SUN SAVERS

Five lessons in slashing uniform costs, from buying early to second-hand branded kit — plus win £27k uni fees

Here, we answer a request from a Sun Saver who is looking to save money on her child’s garments for the new term

SCHOOL uniform is a costly necessity every parent must shell out for.

We’ve had an email from a Sun Saver who is looking to save money on her child’s garments as the school requests its logo is on jumpers and cardigans and that polo shirts must have a coloured ring around the collar.

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Our panel gives lessons in slashing uniform costs as parents pay more than £300 per secondary school child, on averageCredit: Alamy

Who can blame her for trying to cut her costs? Parents of secondary school kids pay, on average, more than £300 per child, per year for uniforms, according to a report by The Children’s Society.

To help with her dilemma, I asked a panel to give lessons in slashing uniform costs . . .

, says: “Ask the school if there is anywhere that you can buy second-hand branded uniform or buy from lost property. Items like trousers, skirts, bags, socks, and shoes can be found for a great price, without scrimping on quality. Lidl has released an excellent line of uniform from just £4.50. Try stores like Matalan for leather footwear at a reasonable cost.”
  • AMY NICKELL, TV presenter and author of , says: “There are loads of Facebook groups for local parents, so why not put a shout out for anyone in a similar boat to you? There is bound to be a mum with a child in an older year who will be keen to offload her old uniform to you. Then you’ll have a bit of cash left to spend on some decent shoes that will last all year.”
  • Mum-of-two NIKI McDONALD from Fife, says: “I always buy my children’s school uniform and back-to-school essentials through TopCashback. It takes just a second to click through to the site and I’m able to get around 5 per cent back at George at Asda and 3 per cent with Clarks and Schuh. The savings I get help with paying for things like school logos and blazers.”
  • NICK HILL, advice manager at the , says: “Many schools and local organisations hold second-hand sales so you can nab a uniform for a fraction of the cost. Lots of offers are available at this time of year, so shop around.”
  • DAVID BURGESS, chair of the , which represents suppliers, says: “Buy early when retailers often have discounts and look for quality, as longer-lasting garments can be passed down to younger siblings. In order to withstand the daily stress that comes from a school day it is wise to look for robust materials and strong stitching.”
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