F&F School uniform feedback thread - £250 Tesco voucher prize draw! NOW CLOSED

[MichelleMumsnet]

This thread is for the 100 MNers who have been trying out the F&F school uniform range.

Here's what they say about the range: "Every year we work tirelessly to improve on our schoolwear range, to ensure you get even better value for money and higher quality compared to the previous year. To enable us to do this we rely heavily on the feedback from all of you - the mums! This year, we have some new key features that we’re really excited to share with you and look forward to hearing your thoughts”

Below are a couple of questions for you to answer, but please also feel free to add any other comments you may also have.

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Everyone who leaves their feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one Mumsnetter will win a £250 Tesco voucher.

Thanks,

MNHQ

[itsahen]

Oh yes, we had these - to my partners address as the Tesco account on line was in his name. They are normal

[billybear]

1. got scruff proof shoes,3 pairs culottes,pleat skirt,2 pack polo shirt,2 pack short sleeve shirt .spent £51.50 great value so just paid the £1.50, also liked idea that some items were buy one give one . part of a school uniform went to a charity great idea.fantastic value, 2 scruff proof shoes great fit, did not order pinafore dress my little girl a real tom boy into culottes so ordered 3 of them great fit.3 overall quality good fit , high quality a lot better than expected.4 no improvement needed great already .5 used click and collect fast great idea would use again.6 I would recommend f & f school wear to everyone. great quality and great prices ,why pay for top names when theres id just as good at a fraction of the price .

[Glitterfairys]

Q1 I bought 2 packs of boys trousers,blue polo necks,white boys short sleeve shirts,anti scuff shoes, pe kit and 2 x grey socks. I spent just over £50 and this was definitely good value for money.I'm not sure I could buy all this and get it cheaper elsewhere.

Q2 I thought the scuff resistant shoes were very good . My ds 9 wrecks his shoes normally within a day of having them as he plays a lot of football but it doesn't occur to him to change his shoes therefore they have lots of scuffs. This week though he has worn them for four days and they are as good as new,slight little thread come loose but that is it .Very impressed

Q3 I think the overall quality of the school uniforms did match my expectations.They washed well,fitted great and still look good as new.

Q4 I didn't see any boys shorts on the website which was a shame as they are quite popular with the young boys in summer.

Q5 I used click and collect,have used the service before and been impressed and will do again.I was in Tesco on Saturday and although I hadn't received the email to say my order was ready I checked at the customer desk and it was there so was worth me just asking .

Q6 I would recommend F&F for there school uniform as it's great quality and good value for money.

[MakeTeaNotWar]

1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?

I bought heaps including School Scuff Resistant Bow Patent Shoes
£11.00, Permanent Pleat School Pinafore £5.00,
School Unisex V-Neck Jumper with As New Technology £3.00, School Girls Scallop Trim Cardigan with As New Technology
£4.00, School Girls Ribbed Waist Joggers with As New Technology £4.00
F&F School Permanent Pleat School Skirt £3.50 5 Pair Pack of Broderie £4.00 , 2 Pack of Unisex T-Shirts with As New Technology
£2.00, 5 Pair Pack of Antibacterial Technology Sports Socks
£4.00. I spent just over £50.

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?

They are great - DD only starts reception in September so she was beyond excited to try all her new gear and it really helped her to understand that she was about to start school. She is rough on her shoes but has been wearing these playing the garden and they are perfect. i can't see any difference between these and Clark's shoes and these are less than half the price. We washed the skirts and pinafores - both washed well and dried quickly.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?

As I hadn't bought a school uniform before I have no comparison but I am very impressed at the wide range and high quality at such a great price point, i will definitely look at Tesco first in future.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?
I can't say yet, ask again after term has started,

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?
I used home delivery for £3.95. Delivery was prompt and items well packaged.

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Absolutely yes - much better quality than I expected and really well-priced

[cremeeggsrock]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?

£51 amazing value:)

2x unisex v neck jumpers,
2x scallop trim cardigans,
2x 2 pack of easy iron short sleeved shirts,
1x 2 pack of pleated school skirts
1x 2 pack pe cycling style shorts,
1x 2 pack unisex tshirts,
1x scuff resistant scallop punch hole shoes
1x pack of gingham frill trim socks
1x pack of pastel briefs
1x pack of motif vests

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?

Note: There were no pinafores left in my daughters size....:(

The scuff resistant shoes have been worn the last couple of days at preschool, I picked the these particular ones as the were the only style with an easy Velcro fastening that my dd could manage on her own, the other styles were either to fiddly to fasten! an the slip on style just didn't seem appropriate! so for the have withheld her play and scooting............, and she says ther comfy! my only concern is the width as she has wide feet and they look more on the narrow side.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?

