How to slash up to half the price of Victorian school uniform costs

Parents are slashing the cost of uniforms by shopping at major retailers, with an analysis by the Herald Sun showing schools charging much higher prices.

PARENTS hoping to save on the rising cost of living can slash up to half the price of uniform costs by shopping around at major retailers.

The costs for uniforms at both government and independent schools have skyrocketed in the past year, leaving parents footing bills worth hundreds of dollars.

A Herald Sun analysis has found major retailers including Kmart and Big W are offering families bargains, with similar essential school uniform items 50 per cent cheaper than uniform shops.

Families can get bargains by shopping at major retailers instead of school uniform shops.

At Blackburn High School and Carey Grammar, parents need to fork out more than $70 for a pair of trousers from the school’s uniform shop, whereas Kmart sells them between $13 and $18.

At both schools, parents can also save more than $20 on men’s long sleeve shirts and at least $30 on shorts.

At Emmaus College, one pair of white socks from the school’s uniform shop costs $6, while Kmart sells the same pair of socks in a pack of five for $5.

Parents of girls at Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School can also save up to 50 per cent on pants from Big W.

Blackburn High parents can save up to $139 if they buy basic school uniform items from Kmart, while Beaumaris Secondary College parents can save up to $108 if they buy the same items from Big W.

Out of all the major retailers, Kmart had the most savings on items including shirts, trousers, shorts, socks and tights costing $80, Big W came in second at $99 and Target at $144.

Earlier this month, it was revealed the cost of buying school supplies and uniforms had increased by $23 – or 3 per cent – since last year, according to data from YouGov’s Annual Back to School Research Report, commissioned by Big W.

The research, based on 1030 parents, found the vast majority (97 per cent) were replacing 10 items on average per child during a year.

Melbourne mum Jules Hay, whose son 12-year-old Zac has started year 7 at St Kevin’s College this year, said she had saved hundreds of dollars by shopping at major retailers and second hand uniform shops.

“We’ve saved so much money on shorts by shopping at Kmart and Big W and there’s more choice at these stores,” Ms Hay said.

She said she had also saved up to 80 per cent on shirts and other items from second hand uniform shops.

“There are so many Facebook pages that sell second hand uniforms and sometimes parents give them away for free.”

Melbourne High School principal Dr Tony Mordini said he encouraged parents to make use of second hand uniform shops.

Jules Hay, mum to Indiah and Zachary, says she’s saved hundreds of dollars on school uniform costs. Picture:Rob Leeson.

“Our second hand uniform shop is run by volunteers and we source as much as we possibly can so nobody needs to go without,” Dr Mordini said.

“We always have some stock for children whose parents are facing serious financial difficulties or if they are in situations including out of home care.”

Finder personal finance expert Sarah Megginson said the cost of living continued to soar, with parents finding it difficult to provide their children with school essentials.

“The cost of paying for school supplies right now is causing genuine stress,” Ms Megginson said.

She said she also encouraged parents to make use of second hand uniform shops.

“Often the clothes are still in great condition and they’re much more affordable. I got my daughter a dress second-hand a couple of years ago for $10, instead of $55 for a brand new one.

“It’s also a good idea to check local Facebook groups and Gumtree to see if people are offloading uniforms there”

Ms Megginson said parents can also save on other items including lunch boxes and water bottles.

“Opt for budget-friendly brands. I picked up my 9-year-old’s double-level lunch box from Kmart for $5 – a similar style from Smiggle is over $30.”

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