M&S issues good news to any parents struggling to buy school uniform before September

School uniform can be a costly affair for families, especially with more than one child to clothe.

But M&S has given parents some good news this year - there will be no price rises on its schoolwear range.

As the retailer launches its early bird back to school promotion, offering 20% off until July 25, it has committed to hold prices on everything from polo shirts and school blouses, to trousers and skirts.

Prices in the M&S range start from £7 for a multipack of three 100% responsibly sourced cotton unisex polo shirts, featuring new technology to reduce colour loss and bobbling. With the additional 20% off applied, starting prices come down to just £5.60.

Read more: Sainsbury's slashes 20% off all school uniform and kids clothes

Despite the price freeze, M&S says it 'will not compromise its high quality and sourcing standards' and says it's 'designed to be durable and pass the ’hand-me-down’ quality test', with features such as growth proof hems and adjustable waistbands to help them last longer.

The retailer is encouraging customers to increase the average number of times a kidswear item is worn. This summer it's continued its popular ‘Pass me on’ coat labels with enough room for three children’s names and in April announced it had become the first major high street retailer to partner with peer-to-peer kidswear resale platform dotte.

Consumers re-selling M&S products on dotte will receive an M&S voucher for £5 off a £25 spend at M&S in-store or online.

Alice Duggan, head of M&S Kids, said: “Schoolwear is an essential purchase for millions of families and now, more than ever, we want customers to have confidence in the value and quality of our uniform.

"As the UK market leaders during the back to school season,