Getting the kids ready for a new school year should be exciting, but for many families, it’s become a financial nightmare.
A new report from Parentkind shows just how brutal the cost of school uniforms has become, and how parents are being pushed to breaking point.
“Do I pay for heating or buy a blazer?”
The report found that almost half of parents are worried about how they’ll afford school uniforms this year. For families on free school meals, it’s even worse, with over half saying they’re struggling.
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Some of the stories behind the numbers are heartbreaking:
- Nearly one in three parents say they’ve had to cut back on food or heating just to pay for uniform.
- Almost half are using credit cards or buy-now-pay-later schemes to spread the cost.
- Many are “going without” basic essentials to keep up with school requirements.
When you’re choosing between putting the heating on and buying a school jumper, something isn’t right.
Branded blazers aren’t making kids learn better
A big reason for the spiralling costs? Schools are insisting on pricey branded items.
Parents aren’t convinced it’s worth it:
- Nearly 9 in 10 say children learn just as well in plain uniform.
- Over 8 in 10 believe supermarket uniforms are just as good quality as branded ones.
And yet, many parents say they’ve been punished for trying to save money with almost half saying their child has been told off for wearing supermarket kit instead of the “official” supplier’s version.
Parents want choice and cheaper options
Most parents agree the solution is simple: schools should reduce the number of branded items.
- 85% believe cutting logos would save families money.
- 88% want the freedom to buy a uniform wherever they like.
- 82% say being able to buy plain clothes and just add a badge would make a huge difference.
Second-hand uniforms can help – but stigma remains
Pre-loved uniforms are growing in popularity, with six in ten schools offering them at low cost. Over half of parents (52%) say they’d buy second-hand items from school, and 58% say they’d consider buying pre-loved elsewhere.
But stigma is still a problem: nearly half (46%) of parents worry children could be teased for wearing second-hand clothes.
What Skint Dad says
Parents shouldn’t be forced to choose between heating their home or buying a jumper with a logo stitched on it. A uniform should make school life easier, not push families into debt. Schools need to realise that kids don’t learn better just because their blazer costs £50 instead of £15. – Ricky Willis, founder of Skint Dad
How to cut the cost of school uniforms
School uniform is one of those expenses that feels unavoidable, but there are ways to keep the price down:
- Get a grant: Some councils give free money to help with school uniform costs, but it’s a bit of a postcode lottery.
- Shop supermarkets first: Big chains often sell plain trousers, skirts, and shirts at a fraction of the price of school suppliers.
- Check second-hand rails: Many schools and PTAs now run uniform swaps or sales. Even if you buy a couple of items this way, it can save a chunk of money.
- Buy bigger sizes: Kids grow fast! Buying one size up (within reason) can mean clothes last longer.
- Iron-on logos: If your school allows it, buy a plain blazer or jumper and attach a badge yourself. It’s far cheaper than branded jumpers.
- Spread the cost: Start buying essentials early in the summer, one piece at a time, rather than paying for everything in one go.
- Don’t forget discount stores: Places like Aldi, Lidl, Matalan, and even charity shops often have great quality basics.
Something has to change
School uniforms are meant to create fairness, but right now they’re continuing to push families into poverty. Branded blazers and jumpers don’t improve learning, yet parents are sacrificing meals, heating, and peace of mind to keep up.
If schools reduced the number of branded items and gave families the freedom to shop around, parents could save hundreds of pounds, and children would still feel part of their school community.
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