is just no room for nasties or compromise!
With a strong belief that you only get out what you put in, At Pip all of the family is only ever made using gorgeous 100% organic fruit & vegetables. Every harvest they work closely with their expert organic farmers to select the tastiest & most nutritious fruit & vegetable varieties they can find at just the right time!
There is only a three-step process of cutting, drying and mashing 100% organic fruit to create these Piptastic Pipsticks which are perfect for snacks and lunch box fillers! Pipsticks are 1 of your 5 a day and have no added sugar, preservatives, or nasties, so you can enjoy them exactly how they should be!
Available in flavours Mango and Mango and Pineapple
RRP £ 19.99 for a box of 24 x 18g bars
https://piporganic.com/snacks/
Sainsburys & Argos TU Uniform Range
Our Rhino branded Cadet black leather shoes have a lace up moccasin design with feature camouflage material that older boys will love. Antibacterial linings and Air-Rite technology encourages improved breathability for all-day comfort and the lace up fastening gives an adjustable fit. From first to last bell, the super lightweight moulded, flexible sole assures natural, easy movement.
Material
Upper: Leather, Lining: Textile, Sole: PU
Care
Wipe clean or leather polish.
Available in a huge range of sizes from a 2.5 junior all the way upto an adults UK 10.
RRP £62
https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc144779068
Our white long sleeve shirts are a smart staple for every formal wardrobe. In a pack of 2, our shirts come in a regular fit and feature front button fastening. With a front pocket detail and classic collar, they're timeless essentials for your collection.
2 Pack white long sleeve shirts
Regular fit
Button fastening
Front pocket detail
Cotton-rich
Available in collar sizes 14 - 17.5
RRP £18
https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc143656437
Stain-repellent finish - with eco-friendly Teflon Eco-lite™ to help repel spills and keep fabric looking fresh
Perfect crease - stays crisp for a smarter, school-ready crease that lasts
Reinforced knees - extra durability for everyday play and wear
Adjustable waistband - for all-day comfort and a perfect fit
Great value 2-pack - more for less with our handy pack sizes
Available in sizes Age 9-18
RRP from £9
https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc128763470
Girls Black School Culottes 
Perfect for the summer term, these smart black culottes are designed with a pleated front to give the illusion of a skirt. Built for active children, they're crafted from a hard wearing fabric which repels water based stains.
Girls black culottes
Box pleats
Adjustable waist
Repels water based stains
Available in ages 3-14 years
RRP Currently on onffer for just £3.50 from £7
Buy Black School Culottes 13 years | School trousers and shorts | Tu
2 Pack Black Jersey Tube SkirtsGreat value 2-pack More for less with our handy pack sizes
Elasticated drawstring waistband - a flexible fit that moves with them
Available in ages 10-16 years
RRP £10 -£16
Buy 2 Pack Black Jersey Tube Skirts 13 years | School skirts | Tu
Perfect white - made to stay bright wash after wash
Easy iron - a quick iron will bring it back to perfect
Peter Pan style collar– a classic round collar with frill trim
Short sleeves - perfect for warmer weather and active days
Full button fastening - easy to wear and simple to fasten
Available in age 3 - 12 years
RRP from £5-£7
Buy White Large Collar Short Sleeve Blouse 12 years | School shirts and blouses | Tu
F&F School Girls 3-Pack Pure Cotton Regular Fit Collared Polo Shirts in WhiteStock up on their school essentials with this 3-pack of pure cotton, regular fit polo shirts. Designed with a buttoned placket and collared neckline, they feature a stain-repellent finish and colour that lasts, keeping them looking smart day after day.
We offer a 1-year quality guarantee on school uniform products, including school shoes. Just return them with proof of purchase to any Tesco Extra or Superstore if you're not satisfied with the quality. Excludes coats, accessories, socks, tights and underwear. For more information, please visit our returns and refunds FAQs.
We've held the 2024 price of any uniform we sold last year. Uniform does not include essentials such as underwear or socks.
100% Cotton
Machine wash at 40°C, Tumble dry low temperature, Do not dry clean
Available in age 3-4 upto 9-10
RRP £4.50 - £6
https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/321090845
Made from a cotton rich fabric for a more natural feel, this 2-pack of skater pinafores is perfect for school days. Featuring a soft touch finish, this handy set offers a smart and practical option for everyday wear. The zip fastening at the front adds a convenient touch, making dressing easy on busy mornings. Wear over a short sleeved shirt with knee high socks for a timeless term-time outfit.
