MARKS and Spencer has launched a 20% discount on all school uniform across its stores and online, and prices start as low as £2.
The sale comes as school terms begin to wind down for summer and parents look for a cheap way to stock up on the essentials for September.
Shirts, trousers, skirts and jumpers are among the hundreds of uniform items available from Marks for boys and girls.
Sizes range from age two right up to late teen years, depending on the item.
M&S is selling sports t-shirts for as little as £2 along with other PE Kit essentials, and main uniform knitted tanks and cardigans start from only £4.
Exact prices will depend on the size you go for and you’ll generally pay more the larger the size because it uses more fabric.
How much supermarkets charge for school uniform
HERE’s how much the other major supermarkets charge for school uniform.
- Two-pack of polo shirts: from £2.50 depending on size and style
- Trousers: from £6 depending on size and style
- Skirt: From £3 depending on size and style
- Jumper: Two-pack from £4 depending on size and style
Total: From £12.50 with trousers, or from £9.50 with skirt
It’s worth pointing out that Morrisons charges the same price regardless of size.
- Two-pack of shirts( no polos on offer) : from £4 depending on style
- Skirt: From £4
- Cardigan: From £3
Total: From £11 with skirt
- Three-pack of polo shirts: From £3.50 depending on size and style
- Trousers: From £5 depending on size and style
- Skirt: From £3.50 depending on size and style
- Jumper: From £4 depending on size and style
Total: From £12.50 with trousers, or from £11 with skirt
You can’t buy school uniform online so it only lists a limited selected meaning cheaper prices and more items may be available in store.
- Two-pack of polo shirts: From £2.50 depending on size and style
- Trousers: Two-pack from £6 depending on size and style
- Skirt: None listed online but likely to be stock in store
- Jumper: Two-pack from £4 depending on size and style
Total: From £12.50 with trousers, unclear with skirt
Aldi
Aldi’s uniform isn’t available to buy just yet so you’ll have to wait until July 18 to pre-order the low prices.
- Children’s Sweatshirt: £1.00
- Girls / Boys Polo Shirt two Pack: £1.75
- Girls / Boys Trousers/Skirt: £1.75
Total: £4.50 for trouser or skirt combination
But whatever size you go for, you’ll get 20% of the full price.
The sale has also landed at the same time Aldi has released details on its upcoming school uniform bundles.
With a price tag of £4.50, Aldi claims it’s the cheapest ever offered to parents.
The retailer has likely triggered another price war between the supermarkets by launching uniforms before the current school year is even over – and M&S is the latest to offer low prices.
If you’re shopping the discounted uniform online then you’ll also have to factor in the £3.50 charge to get your order delivered to your house, but delivery is free if you spend at least £50.
Plus you can use M&S’ store locator tool to find your closest and head in to pick up the reduced stock.
Items will be limited to availability though so you may want to call ahead to avoid disappointment.
As always it’s best to shop around first as you might find a better deal elsewhere and Google’s price comparison tool, Google Shopping, is free and easy to use.
Plus, it’s only worth shopping the sale if you needed to buy something in the first place otherwise you might find you go over budget buying products just because they’re discounted.
If you just fancy a browse at what’s been reduced, we’ve narrowed down some top picks from the M&S sale.
2pk Boys’ Stain Resist School Polo Shirts
- Was: £6 Now: £4.80 Save: £1.20 (20%) – buy now
The polo tops that M&S are selling in the sale are high-quality and durable, they’re also made from pure cotton and designed to be stain resistant too.
The StayNew technology that it’s made from is supposed to reduce bobbling and colour loss, keeping their uniform looking newer and brighter for longer as well.
At TU you can buy a three pack of polo tops for £3.50 which means you get an extra shirt and £1.30 knocked off the price.
If you’re in need of more shirts for a school wardrobe refresh then the cheaper price will definitely work out a better deal.
School Unisex Cotton Regular Fit Sweatshirt
- Was: £6 Now: £4.80 Save: £1.20 (20%) – buy now
You can pick up a sweatshirt in the sale made from cotton-rich fabric for a soft and breathable feel.
The jumpers also feature the StayNew technology that’s supposed to make them look newer for longer.
The jumpers have a regular fit and come in an array of colours to choose from.
John Lewis has reduced the price of its school jumpers to only £4.50.
That makes them 30p cheaper than M&S’ if you fancy an alternative or more neutral colour and style.
Boys’ Super Skinny Leg School Trousers
- Was: £9 Now: £7.20 Save: £1.80 (20%) – buy now
Look sharp for the new school season in these smart boys’ trousers.
These sharp looking slacks have a regular fit, and also sport a super skinny leg shape which makes quite the contemporary look.
They also have an adjustable waist and and you can alter the hems too so they’ll last even if the wearer suddenly shoots up.
The trousers are stain and weatherproof too making them easy to maintain, and they should stay looking crumple free all-day long with crease-proof material as well.
At Matalan you can pick up a pair of boys school trousers for only £6 which means you could save £1.20 compared to M&S’ discount price.
Girls’ Embroided School Skirt
- Was: £6 Now: £4.80 Save: £1.20 (20%) – buy now
This children’s skirt features a small embroidered detail, which gives it a touch of style and individuality.
It’s stain and weatherproof finish is designed to repel water and mess and it’s crease resistant too.
There’s also an adjustable waist a for perfect fit and extra comfort.
At Amazon you can buy a plain school skirt for girls for only £4, making it 80p cheaper than M&S’ sale item.
But your school might be strict on colour and pleats so you’ll want to check it fits policy before buying.
3pk Girls’ Easy Iron School Shirts
- Was: £9 Now: £7.20 Save: £1.80 (20%) – buy now
A short sleeve school shirt can be a school day staple and most school’s will ask kids to wear one of these regardless of ties, jumpers or blazers being needed as well.
This offer in the M&S sale is available in a handy value three pack too.
Each shirt is designed with easy to iron technology, which can save you time in the morning with a quick press and they are ready to go.
Matalan is selling a two pack of shirts for £3.20 less at only £4.
That works out at £2 per shirt compared to M&S’ being 40p steeper at £2.40 per shirt.
B&M shoppers have revealed their sale hauls as the retailer has slashed the price of toys to £5.
Morrisons has up to 33% off summer toys too with prices starting from just £3.50.
As does Sainsbury’s, as the retailer’s sale features 25% off a Lego Harry Potter Hedwig.