Parents looking for cheap school uniform polo shirts can find the lowest price at Aldi, where a two-pack costs £1.75 – just 88p per shirt. However, the discount supermarket held this sale before the summer term ended and is unlikely to repeat it before September.
Next cheapest options
The next cheapest options, more regularly available, include Sainsbury's and Tesco. Both major chains were ranked joint second in an analysis by consumer watchdog Which?, with two-packs of polos costing £3 (£1.50 each). Sainsbury's shoppers can order uniforms online via the Tu website or find items in local stores. Tesco customers can use the dedicated F&F website or look in local supermarkets with clothing sections.
Average uniform costs
The average school uniform costs about £340 for primary school and £454 for secondary school each year, typically including compulsory branded items, generic clothing, PE kits, and school shoes. Where possible, affordable Aldi options could help parents.
New law on branded uniforms
From this September, schools in England will be required by law to cap the number of branded uniform items to three (excluding ties) under new legislation as part of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Officials say this would save parents up to £50 per child.
Scotland and Wales
There is no legal mandate in Scotland or Wales to match this three-limit rule. Schools in these countries have been advised informally to make branded uniform items optional and rely on generic, plain clothing matching school colours that can be bought from any low-cost shop. Councils such as Edinburgh have actively adopted policies making blazers and logo-embroidered items voluntary to reduce financial pressure on families. The Welsh Government operates under its own statutory guidance which instructs schools to keep uniforms affordable and minimise branded attire.
