The September back-to-school rush begins with gathering stationery, backpacks, hair accessories, socks, shoes and general school uniform. Whether preparing tweens for secondary school or kitting out a teen for the new term, there is much to be done. While primary school uniform usually consists of plain polo shirts, pleated skirts and shorts, secondary school uniform normally requires an additional purchase of a school blazer from a dedicated local uniform shop.
However, this does not mean you cannot save on classic essentials such as white collared shirts by opting for wallet-friendly multipacks from non-official retailers. Sizing up is considered best practice among parents looking to save money on purchasing new uniform essentials year after year. There are also clever options for trousers and skirts with adjustable waistbands that expand as a child grows. Yet certain pieces of uniform remain unavoidable costs, school shoes being the most obvious.
Retailers with uniform deals
British retailers offer a selection of multipack bargains, whether you are looking for unisex polos, shorts, smart trousers or sweat-wicking cardigans for tweens. Matalan has a price lock on school uniforms, with prices held steady since 2023. Aldi's £5 school uniform bundle is back in stores for 2026, and Clarks is selling a two-pack of premium jumpers for £22.
School uniform grants are also offered, though eligibility differs from council to council in England. According to MoneySavingExpert, if you are on certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, check if you can get up to £200 toward the cost of your child's school uniform in the form of a non-repayable grant. All local authorities in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales offer uniform grants.
Top multipack picks
TU School Short Sleeve Shirt 3 Pack (sizes 5-12 years) from Argos is one of the best value-for-money multi-packs, available in white and blue. They are a non-iron cotton and polyester blend for quick morning prep, priced at £4.
M&S Polo Shirts 3 pack is essential for kids between two and 18. The soft polos are offered in nine colours and crafted from 70 per cent cotton and 30 per cent organic cotton. At £2.30 a shirt, that is an incredible bargain, with the pack priced at £7.
M&S White Non Iron School Shirts 2 pack offers long-sleeve white shirts for boys and girls alike. Some schools require 'smart' whites for important school events. The pack is £15.
M&S 2pk Boys' Regular Leg School Shorts (2-14 Yrs) are available in black, grey, navy and charcoal, with regular, slim or skinny-leg finishes. They feature an adjustable waistband so the shorts can expand as children grow, priced at £8.
Amazon Kids Essentials Boys Girls PE Shorts are classic elasticated unisex sports shorts, offered in a myriad of colours and size ranges, priced at £5.15.
Uniqlo down puffer parkas are a durable unisex choice for winter gear, priced at £49.99.
Matalan 2 pack long boxy skirts feature permanent pleats and an anti-stain coating to repel water-based spills. There is a side zip and an adjustable waist, and it is easy to iron. Available for ages 10-16 in black, grey or navy, priced at £13.
Next grey zip pinafore has a zip-down front fastening to promote independence in dressing, and sports a heart charm. Fully machine washable and available in sizes 3 years to 14 years, in black, grey and navy, priced at £9.
M&S Collection 2pk Unisex Pure Cotton School Jumper is available for ages 3-4 years through to 17-18 years in every school colour. These responsibly sourced pure cotton jumpers have trademarked StayNEW technology to reduce bobbling and colour loss. Machine washable at 40 degrees on a delicate cycle and tumble dry friendly, the two-pack is priced at £11.
M&S Collection 2pk Girls' Pure Cotton School Cardigan (3-18 Yrs) is soft and gentle on the skin, made from responsibly sourced 100 per cent pure cotton. It features StayNEW technology and is available in black, grey, brown, red, maroon, navy, blue and green, priced from £13-£19.
M&S Traditional Gingham Red Dress 2 pack is available in sizes 2-14 years, crafted from 60 per cent cotton and 40 per cent polyester, priced at £14.
Clarks 2 Pack Jumper (7-8 years) features anti-pilling fabric. Offered in red, navy and grey, it has an ultra-soft construction, smart ribbed hems and is made from 82 per cent cotton and 18 per cent nylon, priced at £24.
Next school girls wide leg belted trousers in black are available in sizes from 3-4 up to 11-12. These smart belted trousers from F&F offer a slightly wider-leg finish and an adjustable waist, priced at £14.
Matalan Boys 2 Pack Grey Regular Fit School Trousers (3-15yrs) are stain-resistant with permanent pleats and an adjustable waist, priced at £10.
