Back to school on a budget

Getting ready for the new school year can be exciting, but it can also be expensive. From uniform and PE kit to lunches, stationery and travel, the costs can quickly add up. Here are some practical tips and local support options to help Portsmouth families get ready for term without spending more than they need to.

Before buying anything new, do a stock check. Check what your child already has and what can be reused or handed down. Schools often provide their own kit lists, so it’s worth checking those before heading to the shops.

A simple back-to-school list might include:

• school bag
• lunch box and reusable water bottle
• PE kit and PE bag
• basic stationery, such as pens, pencils, ruler, eraser and sharpener
• extras for older pupils, such as highlighters, a geometry set or scientific calculator
• art supplies, glue stick or safety scissors if needed

Getting the kids involved can make the job quicker and may help avoid buying things they won’t use.

School uniform can be expensive, especially when children grow quickly or need items for different schools. Before buying new, check what still fits, what can be reused, and whether your school offers second-hand uniform or support.

If you are struggling to afford school uniform, these local options may be able to help.

HIVE School Uniform Share-Shop

Based in Central Library, HIVE collects good-quality donated school clothing, including uniform, sports kit, shoes and coats.

To request items, email uniform@hiveportsmouth.org.uk with what you need, including item, age, gender and school, or complete HIVE’s online form.

If you cannot email or complete the form online, call HIVE on 023 9400 7124.

Paulsgrove school uniform exchange

Address: Paulsgrove Community Centre, Marsden Road, PO6 4JB.

Families can pick up clean, good-quality second-hand uniform from the reception area, including items such as blazers for children in Castle View Academy. You can also donate uniform that your children have grown out of.Donations are also welcome.

Find out more on the PYC website

Fratton Together Pantry

Members of Fratton Together Pantry can choose free pre-loved school uniform by providing a postcode. Check the Fratton pantry information page for opening times.

Supermarkets and high street shops often run back-to-school deals on uniform, stationery and lunchbox items. Compare prices before buying and check whether items are likely to last.

Here are three:

Tesco – is offering great deals on school uniform – from polo shirts to pinafores, PE kit and jumpers to keep them warm in the Autumn term. Visit the Tesco website for full details.

Aldi – is offering a £5 back to school uniform bundle with items that are made to last. They also have reduced prices on packed lunch staples to make it more affordable for parents to give kids a nutritious and delicious lunch box. Visit Aldi’s website for more details

Lidl – Get yourself along to the Middle of Lidl for great savings on school uniform staples, stationery and pencil case fillers. They’re also doing a Back to Uni offer from 30 August with everything for the older student too (well, maybe not everything). Visit Lidl website for more details.

From September 2026 (the start of the 2026 to 2027 school year), the government will extend free school meals to all children from households getting Universal Credit.

Read more about the criteria for free school meals and apply

If your child has to walk more than 2 miles to school (if below the age of 8) or more than 3 miles (if aged between 8 and 16), you could get help with transport to school. Visit our school transport and travel page to see if you can apply for help.

Getting ready for school doesn’t have to mean buying everything new. Check what you already have, focus on what’s really needed and make use of local support if costs are a worry. From uniform and meals to travel, help is available for Portsmouth families.