As the new school year approaches, a personal finance expert has provided their advice to help parents reduce the financial burden of the back-to-school period.
Creditfix found that the cost of school uniforms alone can average up to £181, depending on age and gender, with additional necessities like stationery and school bags adding an extra £123.
With the average debt levels of parents with children under 18 in the UK standing at over £17,000, many families are feeling the strain of paying for basic necessities and bills.
Maxine McCreadie, personal finance expert at Creditfix, said: “With rising costs putting extra pressure on families, it’s more important than ever for parents to take proactive steps to manage their back-to-school expenses.
“Our figures are alarming and show the huge impact that this period can have on household finances. Even more concerning is the discrepancy between genders when it comes to buying back-to-school items, which has been called the ‘pink tax’.
“Uniform costs for girls going into Year 1 are nearly 8% higher than for boys, and the ‘pink tax’ extends beyond uniforms—data shows that items like deodorant can cost over 10% more for women than men. While it’s challenging to quantify the exact impact of the pink tax on parents of girls, it’s clear that these added costs can significantly affect budgets.
“There are many ways to reduce costs and find support if needed, and talking about financial challenges can make a big difference.”
To help ease the financial pressure, Maxine has shared some practical tips for parents looking to save money on back-to-school costs:
1. Take advantage of supermarket deals
Supermarkets often offer discounts through loyalty schemes such as the Tesco Clubcard, which can help to reduce the cost of school uniforms, lunch boxes, and stationery. Monitoring these offers in the lead-up to the new school term can make a big difference to your overall spend.
2. Opt for non-branded uniforms
Government guidelines have encouraged schools to minimise the number of branded items required, making it easier for parents to buy more affordable alternatives. Check your school’s uniform policy to see if branded items are necessary. If not, you can shop around at high street stores or online for generic uniforms in the school’s colours, which are often much cheaper.
3. Buy and swap second-hand
Many schools now offer second-hand uniform sales or swap shops, in line with the government’s push to make uniforms more affordable. These are great opportunities to pick up gently used or even unworn items at a fraction of the cost. You can also check local Facebook groups where parents might be selling or giving away uniforms. This is especially useful if your child is starting at a new school.
4. Plan and budget throughout the year
Rather than waiting until the last minute, try to spread the cost of back-to-school shopping over the year. Keep a list of items your child needs and buy them when they go on sale.
For example, school uniforms often see price reductions after the peak shopping season in July and August. Planning ahead and buying a size up can save you money for the following year.
5. Save on school equipment
As children get older, the list of required school supplies often expands to include items like sports equipment or even laptops. Keep an eye out for sales on these items throughout the year. For books, consider borrowing from your local library or looking for second-hand copies online.
Some charities and local schemes also offer refurbished laptops for students in need, so it’s worth checking with your school or local council for support.
6. Seek financial assistance if needed
If you’re struggling to cover back-to-school costs, don’t hesitate to seek help. Many local councils offer grants to help low-income families with uniform expenses.
It’s also important to communicate with your child’s school if you’re unable to afford everything on the list—they may be able to provide additional support or direct you to financial aid resources.
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- Write off unsecured debts over £6,000
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