The best school uniform basics that won’t break the bank

Forget trawling the shops for your kids' clothes - it's all available online.

Best school uniform basics

by Jade Moscrop |
Updated on

Whether it’s their first time at primary school or just one step closer to secondary, you need to invest in everything children need to make the most of their experience, such as back-to-school stationery, lunch boxes and other school essentials.

School uniform is one of the most important parts of school life. Every establishment will have different requirements that need to be met, but you can save some money by stocking up on the basics.

Before you buy, make sure you take the time to get to know the school uniform guidelines. If you’re already familiar with what they can and can’t have, keep on reading or save this page for later.

SHOP: The best school uniform basics

John Lewis Boys' Short Sleeved Stain Resistant Easy Care Shirt, Pack of 2

John Lewis Boys' Short Sleeved Stain Resistant Easy Care Shirt, Pack of 2
Price: 6+

www.johnlewis.com

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John Lewis & Partners currently has 25% off a large range of school uniform, with the sale ending on 3rd September. This two-pack of shirts is available in white, grey or blue and in sizes 4 years right up to a 16.5" collar measurement.

Marks And Spencer Girls' Permanent Pleats School Skirt (2-16 Yrs)

Marks And Spencer Girls' Permanent Pleats School Skirt (2-16 Yrs)
Price: 9+

www.marksandspencer.com

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This skirt is available in grey, black, navy or green and the sizes should cover most school years.

Matalan Kids 2 Pack Navy Crew Neck School Sweatshirts (3-13yrs)

Matalan Kids 2 Pack Navy Crew Neck School Sweatshirts (3-13yrs)
Price: 7+

www.matalan.co.uk

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Available in six different colours and sizes 3-13 years, these jumpers are hard-wearing and long-lasting.

Argos Grey Zip-Through Pinafore 4 Pack

Argos Grey Zip-Through Pinafore 4 Pack
Price: 18

www.argos.co.uk

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Argos has some brilliant multipacks of everything from shirts to pinafore dresses. These are ideal to save you having to use your washing machine constantly during the week.

John Lewis Jogging Bottoms

John Lewis Jogging Bottoms
Price: 5.25+

www.johnlewis.com

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Available from 3-16 years and in black or navy, these joggers are perfect for PE during the colder months.

Fruit Of The Loom Short Sleeve Polo Shirt (Pack of 3)

Fruit Of The Loom Short Sleeve Polo Shirt (Pack of 3)
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These white polo shirts from Fruit of the Loom are ideal for the summer months and come in a range of sizes for all ages.

Matalan Girls 2 Pack Grey Ribbed Tights (4-13yrs)

Matalan Girls 2 Pack Grey Ribbed Tights (4-13yrs)
Price: 5

www.matalan.co.uk

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There are multiple colours of tights and socks available on Matalan's website – and all for around 5.

Skechers Kids Black Velocity Mary Jane Shoes

Skechers Kids Black Velocity Mary Jane Shoes
Price: 39

www.newlook.com

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A comfortable shoe option that adheres to school uniform rules, these should last at least the whole school year (growth spurts aside!).

John Lewis Boys' Adjustable Waist Stain Resistant Slim Fit School Trousers

John Lewis Boys' Adjustable Waist Stain Resistant Slim Fit School Trousers
Price: 6.75+

www.johnlewis.com

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Available in grey, black, charcoal and navy, these trousers should last longer thanks to their adjustable waist.

Tu Blue Classic Gingham Dress 2 Pack

Tu Blue Classic Gingham Dress 2 Pack
Price: 14

www.argos.co.uk

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Feel super organised by buying uniforms for the spring and summer months while they're still in stock.

ASOS Chunky Loafers in Black

ASOS Chunky Loafers in Black
Price: 28

www.asos.com

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These loafers are available in sizes 2-11 and are less than 30.

Marks and Spencer 3pk Girls' Easy Iron School Shirts (2-16 Yrs)

Marks and Spencer 3pk Girls' Easy Iron School Shirts (2-16 Yrs)
Price: 10+

www.marksandspencer.com

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These shirts are high quality and available in three different colours.

Fruit Of The Loom Unisex Kids Raglan Premium Sweater

Fruit Of The Loom Unisex Kids Raglan Premium Sweater
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With a selection of colours for whatever your child's school's dress code is, this unisex sweater is a uniform staple.

Matalan Girls 2 Pack Grey School Cardigans (3-13yrs)

Matalan Girls 2 Pack Grey School Cardigans (3-13yrs)
Price: 9+

www.matalan.co.uk

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There are six different colours of this multipack available.

John Lewis Children's Cotton School PE Shorts

John Lewis Children's Cotton School PE Shorts
Price: 3+

www.johnlewis.com

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These PE shorts are super affordable, starting at just 3.

Tu Leather Twin Strap Micro-Fresh School Shoes

Tu Leather Twin Strap Micro-Fresh School Shoes
Price: 16

www.argos.co.uk

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These gender-neutral school shoes are incredibly affordable and hard-wearing to boot.

New Look Girls Black Slim Fit Adjustable Waist School Trousers

New Look Girls Black Slim Fit Adjustable Waist School Trousers
Price: 11.19 (was 13.99)

www.newlook.com

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This handy adjustable waist means you won't (hopefully) need to replace these too soon.

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