As September approaches, parents across the UK will be gearing up for the back-to-school rush. To avoid leaving things until the last minute, now is the time to buy, particularly if you want to save yourself stress in the days leading up to the new term.
Thankfully, high-street stores and supermarkets make it easy for parents to shop for what they need for preschool, primary school, and secondary school. In fact, 65% of Mumsnet users shop for school uniforms at supermarkets for ease and affordability.
It’s no wonder when stores like Sainsbury’s make the process very easy for parents to shop their way through that long list of back to school items. The store’s clothing brand, Tu, has an extensive range of high-quality, affordable uniforms and school essentials that have earned praise from our very own Mumsnet users over the years. They’ve also held their 2022 prices across their uniform range to help keep costs down for parents.
“They grow so fast, I use Tu at Sainsbury’s which seem to fit and wash well...”
What’s more, if you’re not satisfied with the quality of anything purchased from their Tu School Wear range, you can return it within 150 days with proof of purchase for an exchange or refund.
So, if you’re planning to start your back-to-school shopping, tick off every item you need on your list in one go with Tu. From crisp white shirts to comfortable school shoes, the brand has thought of everything to make your back-to-school preparations a breeze.
Reasons to shop at Tu for your child’s school uniform
We often see Mumsnetters recommend supermarkets like Sainsbury’s when it comes to school uniforms. Not only are they super affordable, but they’re very good quality and long-lasting.
At Sainsbury’s, parents can find everything they need for their child’s school uniform, PE kit, and outwear with ease from Tu Clothing. Their uniform staples support independent dressing for your DC, helping to maximise comfort with their “Dress with Ease range” where touch and close fasteners replace traditional buttons, shoes are scuff resistant and pleated skirts stay pleated - saving you time and keeping your kids looking smart.
Not only is Tu’s school uniform range award-winning (voted the best supermarket school uniform by Made for Mums), for 2024, the supermarket will be donating £200,000 to Comic Relief*, supported through sales of their school shop range.
A complete back-to-school shopping list for parents
Keep reading to find our complete back-to-school shopping list that you can keep handy while you check off each item.
We’ve also included suggested quantities for each item based on what Mumsnet users recommend over on our Talk boards as well as from first-hand experience by our Mumsnet team.
It’s worth noting that the below list is suggested for both primary and secondary school children, however high school students may need more items. You’ll find these further down.
Essential uniform items
White shirts or polo shirts (five to seven per child)
Shorts (two or three pairs per child, for summer if needed)
Footwear
Outerwear
Hat, gloves and scarf for colder months
For primary, I found [Tu at] Sainsbury’s really good quality and long lasting…
The Tu school uniform pieces Mumsnet users rate
Back-to-school items for secondary school
Secondary school students often require more specialised items as they navigate high school.
Things like scientific calculators, USB drives, electronic devices, and sports accessories will probably be added to your back-to-school checklist. In terms of uniforms, they’ll likely need a blazer or two and additional accessories like a belt.
Students involved in extracurricular activities will also need the necessary equipment and clothing that’s specific to their chosen pursuits, like gum shields, footwear and sports clothing.
What a high school student might need
School-branded blazer
School tie (if required)
A belt or two
Knee-high socks for sports (like football)
Scientific calculator
Stationery (more below)
A new laptop or tablet
What stationery will your child need?
Pencil case
Pens
Pencils
Colouring pencils
Rubber
Calculator
Highlighters
Geometry set
Ruler
Glue stick
Sticky notes
Notepad
Care instructions for school uniforms
Proper care of your child’s school uniform can help to extend their lifespan, saving you money in the long run and ensuring your DC always looks their best. Here are some helpful guidelines to help you maintain uniform quality:
Washing instructions
Always check care labels first, and wash uniforms in colder temperatures to prevent shrinkage and colour fading. Protect buttons and reduce wear on outer surfaces by turning garments inside out before washing.
Laundry supplies
Using gentle detergent will help keep uniforms looking fresh.
Drying instructions
Air-dry whenever possible to minimise fabric stress, although with the UK’s weather this might not always be easy. Investing in a heated clothes airer will certainly help. If using a tumble dryer, use low heat and remove items promptly after the cycle finishes to reduce wrinkles.
Ironing
Use appropriate heat settings for each fabric type and iron shirts and trousers inside out to avoid shine marks. Upgrading your iron and ironing board will help give you a crisp finish, too. Although, with Tu, you can often get your hands on easy iron and/or non iron pieces, like these school shirts.
Stain removal
Investing in stain resistant clothing can significantly help reduce the amount of stains you have to combat while your LO is at school. For example, Tu has stain resistant pieces like these shirts. However, if needed, treat stains promptly with appropriate methods. For ink or grass stains, remember to pre-treat before washing.
Adding your child’s name
Our users recommend adding your child’s name to their belongings. A fabric pen, stickers, stamps and sew-in labels can all do the job.
Rotate sets
If possible, it’s helpful to have multiple sets of uniform to rotate throughout the week - this will reduce wear on individual items in the long run.
Repair items
Address small issues like loose buttons or minor tears quickly to prevent further damage. It’s helpful to have a stocked sewing kit to hand. It helps, however, to scout out items that have extra reinforcement from wear and tear, like these trousers by Tu.
Shoes
Polish shoes regularly to keep them in good condition - although, if you invest in scuff resistant shoes from the get-go, this should help to reduce the amount of times you’re reaching for the shoe polish.
Things to consider when school uniform shopping
Check your DC’s school uniform list: you’ll most likely receive a welcome pack ahead of your child starting the new term. This is a great starting point as it tells you what you need, and also if there are any changes for the upcoming school year.
Make sure you have accurate sizing: it helps to measure your child before you start buying their uniform.
Remember, kids can get messy: whether it’s pen stains, school dinners or mud from the playground, children can acquire new stains very quickly. Stain resistant or machine washable garments are helpful to have and will last longer with the proper care.
Consider the weather: the weather here in the UK changes regularly. Hot and cold surges are unpredictable. So, it’s important to prepare a range of uniforms for different weather conditions.
Buy school uniform in advance: buy as early as possible to avoid getting caught up in the rush for uniform towards the end of August.
About Tu
Tu has been inspiring fashion confidence since its launch in 2004, offering design-led, excellent quality, and great value fashion across womenswear, menswear, and childrenswear.
The sixth largest clothing retailer in the UK by volume, Tu helps customers fulfil their clothing missions everyday by offering everything from a broad range of lingerie, lounge and nightwear, the latest denim fits alongside key fashion pieces, everyday essentials and school wear.
About the author
Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. With her eldest DC starting school this September, she’s personally trying to navigate back-to-school shopping and is on a quest to find the best, most affordable school uniform and school essentials for kids.
Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog up and down country lanes.