Exact date to buy school uniform in sales at Sainsbury's, M&S, Aldi and Tesco

There may still be a month left of the summer term, but parents up and down the UK are already planning ahead for ‘back to school’ in Autumn 2024. Parents and carers are considering how they can keep the cost of school clothing as low as possible, during the ongoing cost of living crisis and economic uncertainty.

For those looking to secure the best deals on uniform essentials well ahead of the new school year, some major UK supermarkets, including ALDI, M&S, Sainsburys, and Tesco, have announced when they will be holding sales on their ranges this summer. Some sales are starting this week (Wednesday, June 19).

Sales announced so far include:

Sainsbury's

25% off school uniform (19/06/2024)

M&S

20% off ALL school uniform (02/07/2024)

ALDI

£5 uniform bundle (04/07/2024)

Tesco

25% off school uniform (23/07/2024)

Nick Drewe, retail expert and founder of online discounts platform Wethrift, has compiled a list of tips for families on how to plan ahead and reduce back-to-school spending this summer.

Conduct a uniform inventory check

A large financial burden concerning many families is the cost of new school uniforms. This is particularly worrying for families with multiple children, needing to purchase numerous uniforms across different schools with different requirements.

It can be tempting to feel that you have to buy everything brand new when it comes to a new school year. However, it’s always worthwhile doing inventory and quality checks on your children’s existing uniforms before hitting the shops.

If some items are still good quality and still fitting well for the time being, save on money and continue wearing them until they need replacing.

Purchase pre-loved uniforms

Another great way to cut down on the amount you’re spending on school uniforms is to shop for pre-loved items, particularly on the more expensive items such as blazers and clothing with your child’s school logo on them. Look out for local second-hand uniform retailers who offer uniforms with the school’s branding.

Also be sure to add yourself to local school Facebook pages or parents' WhatsApp groups, as many others may be looking to hand down their child’s outgrown items rather than seeing good quality pieces going to waste. Not only does this save money, it is also better from a sustainability perspective.

Search for discount codes when shopping for school shoes

One of the most expensive elements of the school uniform shop is arguably new school shoes. Not only do parents have to contend with the associated wear and tear, but also the fact that children’s feet are constantly growing, meaning that the costs can start to pile up throughout the school year.

That being said, there’s a wide range of discount codes available online for many of the high-street shoe retailers. Yes, go into the shop in person to try on the fit of the shoes, but then search online for discount codes, and make your purchase through the retailer’s website.

Also, be on the lookout for retailers that offer a warranty guarantee, with some offering refunds or replacements if the product is of poor quality, or if your child grows out of them within a certain period. Remember to always check the terms and conditions.

Use loyalty points or cash-back sites

If you are planning on shopping for uniforms and back-to-school essentials at your local supermarket and take advantage of the above sales, why not also use any loyalty points to help you save even more money on the more expensive items?

Reward and cash-back sites are also a great way to help to cut the cost of back-to-school shopping.

Government Uniform Grants

School uniform grants are available from local councils across Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, offering money towards the costs of school uniforms and PE kits. It is always worth checking your local council to see if such grants are available and if you meet the terms and conditions to qualify to receive it.

If such a grant is unavailable from your local council, check with your child’s school to see if any other incentives or grants are available to help you save on the cost of uniforms.

Carry out a stationery check

When it comes to new stationery shopping for the new term, it can be tempting to splurge on an excessive amount of different coloured pens, notepads, calculators, and more. We always recommend doing as you would with school uniforms and doing an inventory check to look at the quality of existing stationery, looking at what’s missing and what may need replacing.

It is also worthwhile to check in with your children’s school and find out if any equipment will be provided in school and what exactly you need to purchase yourself. This saves you from doubling up on unnecessary items.

Shop for second-hand books

For the kids who are a little older and are at secondary school, they may be required to purchase certain books for their studies. The cost of purchasing books across multiple subjects can add up.

Therefore, looking out for retailers that provide the option to purchase pre-loved books at a reduced cost is always worthwhile. Again, not only is this saving on cash, but also offers a more sustainable way of shopping for school supplies.