While supermarket multi-buys help ease the burden, more must be done to keep school uniforms genuinely affordable

UK parents are facing a significant financial squeeze ahead of the new school term, with the annual cost of school uniforms surging by almost 30 per cent in just one year, according to new research from money-saving site MyVoucherCodes.

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Earlier this month, the Reform UK-led authority announced support would be available only to “those who need it most”, including children eligible for free school meals and families experiencing hardship.

placeholder image — Earlier this month, the Reform UK-led authority announced support would be available only to “those who need it most”, including children eligible for free school meals and families experiencing hardship.

The nationwide study reveals that the average yearly spend has climbed to £141.15 in 2026, up from £108.59 in 2025. The £32.56 increase per child will further strain family finances.

And the spending doesn’t end when the school gates open in September.

More than half of parents (57.9 per cent) say they will have to spend even more on uniforms over the rest of the year, anticipating an average additional expenditure of £129.09 to cover replacements, growth spurts, and seasonal changes.

Strict school policies are driving these costs, with 73 per cent of parents still forced to buy expensive branded uniforms despite government guidance. When it comes to individual items, coats and shoes are hitting pockets the hardest.

Most expensive item: The school coat, with an average spend of £42.49.

Second-most expensive item: School shoes, at an average of £41.31.

To combat the rising prices, parents are actively looking for ways to cut costs. The research found that the single most common saving tactic is taking advantage of supermarket multi-buys, utilised by 44.7 per cent of savvy mums and dads looking to stock up on essentials like shirts, skirts, and trousers for less.

Shopping and lifestyle expert at MyVoucherCodes said, "A 30 per cent cost jump puts intense pressure on families, especially when most are still forced to buy branded items. While supermarket multi-buys help ease the burden, more must be done to keep school uniforms genuinely affordable."