Back-to-school always seems to creep up, doesn’t it? One minute it’s July, the next you’re looking at a list that only seems to get longer. Uniform, stationery, PE kit, new shoes – it all adds up. With prices still high for many families, having a plan can take some of the pressure off before September arrives. The good news: a few small tweaks can really help, and there’s a new rule about uniforms this year that should make things a bit easier.
One change worth knowing about: from September 2026, schools in England will only be able to ask for three branded uniform items (or four at secondary, if one is a tie). So, more of the list can come from the supermarket, not just the specialist shop.
The Big Uniform Change Worth Knowing About This Year
What’s changing
- Schools can now only ask for up to three branded (logo) uniform items at primary, or four at secondary or middle schools if one is a tie. Branded PE kit counts towards this limit too.
- Anything beyond that should be genuinely generic – plain items you can pick up anywhere, not just from one supplier.
- Schools are now required to publish second-hand uniform availability on their own website.
- Schools are also being encouraged to move away from single-supplier contracts.
It’s worth having a quick look at your school’s policy before buying anything with a logo this year. Some things that used to need branding might not any more.
Uniform costs can add up fast. Recent research puts it at around £287 a year for primary, and £422 for secondary, with branded items making up most of that. So this new cap should make a real difference, not just look good on paper.
The recommended order for sourcing uniform this year: second-hand first, then generic, with branded items kept to what’s genuinely required.
Uniform: Where to Spend, and Where Not To
- Second-hand first: school schemes (now mandatory to publicise), PTA sales, local swap groups, hand-me-downs
- Generic items from the cheapest reliable source: supermarket ranges for anything that doesn’t need a logo
Only buy branded if you really need to. It’s worth checking for second-hand options, especially for blazers and jumpers – they often last well beyond a year.
If you can, buy a little ahead of time – but keep in mind how quickly your child is growing at the moment.
For blazers, jumpers and coats, going up a size can help them last longer – within reason.
Stationery: Small Items, Real Savings
- Multipacks beat singles almost every time
- Own-brand or supermarket ranges are usually just fine for pens, pencils, rulers and exercise books.
- It’s always worth having a quick look at what you already have at home before buying anything new.
- If bags, pencil cases, calculators or rulers are still in good shape, there’s no need to replace them just for the sake of it.
Worth knowing
A good scientific calculator is a one-off buy – it’ll see them through for years.
PE Kit and Sports Equipment
- PE kit counts toward the same branded cap now
- Generic sportswear is usually absolutely fine for everyday lessons.
- For trainers, as long as they meet the basic requirement – usually just a non-marking sole – there’s no need to go for a big brand.
- It’s worth checking if the school lends out or has second-hand options for one-off or sport-specific extras.
Financial Support If Costs Are a Barrier
Where to look for help
- Some local councils offer uniform grants, often linked to free school meal eligibility.
- If you’re worried about costs, it’s always worth having a quiet word with the school. They’re there to make sure money isn’t a barrier, and often have their own second-hand stock or extra help available.
- Turn2us — free grants search tool for local/national charitable funds
- Buy Nothing / community give-away groups
None of this is a last resort. Schools expect to help with this every year, so you’re not alone.
Checklist
Your back-to-school shopping checklist
- Check uniform policy for what’s genuinely required branded this year
- Check second-hand schemes/swap groups first
- Audit stationery at home
- Buy generic items cheaply, save branded for what’s required
- Multipacks for consumables
- Watch for August sales
- Contact school/check council grants if cost is a concern
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to mean choosing between a full trolley and a worried bank balance. With the new cap on branded items, a quick look at what’s already at home, and a second-hand-first approach, most families can get what they need without the usual price tag. September always comes round quickly, but at least the shopping doesn’t have to be the stressful part.
Sorting the shopping list is one thing – sorting any gaps in learning is another.
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