John Lewis has launched its new Back to School range and promised to keep prices flat on last year, as it looks to support families.

The range launched in stores this week with an expanded Anyday range.

From knitwear to shorts and dresses, the range is now a third bigger, providing customers with a greater choice of budget-friendly clothing.

The retail giant said that while style and durability are key, it knows “great prices matter more than ever to our customers”.

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In addition to expanding its Anyday range for school items, the business has also added more affordable shoes, recognising this can be a big expense for parents.

Working in partnership with Start-Rite, John Lewis has rolled out an exclusive collection of affordable ‘Simply by Start-Rite’ school shoes. They start at £36 and offer two width fittings for smaller sizes.

John Lewis children’s clothing and schoolwear buyer Cydney Ball said: “Our focus remains on providing high-quality, great value school uniforms which are made to last. And you don’t have to take our word for it – we’ve recently been awarded ‘Best For Durability’ by MadeforMums.

“With government guidance encouraging schools to move away from branded school uniform items, we expect more customers to look to us for jumpers and blazers this year, which they can then personalise by ironing or sewing school badges on to.”

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