buying uniforms

[Kenlee]

I just want to remind everyone that are going into year 7. You do not need to buy new kit for your kids. They probably lose it. Buy it from the second hand store at the school.

Its a lot easier and costs a lot less. I wish I knew this when my dd started last year...

[TeenAndTween]

Our school has a second hand store that is for families who would struggle to buy new, though I don't think it is very well advertised, if people are struggling it is worth asking.

My DD1 has just completed y10 and has not lost any uniform yet.
What is even better is she hasn't grown out of any either

Make sure you label everything clearly.

[Ladymuck]

Yes to labelling.

2nd hand for the ridiculous list of sports kit that some schools require is definitely worthwhile, either as a spare kit for washing, or as a main kit where 1 will do.

[soddinghormones]

I tried to buy secondhand but there was nothing in dd's size when we went to the school's uniform sale - it was all teeny-tiny or enormous - or it was in such awful condition that there's no way dd would have wanted to be seen dead in it!

[BackforGood]

Sadly, not all schools have a 2nd hand uniform store

[ttlshiwwya]

Just to add also worth finding out what is absolutely needed (and what your DC will actually wear). My DCs school provides a very detailed uniform list which I spent a fortune on for my DS1 only to find out that most items are "encouraged" but not "compulsory" (e.g. blazer, football/hockey boots, black no visible logo shoes etc). I asked explicitly about compulsory uniform for DS2 to find out is was essentially black trousers, white shirt, school tie, any footwear within reason + separate PE kit (anything as long as shoes non-marking).