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School uniform sales 2024: which are the best deals to shop?
As the back to school season approaches, find key dates for school uniform sales and the top retailers to watch for quality and value.
By Rebecca Roberts | Last updated Jul 5, 2024
As the summer holidays approach, many parents will already be thinking ahead to the new school term. If you’re wondering when do kids go back to school, it’s time to start planning for those essential uniform purchases. Whether your child is starting preschool or entering a new year, taking advantage of school uniform sales can save you time, money, and stress.
By shopping early and smart, you can avoid the last-minute rush and ensure your child is fully equipped for the new term. So, to help you find the best school uniform sales, deals, and offers of 2024, keep scrolling.
We’ve scoured the internet, making sure to check Mumsnet-loved brands like Tu Clothing, M&S, George at Asda, John Lewis, schuh, and more, to bring you a definitive list of the best high street stores and supermarkets to hit for budget-friendly school uniform sales well before the first day of school arrives.
📣 Don’t forget to keep checking back as you tick things off your list - we’ll be updating this page regularly when we find new school uniform sales and back to school offers.
In this guide, you’ll find school uniform offers from:
Aldi
Lidl
…more will be added
M&S school uniform sale 2024: when is it and what’s included?
What’s the offer? 20% off school uniform
When: From Tuesday 2nd July while stocks last
Where: Online and in stores
Good old Marks’ has long been a household name for many Mumsnet users, and when it comes to back to school, it’s a firm go-to. For 2024, the retailer is offering 20% off across their school uniform range, making their affordable pieces even cheaper.
While the sale excludes things like footwear, outerwear, school bags, and lunch boxes, you can shop your child’s uniform essentials for less while stocks last. From stain-resistant white polo shirts, to hard-wearing trousers and permanently pleated skirts, M&S’s school uniform sale has everything your child needs to look smart and stay comfy at school.
Top deals from the M&S school uniform sale
3pk Unisex Stain Resist School Polo Shirts (2-18 Yrs), reduced to £5.60
2pk Boys' Regular Leg School Trousers (2-18 Yrs), reduced to £8.80
2pk Unisex Pure Cotton School Jumper (3-18 Yrs), reduced to £8.80
Girls' Pleated Bib School Pinafore (2-12 Yrs), reduced to £8
Girls' Gingham Pleated School Dress (2-14 Yrs), reduced to £7.20
Sainsbury’s Tu school uniform sale 2024: has now ended
It looks like Tu’s school uniform sale has been and gone. The supermarket’s offers ran mid to late June online and in store, and offered 25% off all uniform pieces - with prices starting at just £3.60 for school shoes!
Will there be another Tu school uniform sale this summer?
We know of no further school uniform offers as of yet, but that doesn’t mean we need to rule out another sale happening in the next few weeks. We’ll update you if there is one, so keep checking back - in the meantime, find out more about the Tu school uniform range here.
Popular Tu school uniform pieces on Mumsnet
They grow so fast, I use Tu at Sainsbury’s which seem to fit and wash well...
Grey Zip-Through Pinafore (4 Pack), £18
Tu Clothing
tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk
For primary, I found [Tu at] Sainsbury’s really good quality and long lasting…
Tu Clothing
tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk
School uniforms for that age are fairly inexpensive, Tu from Sainsbury's is great.
Black Leather Twin Strap School Shoes, £20
Tu Clothing
tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk
Tesco’s F&F school uniform sale 2024: when does it start?
What’s the offer? This is yet TBC
When? Starting Tuesday 23rd July, 2024
Where: In store only
Tesco’s school uniform sale will start on the 23rd July and will last for a limited time only, while stocks last. The supermarket’s F&F brand is yet to confirm what their deals will contain, but make sure you have your Clubcard to hand when the sale launches to rack up those points to enjoy maximum savings.
The downside to this sale is that they’re offers can only be found in store at your nearest Tesco. So, it’s not possible to check stock levels online. But a trip is most definitely worth it as their easy-care uniforms have a one year guarantee, alongside features like permanent pleat technology, adjustable waists, as well as colours that last.
Popular Tesco school uniform pieces
Two pack of pleated dresses, £10
Two pack of red cardigans, £8
Blue sweatshirt, £5
H&M school uniform: members get free delivery or pick-up
What's the offer? Free delivery or pick-up for members
When: Ongoing
Where: Online and in store
While H&M hasn’t released details of a school uniform sale or kidswear sale yet this summer, that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of their offers.
H&M is one of the few stores we’ve seen that doesn't have variable prices based on sizing in their school uniform range. You can get school uniform staples (from ages two up to 14 years old) both online and in store from as little as £7.99.
And while standard delivery is £3.99, H&M members get free delivery on orders over £20. In store pick-up is free for members and free to non-members if you spend over £20. If you’re not already a member, it is free to sign up.
