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Added by: Shropshire Mums on Sun Aug 9 14:53 2026
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 pounds each year... Thankfully this yearthere are some new rules in place regarding the branded items of school uniform. Read on below to find out all about the new School Uniform Rules as laid out by the governement....
Schools and their governors decide whether there should be a school uniform and what it includes. They should consult parents when developing their uniform policy and publish it on the school website.
Schools must follow statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms, which includes making sure they’re affordable. The cost should never be a barrier to families and pupils applying for and attending a school.
Schools should make sure they limit the number of branded items in the uniform.
• second-hand uniforms are available
• information on how to buy them is published on the school’s website
If you cannot afford the uniform or PE kit, you should contact the headteacher to check what support is available.
You may be able to get help with school uniform costs. If you live in England, contact your local council to find out if there is support in your area.
If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
You may be able to get a school uniform grant if:
you live in Scotland
you live in Wales
you live in Northern Ireland
The headteacher can discipline your child for not wearing the school uniform. The rules on the uniform will be in your school’s behaviour policy, which you can ask to see.
Schools can decide their own uniform policy. If you think it discriminates against your child, talk to the headteacher. For example, although schools may have different uniforms for boys and girls, there should not be a significant difference in price.
If you think the school is discriminating against your child, check your rights on protected characteristics.
You can contact the school if you have a complaint about the uniform. They must explain clearly on their website how you can do this.
If you’re not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled, contact the Department for Education.
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
If you still need to head to the shops and buy new...
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.
Ideal for Teenagers, Sixth formers and adults
FUNCTIONAL HYDRATION 
nonni is a feel-good, drink-anytime alternative to alcohol, energy drinks, or sugar-laden sodas.
Perfect for the sober-curious, the overstimulated, and the quietly ambitious. It’s hydration, reimagined: a can that belongs in your fridge, not your medicine cabinet. We are here to present smarter hydration, and to power your possible.
Designed with clarity, flavour, and function in mind, it’s here to hydrate a new generation of doers, thinkers, and desk-side sippers.
nonni reimagines hydration as something you actually want to drink. It provides functional fizz for focus, energy, and hydration, low-salt, daily drinkable electrolytes, food-adjacent flavours including Sicilian Lemon with Mint, and Grapefruit with Kefir Lime & a hint of Black Pepper, plant-powered, under 20 calories, and free from artificial sweeteners or caffeine.
While nonni wasn't designed for younger children, it's a brilliant option for older children, sixth formers, university students and parents looking for a healthier alternative to sugary fizzy drinks as they head back into busy routines.
The return to school often brings early starts, packed schedules and long days, and hydration is something that's easily overlooked. Even mild dehydration can contribute to fatigue, reduced concentration and brain fog. nonni was created to make staying hydrated something people genuinely enjoy, whether it's during the school run, at work, after clubs or while studying.
As the UK's first premium ready-to-drink sparkling electrolyte, nonni has a lower-salt formulation, contains less than 20 calories per can, no caffeine and no artificial sweeteners. It's available in two refreshing flavours: Sicilian Lemon with Garden Mint and Pomelo Grapefruit with Kefir Lime & Black Pepper.
Since launching earlier this year, nonni has become the best-selling canned beverage at Farmer J, with over 800 cans sold there every day, and was recently recognised by the Evening Standard as the Best Ready-to-Drink Electrolyte.
The Science Behind air up
Did you know: most of what we call 'taste' comes from scent! Our tongues can only detect basic tastes like sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. The true perception of flavor—what makes a strawberry taste like a strawberry—comes from a process known as retronasal olfaction. air up uses this science to create taste in a completely new way.
How the bottle works
As you drink, air picks up scent from the pod and carries it through the straw and into your mouth. As you swallow, the scented air travels to your olfactory region, where it let's your brain recognize the 'taste' of the pod - all while you're drinking plain water. It's science, but it feels like magic.
