Marks & Spencer and Next have been named the best places to buy school uniforms in the UK, according to new research from consumer champion Which?. Poundland, selling uniforms under its Pepco brand, came bottom of the class with a customer score of 66%.
Which? Survey Ranks Top Retailers
The Which? survey assessed school uniform retailers on durability, comfort, practicality, overall look, and value for money. M&S and Next both scored 81%, earning maximum five stars across all categories. Sainsbury's clothing brand Tu followed at 78%, John Lewis at 77%, and George at Asda at 76%.
One satisfied M&S shopper said: "Items last the full school year and sizing is perfect, they also wash really well and seem stain resistant." Another added: "Always buy the shirts from here, wash and wear well. Some have lasted four years between my two children." A Next customer commented: "Washes well. No bobbling. Lasting the whole school year without needing replacement."
Next Earns First Which? Best School Uniform Endorsement
Next impressed so much that it was awarded the first Which? Best School Uniform provider endorsement. M&S would have qualified, but Which? expressed concerns about its returns terms and conditions.
Poundland's Pepco Brand Bottom of the Class
Poundland's Pepco brand received a customer score of 66%, placing it last among the retailers surveyed. While M&S and Next came out best for value for money, Which? noted that price comparisons are difficult due to different options and pack sizes.
Price Comparisons Across Retailers
A pack of two polo shirts for a six- to seven-year-old at M&S costs £6.50. A two-pack for a six-year-old at Next is £6, £7 at John Lewis, but just £3 at Sainsbury’s and Tesco, and only £1.75 at discount grocer Aldi.
Expert Advice on Shopping Around
Reena Sewraz, Which? retail editor, said: "Next and M&S offer the best value for money in our research, scoring full marks for durability, so it could be worth considering if your budget stretches a little further. For those wanting a high-street compromise, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Tesco could also be a good bet, offering a strong balance of fit, appearance and price." She added: "The new rules should make it easier for parents to shop around and save money. We found Aldi was selling the cheapest two-pack of school polo shirts we compared, showing the savings families could make by shopping around."
