Aldi, Lidl and Tesco launch cheap school uniform deals - why you shouldn't wait until September to buy

The summer holidays haven’t even finished yet, but big supermarkets and retailers are already rolling out budget school uniform deals for the new school year.

It comes as new government rules taking effect in September 2026 limit the number of costly branded items that schools can demand from parents.

Here’s what’s on offer, and how you can save even more on school uniform costs.

Tesco school uniform offer

Tesco is currently offering 25% off school uniform with a Clubcard but you’ll need to be quick as the offer ends on Sunday 28 June.

The supermarket is offering a three-pack white polos from £4.50 but this comes to £3.38 with discount working out at £1.13 per shirt.

A two-pack grey cargo shorts is from £7 or £5.25 with discount.

Aldi school uniform deals

Aldi’s popular Back to School range launches in-store this Sunday 28 June, and it’s one of the cheapest options around.

A full uniform bundle is £5 and this includes

• Two polo shirts

• One sweatshirt or cardigan

• Choice of trousers, skirt or cargo shorts

Other items include: jersey skirt, £2.49, leggings or skort, £3.49 as well as joggers (two-pack), £5.99.

You'll need to be quick with these items as Aldi ranges are only available while stocks last. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Lidl school uniform range

Lidl is matching Aldi on price with its range available in stores from today Thursday 25 June.

The supermarket is offering a school uniform bundle for £5.

This includes:

• Two polo shirts

• One sweatshirt

• Choice of trousers, skirt or shorts

A two-pack of polo shirts: £1.75 that works out at just 88p per shirt.

Sainsbury’s Tu uniform range

Tu at Sainsbury’s has launched its fresh back-to-school collection with competitive basics.

A two-pack white polos is £3 working out as £1.50 each.

Pinafores are priced from £6 and a two-pack cardigans is £8.

Many of these styles are available all year round online.

Matalan uniform deals

Matalan is also offering 25% off school uniform right now.

A two-pack polo shirts is usually £4 but works out as £3 with discount - a cost of £1.50 per shirt.

Or a two-pack grey zip-up pinafores is £11 but currently £8.25 with discount.

What are the new school uniform rules?

There’s good news for parents this year as schools will be more limited on how many branded items they can ask parents to buy.

From September 2026:

• Schools should require no more than three branded items

• Secondary schools can ask for four items if one is a tie

Schools must make uniform affordable and are also expected to provide second-hand uniform options with clear details on how to buy them on their website.

Can you get help with school uniform costs?

You might be able to get a school uniform grant from your local council if you're struggling with the costs of kitting out your kids.

Some councils offer up to £200 but it's not available everywhere. The exact help you can get - if at all - depends on where you live and you’ll need to check your local authority.

As part of criteria to receive the grants, you'll usually need to receive benefits and free school meals.

If you’re finding it hard to afford uniform, it’s also worth speaking to your child’s school directly. They may give more help with second-hand uniform schemes and offer dinancial support or hardship funds.

The government recommends that if you cannot afford the uniform or PE kit, you should contact the headteacher to check what support is available.