How the pod works
The heart of the air up system is the scent pod. Each pod contains natural aromas from fruits, herbs, and more, held in a fibrous, semi-permeable “fleece”. As you sip, air flows through the pod and over the fleece, picking up scent that is transported to your mouth through the straw.
What's in the pod?
Our Scent Pods are made using natural aromas made from fruit juices, spices and herbs. These natural aromas are produced by top-notch manufactures within the EU, extracted from natural ingredients only like fruits, berries, spices, and herbs. In our lab, the flavor team blends science and artistry to create a range of sophisticated, natural scents. No rubbish here—just natural goodness, expertly crafted to bring your water to life!
Scientifically Proven
air up is the healthiest, flavored drink out there. Since the water remains unaltered and free from any additives or sugar, you enjoy scented air that gives flavor while drinking pure water only. Every aroma is vegan, vegetarian-friendly, and allergen-free. So, no reason to not drink Kola late at night. Ever after you brushed your teeth!
And it gets better: We recently completed a double-blind clinical trial study that proved the positive effect of air up on the body and mind.
Still or sparkling. Desk or bag. The air up Twist Pro is made to fit your everyday routine. The quick twist cap and leakproof design make it easy to carry and use throughout the day. Paired with 3 popular flavours, this starter set gives you everything you need to get started, at home or on the go.
Berry Pink air up® Twist Pro Height: 260mm, Weight: 261g, Capacity: 600ml
Starter Set RRP £34.99
Twist Pro 600ml Starter Set | air up® United Kingdom
The Perfect cheese lovers lunchbox snack
Available in varieties original, protein, light, plant based, organic and mixed variety packs.
Peel open a creamy, delicious Babybel, conveniently wrapped and ready for your snacking adventures.
Delicious and nutritious, Mini Babybel ® cheese is loved by kids and adults because it’s:
Check out the Babybel page for some great snack suggestions - Recipes Archive - Babybel - UK
Babybel oroginal 20g
Available at all major retailers nationwide.
RRP £2.45
RRP £9.50
Buy 3 Pack Unisex White Long Sleeve Shirts 18 years | Features and benefits | Tu
GIRLS - Two Pack Pleated Shoulder BlousesRRP from £7.50 - £13
2 Pack Pleated Shoulder Blouses 16 years
AVAILABLE IN COLOURS: Dark Red, Navy, Red, Blue, yellow, pink, Lilac and green
RRP £12.00
Buy 2 Pack Sporty Lilac Pleated Gingham Dress 7 years | Multipacks | Tu
Cycle Shorts - Pack of 5
Brilliant Colour - made to stay bright wash after wash
Available in colours black or Navy Blue - Ages 3-16 years
RRP from £7.50 - £15
Navy Cycle Shorts 5 Pack 16 years
Boys Black Leather Coated Chunky Shoe Loafers
This pair of super-smart loafers come with a chunky style, combining durability with fashion. Made to slip on and go! With Micro-Fresh® technology used to prevent odour causing bacteria, keeping shoes fresher for longer.
Available in sizes infant 10 - 6
RRP from £18-£20
Black Coated Leather Chunky School Loafers 6
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
Designed 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
The Toe Zone brand was developed by a mum of three on a mission to solve a common problem... finding affordbale, high - quality shoes for kids that don't fall apart after a few adventures. As a mum herself Sharon Anderson knows how important it is to have footwear that can keep up with busy little feet without breaking the bank. That's why she started Toe Zone, to give parents peace of mind and kids shoes they love, all while keeping things comfy, durable and fun!
Toe ZOne understand the need for shoes that not only look great but also support your childs growing feet. Thats why Toe Zone pur their hearts into every step of the process, ensuring each pair of shoes meets the highest standard of quality, comfort and durability. Special attention is paid to every shoe from designing, fit, feel with special attention to shape, flexibility and support for growing feet.
Each pair of Toe Zone shoes are made with the childs comfort and well being in mind.
The free printable size guide lets you measure your childs feet at home before you order. Print it out, place their foot on it, and find the right size in seconds. It ties directly into the fitting concept on Toe Zones outer soles so you can keep checking the fit as your child grows throughout the year.
