Making School Uniforms Affordable: Support for Platform Housing Group Customers
With the new school year just around the corner, many families are feeling the financial pressure of buying school uniforms, especially those with children starting school for the first time or moving up to secondary school.
We understand the challenges our customers face. To help, we have compiled some tips for finding affordable options and how our Wellbeing Fund can help you cover the added expense.
The Platform Wellbeing Fund
Finding the money for school uniform can be difficult, especially with other increasing costs. To help support Platform Housing Group customers with this additional expense, our Wellbeing Fund can assist with purchasing school uniforms and other essential household items.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be receiving means-tested benefits or demonstrate financial hardship.
- Show that you lack the necessary funds to meet your immediate need.
- Be working with, or willing to work with, support services to improve your long-term situation.
Supermarket and Outlet Deals
If your child’s school allows generic uniforms, supermarkets, high street stores, and online retailers offer a range of affordable options. Here are some top places to consider:
- Aldi and Lidl are well known for their budget-friendly uniform bundles, where you can find full sets for as little as £5.
- Asda (George) is a popular choice for affordable school uniforms. Items start from £3 with frequent multibuy offers.
- Sainsbury’s (Tu Clothing) provides great value for money, with uniforms starting from £3.50. Keep an eye out for their 25% off sales.
- Tesco (F&F Clothing) regularly provides good deals on uniforms, starting from £4, and special discounts available for Clubcard holders.
- Morrisons (Nutmeg) offers durable school uniforms starting from £3, with frequent promotions and multibuy discounts.
- B&M and Poundland can also be a surprising source for inexpensive school uniform basics like socks, tights, and shirts.
- Matalan offers a wide range of affordable uniforms starting from £2.50. They frequently run 3 for 2 offers on selected items.
- For school shoes, Clarks Outlet often has lots of styles at 50% off online and in-store.
- Marks & Spencer is known for high-quality uniforms, M&S offers ongoing sales with discounts of up to 20%. Their Easy Dressing range is perfect for children with special needs.
- M&S Outlet features discounts of 30% or more off the main store prices, and their school shoes are known for their durability.
It’s worth checking online for availability before you visit, as in-store stock tends to run out quickly. Some outlets may offer further discounts or loyalty schemes for online purchases.
Explore Second-Hand Options
If your school is strict on having an official uniform, this can be expensive. Second-hand uniforms are a great way to reduce costs. Many schools and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) offer pre-loved uniforms at a reduced cost or for free through swap shops. These are great ways to save money while ensuring your child has everything they need. Contact the school office or PTA directly to see if your child’s school offers these resources.
Websites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and even local charity shops often have gently used uniforms at a fraction of the price. Platforms like Uniformerly allow you to buy, sell, or even get uniforms for free from other parents.
We hope this advice can help you prepare for the upcoming school year without breaking the bank.