The cheapest places to get school uniform essentials

Finding the cheapest school uniform in the UK now involves more than just the lowest price. This guide shows that while supermarkets like George at ASDA and Tu at Sainsbury's offer the best initial prices, the real value of a uniform comes from a combination of its upfront cost, how long it lasts, and any guarantees from the retailer.

The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill has also changed the market significantly by reducing the number of mandatory branded items in an effort to reduce costs. This shifts power from exclusive suppliers to high-street and supermarket retailers. We’re here to help you stay informed about not just the price, but also the quality and long-term assurance of each purchase.

The new law and the uniform cost crisis 

The annual return to school represents a significant financial burden for UK families, a reality that goes far beyond a simple shopping trip. The total cost of education essentials, including uniforms, can be staggering, with the minimum cost for a primary school pupil exceeding £1,000 per year and a secondary pupil costing a family a minimum of £2,300 a year. These figures, based on 2024 data, highlight an intensifying crisis that forces many parents into financial hardship.

The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill

The financial landscape for school uniform shopping is undergoing a fundamental transformation thanks to new government legislation. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which is being implemented in England, directly addresses the uniform cost crisis by legally capping the number of branded uniform items a school can require. Under this new law, schools cannot insist on more than three branded items, with a fourth branded tie permitted for secondary and middle schools. This is a major policy shift from the previous system, where nearly 70% of secondary schools required five or more branded items – often forcing parents to purchase expensive, logo-embroidered garments from single, exclusive suppliers.

The new law aims to lower uniform costs by ending exclusive supplier monopolies and limiting branded items. This allows parents to buy generic uniform staples from any retailer, shifting the market from a school-led model to a more competitive, consumer-driven one.

Comparing retailers on price

When considering school uniforms, looking for the "cheapest" may not be the only factor to consider. A low-cost item that quickly deteriorates and requires replacement isn't great in the long term, and can end up costing you more. The most affordable uniform strikes a balance between an initial low price and enough quality and durability to last the entire school year – with bonus points for being able to pass it down to younger siblings. Our analysis below should help you do just that,  providing a comprehensive view of value, rather than just a simple price list, by considering both aspects.

The overall price champions: ASDA (George) vs. Sainsbury's (Tu)

When evaluating the total cost of a standard school uniform basket, ASDA's George and Sainsbury's Tu brands are the clear price leaders. A comprehensive study that compared the cost of a full uniform set for a 10-year-old child found that ASDA came out on top with a total cost of just £33. Sainsbury's was a very close second, with the same set of items priced at £34. The items included in this comparison were a pinafore dress, a multipack of polo shirts, a pleated skirt, a knitted school jumper, and school trousers.

For a complete perspective, the following table provides a detailed breakdown of the costs for a standard uniform basket across a range of major UK retailers.

As the table demonstrates, the total cost for the most expensive retailer, New Look, was nearly double that of the budget leaders, ASDA and Sainsbury's.

While ASDA and Sainsbury's offer the lowest overall basket costs for school uniforms, strategic mix-and-match shopping across retailers is key to maximising savings. For instance, Sainsbury's has a cheaper pleated skirt, and Tesco's polo shirts match ASDA's low price. This suggests that shopping around for the cheapest items from budget retailers is the most effective way to save.

Comparing retailers on quality

The affordable retailers: Asda and Tesco

Supermarket school uniforms, once seen as a compromise on quality, have significantly improved and now offer excellent durability. Retailers like George at ASDA and Tesco's F&F have invested in enhancing their uniform ranges, shifting the perception from mere budget options to high-value purchases.

George at ASDA's uniforms have earned a Netmums Recommended seal, with 98% of testers endorsing them. Reviewers consistently praise their longevity, ease of washing, stain removal, and ability to retain quality even after a full school year, making them suitable for hand-me-downs.

Similarly, Tesco's F&F range is highly regarded for its hard-wearing nature, with features like reinforced knees and stain-repellent technology. Parents have noted their Mumsnet Rated status, highlighting their ability to withstand the demands of school life. This evolution means supermarket uniforms are no longer just cost-effective; they offer peace of mind and long-term savings by reducing the need for frequent replacements.

The premium retailers: M&S and John Lewis

While supermarkets have elevated their quality, premium retailers continue to be a top choice for parents prioritising durability and longevity. Marks & Spencer (M&S) was ranked number one for overall score, fit, and quality in a MadeForMums survey of over 900 parents. The survey found that while M&S uniforms are more expensive than their supermarket counterparts, parents felt the higher price was "undoubtedly worth it over time" due to the uniform's quality, longevity, and specialised features.

Similarly, John Lewis, which came in third in the same survey, was rated as the best for durability. Parents noted that the retailer's uniforms wash exceptionally well and are made from high-quality materials, with many items designed with features that allow them to grow with the child. For families with a larger initial budget, investing in these premium uniforms can be a sound financial decision. The higher upfront cost is offset by the reduced hassle and expense of replacing items, making the initial outlay a calculated investment in a long-lasting, high-quality product. This balanced perspective on value ensures that the guide caters to a wide range of parental priorities and budget constraints.

Retailer guarantees and why these policies matter

The confidence retailers have in the durability of their school uniform ranges is best demonstrated by the unprecedented guarantees and policies they now offer. These policies provide a level of assurance that extends far beyond the point of purchase and represents a new front in the competitive landscape.

M&S’s market-leading 365-day guarantee and repair service

Marks & Spencers leads the school uniform market with a 365-day refund policy (excluding shoes and accessories), expanding from their previous 100-day policy. This commitment to quality is part of their ’Another Life’ campaign, promoting durable, hand-me-down clothing and making higher-priced uniforms a safer investment. M&S also partners with Sojo for uniform repairs, extending garment life and differentiating the retailer through sustainability and longevity beyond just price.

Tesco and ASDA: Competing on quality and price

The emphasis on durability and customer assurance is not limited to premium brands. Supermarkets are actively competing on these terms as well. Tesco's F&F school uniform range comes with a one-year quality guarantee, allowing customers to return any product for a full refund or exchange if they are not satisfied with its quality within one year of purchase. This comprehensive guarantee, which also applies to school shoes, is a powerful statement about the brand's confidence in its products. Similarly, George at ASDA offers a 100-day satisfaction guarantee on most of its clothing items, which allows for a refund or exchange within that period with proof of purchase.

Beyond retailers: Other ways to save

Aside from the big stores, you can also save on uniforms by checking out secondhand spots like eBay, Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, and Uniformerly. It’s also worth checking secondhand and charity shops in your local area, many parents will donate pieces of uniform they no longer need.

Similarly, check to see if your child’s school provides a swapshop or day where they sell secondhand uniforms. You might even find a few local groups in your area already doing this over social media.

Councils in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and some in England, are now providing school uniform grants. It’s always checking your local council’s website to see what grants might be available to you

Thanks to the new rules, there are now more affordable, good-quality options out there for parents. When you're trying to save money, it's smart to think about the initial cost, how good the quality is, and what guarantees the retailer offers so you can make a really smart choice.