The journey back to school is not entirely easy breezy.
From gathering the correct stationery supplies, backpacks, hair accessories, socks, shoes and general school uniform, to preparing tweens to enter into the world of secondary school, there’s much to be done when the season begins.
While primary school uniform usually consists of plain polo shirts, as well as standard pleated skirts and shorts, secondary school uniform normally requires an additional purchase of a school blazer from a dedicated local uniform shop. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t save on classic sartorial essentials such as white collared shirts by opting for wallet-friendly multipacks from non-official retailers.
Sizing up is considered best practice among parents looking to save money on purchasing new uniform essentials year after year, but there are also incredibly clever options for trousers and skirts which include adjustable waistbands which expand as your child grows. Yet there remain certain pieces of uniform that we must simply take the loss on, school shoes being the most obvious.
Never fear, for brilliant British retailers are home to a selection of multipack bargains across the board, whether you’re looking for unisex polos, shorts, smart trousers or sweat-wicking cardigans for your tweens. Matalan, for instance, has a price lock on school uniforms – with prices held steady since 2023. Aldi’s beloved £5 school uniform bundle is back in stores for 2025 too, and Clarks is selling a two-pack of premium jumpers for £22.
Additionally, school uniform grants are offered across the UK – though eligibility differs from council to council in England. According to MoneySavingExpert, if you're on certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, check if you can get up to £200 to put toward the cost of your child's school uniform in the form of a non-repayable grant. All local authorities in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales offer uniform grants.
We’ve curated a selection of the best school uniforms for the 24/25 academic year available in the UK to help you save money on those back-to-school essentials.
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Blue School Short Sleeve Shirt 3 Pack Sizes 5-12 years
One of the best value-for-money multi-packs we’ve come across, these spring and summer-ready short-sleeve shirts are available in white and blue depending on your school’s uniform requirements. They’re an easy, breezy non-iron cotton and polyester for quick morning prep.
Buy now £4.00, Argos
Blue Unisex Polo Shirts 2 Pack Sizes 6-12 years
This back-to-school basic is essential for primary school kids. The comfortable and soft polos are offered in an impressive nine different colours and are crafted from 70 per cent cotton, and 30 per cent organic cotton. At £1.50 a shirt, that’s an incredible bargain. Shop unisex white polo shirts here.
Buy now £3.00, Tu
White Non Iron School Shirts 5 Pack Sizes 3-14 years
Another non-iron option for speedy mornings, these five packs of long-sleeve white shirts are a back-to-school essential for boys and girls alike. If not part of the day-to-day uniform, some schools require ‘smart’ whites for important school events.
Buy now £15.00, Argos
2pk Boys' Regular Leg School Shorts (2-14 Yrs)
Available in black, grey, navy and charcoal, M&S’ two-pack of regular-leg school shorts are also offered in either regular, slim or skinny-leg finishes. They’re equipped with a clever adjustable waistband so that the shorts can expand as they grow. Shop the trousers here.
Buy now £8.00, M&S
Kids Essentials Boys Girls PE Shorts
A classic pair of elasticated unisex sports shorts are a must-have piece of school kit. This striped pair is offered in a myriad of colours and an array of size ranges.
Buy now £4.99, Amazon
Puffertech Washable Parka
Investing in your kids’ winter gear sooner rather than later will save you time and money by the time the mercury begins to drop. These washable parkas by Uniqlo are a fantastic unisex choice which will stand the test of time.
Buy now £29.90, Uniqlo
Tu 4 Pack Black Pleated Skirts
This smart skirt is perfect for starting the new school year afresh with permanent pleats and an anti-stain coating to repel water-based spills and mishaps. There's a side zip and an adjustable waist to ensure a comfortable fit and it's easy to iron too, so shouldn't take long to press, ready for another week of learning. Available for ages 10 - 16. Choose between a two or four pack offered in black, grey or navy.
Buy now £8.00, Sainsbury’s
Tu Grey Pleated Zip Front Pinafore
This pinafore is bound to be popular with children who love to wear dresses. The zip-down front fastening helps promote independence in dressing, and it also sports a pretty, delicate heart charm. Fully machine washable and available in sizes 3 years to 12 years, Tu also have a range of multipack pinafores for extra value as well as plus fit in some styles.
Prices from £6-8.
Buy now £6.00, Sainsbury’s
M&S Collection 2pk Unisex Pure Cotton School Jumper
Whether your child is just starting school or nearing the end, this jumper will keep them looking smart while staying cosy and warm.
Available for ages 3-4 years right through to 17-18 years in every school colour you should need, these responsibly sourced pure cotton jumpers have trademarked StayNEW technology to reduce bobbling and colour loss, so they look as smart at the end of the year as they did on their very first day. Machine washable at 40 degrees on a delicate cycle and tumble dry friendly, the two-pack means you’ll always have a spare whilst the other is in the wash.
From £11-17.
Buy now £11.00, M&S
M&S Collection 2pk Girls' Pure Cotton School Cardigan (3-18 Yrs)
For those who prefer a more delicate cardigan to layer up with, this M&S Collection cardigan is soft and gentle on the skin, made from responsibly sourced 100 per cent pure cotton.
Like the jumper, the cardigan is available for ages 3-4 years through to 17-18 years in every school colour you should need, as well as having StayNEW™ technology to reduce bobbling and colour loss, and it’s even been designed with a matching gingham dress in mind - although we think this cardigan will look great no matter whether you’re pairing it with a pinafore or trousers.
From £13-£19, available in black, grey, brown, red, maroon, navy, blue and green.
Buy now £13.00, M&S
Nutmeg Traditional Gingham Red Dress Age 3-4 Years
We’re big fans of the fact that this two-pack of gingham uniform dresses from Morrisons comes with a set of matching scrunchies too. Crafted from 60 per cent cotton, 40 per cent polyester.
Buy now £10.00, Morrisons
Clarks 2 Pack Jumper 7-8 years
Crafted with a nifty anti-pilling fabric that’ll keep your kiddos looking spick and span all year round, if you’re able to spend an extra few pounds on a jumper two-pack – let it be this one from Clarks. Offered in red, navy and grey, they have an ultra-soft construction, smart ribbed hems and are made from an impressive 82 per cent cotton and 18 per cent nylon.
Buy now £25.00, Clarks
F&F School Girls Wide Leg Belted Trousers in Black
Available in a vast range of sizes from 3-4 up to 11-12, these smart belted trousers from F&F are sure to make your little one feel confident too. Extra points for modernising the classic slacks silhouette by offering a slightly more wide-leg finish, as well as an adjustable waist.
Buy now £7.00, Tesco
Matalan Boys 2 Pack Grey Regular Fit School Trousers (3-15yrs) - Age 8 Years
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Stain-resistant and complete with permanent pleats and an adjustable waist, you can’t go wrong with these trousers from Matalan. Available for ages 3-15.
Buy now £13.00, Matalan
