Back to School: How to Save on Uniform Costs

Back to school: How to save on uniform costs

Almost half of parents said they're worried about the cost of school uniforms, according to research by the charity Save the Children and the Baby Bank Alliance network.

New rules limiting the number of items branded with a school logo to three per child come into force in September, aimed at helping ease the financial burden.

From baby banks to council grants, here are ways parents can ease the cost of kitting out their kids for school.

School uniform reuse scheme launches in London, giving schools practical advice to start or improve their own swap shops.

Patrons of older children may not realise a so-called baby bank can help them, but many of the 400 support hubs across the UK provide uniforms for children up to and through secondary school.

In its latest survey of members, the Baby Bank Alliance found school uniform was reported as a priority item for the first time.

Eligibility and how much you can get can vary according to where in the UK you live, so it is best to check with your council directly.

Struggling with uniform costs is common and people shouldn't feel ashamed if they need to ask for help, said Megan Meek-O'Connor, head of England and Westminster at Save the Children.

Parents can cheaply stock up on frequent-wear items with supermarket bundle deals, while the charity Family Action suggested they team up to bulk buy items that would otherwise take them over budget.

According to research from the bank Nationwide, a third of parents said they buy uniform from supermarkets, a third shop around for the best value and 23% purchase larger sizes so items last longer.

Kate Steere, parent and consumer editor at the comparison site Finder, said sports kit costs can be