School Uniform Cost Guide
Estimate how much school uniform will cost per child, with a full item-by-item breakdown for primary and secondary school, plus tips on where costs add up.
Estimate Your Uniform Costs
Enter the school stage and the number of each item you need to instantly see an estimated total cost, per child and across your whole family.
Uniform Cost Estimator
Based on typical UK high street and supermarket uniform prices.
How it Works
Understanding the cost estimate
Average Item Prices
We use typical UK prices for each uniform item, which differ between primary and secondary school due to items like blazers and branded PE kit.
Multiply by Quantity
Each item’s average price is multiplied by how many you told us you need, since most families buy more than one of everyday items like shirts.
Add a Pair of Shoes
One pair of school shoes is automatically included per child, as this is one of the more expensive single items in most uniform lists.
Multiply by Children
Finally, the total per child is multiplied by the number of children you’re shopping for, to give your full estimated cost.
Typical Uniform Item Costs
A general overview of average UK school uniform prices per item, based on supermarket and high street retailers.
| Item | Primary School | Secondary School |
|---|---|---|
| Blazer / Jumper | £6 – £12 | £25 – £45 |
| Shirt / Polo Shirt (each) | £4 – £8 | £6 – £12 |
| Trousers / Skirt / Pinafore | £8 – £14 | £14 – £25 |
| PE Kit (shorts & top) | £8 – £16 | £15 – £30 |
| School Shoes (pair) | £18 – £30 | £25 – £45 |
| Tie / House Colours (optional) | — | £4 – £8 |
School Uniform Cost FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the cost of school uniform in the UK.
Costs vary widely by school and stage, but many parents spend somewhere between £100 and £300 per child each year once blazers, PE kits, shoes and everyday items are included. Secondary school uniform is typically more expensive than primary due to compulsory blazers and branded items.
Secondary schools more often require a blazer, a specific tie, and branded PE kit, all of which tend to cost more than the jumpers and polo shirts common in primary schools. Secondary uniform items are also usually only available from specific suppliers rather than supermarkets, which limits opportunities to shop around.
Buying generic, non-branded items from supermarkets where the school policy allows it is usually the biggest saving. Second-hand uniform shops, school uniform banks, and end-of-season sales can also cut costs significantly, and buying slightly larger sizes can extend how long items last.
Many local councils in England offer school uniform grants for families on lower incomes, and some schools run their own uniform assistance schemes or partner with local charities. It is worth checking your local council’s website and asking your child’s school directly about any support available.