What school uniform pieces can you get at H&M?
Aldi school uniform 2024: full school uniform set for £5
What’s the offer? Specialbuys promotion
When? Starting Thursday 4th July
Where: In store only
Known for their Specialbuys promos, Aldi are back with some great deals on school uniform essentials. But like with all Specialbuys deals, stock isn’t usually replenished - so go to your nearest Aldi store quickly if this is something you’re after.
Like H&M, prices remain the same regardless of the size, so it’s no more expensive to kit out your older DC than your LOs. Plus, Aldi has introduced a 12-month guarantee on its uniforms.
What school uniform pieces can you get at Aldi?
Jumper, £1.50
Two polo shirts, £1.75
Pleated skirt, £1.75
Trousers, £1.75
Cargo shorts, £1.75
Lidl school uniform 2024: get a full set for just £5
What’s the offer? Get a full school uniform for £5
When: From Thursday 4th July
Where: In store only
Head to your nearest Lidl and get your hands on a full school uniform set for just £5. Lidl is price-matching Aldi, so depending on which one is closest to you, you’ll be able to take advantage of this £5 off in either store.
This deal will only be available while stocks last, and is usually very popular - so it’s best to go to your nearest store quickly to avoid disappointment.
What school uniform pieces can you get at Lidl?
Jumper, £1.50
Two polo shirts, £1.75
Pleated skirt, £1.75
Trousers, £1.75
Amazon Prime Day 2024: does Amazon sell school uniforms?
While yes, customers can purchase school uniform items on Amazon, we’re yet to see if there will be any Prime Day deals on shirts, trousers, shoes, skirts, and other school essentials for kids.
Once Prime Day deals are launched (16th to 17th July), be sure to check back as we’ll add any offers on school uniform staples, school essentials and educational toys for children here.
What you need and how many
School uniforms will vary based on your chosen school. Some prefer branded items only, whereas others only require you to follow a colour scheme.
Related: When do kids go back to school?
Generally, a basic school uniform might include:
Three to five tops (shirts or polo shirts)
Three or four pairs of bottoms (trousers, skirts or shorts)
Two or three jumpers
Around seven pairs of socks
One pair of shoes, possibly a spare pair
An indoor PE kit (and pumps)
An outdoor PE kit (and trainers)
Of course, quantities may vary based on how often you do your washing and also your personal preferences.
Have enough for the week so you don't have to wash midweek and save one t-shirt/polo shirt to wear for photo day.
Some Mumsnet users like to have something clean for every day to minimise the laundry pile and ensure pieces last a bit longer, whereas others will do a mid-week wash and can survive with less items.
For a full list of items, check out our back to school shopping checklist.
Where can you buy the cheapest school uniform?
Here in the UK, there are several retailers who are known for offering affordable, budget-friendly school uniforms. Supermarkets are pretty competitive on the cost of school uniform essentials and, according to Which?, are cheaper for a basket of primary school uniforms than high-street brands like M&S, John Lewis, Next, and Matalan.
Cheapest possible is fine. I don't have Asda near me so DD's was usually Sainsbury's - easy wash, not expensive to replace.
Of course, super-cheap products can sometimes be a false economy - so, it’s worth double checking an item's quality and basing your decision on your needs and budget.
Best options for budget-friendly school wear
Supermarkets
High street retailers
Primark
Matalan
Online retailers
eBay (especially for second-hand items)
Discount stores
Poundland (PEP&CO)
Sports retailers for PE kits
Sports Direct
It’s important to keep in mind that prices and availability in the above stores will vary based on location and season. Some schools require specific items with logos, which may need to be purchased from a designated supplier, which need to be taken into account when budgeting.
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Start a new discussion and get support from the Mumsnet community
Top tips for picking up affordable school uniform
Are you on a low income? You may be able to get £200 a year towards the cost of your child’s school uniform. It’s available via local authorities throughout Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland, and in some parts of England. You can check if you’re eligible here.
Seek out sales like the ones we’ve listed above. With some planning and extra organisation, you can save time and money and avoid any last minute shopping stress (which more often than not, causes you to spend more than you intended).
Pick up second-hand items by checking Facebook groups that are dedicated to selling or giving away uniforms that have been outgrown. Ask your school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) if there is a swap shop, and if there isn’t, are they open to setting one up? And finally, there’s Freecycle, eBay, and charity shops.
Check outlet stores, for example, Clarks Outlet has many pairs of shoes discounted online and in store and the M&S outlet offers 30% or more of hundreds of items.
Help uniforms last longer by following care instructions, adding your child’s name tags so they don’t get lost, and learn how to sew hems and make small repairs.
About the author
Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. With her eldest DC starting school this September, she’s personally trying to navigate back-to-school shopping and is on a quest to find the best, most affordable school uniform and school essentials for kids.
Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog up and down country lanes.
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