Parents hit by £32 school uniform hike as branded school uniform rules persist

• 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, coming in 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,

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.
• School Uniform Grants - Check with your local authority; you may be eligible for a school uniform grant.
• 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.