MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry warns parents to act now to prepare for the September school term by claiming these free things
The summer holidays are a lot of fun… and expense. And then there’s the back-to-school costs to consider on top of that!
To make sure you save money during the summer holidays and stick to your budget for September prep, check this round-up of free things you can claim as a parent this summer.
Free coach travel all summer
If you’re going out and about with the kids this summer, try going by coach. National Express is offering free travel for up to three children aged 15 and under until September 30, 2025.
All you need to do is book your tickets online, including one paying adult, and use the code KIDSFREE at checkout to claim the free tickets.
Kids eat for free and cheap
Make sure you’re not over-spending on the entertainment budget this summer by planning your trips to venues and restaurants with great free kids meals options.
There are loads of places where kids eat free this summer, such as Yo! Sushi and Bill’s restaurants. But make sure you know where you can take the family to eat free or cheap in the term-time, too. TGI Fridays, Hungry Horse, Brewers Fayre, and even Travelodge have some great deals that can keep family feeding costs down all year round.
Claim benefits for parents
You might think you aren’t eligible to claim state support (aka free money) – but when did you last check? The rules change quite frequently, and that could mean you’re missing out on things like free childcare.
Check your eligibility for benefits using the Turn2Us calculator to find out if you could be entitled to support. Remember that being eligible for some, such as Universal Credit, may also entitle you to further support like free school meals.
Children in reception, Year One and Year Two all automatically get free school meals, but if you think you’re eligible beyond those years make sure you claim with your school before term begins.
Free school uniform
Uniform Exchange is open to every family in the UK. They provide good condition second-hand school uniform items to anyone that needs them.
You can help support them by washing and sending in your child’s old school uniform that they’ve grown out of, too. Visit the Uniform Exchange website to find out more and request free uniform.
Your local authority may also be able to help with funding for some or all of your child’s school uniform. They will usually identify parents in need and contact them directly, but if you are on means-tested benefits and a low income and think you might qualify, get in touch with them. Your school may also offer an exchange or bursary scheme for those in need.
Free books and audiobooks
Whether you want to help your kids get into reading during the summer holidays, or help them access study materials during term-time without breaking the bank, your local library is the place to go.
Libraries offer so much free stuff! From free books, e-books, and magazines to free DVD and computer or board game rental, it’s easy to get a library card online to get started with borrowing straight away.
With e-book and audiobook borrowing, this can be done as soon as you have your card and download the Libby, Hoopla and/or Borrowbox app (depending on which your library uses). The library can also offer a safe and quiet place during term time for older children with study needs, or to go on the weekend to participate in workshops or events.
As well as a library card, try some free trials during the summer, too. Bookbeat is a streaming service for audiobooks, meaning you can listen immediately without needing to go on the borrow list for popular titles at the library. If you use the code TRY75 when signing up, you can try for 75 days (40 hours) of free listening before you decide if it’s a service you want to pay for.
Free swimming lessons
Most local authorities and some privately-run leisure centres offer free swimming lessons for children. These may run for a short time during the summer holiday, or be a weekly term-time activity.
Look for information on your local council’s website and make sure to check out your leisure centres too, as they might run similar programmes for other sports such as football and tennis, too.
Free school stationery and supplies
Sign up to deals and discounts newsletters now, to stay alert of upcoming offers. It’s a good idea to create a separate email address to avoid your main email being filled with offers every day!
As August rolls around, keep an eye out for these emails with free school supplies, stationery, even backpacks and lunchboxes. You’ll be amazed at how much free stuff you can get – just make sure to act fast, as numbers are often limited.
Some of the brands and websites we mention may be, or may have been, a partner of MoneyMagpie.com . However, we only ever mention brands we believe in and trust, so it never influences who we prioritise and link to.