The uniform is fabulous value for money and seem well made! I have washed the shirts and they ironed well!

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?

I would suggest looking at the fit of the shirts and tshirts as they are a little odd fitting around the shoulders. Also adding the choice of shoe width would be good.

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?

click and collect is really quick easy and convenient as can combine the collection with weekly shop:)

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

definitely will and have recommended F&F school uniform! its such good value and love the little trim on the cardigans, there very sweet:) just hoping my daughters school subscribe to the embroidery service offered such a fab idea!

Thank you:)

[ssmile]

I bought £52 worth of bits including shirts, shoes, pinafores, vests, socks, raincoat.

The patented girls shoes seems good, like the chunky sole but the last holes in the straps were not punched through so we had to do that to get them to fit my daughter. The size 1 seems on the long size but were ok on her wider feet. The ankle strap had got a little "creased" already but were lovely and shiny still.
The pinafores seem good and could not see any difference with those from Asda which I normally buy
The uniform matched expectations, but the website was clunky and tiresome to use. I did a similar shop on the Asda site in less time and they were unable to link my clubcard (which I've had for 15yrs) and credit card to my new f&f clothing account but the online IT help came back within 24hrs and sent me a new clubcard?? I don't need a new one as my existing one gets double credit card points.
I ordered direct to my house and it arrived within 48hrs which was efficient.
Yes I would recommend the shoes based on what I have seen - in fact I already have and the clothing seemed comparable to the other supermarkets. I just found the online system frustrating as it took 3attempts to place an order as the site wouldn't load what I was trying to choose or came up with errors. If I hadn't had the voucher to use I would have given up.

[umiaisha]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?

I went for the polo shirts, short sleeved shorts, socks, cardigans and scuff resistant shoes.

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?

I couldn't get the pinafores in the colour my daughter needs for school (maroon/burgundy). My first choice of shoes was not in stock but I was impressed with my second choice. They seem excellent quality and very good value.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?

Was impressed with everything and thought it was all excellent value for money. The only exception were the cardigans which were a bit thin for my liking - they would be fine for the warmer months though.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?

As above with the cardigans and make sure more is in stock.

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?

Yes I did, I usually use this service as I can pick up from the Express which is just over the road from us.

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I would. Was very surprised at how good it is and is definitely an alternative to M&S, which is normally my first choice.

[LizzieMint]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?
I bought
2 pairs boys trousers, one longer length, one ordinary length
2x 2 packs of polo shirts
1 pair of girls trousers
1 pair of girls skort
2 x PE hoodie
1 pack socks
1 pack pants
I spent £50 in total

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?
Unfortunately both my children are in half-size shoes so didn't buy any - if there had been half sizes in the range I would have given it a go. And there were no pinafores in my daughters size in stock.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?
Yes, the quality seems fine. Would be worth while reporting back later when we have had more chance to try them out.
However, we have major fit issues with both children. The girls trousers (there was only one style available in the colour/size we needed) were ridiculous. Legs fit fine but you could have got 2 of my daughter in the top bit. By the time the waist had been adjusted down enough, she lo

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?


Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

[LizzieMint]

Argh, sorry phone posted too soon...

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?
My daughter looked like she had a nappy on. And the belt holes didn't go small enough so we had to punch extra holes in the belt as well.
Exactly the same problem for the boys trousers. I ordered an extra length pair in the hope that they might fit better but still way too big. A slim range is essential I'd say, or just reduce the size of the normal range, there don't seem to be many people it has worked for!
And the polo shirts also seem enormous, but maybe that's because the ones we've already got have shrunk?
On the other hand we really loved the skort, would prefer it to be slightly longer - it's clearly meant as a sports skirt but actually lots of girls at our school wear them for everyday skirts.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?
Make them smaller!

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?
No I didn't.

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
No, I'm afraid not. The sizing is just too way out for me, the trousers are unwearable.

[LeMousquetaireAnonyme]

For everyone commenting about the "thinness" of the cardigans. We actually prefer them like that. The official school cardigans are so thick that the are practically useless. The girls need a thin cotton cardigan to put over their polo shirts. They have coats to go outside.
The school is heated and they move a lot when outside.

[TheSitChewAceChien]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?
I bought plimsolls, shirts (5X girls 15-16 and 6Xboys 7-8) boys socks and boys trousers. Total cost was £52 which seems like very good value.


Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?
Did not order these.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?
Better than expected. Very pleased with the style and quality. The only niggle I have is that the polo shirts shrink a little when tumble dried.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?
None as yet!