85% Cotton, 15% Polyester
Machine wash at 40°C, Tumble dry low temperature, Do not dry clean
Available in sizes age 3-4 upto 10-11 in colours black, navy or grey
RRP from £9 - £11
F&F School Girls 2-Pack Cotton Rich Regular Fit Pinafores in Grey - Tesco Groceries
F&F School Unisex 2-Pack Performance T-Shirts in WhiteDesigned with quick dry features, this handy 2-pack of performance t-shirts is perfect for everyday wear. Featuring a classic crew neckline and short sleeves, each piece offers a simple and smart look for school days.
We offer a 1-year quality guarantee on school uniform products, including school shoes. Just return them with proof of purchase to any Tesco Extra or Superstore if you're not satisfied with the quality. Excludes coats, accessories, socks, tights and underwear. For more information, please visit our returns and refunds FAQs.
We've held the 2024 price of any uniform we sold last year. Uniform does not include essentials such as underwear or socks.
100% Polyester
Machine wash at 40°C, Tumble dry low temperature, Do not dry clean
Available in sizes age 5-6 - 15-16
RRP from £8-£12
F&F School Unisex 2-Pack Performance T-Shirts in White - Tesco Groceries
Stock up on their school essentials with this convenient 5-pack. In a cotton blend fabric with elastane, these ankle socks will keep their feet comfortable all day long.
77% Cotton, 21% Nylon, 2% Elastane
Machine wash at 40°C, Tumble dry low temperature, Do not dry clean
Available in sizes UK junior 12.5 -3 upto UK size 4-6 in colours black or grey
RRP £5
F&F Boys 5-Pack Cotton Rich Ribbed Ankle Socks in Black - Tesco Groceries
F&F School Girls 5-Pack Cotton Rich Tights in GreyThese school tights come in a convenient 5-pack, perfect for everyday wear during term time. Made from a cotton rich fabric with added stretch, each super soft pair has a ribbed waistband for a secure fit. Ideal for layering under pinafore dresses or pleated skirts for a smart classroom look.
76% Cotton, 22% Nylon, 2% Elastane
Machine wash at 40°C, Tumble dry low temperature, Do not dry clean
Available in sizes Age 3-4 upto 13-14 and colours black or grey
RRP £9.50
F&F School Girls 5-Pack Cotton Rich Tights in Grey - Tesco Groceries
Outer Wear
EcoSplash Waterproof Fleece Lined Jacket Navy 
Ready for whatever the weather may bring, this kids' waterproof jacket is perfect for rainy morning walks to school, puddle jumping sessions or chilly playground adventures.
The warm waterproof jacket boasts a waterproof rating of 10,000mm, so it’s guaranteed to keep your young explorers dry and protected in heavy downpours.
Durable and breathable, the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles and has a soft fleece lining for extra cosiness and warmth.
Whether they’re splashing in the springtime rain or slinging snowballs across the park, the jacket is easy to layer and can be worn in a range of temperatures across the seasons.
The fully taped seams provide robust protection against the elements and reflective details add safety by enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.
Machine washable at 30 degrees, this waterproof fleece lined coat is the ultimate companion for any little puddlestomper that’s keen to conquer the great outdoors!
Available in sizes 18-24mths all the way upto 11-12 years
Currently on offer at just £44.80 usual RRP £56.00
EcoSplash Waterproof Fleece Lined Jacket Navy Kids - Muddy Puddles
STATIONARY & ACCESSORIES
Store all your important files, music and videos with the Verbatim USB Drive 128GB Pinstripe. This essential flashdrive accessory features a vibrant design and generous storage capacity for all your digital needs. Transfer data effortlessly between devices with this USB flash drive. With USB ports now common in computers, cars, DVD players, TVs and more, this lightweight Verbatim thumb drive ensures your files are always accessible. Generous 128GB memory capacity for all your important files USB 2.0 with read speeds up to 10 MB/s Push and pull sliding feature protects the connection Compact pen drive dimensions: 54 x 21 x 9.22 mm Lightweight, striped pendrive design requires no separate cap
Store all your important files, music and videos with the Verbatim USB Drive 128GB Pinstripe. This essential flashdrive accessory features a vibrant design and generous storage capacity for all your digital needs.
Transfer data effortlessly between devices with this USB flash drive. With USB ports now common in computers, cars, DVD players, TVs and more, this lightweight Verbatim thumb drive ensures your files are always accessible.
Generous 128GB memory capacity for all your important files
USB 2.0 with read speeds up to 10 MB/s
Push and pull sliding feature protects the connection
Compact pen drive dimensions: 54 x 21 x 9.22 mm
Lightweight, striped pendrive design requires no separate cap
Available in colours black, blue, green and pink
RRP £19.99
Verbatim USB 2.0 Pinstripe Drive, Push-Pull Sliding
Are you in need of a scientific calculator? Well, with the new and upgraded version of the Casio FX-83GT X, this calculator includes additional features and a high definition display as well as an improved UI.
