How to Save on Back-to-School Shopping: 10 Great Tips

Save on Back-to-School Shopping: Back-to-school season can be one of the most expensive times of the year for UK families. Between uniforms, stationery, electronics, and lunch supplies, the cost of getting kids ready for a new academic year quickly adds up. According to a study by The Children’s Society, parents in the UK can spend over £300 per child on school essentials. That’s a hefty price tag—especially during times of inflation and rising living costs.

But here’s the good news: You don’t have to sacrifice quality to save pounds. Whether your child is heading to primary school, secondary school, or sixth form, these 10 brilliant tips—expertly crafted by the money-saving team at UKDealsfinder.com—will help you get all the school essentials without breaking the bank. From clever shopping strategies to making the most of student discounts, each tip is designed to stretch your budget while ensuring your child is fully prepared. Learn how to spot seasonal sales, find value-packed bundles, and even tap into cashback rewards. With a little planning and know-how, back-to-school shopping can be affordable, stress-free, and surprisingly rewarding. Let’s make this school year a smart and budget-friendly success.

Let’s dive into how you can cut costs while still sending your kids back to school fully prepared and confident.

Tip 1: Start Early and Plan Ahead

Why Early Shopping Saves You Money

One of the biggest mistakes families make is waiting until the last minute to shop. When you’re in a rush, you’re more likely to:

Buy things at full price
Miss out on sales or clearance offers
Forget essentials and make impulse purchases later

How to Plan Ahead for Maximum Savings

Make a List: Start with a detailed checklist based on your child’s school requirements.
Inventory What You Already Have: You might have leftover notebooks, pencils, or last year’s blazer that still fits.
Create a Budget: Decide how much you can realistically spend per child.
Set Price Alerts: Use tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel to monitor price drops on Amazon and other retailers.

Tip 2: Take Advantage of Back-to-School Sales

When Are the Best Sales?

Back-to-school sales in the UK usually begin in late July and run through early September. The key retailers offering major deals include:

Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda: Great for uniforms, lunchboxes, and stationery.
Argos: Offers tech, calculators, and school furniture.
WHSmith and Ryman: Well-stocked with pens, notebooks, and folders.

How to Find the Best Deals

Check circulars and online deals.
Use cashback apps like TopCashback or Quidco.
Look for multi-buy promotions (e.g., 3 for 2 on notebooks).

Tip 3: Buy Second-Hand or Pre-Loved Items

Where to Find Affordable Pre-Owned School Supplies

Buying second-hand is one of the best ways to save big. Uniforms, especially, are often gently used and available at a fraction of the cost.

Sources for second-hand school essentials:

Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree
School uniform exchange groups
Local charity shops
Online retailers like Vinted or eBay

Many schools also offer school uniform swap days—perfect for finding blazers, trousers, and skirts that still meet the dress code.

Tip 4: Utilize School Grants and Financial Support

Know Your Entitlements

If you’re on a low income or receiving benefits, you might qualify for financial assistance.

Types of help available:

School Uniform Grants: Offered by some councils in England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland.
Free School Meals
Pupil Premium funds: May indirectly cover extra costs like trips and supplies.

Where to Apply

Visit Gov.uk to check eligibility and apply. Local councils often have specific application periods, so apply early.

Tip 5: Shop at Discount Retailers and Pound Stores

Don’t Underestimate Pound Shops

Stores like Poundland, B&M, Home Bargains, and Wilko are gold mines for:

Pens, pencils, and highlighters
Binders and folders
Water bottles and lunch boxes

Some of these items are identical to those in big retailers but sold at a fraction of the price.

Price Comparison Tools

Use tools like PriceSpy or Trolley.co.uk to compare prices across retailers and find the best bargain.

Tip 6: Buy in Bulk and Split with Other Parents

Bulk Buying = Big Savings

Items like pens, glue sticks, and folders are often cheaper when bought in bulk. Instead of overstocking for one child, join forces with other parents and split the cost.

Best items to buy in bulk:

Paper
Erasers and pencil sharpeners
Art supplies

Wholesale sites like Costco UK, Viking Direct, or even Amazon Business can be helpful.

Tip 7: Reuse, Repurpose, and Repair

Before You Buy, Reuse What You Have

Check if last year’s:

Backpack just needs a wash
Lunchbox needs a new zip
Stationery can be replenished rather than replaced

Get creative by repurposing binders, using scrap paper for rough work, or giving clothes a refresh with iron-on patches.

Reduce Waste, Save Pounds

Teaching kids the value of reuse not only saves money—it also teaches them sustainability and financial literacy.

Tip 8: Look for Student Discount Codes and Loyalty Points

Free Student Perks You Shouldn’t Miss

If your child is old enough for a student email or ID, don’t forget about student discount programmes:

UNiDAYS
Student Beans
Totum

These platforms offer discounts from 10% to 30% at major UK retailers, including:

Amazon
Ryman
Apple
WHSmith

You can also collect points via Boots Advantage Card, Tesco Clubcard, or Nectar Card, and use them for future purchases.

Tip 9: Shop Online Smartly with Voucher Codes and Cashback

How to Find Extra Savings Online

Before clicking “buy,” always check for a promo code. Sites like:

UKDealsfinder.com
Honey browser extension

…can shave pounds off your total.

Combine Cashback with Vouchers

Use TopCashback or Quidco to earn cashback on school essentials from stores like Argos, Currys, and John Lewis.

Example: Buy a £50 backpack from Argos, apply a 10% voucher, and get 5% cashback = You save over £7.50 instantly.

Tip 10: Go Digital—Download Free Learning Tools

Tech Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Instead of splashing out on costly software and apps, take advantage of the hundreds of free educational tools available.

Top free resources:

BBC Bitesize – Free revision for all school levels
Google Classroom and Docs – Great for assignments and collaboration
Canva for Education – For creative projects and presentations

Also, check if your child’s school participates in the Microsoft Office Education programme, offering free Office 365.

Conclusion: Saving Pounds on Back-to-School Shopping in the UK is Possible

With the right strategy, a bit of planning, and an eye for deals, back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to break the bank. From uniform swaps to cashback hacks and student discounts, these 10 great tips will help UK parents save hundreds of pounds every year—while still making sure their kids have everything they need to succeed.

Remember: The earlier you start, the more options you have to stretch your budget and shop smart. Be proactive, get creative, and involve your kids in the process—it’s a great way to teach financial responsibility from a young age.

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