Costs for buying new items for the school year can quickly add up, so it’s a good idea to have a plan for how you’re going to everything get ready. It doesn’t hurt to have a few tricks up your sleeve. Here are some ways you can reduce the cost of going back to school this year:
- Buy second-hand clothing where you can. Schools must ensure second-hand uniforms are available. Some schools and communities offer uniform banks where you can buy pre-loved uniforms at a fraction of the price; some even offer branded school clothing for free. See more about uniform banks below.
- You can also shop for non-branded clothing in supermarkets, which are often cheaper. For families with more than one child, opt for gender-neutral clothing that can be passed down
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Search online for the best back to school deals and look out for sales and discount codes. Cash back websites like Quidco or TopCashback can offer extra savings
- Buy refurbished tech. Consider refurbished laptops or mobile phones from trustworthy sites like Amazon Renewed and Dell Refurbished. Make sure they come with a good warranty
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If you’re claiming benefits, you check to see if your child qualifies for free school meals and other additional support. You may also be eligible for help with home to school transport. Visit the Government’s website for more information
- Do you really need to buy brand-new stationery? If you already have rucksacks, pencil cases, and calculators, avoid buying more. Label everything to prevent it from getting lost
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Plan packed lunches in advance. Decide on lunches for the week before you shop to manage your budget better. Bulk buying ingredients can help keep costs down.
School uniform bank information
For a directory of school uniform banks, you can visit the Fashion and Textile Children’s Trust website or go directly to any of the organisations listed below:
East:
- Lowestoft Uniform Bank, Bloodmoor Hill Community Centre (search ‘Lowestoft Uniform Bank’ on Facebook)
- Horsford Benefice, north of Norwich (NR10)
- Silver Road Community Centre, Norwich (NR3)
- Pre-loved uniform shop, Castle Quarter, Norwich:
- Norfolk County Council school uniform guidance
- Market Gates Shopping Centre, Great Yarmouth (next to JD Sports). Every Friday 10am to 1pm (search ‘Market Gates Shopping Centre’ on Facebook)
South:
- Visit East Sussex County Council website for a list of uniform banks in Bexhill-on-Sea, Eastbourne, Hailsham, Hastings, New Haven, Rye, Seaford and Uckfield.
- In Medway, Kent, Street Angels charity has a uniform bank. Find out more here.
- The Sandwich Tech Uniform bank in Margate
- Search ‘School Uniform Bank Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable’ on Facebook
Midlands:
- Visit Clothing Coventry for information on how to attend their free school uniform pop-up event
- In Stratford-upon-Avon, you can search ‘SUA Uniform Bank’ on Facebook
- At Warwick School, parent volunteers run a ‘nearly new uniform’ service
Updated on 20 August 2024
