Back-to-school: top tips to help you save and spread the cost

The new school year is just around the corner – and for many families, that means one thing: the back-to-school shop.

From uniforms and school shoes to stationery and PE kits, the costs can soon add up, especially if you’re buying for more than one child.

The good news? A little planning can go a long way. Here are eight simple ways to keep costs down and make your money go further.

It’s also good to know that The Money Co-op is here to help if you’d like to spread the cost of the essentials.
Find out more about our affordable loan options

8 top tips: for Back-to-school shopping on a budget

1. Check what you already have

Before heading to the shops, take stock of what you’ve already got.

School jumpers, PE kits, lunchboxes, water bottles and stationery often have plenty of life left in them. Gathering everything together first will help you avoid buying duplicates and keep your shopping list focused on what you really need.

2. Swap instead of shop

Children grow quickly, meaning uniforms are often still in excellent condition when they’re outgrown.

Ask your school if they run a uniform swap, or look for local community groups on Facebook or WhatsApp. Many schools and charities also run uniform banks where families can pick up good-quality items for free or at a very low cost.

It’s a great way to save money while helping other families too.

3. Don’t replace everything at once

Not every item needs replacing before the first day back.

If last year’s shoes, coat or blazer still fit for a little while longer, consider waiting until they genuinely need replacing. Spreading purchases over a few months can make a big difference to your household budget.

4. Shop around for the best deals

Back-to-school season is one of the most competitive times of year for retailers.

Compare prices before you buy and don’t forget to check supermarkets and discount retailers for everyday essentials like stationery, socks, lunchboxes and PE kit. They can often offer excellent quality at a much lower price than branded alternatives.

5. Room to grow

It’s an old tip but a good one!

Where it makes sense, buying the next size up in items like trousers, jumpers and blazers can help them last longer and save you replacing them halfway through the school year.

6. Embrace a pre-loved bargain

Not everything needs to be brand new.

Online marketplaces such as Vinted, eBay and Facebook Marketplace are great places to find nearly-new uniforms, coats, sports kit and other for a fraction of the original price, or check out local swaps and sales.

You could even sell your child’s outgrown items to help fund this year’s purchases.

7. Make the most of support on offer

Many families don’t realise they could get help with school costs.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for:

Free school meals
Help with school uniform costs
Additional support through your child’s school
Other benefits or tax credits you may not be claiming

It’s always worth checking what support is available. Our free Benefits Calculator can help you find out if you’re entitled to additional financial support.

8. If you need to borrow, choose affordable borrowing

If you know you’ll need to borrow, it’s worth thinking ahead rather than relying on a credit card, buy now, pay later or an expensive overdraft. Choosing affordable borrowing with fixed repayments can help you stay in control and avoid unexpected costs.

At The Money Co-op, our Everyday Loan is designed for life’s everyday expenses, including back-to-school costs.

With our Everyday Loan you can:

Borrow from £100 to £3,000
Enjoy a representative APR of 19.6%
Benefit from fixed monthly repayments with no hidden fees
Build your savings as you repay
Borrow confidently from a member-owned credit union that puts people before profit

Whether it’s school uniforms, shoes or other essentials, we’re here to help you borrow responsibly and confidently.

Find out more about our Everyday Loan