One in six expect to use credit cards or BNPL for back-to-school spending

Key takeaways

• Back-to-school costs are rising, with 44% of parents aged 25-44 saying expenses are higher this year and many feeling financially overwhelmed.

• Money-saving tactics include buying and selling second-hand items, comparing shoe prices, choosing refurbished tech, and checking what supplies you already own.

• Families struggling with costs may be able to access school uniform grants and other support schemes, depending on where they live in the UK.

For parents, the return to school in September can bring a whole mix of emotions – nerves, relief and, for many, financial stress.

From uniforms and school supplies to kids wanting the latest trending shoes and stationery to keep up with peers, the back-to-school bill can be a shock for parents. 

But research by MoneySuperMarket reveals the cost of going back to school could be higher than ever, with more than two-fifths (44%) of Brits aged 25-44 saying that back-to-school costs have increased this year. 

As a result, around one in five (17%) of 25-44 years-olds say they are worried about how they will afford the cost of back-to-school shopping this year, while 20% are feeling financially overwhelmed.

The research also found that one in six (15%) of 25-44-year-olds expect to rely on borrowing, credit cards or buy now, pay later (BNPL) schemes to cover back-to-school costs this year - that could potentially put their credit score and future borrowing opportunities at risk.

That's why we're sharing these practical tips for parents on how to reduce the cost of back-to-school shopping and prevent them from blowing their budgets before the school bell rings.

Thrifty tips to save on back-to-school costs 

1. Shop smart 

Shopping second hand can make a big difference to your back-to-school bill. Check charity shops, local parents' groups on Facebook, or second-hand platforms such as Vinted and Depop. You’ll often find barely worn items at a fraction of the price.

As well as buying second-hand, try selling some of your kids’ outgrown clothes, shoes and old bags. On sites like Vinted, Depop and eBay, it takes less than five minutes to list an item, and you could end up making a few extra pounds to put towards other back-to-school costs.

2. Measure first, save later

Marketing has convinced many parents that school shoes need to come with a hefty price tag, but those costs can quickly add up, especially as children grow and move into larger sizes.

To help avoid buying the wrong size, you can purchase an at-home shoe measuring gauge for around £12, allowing you to check your child's fit  without making a trip to the shops.

Once you know their width and size, it's worth comparing prices online and browsing outlet or clearance sections, where school shoes can often be found at significantly reduced prices. 

In some cases, discounts of up to 50% are available, helping to cut the cost of the back-to-school shop without compromising on quality.

3. Save on tech

Check out Amazon Renewed, the retailer’s refurbished store, where you could pick up premium tech for less and save up to a third compared with buying new. You'll find a range of smartphones, iPads, laptops and other devices available at reduced prices.

The best part? Every item sold through Amazon Renewed is tested by qualified suppliers to ensure it looks and works like new.

Purchases are backed by Amazon’s return policy, as well as a separate one-year limited warranty, giving you added peace of mind if the product doesn’t meet your expectations.

4. Organise a stationery scavenger hunt 

Getting everything organised for back-to-school can feel overwhelming, and it can be easy to go into panic mode when you look down at the list.

In reality, between items lost behind the sofa and tucked under the bed, you probably have more than you realise. 

Doing a scavenger hunt for pens, calculators, PE kits and other supplies can be a fun way to see what you already have and what you actually need to buy.

Even better, it’s something you can involve the kids in, while saving yourself the cost of buying things you already own. There’s nothing worse than buying something new, only to realise a week into the school year that you already had one.

5. Get help with costs

Low-income families across the UK may be able to access non-repayable grants to help with the cost of school uniforms, with support worth up to £200 per child in some areas. 

While eligible families in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland can access established schemes, support in England varies depending on where you live, creating significant differences in the help available.

Wales offers the School Essentials Grant, which can provide up to £200 per child, while in Scotland eligible families can receive school uniform grants administered by local councils, with a minimum award of £120 per child. 

In Northern Ireland, the Education Authority provides uniform allowances of up to £93.60 per child for qualifying households.

In England, assistance is determined by local authorities, meaning some councils offer grants while others do not, so families should check what's available in their local area.

_Sources

^{*Research conducted by Censuswide surveying 1,000 UK adults in August 2026.}