Managing back to school expenses. Uniform costs, free school meals, grants available, and tips for reducing the financial burden on families.
·4 min read
Back to school costs can strain family budgets. Here’s how to manage and reduce them.
Typical Costs
Secondary School
Item
Typical Cost
Blazer
£40-£80
Trousers/skirt (×3)
£30-£60
Shirts (×5)
£25-£50
Tie
£8-£15
Jumper (×2)
£20-£40
PE kit
£40-£80
Shoes
£40-£70
PE trainers
£30-£60
Bag
£20-£50
Coat
£30-£80
Stationery
£20-£40
Total
£300-£600+
Primary School
Item
Typical Cost
Polo shirts (×5)
£15-£30
Jumper/cardigan (×2)
£15-£30
Trousers/skirt (×3)
£20-£40
PE kit
£20-£40
Shoes
£30-£50
Plimsolls
£8-£15
Bag
£15-£30
Coat
£25-£50
Total
£150-£300
Where to Save Money
Uniform Suppliers Compared
Source
Cost
Quality
School supplier
£££
Variable
Supermarkets
£
Good
Primark
£
Basic
M&S
££
Durable
Second-hand
£
Variable
Supermarket School Ranges
Retailer
Known For
Aldi
Value bundles
Lidl
Seasonal specials
Sainsbury’s Tu
Good range
Tesco F&F
Stain-resistant
Asda George
Budget-friendly
M&S
Durability
Best Time to Buy
Timing
Strategy
June-July
Early sales, best selection
Late August
Clearance but limited sizes
January sales
Stock up for next year
Throughout year
Replace as needed
Help Available
School Uniform Grants
Source
Amount
Local council
£50-£200 typically
Varies by area
Check your council
Not universal
Many councils don’t offer
Income-based
Usually means-tested
How to Apply
Step
Action
1
Search “[your council] school uniform grant”
2
Check eligibility criteria
3
Apply before deadline
4
Provide required evidence
Other Help Sources
Source
Help Available
School hardship fund
Ask school office
Local charities
Area-specific
Turn2us grants
Search their database
Buttle UK
For vulnerable children
Family Fund
Disabled children
Free School Meals
Who Qualifies
Benefit Received
Eligible
Universal Credit (income under £7,400)
Yes
Income Support
Yes
Income-based JSA
Yes
Income-based ESA
Yes
Child Tax Credit (income under £16,190)
Yes
Working Tax Credit run-on
Yes
Pension Credit (Guarantee)
Yes
Universal Infant FSM
Year Groups
Eligibility
Reception
All children
Year 1
All children
Year 2
All children
Regardless of income
Automatic
Why Register Even If Universal
Benefit
Details
Pupil Premium
School gets extra funding
Other support
May unlock additional help
Future eligibility
Establishes record
How to Apply
Step
Action
1
Apply through local council
2
Or through school
3
Provide evidence of benefits
4
Usually starts within days
Second-Hand Options
Where to Find
Source
Details
School uniform sales
Many schools run these
Facebook groups
Local selling pages
Uniform Exchange
Some schools have permanently
Charity shops
Near schools
Vinted/eBay
Check for school name
Quality Check
Check
Why
Seams and stitching
Durability
Stains and marks
Can they be removed?
Size labels
Accurate?
Logo condition
If applicable
Overall wear
How much life left?
Money-Saving Tips
General Strategies
Tip
Saving
Start with basics
Add as needed
Label everything
Reduce lost items
Repair don’t replace
Extends life
Buy slightly big
Grows into them
Multi-packs
Usually cheaper
Uniform swap
With other parents
Avoiding Budget Traps
Trap
Alternative
Buying everything new
Mix new and second-hand
Full logo uniform
Plain items where allowed
Buying too much
Start small, add later
Designer PE kit
Supermarket brands fine
New bag every year
Durable choice lasts years
Extended Wear Tips
Action
Benefit
Knee patches
Trousers last longer
Iron-on repairs
Fix small holes
Good shoe care
Extends life
Proper washing
Follow labels
Rotation
Don’t wear same item daily
Additional School Costs
Throughout the Year
Cost
Typical
School trips
£10-£100+
After-school clubs
£0-£50/term
School dinners
£2-£3/day
Photos
£10-£30
Charity days
£1-£2 each
Contributions
Varies
Managing Ongoing Costs
Strategy
Details
Budget monthly
Set aside fixed amount
Ask about subsidies
For trips, clubs
Packed lunch
Cheaper than dinners
Speak to school
If struggling
If You’re Struggling
Get Help
Action
Why
Talk to school
They want to help
Apply for FSM
Even if unsure
Check all benefits
You may be missing some
Local hardship funds
Council schemes
Charities
Many offer grants
Rights to Know
Right
Details
School can’t exclude
For uniform issues alone
Must consider circumstances
Financial hardship
Shouldn’t shame children
For lacking items
Reasonable policy
Schools should have
Summary: Action Checklist
Before School Starts
Task
Done
Check school uniform policy
☐
Apply for uniform grant
☐
Apply for free school meals
☐
Check second-hand sales
☐
Compare supermarket prices
☐
Buy early for best selection
☐
Money-Saving Checklist
Action
Done
Supermarket basics for plain items
☐
Second-hand for expensive items
☐
Label all items
☐
Check for council grants
☐
Ask school about help
☐
Apply For
Support
Done
Free school meals
☐
Uniform grant
☐
Pupil Premium
☐ (via FSM application)
School hardship fund
☐
Charitable grants
☐
Key Resources
Resource
For
Gov.uk/free-school-meals
FSM application
Your local council website
Uniform grants
Turn2us.org.uk
Grant finder
School office
Direct help
Back to school costs are significant but manageable. Use all available help, shop smart, and don’t be afraid to ask for support if you’re struggling. Schools and councils have budgets specifically to help families in difficulty.