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?
Yes I did, and yes will do again. It's handy to be able to pick up at my convenience and free!

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Will recommend when it comes up in conversation. I'm happy with the quality, and pleased with the wide range of polo shirt colours. DS doesn't wear his school jumpers as he dislikes sleeves, so it's brilliant to be able to get shirts the same colour as his jumper, as an alternative.

[NecesitoDormir]

Well so far we are impressed. We have washed the polo shirts and pinafore and both came out nicely. The shoes still have no marks on them despite DD putting them through the paces in the playground. I will be buying more bits to top up her uniform for September but I am pleased with the whole service so far.

[littlesupersparks]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?

We bought - 1 pair of shoes, 10 polo shirts, 3 pairs of trousers, pe shorts, pe t shirts, socks, joggers.

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?

The shoes we likes best were only available in synthetic, which I don't really want him wearing everyday so we wet for a pair we weren't as keen on in the leather. They are quite chunky and the soles look good. They look at little plasticy - I guess this is the non scuff coating. My son has wide feet (G) so a I was a little concerned about the fit. However, on receiving them I think they are probably better suited to wider fit. I think you might have more trouble if your kids had particularly narrow feet. He says they are comfortable and they are not scuffed yet. I will be interested to see how they fare in the autumn weather.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?

Yes - the polo shirts seem particularly nice - thick and sturdy. The trousers seem quite stiff and a bit scratchy - this does seem to be the case with all school trousers though. I suppose it will make them more hard wearing.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?

I bought the pleat front trousers in his usual size (he has a lot of clothes from tesco) and they are quite a bit too big. Not much harm in that this time of year, as I have just tightened them up for now and he will have grown by September. I have also noticed, like others, that the fit around the bum isn't great, especially when tightened at the waist. I don't really understand why the school trouser have a different fit to the rest of the range!

I also would have liked to buy some shorts.

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?

Yes, we use it frequently and it's very convenient.

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, as it's good value for money. I would suggest they try on trousers in particular before they buy though.

[littlesupersparks]

Oh and I would echo what others have said about the website - particularly confusing when it came to boys' trousers and slow/difficult to use.

[nameuschangeus]

Just back again to say that ds's have been wearing the shoes and socks this week. Absolutely no complaints at all. They're not scuffed and they must be comfortable as I've had no moaning! Socks appear to be fine too, they haven't shrivelled up after washing either.

[Missteacake]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?

For a girl reception year I brought :-

Scuff res shoes
Plimsoles
Pe shorts
Pe joggers
Polo shirts
Gingham dresses x3

I tried to get a couple of pinafore dresses or skirts but they had sold out of these in my DD size.
I thought the shoes were especially good value for money (£13) I spent the whole £50 but tesco cancelled part of the order as they didn't have it in stock.

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?

I thought the shoes fit well and were very good value. Really pleased with them. As above they didn't have the pinafores in our size.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?

The quality looks good however only time will tell as wear and tear is the best way to judge quality.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?

Have more stock avaliable especially for the younger ages which seem to sell out quickly.

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?

I didn't use it I like delivery but it is useful if your in town a lot anyway.

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes if the quality stands the test of time.

Very happy to have been part of this survey and tesco's has made our first school uniform shop very easy and painless. Thank you

[BigfootFiles]

Just popping back again to say we got the shoes sorted out and they seem to be bearing up well (though it is early days so we'll see how they go after a few weeks use).

[WildEyedAndHairier]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?
I spent £52.
Got 2 pairs of the boys' scuff resistant shoes
A pair of the scallop punch hole girls' shoes
A pair of girls' bootleg trousers
6 polo shirts
A pack of cycling shorts for DD's PE kit.

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?
DD is 4 years old and wearing uniform for nursery class so stain resistant pinafores sounded a great idea. I prefer pinafores/dresses to skirts as she is so skinny and most school skirts don't seem to have adjustable waists. Unfortunately the stain resistant pinafores weren't available in either her current or next size.
I got 2 pairs of the scuff resistant shoes for DS as he has nearly outgrown his current size and expecting a growth spurt by September. He has given them a good testing in the 5 days left of school, but amazingly they do still look almost new. We chose the ones that look more like trainers. DS(nearly 8) found them comfortable and reckoned they helped him run faster! Very glad I got a pair in the next size too now. DD has the scallop shoes. She was very happy with the style but can't wear them until September(hopefully) as she is between sizes.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?
Quality seems very good. Shoes especially so for the price.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year? I agree with the PP who mentioned that shoes in half sizes would be good.

