SCHOOL RULES Save money with these back-to-school deals for your kids’ uniform and stationary from Asda to B&M

As well as trendy jackets and shoes, they are also demanding flash gadgets and stationery, according to retail analyst Mintel.

Back-to-school spending rose from £855million in 2017 to £1.2billion last year – a  leap of 36 per cent.

Average uniform costs per family have risen to £134, while computing equipment sets each family back £220.

Mintel’s Samantha Dover says: “There has always been an appetite for branded products when buying things such as trainers, bags and coats, which often aren’t part of the traditional uniform.

“This pressure is moving into categories such as computing equipment and stationery.”

Today, Mr Money looks at the best deals ahead of the new term.

UNIFORM

DISCOUNTERS Aldi and Lidl offer the cheapest full uniform on the market at £4.50.

The set includes two polo shirts for £1.75, a £1 sweatshirt and either a pair of trousers or a skirt for £1.75. Uniforms are no longer available online, but check in stores.

Asda comes in next for best value. Trousers start at £3.50 and a five-pack of boys’ short-sleeve polo shirts is £6.

For girls, a two-pack of blouses is £3.50 and a cardigan two-pack is £4. There is a wide range of skirt styles to choose from including pleated, pencil, A-line and tulip.

Sainsbury’s has 25 per cent off TU clothes which includes school uniform. A two-pack of skirts with permanent pleats is £5.25, down from £7, and a jersey pinafore two-pack is £6, was £8. Girl’s woven trousers are now £4.50 for two from £6. The sale ends tomorrow.

Matalan is also doing some good bundles, including two gingham dresses for a tenner and a twinset of grey zip pinafores costing £10.

You can save even more money on school uniforms by getting £15 cashback when you spend £15 or more online at Matalan. Sign up to Quidco or TopCashback to get it.