Marks & Spencer is launching 20% off its entire school uniform range from Thursday, July 2, and parents looking to get ahead of the back-to-school rush have just days to snap up one of the biggest school uniform discounts of the summer.
The limited-time sale comes as families prepare for the expensive return-to-school season, with experts warning that popular sizes often sell out well before the end of the holidays.
M&S says its uniforms are designed to last the entire school year, with anti-stain technology, fade-resistant fabrics and easy-iron finishes helping clothes stay looking smart for longer.
With multipacks starting from £7 before the discount, it’s one of the retailer’s biggest uniform promotions of the year. The full range is available here.
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Retailers release their school uniform collections weeks before the end of term for one simple reason – the most popular sizes often sell out long before September.
M&S school uniform sale: best buys
Some of the standout deals include:
3-pack stain-resistant polo shirts from £7
2-pack school trousers from £11
2-pack pleated skirts from £10
2-pack school jumpers from £11
3-pack easy-iron school shirts from £10
Leather school shoes from £28
Backpacks, socks and school accessories also included
M&S uniforms feature StayNew technology to help colours stay brighter after repeated washing, while StainAway fabric helps repel everyday spills.
Many pieces also include adjustable waists, grow-with-me hems and crease-resistant fabrics to help children get more wear from each item.
M&S is giving early shoppers the chance to shop for school uniform for less (Image: M&S)
The 20% discount starts on July 2 for a limited time.
Aldi’s famous £5 school uniform bundle is back
If your priority is spending as little as possible, Aldi has once again brought back its hugely popular £5 School Uniform Bundle.
Available while stocks last, the bundle includes:
Two polo shirts
Sweatshirt or cardigan
Trousers, skirt or shorts
The retailer also includes a 12-month satisfaction guarantee, making it one of the cheapest school uniform offers available anywhere on the high street.
Other Aldi highlights include:
Leather school shoes — £7.99
Football boots — £9.99
Backpacks — £9.99
Hair accessories — £1.99
Lunch bags from £4.99
M&S red cardigans (Image: M&S)
Because Aldi uniforms are sold as Specialbuys, parents are being urged not to leave shopping until August, when many sizes disappear.
Lidl’s £5 bundle returns for a fifth year
Lidl has also relaunched its popular £5 school uniform bundle, matching Aldi on price.
The bundle includes:
Two polo shirts
Sweatshirt
Choice of trousers, shorts or skirt
Individual items start from £1.50, with practical features including water-repellent fabrics, machine washable materials and tumble dryer-safe finishes designed to survive the school year.
The range is available in stores while stocks last.
M&S grey school skirts (Image: M&S)
Tu keeps prices frozen for a fourth year
Sainsbury’s Tu Clothing is taking a different approach by freezing prices for a fourth consecutive year.
Although its earlier 20% promotion has now ended, shoppers can still benefit from prices that have remained unchanged since 2022.
Highlights include:
Uniform starting from £3
Two complete uniforms from around £14
Reinforced knee trousers
Permanent pleats
Non-iron shirts
Scuff-resistant school shoes
Easy Dressing range with pull-on trousers and touch-fastening clothing for younger children
For parents who missed recent discount events, Tu still remains one of the strongest value options available.
Which school uniform deal offers the best value?
Each retailer has a different strength depending on what you’re looking for.
M&S is ideal for parents wanting longer-lasting uniforms with premium features, especially with the new 20% discount.
Aldi offers the lowest upfront cost thanks to its famous £5 bundle, but shoppers will need to move quickly before stock disappears.
Lidl matches Aldi on headline price and offers practical everyday essentials from just £1.50.
Tu remains a solid all-round option thanks to its price freeze, durable fabrics and wide availability in Sainsbury’s stores.
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Shop early to avoid the biggest problem parents face every summer
Parents who wait until the final weeks of the holidays can find fewer sizes available and may end up paying more elsewhere.
With M&S now launching its 20% sale alongside bargain bundles from Aldi and Lidl, early shoppers have the best chance of saving money before demand peaks later this summer.
What’s your best back-to-school tip? Tell us in the comments below.