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery? Yes I used Click + Collect. It is my preferred method of delivery and I would use again.

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, I would. Great value and the quality seems good from what I've seen so far.
We still need to get some more uniform for September so will definitely be getting from F & F if they have them in stock.

[confusedfrillysock]

Stock availability seems really low. I wanted some extra PE shorts but have been to 3 Tesco Extra stores and there was virtually nothing in stock? I ended up going to Asda instead

[NannyPeach]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?
I bought:
*5 pack boys polo tops
*Two 2 pack girls polo tops
*Boys joggers
*Girls joggers
*2 pack boys PE shorts
*2 pack girls PE cycling shorts
*3 pack girls black 40 denier tights

I spent £52 and I think this is excellent value for money.

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?
Both of my school age children are currently in half sizes, so I could not buy the shoes at the moment. My dd did like the look of the scruff resistant pleat front pumps, so we may buy them once her feet grow a little bigger. DD is 10 and wont wear a pinafore any more.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?
I thought the quality of the uniform was excellent. The jogging bottoms feel lovely and look great on. The PE shorts were also great and the fit was very good. The polo tops felt soft and the material felt of good quality. I look forward to trying these out properly in September, as ds in particular gets quite messy.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?
There weren't many boys shoes to choose from, so a few more different styles would be nice. Offering half sizes in shoes would also be useful. I found the website ok to use, but not all of the sizes were available, which made it difficult to choose. My dd would have like more 'girly' polo tops and was disappointed with the ones that arrived as they had a straight collar, when the picture had shown a ripplied collar. She wanted the tops with the bow pocket, but her size wasn't available. We would have also liked a school cardigan, but they didn't go up to her size (11-12 or 12-13 as she is very tall).

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?
I did use click and collect and it was a very easy service. I would have prefered to have had the items delivered to home, but not at that cost for home delivery.

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
So far I would recommend the F&F schoolwear range. It looks to be of good quality and the click and collect was very easy to do too.

[Rainicorn]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?

I bought three pairs of boys scuff resistant shoes, one pair for each of my sons and a double pack of boys PE shorts as I had to spend £50, so spent £51.

I do think it is good value for money as I usually buy shoes from John Lewis and they cost £45 a pair.

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?

The shoes look good, nicely stitched and they also look good on.
All three of my sons have different widths of feet, one is wide, one is standard and the third is slim fitting. They all wore the shoes with comfort, no rubbing or blisters from the first wear.
They only wore the shoes for a few days before school,ended but they still look good as new and will do great for the start of the new school year.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?

For a pair of shoes costing under £20 I do think they look good. The quality is probably a little better than I expected, the leather doesn't look cheap and the stitching is neat.
The soles of the shoes look hardwiring and I have a son who is very heavy footed. I am looking forward to seeing if the longevity of the shoes are as good as the more expensive ones we buy for him, it would be ideal if they did.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?

I looked at the trousers in store and I think (general all boys school trousers in all stores) should do pull on school trousers through all the age range rather than just the smaller sizes. I have a child with SN and the zips/buttons are very awkward for him to do by himself.

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?

I did. I received email updates on my order being dispatched but did not receive any notification that my order arrived in store. It was just by chance I was walking past the c&c desk and happened to ask if it was there, it was. It is my preferred method of delivery given that it is free and I don't live far from my local store.

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

More than likely. I like how the soles of the shoes look like they will last and I know a few parents with kids who go through a lot of shoes during the school year.

[lucjam]

Just to add an and finally...to my earlier post. Have now washed the trousers and white polo shirt and they look good. Polo shirt seems not to have shrunk in length - hurrah and the tomato ketchup washed out.

Shoes still looking good despite 4 days wear.

[GiniCooper]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?

I have sweatshirts, polo t-shirts and jogging bottoms for PE days.
Permanent pleat pinafore.
Scallop edged cardigans.
V-neck boys jumper.
I found this great value for money, across three children.

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?

The shoes were not available in my daughters size but I have seen them and will consider purchasing when she does need them.
The pinafore looks great, it's got plenty of room for growth and the pleats are staying put.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?

I'm pleasantly surprised.
The style of the cardigan is lovely and my daughter thinks it's nice too which helps.
Also, I've noticed other stores seem to skip a size, ie going from 5-6 to 7-8.
Thankfully you had plenty 6-7 available.
It's hard to find decent, soft PE gear. They need stretchy comfy clothing and I really think F&F have nailed this. Cuffed ends on the bottoms too to save them dragging in puddles. The navy is a good rich colour too.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?

Pockets, the girls pinafore could do with one.
Also a slimmer fit boys trouser around the bum especially.

