The Ultimate School Uniform Shopping Guide: Where to Get the Best Deals in 2025

When the summer holidays draw to a close, that familiar back-to-school panic starts to set in. Among
the many items on your endless to-do list, school uniforms often feel like the most daunting
expense. With growing children who seem to outgrow everything overnight and the inevitable wear
and tear that comes with playground adventures, finding the sweet spot between quality and
affordability can feel impossible.

With a big chunk of our customers being parents, we decided to put together a comprehensive
price and size guide for high street school uniforms this year – to save you the headache! We've
done the legwork so you don't have to, comparing everything from budget-friendly options to
premium choices.

We rolled up our sleeves and compared the following brands on price, value for money, and sizing
to give you the full picture:

The usual suspects: Tu (Sainsbury's), George (Asda), Matalan, M&S, John Lewis, F&F (Tesco), Next,
Aldi, and Lidl
The wildcards: Very, Pep & Co (Poundland), and Primark – some options you might not have
considered but definitely should!

Let's cut straight to the chase – here's what you can expect to pay across the board:



Hidden gem alert: Some Poundland stores that stock Pep & Co also carry limited school uniform
items ranging from just £1-3 per garment. It's worth checking your local store – you might be
pleasantly surprised!

We found it quite surprising that Next came out as the most expensive option, with some
individual items costing up to £25 per pack for older children's ranges. While their reputation for
quality is well-established, this pricing puts them firmly in premium territory.

On the flip side, discount supermarket chains Aldi and Lidl absolutely dominate on price.
However, there's a catch – their variety is limited (much like Primark), and not all stores carry school
uniform ranges. If you're lucky enough to have a store near you that stocks them, it's worth
snapping up basics early in the season.

Here's where things get interesting. While price is important, durability matters just as much when
you're dealing with active children who seem to treat their clothes like sports equipment.

John Lewis and Marks & Spencer continue to champion quality in their core ranges, with robust
construction that can withstand the daily rigours of school life. But here's the game-changer:
supermarket brands like F&F and Tu are now offering 100 days to 1 year wearability
guarantees – or your money back.

For parents dealing with rapid growth spurts and the inevitable playground mishaps, these
guarantees are genuinely compelling. After all, if your child is going to outgrow their uniform in six
months anyway, why not have that peace of mind?

While Next remains the priciest option when you compare the volume of garments per price point,
their quality does seem to deliver longevity, with colours that wash well and maintain their
appearance over time.

Based on the reviews we could find online, Marks & Spencer, Tesco's F&F, and Sainsbury's Tu all
represent solid value for money, especially when you take advantage of their larger pack sizes for
essentials like shirts. These brands seem to hit that sweet spot between affordability and durability
that busy parents are looking for.

Here's some brilliant news that many parents might not be aware of: this year, families can save
significantly more on average thanks to the "Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill" introducing
limits on branded uniform requirements.

For those not familiar with this legislation, it means that state-run schools can now require a
maximum of only 3 school-branded items per student per year. Secondary schools may have up
to 4 branded items if one of them is a school tie.

This is huge news for family budgets! Instead of needing expensive embroidered jumpers, blazers,
and multiple branded items, you can now focus your spending on just a few key pieces while filling
out the rest of the wardrobe with affordable alternatives from the high street.

One of the biggest frustrations for parents is inconsistent sizing across brands. While most retailers
follow similar age ranges, there can be notable differences in actual measurements that make
online shopping a bit of a lottery.

Here's how the brands compared for 9-10 year olds' polo shirts:

Note: Both Aldi and Very don't list their specific measurements online, which can make sizing more
challenging.

Top tip: If standard sizing isn't working for your child, most brands now offer plus-size ranges
across their school uniform collections. Don't be afraid to size up for comfort – children spend long
days in these clothes, and a slightly looser fit often works better than something too snug.

For budget-conscious families: Start with Aldi or Lidl for basics if available in your area, then fill
gaps with George at Asda or Tu at Sainsbury's.

For quality-focused shoppers: M&S and John Lewis offer excellent durability, while F&F and Tu
provide great quality with the security of wearability guarantees.

For convenience shoppers: Next and John Lewis offer the most comprehensive ranges and
consistent sizing, though you'll pay a premium for this convenience.

For bargain hunters: Keep an eye on Pep & Co at Poundland for unexpected finds, and don't
overlook end-of-season sales at all major retailers.

School uniform shopping doesn't have to break the bank or drive you to distraction. With the new
legislation limiting branded requirements and an increasingly competitive market offering quality
guarantees, parents have more options than ever before.

The key is knowing where to look and what to prioritize. Whether you're team "buy cheap and
replace often" or "invest in quality that lasts," there's a strategy that works for your family and
budget.

Remember, the best uniform is the one that fits your child comfortably, meets school requirements,
and doesn't leave you stressing about the monthly budget. Happy shopping, and here's to a
smooth start to the new school year!