We’re told to savour those unbeatably long school holidays while we’re students, but nobody prepares you for just how sprawling the summer break feels when you’re a parent.
By the time September finally rolls around, there’s an innate sense of relief. While quality time with our little ones is precious, nobody can deny the joy of free educational childcare returning.
However, 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. It’s also the perfect time to take stock of your kids’ wardrobes by clearing out clothes that no longer fit due to the exponential rate at which they grow, thereby making room for new essential items.
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. 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.
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. Shop the edit below.
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 £5.99, 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 Grey Permanent Pleat Skirt
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.
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
