Back to school: How to save on uniform costs

Parents can cheaply stock up on frequent-wear items with supermarket bundle deals, while the charity Family Action suggested they team up to bulk buy items that would otherwise take them over budget.

According to research from the bank Nationwide, a third of parents said they buy uniform from supermarkets, a third shop around for the best value and 23% purchase larger sizes so items last longer.

Kate Steere, parent and consumer editor at the comparison site Finder, said sports kit costs can be “brutal”.

“I always encourage parents to tap into their club’s community. Families with older kids are usually eager to pass down gear,” she said.

“My boys’ football team runs a summer sale for second-hand kit, and apps like Vinted or Facebook Marketplace are goldmines.”