DISCOUNT chain Aldi is bringing back its popular £5 uniform bundle deal this year.
The annual deal, which was first offered in 2022, sees the prices for school uniform essentials start at just £1.50 - the same as last year.
Aldi’s essential bundle costs just £5 and is made up of sweatshirts, cardigans, polo shirts, trousers, skirts and cargo shorts.
It's available in stores only from July 4, families will need to act fast because as with all Specialbuys, once they’re gone, they’re gone.
It means parents will have to head to stores where stock isn't always guaranteed - so they could be left disappointed.
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The bundle has had a bit of an upgrade this year with the supermarket adding cargo shorts and a cardigan for the first time.
Each item is available in a choice of colours and sizes from 4-12 years.
Individually, a sweatshirt or cardigan costs £1.50, a girl's or boy's polo shirt costs £1.75 and a skirt or pair of trousers or shorts are also £1.75.
They also come with a one-year satisfaction guarantee, previously just six months, which means you can get a refund on any faulty items that cannot be repaired or replaced.
Last year Aldi was the cheapest school bundle available, along with rival discounter Lidl.
It comes as school uniform prices are continuing to hit families hard as the cost of living continues to squeeze household budgets.
Julie Ashfield, managing director of Buying at Aldi UK, said: "With the cost of uniforms an annual, and often costly expense for families with growing children, at Aldi, we believe every child should have access to affordable, comfortable and great quality school uniforms.
"And, we want school children to be able to have flexibility when it comes to what they wear in the classroom all day so we’re proud to be expanding the options within our bundle."
What other school uniform deals are available?
Asda
Asda's George range offers the following key pieces:
Boys Uniform
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- 2-pack polo shirt – regular fit or 2pk short sleeves shirt – from £3
- 2-pack slim leg adjustable waist trousers - from £8
- 2-pack basic sweatshirt - from £5
- Black double strap cupsole school shoes - from £10
Girls Uniform
- 2-pack scallop polo shirt – regular fit or 2 pack short sleeve shirt - from £3
- 2-pack pleated skirt – from £8
- 2-pack basic cardigan – from £8
- 2 pack short sleeve shirts - from £5
- 2-pack white short sleeve school polo shirts – from £3
Peacocks
Discount fashion retailer Peacocks is offering its cheap uniform range in all stores with 20% off from July 28.
Its kids' uniform goes from age 2-3 up to age 14-15 years, which is a new age range for this year.
Among its key items are:
- Kids blouse - £5/£6/£7
- Kids polo 2-pack - £6/£7/£8
- Kids skinny trousers - £9/£10/£11
- Kids bootcut trousers - £9/£10/£11
- Kids bengaline super skinny trousers - £8/£9/£10
M&S
M&S has held prices on its school uniform since 2021 and has confirmed the return of its popular 20% off school uniform early bird offer from July 2.
You can get the discount by shopping online or in stores where uniform is stocked.
Some examples of its range include:
- From £7 for a 3 pack of 100% responsibly sourced cotton unisex polo shirts, featuring stain-resistant technology
- From £11 for 2pk Boys' Slim Leg School Trousers
- From £12 for 2pk Girls’ Pleated School Pinafores
How else can I save on school uniform?
If you are struggling to afford the cost of school uniform or PE kit, you may be able to apply for a grant from your local council - but the criteria vary from council to council.
This is usually in the form of a one-off payment paid directly into your bank account. Some councils will reimburse payments made to approved retailers.
You can ask your local council what help is available and when you need to apply.
If you can't get targeted help from your council, there are other options to get cheap uniform.
Speak to your school to see if they can offer you some clothing.
Some charities offer help to families in need too. Charity Turn2Us has a free grants search tool on its website which you can use to find out what help is available to you.
Charity shops can also be a good place to find cheap school uniform.
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