Parents are facing a significant increase in the cost of school uniforms, with research showing a nearly 30% rise in just one year. According to a study by money-saving site MyVoucherCodes, the average annual spend per child has climbed to £141.15 in 2026, up from £108.59 in 2025—an increase of £32.56.
Additional costs beyond September
The financial burden doesn't end when the school term begins. More than half of parents (57.9%) anticipate spending even more on uniforms throughout the year, expecting an average additional £129.09 for replacements, growth spurts, and seasonal changes.
Strict school policies are a major driver of these costs, with 73% of parents still required to buy expensive branded uniforms despite government guidance. The most expensive items are coats, averaging £42.49, and shoes, averaging £41.31.
Tips to cut costs
To combat rising prices, parents are increasingly turning to supermarket multi-buys, with 44.7% using this tactic to stock up on essentials like shirts, skirts, and trousers at lower prices.
Sarah-Jane Outten, shopping and lifestyle expert at MyVoucherCodes, said: "A 30% cost jump puts intense pressure on families, especially when most are still forced to buy branded items. While supermarket multi-buys help ease the burden, more must be done to keep school uniforms genuinely affordable."
Practical saving strategies
- Host or join uniform swaps – Trade gently used uniforms with other parents to save money for everyone.
- Buy second-hand – Use platforms like Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, and local uniform exchanges for high-quality pre-loved items.
- Buy plain, add logos – Purchase plain supermarket clothing and attach school logos yourself; many parents report saving over £40 per child.
- Shop out of peak season – Start early to avoid price hikes and low stock in August; consider shopping during sales earlier in the year.
- Use discount voucher sites – Always check for deals and promo codes on school wear and supplies before purchasing.
