THE cheapest supermarket to get a school uniform has been revealed – and you could pay less than buying second-hand on Vinted.
Aldi and Lidl have come out on top this year as the supermarkets with the lowest prices for uniforms, according to analysis by The Sun, with prices at both stores frozen since 2022.
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The budget retailers are bringing back their school uniform “bundles” for ages 4-12, so parents can get two polo shirts, a sweatshirt, and trousers, a skirt or shorts from just £5.
Many individual uniform items at both Aldi and Lidl start from less than £2, with trousers and skirts priced from £1.75, sweatshirts from £1.50, and a two-pack of polo shirts from £2.49.
School shirts from both retailers work out at around £1.20 each, with Lidl offering a two-pack for £2.49 and Aldi offering a three-pack for £3.69.
The Sun has found that parents could kit out their little ones with a school uniform from the budget supermarkets this year for less than if they were to buy the items second-hand on Vinted.
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Over 500 sellers on the online marketplace are currently offering “school uniform” items, with many working out as more expensive than Aldi and Lidl’s offering.
For example, one seller has posted two used grey pleated skirts for age 5 years for £5.69, meaning you would save over £2 buying two new skirts from Aldi or Lidl.
Another is selling grey boys shorts for age 5 years for £2.46 – over 70p more than the supermarket prices.
There are also several polo shirts up for sale on the website, with one seller offering a set of two navy polo shirts for ages 5-6 for £4.08 – meaning you’d make a saving of £1.60 if you bought them new from Aldi or Lidl.
While you can still save money by buying a school uniform second-hand, there are benefits to purchasing from an established retailer if you can.
Consumer expert Martyn James says: “It makes much more sense to buy new from a retailer where your shopping rights are much clearer than on the second hand market.
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“But don’t forget that the Consumer Rights Act covers all purchases you make from shops and even individuals – just check the T&Cs!”
School uniforms will be hitting supermarket shelves in the coming weeks, with Aldi launching its back to school range on June 29 and Lidl’s available from July 6.
What other supermarkets are selling school uniforms?
School uniforms will be available in almost all UK supermarkets, as well as some other high street stores, in the coming weeks.
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s launched its 2025 school uniform offering on June 15, with prices starting at £3 for a two-pack of white polo shirts.
The supermarket is also offering customers 20% off its school uniform range until this Sunday, June 22.
Sainsbury’s school uniform prices are as follows:
- Cardigan: 2pck from £8 (£6.40 in sale)
- Trousers: 2pck from £7 (£5.60 in sale)
- Skirt: 2pck from £7 (£5.60 in sale)
- Polo shirts: 2pck from £3 (£2.40 in sale)
- Sweatshirt: 2pck from £4 (£3.20 in sale)
- Shirts: 3pck from £4 (£3.20 in sale)
Asda
Asda sells school uniforms all year round both in store and online, via its clothing range George at Asda.
It’s latest uniform prices can be found here:
- Cardigan: 2pck from £8
- Trousers: 2pck from £7; you can also get a 5 pack from £20
- Skirt: 2pck from £7
- Polo shirts: 2pck from £3; or 5 pack from £7.50
- Sweatshirt: 2pck from £5; or 5 pack from £12.50
- Shirts: 2pck from £3.50; or 5 pack from £8.50
Tesco
Tesco is set to launch its back to school range in stores in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on July 21, while shoppers in Scotland can get school kit from July 7.
The retailer is yet to reveal the full details of what will be on offer and pricing for its new range, but last year it slashed prices by 25% for Clubcard customers.
There are currently several school uniform items available on the Tesco website, with prices as follows:
- Cardigan: 2pck from £8
- Trousers: 2pck from £11
- Skirt: 2pck from £11
- Polo shirts: 3pck £4.50
- Sweatshirt: 2pck £8
- Shirts: 3pck from £9
M&S
M&S sells school uniform items all year round, with online prices starting from £2.49.
Prices currently online are below:
Cardigan: from £5
Trousers: 2pck from £11
Skirt: 2pck from £10
Polo shirts: 2pck from £4.50
Sweatshirt: from £6
Shirts: 3pck from £9
How to get a discount on school uniforms
Grants to help with school uniform costs are offered by several councils across England, with up to £200 free cash available to parents.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is designed to help those on a low income, benefits, or classed as vulnerable.
To apply, you’ll need to get in touch with your local council. Most councils have pages on their website dedicated to the HSF, while you can also call your local authority to find out if you are eligible for the support scheme.
Unlike in England, all local authorities in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales offer school uniform grants.
It’s also worth checking out your local charity shop to see what’s on offer.
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Some charity shops have deals with uniform manufacturers and retailers meaning you can get brand new items at bargain prices.
Meanwhile, many schools and community groups run second-hand uniform exchanges where parents can find and donate uniforms.
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