No printer? No problem! SizeWise is Toe Zones digital sizing tool that allows you to measure your childs foot using your phone or tablet . No printing required, no fuss.
The Lilo girls unicorn school shoes pair of glossy black patent leatherwith magical unicorn detailing, giving girls a school shoe that genuinley feels special. Practical underneath, fun on top, the kind of shoe she'll actually 
want to wear.
Memory foam in socks deliver soft, cushioned comfort through every part of the school day, while rip-tape fastening keeps mornings simple.
The patent leather finish is scuff resistant, so they still look smart by the time you reach the end of the school year.
Key features:
Available in sizes infant 6 - junior UK 1
RRP £29
LILO - Girls Black Patent Rip Tape Unicorn School Shoe
Minecraft Boys School Shoes / Black with Memory Foam SoleDesigned for serious mind craft fans, the Minecraft boys school shoes pair iconic character styling with everything parents actually need from a school shoe.
Memory foam insocks bring all day comfort, while the double rip-tape fastening makes morning routines easier for little hands.
Look closer and you'll spot Minecraft character details on the velcro and sides, giving these school shoes a unique look that stands out in the playground. The durable man made outsole and scuff protection toe bumper handle the wear and tear of running, kicking and break-time adventures.
Key Features:
Available in sizes infant 8 - junior UK 2
RRP £35
https://www.toezone.co.uk/products/minecraft-boys-school-shoes?variant=55066612040058
Outer Wear
Fully waterproof, windproof and breathable, our Copley kids jacket packs down small into its own bag, so it 's easy to carry around and ready for action when needed. Designed by the TOG24 team here in West Yorkshire, where they are always prepared for showers, this lightweight jacket comes in a supersoft fabric with mesh lining in the body and easy glide taffeta lining in the sleeves, so it 's comfortable to wear and easy to slip on and off. Fully taped seams on the inside stop water getting in, an invisible water repellent coating makes raindrops bead off the waterproof fabric and a cosy elasticated fixed hood keeps your child dry from top to bottom.
Available in sizes 4-5 upto 12-13 years
Colours: Black, Mosaic Blue, Mosaic Blue Mountain, Blue swirl and Mauve
RRP £50 - Currently on offer for just £25 (as of 20/8/26)
Copley Kids Waterproof Jacket - Mosaic Blue – TOG24
REFLECT360 COLLECTION
Introducing the REFLECT360 Range — the ultimate collection of high-visibility, weather-ready gear for every journey.
Engineered with advanced 360-degree reflectivity, these products ensure you're seen from every angle, keeping you safe in low-light conditions.
Featuring cutting-edge fabric technology, the REFLECT360 range delivers exceptional waterproofing and breathability, so you stay dry, comfortable, and prepared for any weather.
Whether you're cycling, running, or commuting, the next generation of reflective performance has arrived to elevate your experience.
Stay visible. Stay protected. Stay ahead.
The reflective hair scrunchie is designed to combine everyday style with added visibility, this reflective hair scrunchie helps you stay seen in low-light conditions without compromising on comfort or aesthetics. Made with soft, lightweight fabric and woven with reflective detailing, it’s the perfect finishing touch for runs, commutes, or evenings out when visibility matters.
About the fabric: The fabric used for the REFLECT360 range is highly technical. During daylight it is a modest grey colour. At night, when the fabric picks up an external light source, eg vehicle headlights, it gives 'astonishing reflectivity' (quote: Cycling Active Magazine). The material is CE EN 20471 certified.
Available in Pink, Yellow, Burgandy and Black
RRP £7.99
https://provizsports.com/products/reflective-hair-scrunchie?variant=57478940655999
BEST OF THE REST
nimbl is the UK’s trusted money app and prepaid card for kids and teens who are starting to discover the world their way. it gives them the independence to earn, save and spend on their own terms – with the reassurance that you’re always in control.
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a prepaid card that works home and abroad, an app they'll actually love
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