- Year-on-year uniform costs jump by £32.56, reaching an average of £141.15 per child in 2026.

- Nearly three-quarters (73%) of UK parents say they are still forced to buy expensive branded uniform items despite government guidance.

- Coats and shoes top the expense list, costing parents over £83 combined.

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% in just one year, according to new research from money-saving site MyVoucherCodes.

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%) 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% 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% 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% 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."

Sarah-Jane goes on to share her tips on how to save money when buying school uniforms:

- Host or Join Uniform Swaps – Team up with other parents to trade gently used uniforms and save money for everyone involved.

- Buy Second-Hand – Platforms like Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, and local uniform exchanges can be goldmines for high-quality pre-loved uniform items.

- Buy Plain, Add Logos – Purchase plain supermarket clothing and attach school logos yourself. Many parents report saving over £40 per child with this method.

- Shop Out of Peak Season – Start early to beat price hikes and low stock in August. Consider shopping during sales earlier in the year.

- Use Discount Voucher Sites – Always check sites like here at MyVoucherCodes for the latest deals and promo codes on school wear and supplies before making a purchase.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

2025 data - This online survey of 1,000 Parents of school-aged children who purchase school clothes was commissioned by Front Door Comms on behalf of MyVoucherCodes and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between [26/06/2025] and [01/07/2025]. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll is an MRS Company Partners, a corporate member of ESOMAR and a member of the British Polling Council.

2026 data - This online survey of 1,000 Parents of school-aged children who purchase school clothes was commissioned by Front Door Comms on behalf of MyVoucherCodes and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between [17/04/2026] and [24/04/2026]. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll is an MRS Company Partners, a corporate member of ESOMAR and a member of the British Polling Council.

About MyVoucherCodes:

MyVoucherCodes is a market-leading voucher, coupon and discount deals website based in the UK. It has around five million consumer members who receive daily emails featuring the best selection of deals, vouchers, and offers from a wide range of retailers, including fashion, beauty, restaurants, electronics, and many more. It works with more than 2,500 retailers to offer more than 25,000 vouchers or discount codes.

Media Contact:

Sarah-Jane Outten, PR Specialist, sarah-jane.outten@futurenet.com

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