Experts offer 7 top tips on how families can save money on their school uniform

• Kathryn Shuttleworth, Managing Director of ethical school uniform provider David Luke, provides her top tips on how parents and guardians can save money on their school uniform
•  From upcycling to support grants, these tips can come in useful for families looking to save money

For many families, the cost-of-living crisis is already putting pressure on the family purse without the extra worries of buying school uniform. The introduction of The Education (Guidance About Costs of School Uniform) Act will see some changes in the way schools are required to design and implement their school uniform policy, including making it a priority to offer a second-hand uniform provision.

Kathryn Shuttleworth, Managing Director of David Luke School Uniform is here to share her money-saving tips for families to help ease the costs associated with school uniform.

1. Audit the Old

How many of us shove uniform into a cupboard and forget about it until a clear out? Many items are likely to have a few months extra wear in them which could help you to reduce the cost of buying everything in one go. Wash, press and then lay everything out and persuade the kids to have a quick trying on session before you make a list of the essentials you actually do need to buy.

2. A Measured Approach

We can all relate to the cringe-factor of wearing an oversized blazer on the first day of school, but there is logic in sizing up to extend the wear of certain items. Look for school uniform pieces with adjustable waistbands and oversized hems to enable kids to grow into them without feeling swamped.

3. Swap Shop

There is still plenty of wear in school uniform even after a busy year. Does your school run a Re:Uniform swap shop or is there a Facebook group that encourages swapping? These can be a great place to find spare items such as cardigans, sweatshirts and P.E kits. Blending in some pre-worn items could save you ££’s not to mention the convenience of having spares when uniform mysteriously disappears!

4. Repair

Don’t let a fallen hem or loose button be the end for a perfectly wearable piece of uniform. Quick fixes can breathe new life into skirts and trousers.

5. Upcycle

Did you know you can extend the life of trousers by turning them into shorts for the summer? With some simple hemming, ankle-skimming trousers can be given a new lease of life. Watch our Ministry of Craft tutorial for helpful tips on how to upcycle with confidence.

6. Spread the Cost

Ask your independent retailer about payment plans. If you’re shopping online, look out for credit options such as Klarna and Clearpay, which can help spread the cost of buying uniform.

7. Support Grants

Additional financial support is available for families who are struggling with the cost of school uniform. Ask at your school office for details of discretionary bursaries that may be available via your local council or through uniform suppliers in the area.

Kathryn Shuttleworth comments; “We believe in the positive impact of uniform and have seen first-hand how it helps children to integrate, to feel excited to learn and be able to blend in with other kids without feeling different. A happier child means better concentration in studies, and helps with confidence. We hope that in sharing our expertise in the many ways families can save money we help to ease some of the worries they are experiencing so that they can provide replacement school uniform items with ease.”