The cost of school uniforms can quickly add up, putting a strain on parents’ wallets. But new data from TonerGiant has revealed the cheapest retailer for essential school uniform items, offering some much-needed relief for families.
The study, conducted ahead of the new academic year in September, compared the prices of key uniform items from six popular retailers: Matalan, M&S, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Next, and John Lewis. These items included girls’ cardigans, boys’ trousers, and polo shirts, essential for both boys and girls starting primary school at the age of three.
Sainsbury’s emerged as the clear winner, offering the most affordable starting price for a complete school uniform. The total cost for a boy’s uniform, consisting of two pairs of trousers, two polo shirts, and two sweatshirts, was just £20. Girls’ uniforms, including two pairs of trousers, two polo shirts, and two cardigans, came to £24. This resulted in a combined total of £44, making Sainsbury’s the cheapest option overall.
At the other end of the spectrum, Next emerged as the most expensive retailer, with a total cost of £98 for a boy’s and girl’s uniform, more than double the price of Sainsbury’s. The remaining retailers were ranked in between, with Matalan, M&S, John Lewis, and Asda offering varying prices for the same set of uniform items.
The study highlights the importance of comparing prices across different retailers, particularly as schools are increasingly allowing non-branded uniform items. This gives parents more flexibility in choosing affordable options that suit their budget. As Stuart Deavall from TonerGiant noted, “With schools required to allow more non-branded school uniform items, parents can make their money go further by exploring high street options online. Our study found that Sainsbury’s was the cheapest option for selected boys’ and girls’ uniform essentials.”
With the start of the new school year approaching, parents are advised to create a checklist of items their child will need and shop around for the best deals. By taking the time to compare prices, families can save money and ensure that their children are ready for the new school year in style and without breaking the bank.
