I've just bought next year's school uniform for a fraction of the usual price in the John Lewis sale that ends TOMORROW

Unisex Pure Cotton Easy Care School Polo Shirt, £4.90 - £9.10 | John Lewis

Machine washable at 40' and made from 100% cotton, these short sleeve polo shirts need less ironing than others we've tried and the stain-resistant fabric protection seems to repel even the most explosive of yoghurts. These are available in white, red, blue or yellow and there's still plenty of stock in most sizes from 3-16 years.

Pure Cotton Easy Care Scallop Collar School Polo Shirt £6.30 - £9.10 | John Lewis 

If you've got a little one who prefers a bit more frill to a polo shirt, these have a scallop design to the collar and cuffs. They're also stain resistant and stay whiter for longer thanks to some clever fabric tech that I don't understand but I'm not going to question. 

Girls' Adjustable Waist Stain Resistant School Culottes £5.60 - £9.80 | John Lewis 

Culottes are a brilliant alternative to a school skirt, especially for active girls who want to do cartwheels in the playground without restriction. My daughter loves these and we've bought them over and over again. The side zip fastening makes them easy to put on and take off, while the adjustable waist is fabulous for accommodating growth spurts without requiring another spending spree. The recycled polyester fabric is impressively stain resistant too - even after an afternoon of football on the playing fields!

Girls' Skater School Skirt £4.90 - £7.70 | John Lewis 

For girls who prefer a skirt to culottes this skater skirt is (almost) too cool for school. The flared design ensures all-day comfort while the bow adds a smart touch. It's made from recycled polyester so it ticks that sustainable box too.

Girls' Pleated School Tunic With Bow £7.00 - £9.80 | John Lewis 

I love a tunic or pinafore rather than a school skirt for autumn and winter - they look so smart but they're also a lovely extra layer for those chillier days. This is available in sizes 3-13 years and there's lots of stock left in all sizes. 

Boys' Adjustable Waist Stain Resistant Slim Fit School Trousers £6.30 - £10.50 | John Lewis 

As a mum of three - two of whom are boys - who has been buying school trousers for more than 13 years now, I can tell you that John Lewis is the place to go if you'd rather not have to buy a new pair within weeks due to holes in the knees. And don't even think about buying school trousers without an adjustable waist - those little loops of elastic mean you can accommodate growth spurts without needing to buy a new pair. 

Kids' School Gingham A-Line Summer Dress £6.30 - £8.40 | John Lewis 

Good news if you haven't yet bought uniform for the summer term - there are plenty of them included in the John Lewis 30% off sale, including this gingham summer dress with a zip opening, jersey collar, and cap sleeves. Or stock up now for next summer - just don't forget where you store it in the meantime!