Best school uniform to buy that'll last

From just £1.50 per shirt, this TU seven-pack of polo shirts is hard to argue with for parents stocking up for the term ahead.

We love the classic collar, creating a smart school look while being softer on your child’s skin than a traditional school shirt. The breathable 100% cotton fabric stays comfortable even after repeated washing, while the perfect white technology and stain-repellent finish help repel spills and paint splatters, keeping their uniform looking fresher for longer. 

Available in sizes from 3 to 16 years, they’ll cover most of a child’s school career. They’re easy-iron too, which is one less job when you’re getting ready for the week ahead. 

M&S has tweaked this trouser design in all the right places, and Mumsnet users consistently rate the brand’s school trousers.

The improved Stormwear™ fabric combines durability with a softer feel, while practical features like grow-proof hems and an adjustable waist make these a smart investment for growing children. Child has a sudden growth spurt? Simply let down the hem and press for an additional 3cm in length. 

The crease-resistant fabric saves time on busy mornings, while the water- and stain-repellent finish should cope with playground puddles and lunch spills.

Two pairs won’t always be enough for very active children, but the adjustable waist and grow-proof hems help justify the higher price.

If your school allows summer dresses, this John Lewis gingham two-pack is worth a look - even if you plan to stash it in your DD’s wardrobe until next summer. 

Available in classic red and blue shades, these smart gingham dresses feature a Peter Pan collar that is perfect for photo day. Mumsnet users also love the adjustable pin-tuck waist that adapts to your child as they grow, while the easy-iron fabric barely creases - even after a whole day of lessons. 

Buttons can be fiddly for younger children, so it helps that there are only three on this design. It’s a good price for one dress, never mind two, although it doesn’t come in less common school colours such as maroon or yellow.

For quality and durability, school uniform specialists Trutex are hard to beat. Having dressed British school kids for over 150 years, they certainly know a thing or two about creating long-lasting, hard-wearing garments. 

Mumsnet users particularly rate the tailored pieces. These longer Bermuda shorts are fully lined and made from stain-resistant fabric. The elasticated back waist provides a comfy fit, and the smaller sizes feature a handy pull-up design rather than a zip front for easy access.

While you get what you pay for with these durable, long-lasting shorts, it can get pricey if you need to buy several pairs. 

John Lewis is a safe bet for school uniform, and these shirts are no exception. These crisp white shirts come highly recommended by reviewers for their soft fabric and tailored fit. Made from 100% organic cotton, they’re breathable and comfy to wear. They’re machine washable and, according to reviewers, stand up well to repeated washing. 

The downside is that creating that smart, crisp look does require some ironing. If that puts you off, John Lewis also has a range of 'easy care' shirts made from a mix of polyester and cotton.

While many schools allow kids to wear white or black school trainers, many still require kids to wear black plimsolls for PE sessions. The general consensus is that riptape fastenings make things easier, especially for younger children. And Mumsnetters state that it's not worth splashing out on an expensive pair. 

While you can pick up plimsolls for under a fiver at several supermarkets, these Clarks shoes are worth a look if you’re struggling to find a good fit. 

Available in whole and half sizes and two different widths, they feature a padded collar for comfort and non-marking soles (which some schools specify as an additional requirement). They're also machine washable. 

The Nike Brasilia Drawstring Bag is an easy-to-carry bag for PE days, after-school clubs or swimming, keeping wet or muddy contents separate from school books and lunchboxes. 

This lightweight bag has a generously sized main compartment, with plenty of room for bulky items like trainers. There's also a single zip pocket to the front - ideal for stashing smaller items like hair bobbles. 

While it's easy to throw over their shoulder, you won't find any padding on these simple cord straps. Best suited to older junior or secondary kids, they may need to occasionally readjust the cords to keep the length equal on both sides.

Who says school uniform can’t be stylish and functional? This pinafore from NEXT combines both, with a zip front that makes it easier for younger children to dress themselves. The heart-shaped zip pull adds a bit of fun. 

Finished off with a pleated skirt, the dress will look smart on their first day back at school, whether paired with tights or long socks and a white polo neck or blouse underneath. The dress has a Teflon coating to repel water and stains, and it’s easy to iron too, which saves a bit of faff on school mornings.

We like that it’s available in regular and slim fit too so you can find the right size for your daughter. You can also pick from five different colours to match your school's uniform policy.

With more than 100 reviews on M&S, these pleated skirts deliver on both style and practicality. Available in grey, black or navy, the permanent pleats are the real winner here. No more spending Sunday evenings trying to press them back into shape after washing.

The combination of stain-resistant finish and crease-resistant technology makes these ideal for busy families who want their children to look smart without the maintenance headache.

At around £5 to £8 per skirt, they offer excellent value, and the adjustable waist means you'll get plenty of wear before sizing up. The wide age range also means you can stick with this reliable choice throughout the school years, right up until your teen turns 18.

When it comes to school uniform, finding a good jumper or cardigan that washes well and doesn’t lose its colour is key. Mumsnet users have found supermarket school uniform to be great value, and these TU V-Neck Jumpers are a great example, available in a wide range of colours to suit your school’s uniform policy.

Made from 100% cotton, these breathable jumpers are soft and comfortable to wear, with a ribbed hem and cuffs to help them retain their shape. Reviewers share they wash well and stay bold and bobble-free wash after wash. Running from ages 4 to 12 and ideal for layering in winter, this style could easily see your kids through primary school.

Socks are one of those essential items you’ll want to stock up on for the school year, and as they somehow always go missing, this multipack of M&S knee-high socks should keep you going for a while. Working out at around £1.40 a pair, you’ll have enough to last the entire school week, without needing a midweek sock wash. 

Made from soft, stretchy cotton with a scalloped edge, these knee-high socks look great and provide a comfortable fit for all-day wear. You can buy them in four colours: black, grey, white, and navy. 

We love the panels for writing your child's name inside every sock, and the Freshfeet™ technology minimises stinky odours - even after PE day.

During the winter, you’ll need a good pair of tights to keep your child warm under their dress or skirt. Poor-quality tights will bobble and ladder easily, so they may only last a few wears, which could get costly throughout the colder months. These opaque tights by John Lewis are soft and stretchy, providing a comfortable fit.

Reviewers say they wash well so they can be worn again and again, and they come in five colours, including grey and black, so you can even get colours for outside of school.