How to cut back school uniform costs from second-hand buys to applying for grants

IT is that time of year again – when parents must fork out for school uniforms. But children can outgrow it all in no time, it seems.

Parents of kids starting secondary school spend on average more than £300 for new threads over the year, a new study reveals.

Here's how you can slash back to school uniform costs, from browsing Facebook's marketplace to applying for grants — Here’s how you can slash back to school uniform costs, from browsing Facebook’s marketplace to applying for grantsCredit: Getty – Contributor

So here are some tips to help you kit out your kids more cheaply . . .

FACEBOOK CAN BE YOUR FRIEND: Many outgrown or unloved items of uniform can be found for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

And if you cannot find what you are looking for in the listings, it is also worth doing a shout-out to local parent groups on Facebook — there is bound to be a parent with a child in an older year who will be keen to offload uniform to you.

LOST AND FOUND: Schools will often sell off the heaps of clothing left unclaimed in lost property — so it is worth asking when the next sale may be. Many items will have plenty of wear left in them — just give them a quick wash to freshen them up.

Smarten up your child and save £150 by applying for a grant that goes towards school uniformsCredit: Alamy

HELP YOURSELF AND OTHERS: Many charity shops will have built up a stash of school uniform and now have it out on sale ready for the new term. My local shop was doing a rail of uniform items for 50p each. Also, check out Oxfam’s online store. It currently has M&S skirts and shorts, from £1.99.

APPLY FOR GRANTS: Did you know that some families can get up to £150 towards school uniform and PE kit? It varies with where you live and depends on your circumstances.

See gov.uk/help-school-clothing-costs and use the online tool to redirect you to your local authority’s website to find out more about your personal eligibility. SAVE: Up to £150

Prices on this page correct at time of press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

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