If you have exams coming up, then this calculator can be used. It is recommended and approved for Key Stages 3 and 4, which includes GCSE, National and Higher, Junior and Leaving.
Gain a better understanding of mathematical expressions on the display screen, for example; roots and fractions as they appear in your textbooks, this will increase your comprehension because the results are easier to understand and in plain sight.
Its quick and easy to navigate user interface gives you access to more functionality, with over 290 different functions to try out, a new key layout and menus.
. Rounded dome keys for simple and accurate key entry.
. Protective Clip on Hard Case included.
. QR code to display graphic representation.
. Simulation tool 'Math Box' for dice roll and coin toss to boost students' curiosity.
. Battery Powered (1 x AAA included) with Auto Power Off.
. 3 Year guarantee.
RRP £14.99
https://www.ryman.co.uk/casio-fx-83gtcw-scientific-calculator
Ultra-smooth ink keeps your thoughts flowing and eases the process of writing Click, smile, and go!
InkJoy 300RT retractable ballpoint pens let your words and ideas flow in ten bright and brilliant colours.
The ultra-smooth writing system never drags, plus these pens have comfortable rubberised grips that feel great in your hand.
Liven things up with InkJoy!
. Pack of 24
. Medium point 1.0mm
. Black ink
. Ballpoint
Currently on offer at just £9.89 usual RRP £19.99
https://www.ryman.co.uk/papermate-inkjoy-300rt-retractable-ballpoint-pen-pack-of-24-1
BiC 4 Colour Shine Pack of 2 Plus 1 Standard ColoursThe BiC 4 Colours Shine Pen gives you 4 different fun colours of ink in the same pen, saving you space in your pencil case and time switching between colours!
Ideal for teachers and students alike, each pen contains black, blue, red and green inks.
The 1.0mm nibs write with an elegant 0.4mm line width making this a great, versatile pen for home, work or the office.
. Medium-point retractable pen that writes in 4 different colours so you can easily organise your work
. Each pen contains black, blue, red and green ink cartridges, all in the same pen
. Fun, shiny coloured body
. Medium 1mm point that gives a line width of 0.4mm
Currently on offer at just £5.99 usual RRP £9.99
BiC 4 Colour Shine Pack of 2 Plus 1 Standard Colours
Get ready to head back to school with the ultimate stationery bundle! The Staedtler Back To School Collection Set is your all-in-one solution for a successful academic year. Packed with everything you need, this set ensures you're prepared from day one. Imagine opening your pencil case and finding every essential tool right at your fingertips!
Inside this fantastic set, you'll discover 3 of the iconic Noris HB pencils, each equipped with a handy eraser tip for those quick corrections. Perfect for jotting down notes or sketching, these pencils are a classroom staple. To add a splash of colour and keep your work organised, we've included 4 high-quality highlighters. Each highlighter features a large ink reservoir, ensuring extra-long highlighting performance, so you won't run dry during those important study sessions.
For your note-taking needs, you'll find 8 smooth-writing ballpoint pens. Ideal for creating colourful and engaging notes, these pens make writing a pleasure. And let's not forget the star of the show: a 10-piece collection of essential maths tools, all neatly supplied in a sturdy tin. Whether it's geometry or basic arithmetic, you'll have everything you need to tackle maths class with confidence.
This Staedtler Back To School Collection Set isn't just about practicality; it's about making learning fun and efficient. No more scrambling for supplies or settling for less. With this set, you're ready to take on any challenge and make this school year your best one yet!
. 3x iconic Noris HB pencils with an eraser tip
. 4x high-quality highlighters with a large ink reservoir for extra-long highlighting performance
. A 10-piece collection of essential maths tools, supplied in a sturdy tin
. 8x smooth-writing ballpoint pens ideal for creating colourful notes
Currently on offer at just £19.99 usual RRP £9.99
Staedtler Back To School Collection Set
Perfect for students and beginners, this Daler Rowney Aquafine Watercolour Pad features A3 sheets of thick water colour paper to create artistic masterpieces.
Featuring 12 sheets of 300g paper, this pad is made from cold pressed virgin wood pulp which has been carbonate buffered to prevent the deterioration of colour as well as providing good water absorbency.
. Ideal for by students and beginners
. 12 sheets
. A3 size
. 300g
. Cold Pressed - Suitable for all watercolour techniques
. Manufactured using 100 percent virgin wood pulp
. Carbonate buffered to prevent the deterioration of colour
. Good water absorbency
. Acid free
. Approximate dimensions (mm) H297 W423 D9
RRP £11.99
