Almost half of UK parents will struggle to pay for their child’s school uniform amid the cost of living crisis, according to Wacky Warehouse.

The research shows that parents must fork out more than £160 annually on average for their child's school uniforms.

Nationwide entertainment centre Wacky Warehouse has risen to the call, relaunching its school uniform donation scheme for a second successive year.

The scheme encourages parents and guardians to donate unused school uniforms over the summer months and before the commencement of the school term.

About 45 per cent of parents and guardians have grappled with affording their child's new uniforms this year.

This figure represents a five per cent increase compared to the last school year.

The survey discovered that two-thirds of caregivers cited school uniforms as the costliest expenditure during the back-to-school period.

Typically, they spent an average of £161 per child.

The issue is exacerbated by the fact that parents must replace about seven items of clothing annually.

Shoes, trousers, and shirts ranked as the most expensive items to replace.

Sam Simpson, marketing manager at Wacky Warehouse, added: “We’re at the heart of dozens of communities nationwide and take huge pride in supporting our customers.

“We also know how difficult it can be to afford school uniform and the back to school season, especially in the current economic climate amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

“That’s why we’re delighted to relaunch our school uniform donation scheme for the second year running, following its huge success in 2023, when we saw 69 pubs collect thousands of items of uniform for those in need.

“To donate, simply head to your local Wacky Warehouse and drop your unused or pre-loved uniforms at the designated donation stations and we’ll take care of the rest.”