PARENTS are dusting off school uniforms again as kids finally head back to classrooms.
If school shoes are at the top of your shopping list after a lockdown growth spurt we’ve rounded up the cheapest you’ll find.
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Kids are going back to school as part of the phased lifting of lockdown announced by the government.
Brits can also meet up with a friend for a coffee or picnic from today (March 8).
We took a look at parents fave school uniform and shoe shops to find the cheapest pairs for boys and girls.
Standalone shoe shops are still closed because of the latest lockdown measures, but you can pick up click and collect orders made online in some locations.
We’ve included the cost of delivery too so you know how much the latest kicks will cost in total.
You’ll be able to buy shoes in supermarkets where clothes are stocked, and we’ve outlined all your options for buying at each of the stores below.
Help with school uniform costs
RULES vary but generally you will qualify for a school uniform grant in England if you receive one of the following:
- Income support
- Jobseeker’s allowance (income based)
- Child tax credit – provided you are not entitled to working tax credit
- Employment support allowance (ESA)
- State pension – this benefit must be your sole source of income
- Support under Part IV of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Universal Credit
Some local councils provide help with the cost of school clothing, including PE kit.
The government provides an online central service to help parents find out if their council will help them.
You may also be able to apply if your annual household income is less than £16,190.
You are likely to be asked to prove that you are legally responsible for the child by providing a recent copy of your bank statement confirming the payment of child benefit to your account.
Rules in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are slightly different.
Asda
- £5 girls black patent one strip school shoes – buy now
- £12 boys black sporty two strap school shoes – buy now
The supermarket is also selling plimsolls for both girls and boys starting from £2.50.
You can shop in store at Asda as supermarkets remain open under the latest lockdown rules, but standalone stores like Asda Living not selling food are closed.
You can order online too, either for home delivery or for click and collect at most stores.
Delivery is free on orders over £50 or from £2.95 if less than this, while click and collect is free.
Deichmann
You can shop online and get home delivery from Deichmann – it’s stores are closed because of lockdown.
Standard delivery is free on orders over £35 otherwise it costs £1.99.
Matalan
Matalan has a range of shoes for kids starting from £5 – you can view them all here.
You can buy online from Matalan and get home delivery or pick up in store with clock and collect in most stores.
You can’t shop in stores because they are closed due to the latest lockdown rules.
Delivery is free on orders over £40 or £3.95 while click and collect is free.
You can find your local stores using Matalan’s online tool.
MandM Direct
Delivery from MandM Direct is free on orders over £75, or costs from £4.99 for standard delivery, though a yearly delivery pass is priced at £9.99 and could work out cheaper.
Buying school uniform – top tips
HOW to get the most out of what you buy.
- Stain-resistant and easy iron shirts and uniforms will save time on laundry, and save your money from having to replace them too often.
- Scuff proof shoes are great for when they’re running around the playground or walking too and from school so they last longer.
- Trousers with reinforced knees help them last longer for kids who are prone to playground falls
- Waterproof labels for the inside of clothes so they don’t get lost or mixed up in the changing rooms
- Local Facebook groups and high street charity shops are great for second hand buys such as expensive blazers, bags and sport kit
- If the school allows, go for dark socks rather than white as they don’t stain as easy
- Size up on girls tights especially if they’re cotton or wool rich – they can shrink in the wash!
Shoezone
- £6.39 girls walkright black easy fasten school shoe – buy now
- £7.99 boys beckett black slip on formal shoe – buy now
Shoezone has 20% off some styles for back to school, with the discount automatically added to the prices on its website.
Standard delivery from Shoezone is free or £2.99 if you want it the next day.
You can’t shop in stores right now because they are closed under the lockdown rules.
Sainsbury’s
- £11 boys black chunky sole school trainers – buy now
- £9 girls comfort black snake tassel loafers – buy now
Sainsbury’s is also selling plimsolls starting from £3. You can buy in stores as supermarkets are open during lockdown.
Use the store locator to find your nearest Sainsbury’s which stocks TU clothing.
You can also buy online for home delivery or for pick up in store with click and collect.
Click and collect is free on orders over £20 or £3 on orders of less than that, while home delivery starts from £3.95.
You can also buy the TU clothing range from Argos, including school shoes.
Sports Direct
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Sports Direct stores remain closed under lockdown rules, even for click and collect.
You can shop online for home delivery which costs from £4.99.
Hard-up parents may be able to claim up to £150 to help cover the cost of school uniforms as pupils return to the classroom.
Schools reopen after lockdown as kids return to class for the first time in MONTHS
