I’m a cost-saving mum – exactly when to buy school uniform to save cash & keep your kids kitted out all year
IF you've got kids who are school age, it can feel like you're constantly having to shell out for yet another shirt or to replace tatty school shoes.
Annoyingly, it really adds up and can cost a fortune, especially if you've got more than one little one.
And while it can be tempting to buy everything at the beginning of the school year, that's actually the worst time to stock up.
Here, mum-of-two Maddy Alexander Grout, 38 - who shares her money saving and budgeting tips on - reveals her top tips to make some serious savings.
Hit the sales
Maddy says: "Keep your eyes open, and plan in advance.
"Hit the sales for winter coats for the following year, the next size-up trainers and sports kit.
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"The worst time to shop for school uniform is right before school starts as this will be when the prices are most inflated."
Second hand savings
If you haven't been that organised (and let's face it, not many of us are!), you can still get bargain items at any time of year if you buy secondhand.
Maddy says: "Use Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Vinted and Freecycle all year round to buy pre-loved uniform and coats.
"Also, check if your school has a second-hand uniform shop.
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"If you need school logo items, they will be there.
"Check out local Facebook groups and ask if anyone is selling school uniform in the size you need.
"See if your school have a Facebook page or group, you can find some real bargains from people selling or giving away old uniforms.
"My school has a second hand sale whenever they do events to raise money for the school PTA, if your school doesn’t do this then maybe suggest it, as people can donate old stuff they have have.
"You can clear some space and raise money for the school at the same time."
Be sale savvy
Make sure you keep track of the sales in the shops too.
Maddy says: "Marks & Spencer tend to have a 20 per cent off school uniform sale in the summer term so you can buy uniform for September cheaper.
"Also for non branded items check out websites like , and markets like Little Pickles.
"Buy summer uniform in August and September for the following year, when it is always discounted, along with jackets for the summer.
"Sainsbury's TU have 25 per cent off weeks throughout the year, so you can buy items including polo tops, skirts and trousers cheaper and stock up for the following year."
Discounts and deals
There are other ways to make savings too.
Maddy says: "Does your work have a discount scheme as an employee benefit?
"You can often buy vouchers for the big supermarkets where you can save money on the purchase of the voucher.
"Also, swap with friends, set up a WhatsApp group and see if you can do any swaps.
"I have given away lots of my sons old uniform to friends with younger children who can use them.
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"Read school emails, often schools have partnerships with local places who sell uniforms.
"They will email discount codes out through the year."
