One in Three UK Parents Turn to Second-Hand School Uniforms as Costs Bite

A new Back to School survey by Park Christmas Savings has highlighted the growing financial strain on UK families as the cost of school essentials—uniforms, technology, and lunches—continues to rise.

Key Findings

• 34% of parents will buy second-hand uniforms to save money

• 54% are struggling with uniform costs

• 8 in 10 feel stressed or anxious about finances ahead of the new school year

• 25% will spend between £100–£200 per child on uniforms

• 54% now budget for laptops/iPads, with 44% expecting to spend £200–£400

• 15% are worried about paying for school lunches
  

How Parents Are Coping

Many parents are turning to school swap shops, WhatsApp groups, and online platforms such as Uniformly, Facebook Marketplace, and Vinted for second-hand uniforms. With the price of branded items rising, a third of families expect to spend £75–£100 per child, while a quarter anticipate £100–£200. School shoes remain the most expensive purchase, followed by branded jumpers and blazers.

Supermarkets are the top choice for budget-conscious families, with 42% shopping there. Parents rated George at Asda highest for both value (50%) and quality (37%).

Hidden Costs: Tech and Lunches

The survey, which gathered responses from over 3,500 parents, found that technology is becoming a major burden. More than half now need to budget for laptops or iPads, with almost half expecting to spend £200–£400 on these devices. Meanwhile, 15% of parents expressed concern about affording school lunches throughout the term.

Government Response

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has urged schools to cut back on mandatory branded items before a legal limit comes into force in 2026. Under the new law, schools will only be allowed to require three branded items plus a tie. Phillipson is encouraging schools to adopt these changes sooner to ease pressure on families.

Supporting Families

Katherine Scott, Marketing Director at Park Christmas Savings, said:

“Our survey reflects the very real financial pressures on parents. The cost of living crisis means saving and budgeting for big expenses is more important than ever.”

She added that the brand supports the government’s call to reduce branded uniform requirements, arguing that they are often overpriced and poor quality.

Learn more about budgeting ahead of Christmas with Park Christmas Savings: getpark.co.uk/budgeting