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?

I didn't use it

Q6 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

I have already recommended it.
I think it's great value for money and I prefer to replace things that start to look washed/worn out. I don't expect the uniform to last years as it does take a lot of washing and wearing compared to other clothing.

[TheSpottedZebra]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?

I spent £52 and bougt:

• scuff resistant patent shoes that buckle
  
• teen girls belted pinafore
  
• kilt skirt
  
• short-sleeved white shirt
  
• polo shirts
  
• swimming costume all for my DD, and
  
• socks and polo shirts for DS.
  

I was amazed at how much I got for how little, and I am of course very grateful for being able to take part in this trial and get so mush, so thanks MN/Tesco!

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?

Very intrigued by the scuff-resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores, and I was very keen to give them a go. And DD (8yo) is VERY hard on her shoes (active) and very messy, just like me, so she will certainly given them a thorough trial.

I was disappointed that I could not get the stain resistant pinafore in black, in her size. In fact I thought that there seemed far fewer black items that I would have expected, and there seemed to be loads more in grey. I did get a pinafore, but it's not stain resistant, alas.

I did get scuff resistant shoes, and they have help up so far in the week and a bit of school that she wore them, but I am keen to test them some more. No idea if patent will help or hinder the scuff resistant-ness...!

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?

I think I was very pleasantly surprised at first look, by the range and the quality. But then I went on to be frustrated that there was not the range in black as there was in grey, so I could not get some of the items I first spotted.

The pinafore and skirt in particular seemed very good quality - good fabric - for the price. The shoes are very keenly priced, so if they last even slightly I shall be delighted! Also pleased with the swimming costume quality for the £. The polos and shirts seem a bit lower quality than those I normally buy - John Lewis - so I am not totally expecting them to last as long.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?

• more black items as previously mentioned!
  
• some of the skirts/pinafores seemed to come up quite short on DD - a good few inches above her knee, even when we sized up as she is slightly on the tall side.
  
• pockets on girls' items as many have mentioned! Will be especially welcome as girls start to start their periods and want somewhere subtle to place supplies if they can't carry their bag with them.
  
• I found the boys' trousers seemed cut for a sturdier DS than mine (although he is not skinny at all), and we didn't buy these.
  
• Was a little frustrated that there was only 1 pair of shoes for DD that had a buckle rather than velcro, as the velcro always seems to fail on hers.
  
• disappointed that the girls' shoes are not leather yet the boys' are... Are girls really expected to sit prettily in their shoes and not move around or get sweaty feet?
  

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?

I did, although I did look in store first on a shopping trip to get an idea of sizes. I've used it before and will use again, I find it really convenient.

This was the first time however that I've used it for clothes and I am not sure that I'd do so again - I am needing to exchange a couple of items and it is fast becoming more trouble than it is worth and I am close to pulling my hair out...

Q6 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

I have already recommended it! I have told so many people about the trial that I am doing, and have had many school gate chats about it (who knew adult life would be so fun!! )

So far, the polos, shirts, pinafores and skirts have washed and ironed very well.

I'd probably NOT recommend click and collect for clothes, as if the sizes are wrong it is damn near impossible to get replacements/next sizes easily. Plus even our massive Tesco Extra did not carry some of the range, so you're flying blind somewhat wrt sizing.

[starrynight19]

After wearing the uniform for a few days it's time to feedback.

1. I bought 2 packs of polo shirts , 2 pairs of trousers , 1 packs of school shirts and a pair of scuff resistant shoes.
   

It came to £51.00 which I felt was great value.

1. I didn't get the pinafore as her size wasn't available. One of the shoes looked poorly made as the glue was showing between the sole and the shoe.
   

However they have been fine the few days dd has worn them. They have a nice design and she said they are comfy. No scuffs as yet but would need more time to test this. Great value though.

1. The polo shirts seem better this year , they didn't shrink in the first wash this test which they did last year. I purposely bought a size up to allow for it. The trousers I am not sure about. I couldn't get the normal school trousers and when these arrived they have studs on them which I think might be too jean like for Ds at high school. He hasn't worn them yet as I am still deliberating. The shirts are good value and washed well.
   

1. Better stock on the website , quite a few items I couldn't get in the school size which surprised me as it's still early to be getting next years uniform. More choice of school trousers that aren't trying too hard to be trendy.
   

1. Yes I did , very easy to use and I like the text to let you know when it's ready. I always use this service and find it very good.
   

1. Yes I would reccomend it I find it good value. I have already recommended the shoes to another mum who swears by Clarks and is going to try them.