Back to school money saving hacks revealed

Even sending your child to a state school can make up a significant proportion of household incomes, so how can we save pennies?

Get kitted out early and earn cashback too!

The cost of sending your child to state school in the UK can cost a whopping £1192, according to the Lloyds Bank Spending Power Report.

While private school education is undoubtedly the costlier option, so-called ‘free’ education certainly doesn’t come cheap; school uniform, shoes, books, laptops and school trips often add up to a four figure sum per child.

The report, which polled 2,070 people across the UK, found that the largest outgoing was childcare costs at an average of £329 per year, followed by lunch costs at £260 a year on average.

Save cash while you shop - and you don't even have to fight the crowds

Other significant costs were uniforms and P.E. kits – a must for most parents who are obliged to adhere to school guidelines on uniform.

Abbie Dickinson, from cashback site Quidco said: We know that getting kids back to school can be expensive; every parent wants to keep their costs down without sacrificing the quality of uniforms and school supplies. This is where Quidco can really make the difference. . For example, Matalan have a brilliant back to school range where you could realistically kit out the kids for the new school year for £20! If you shop through Quidco you’ll also get 2% of your order value back in cashback. Whilst this may seem minimal, it all adds up if you shop via Quidco on a regular basis.’With back to school costs for households varying by as much as 40 per cent in various parts of the UK, the question is, how can we save?

“We suggest keeping a tab on your spending and using any discounts and cashback offers available. On average Quidco can help members earn £305 cashback each year, which can really help knock those school costs down.” says Abbie. “Not everyone realises how much money they are spending on school items. Buying in bulk and planning properly can save impulse buying for items you don’t need”

“If you’re a brand new Quidco member we’ll welcome you with a £15 cashback bonus when you sign up and buy your back to school essentials from Matalan, which can really help cut those initial costs.”

Save cash while you shop - and you don't even have to fight the crowds

Find out more about this bonus here.

Let’s take a look at some of Abbie’s hand-picked back to school items for a bit of inspiration. At least you know that’s a few pennies back in your pocket, and don’t forget you’ll be eligible for a £15 cashback bonus if you shop with Matalan this month!

P.E bags from £2 at Matalan

Cashback: 2% of your order value

Unisex Crew Neck School Sweatshirts from Matalan

Price: £3 - £5

Cashback: 2% of your order value

Unisex cotton tops from M&S from £4

Cashback: Up to 7.5% of your order value

Polo Shirts from £3 from Matalan

Cashback 2% of your order value

Wilko Cupcake lunch box

Price: £8

Cashback: 4% of your order value

Plimsoles starting at £3 from Matalan

Cashback 2% of your order value

Gingham School Dresses from £6 at Matalan

Cashback: 2% of your order value

Want to know more about how Quidco works? Click here.