Your back-to-school supply list for stress-free shopping

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Keep reading for our back-to-school supply list for all the essentials you need this term.

Stationary, school shoes and bags – oh my!

Whether the summer holidays are grinding to a halt or the next half term is just around the corner, one constant on every parent’s mind is the back-to-school shopping spree.

Though most schools will send letters outlining the school essentials you need to buy for your little bundle of brightness (including uniform rules!), keeping track of what they do and don’t need between terms isn’t always a walk in the park.

With the chaos of buying new school shoes after sudden growth spurts (how have their feet grown two whole sizes?!) and the horror of patching up chewed jumper sleeves, we’ve pulled together a handy back-to-school supply list to help you avoid a last-minute trolly dash.

School uniform

Ah, the age-old debate around whether children should have to wear school uniforms or not.

Though many countries within the EU have adopted a more relaxed approach to student dress, the uniform is commonplace in the UK (much to the dismay of some children!).

Regardless of which side of the argument you’re on, the reality is that many UK schools have very strict uniform policies, so we’d recommend following these to the letter. Key pieces to look for include:

  • Trousers or shorts
  • Skirt or summer dress
  • Polo shirt
  • Shirt
  • Jumper
  • Tie
  • Blazer (typically secondary school)
  • Socks or tights

Other essentials to add to your back-to-school checklist include practical, seasonal options such as winter coats, waterproof jackets, hats, scarves and gloves. Make sure they’re also prepped with an umbrella and a small bottle of sun cream so that all bases are covered!

Top tip: Kids can be incredibly forgetful and it’s easy for clothing and other belongings to get mislaid in messy classrooms or changing rooms. To avoid any uniform mix-ups, attach name labels to every item each term and they’ll never bring home the wrong jumper again.

PE kit and swimming supplies

Black school pumps are a PE kit essential every term.

Whether they’re a Usain Bolt wannabe or they excel more in the egg and spoon race, another key part of school uniform is sports kit. This will vary from school to school, but you may need to buy kit for indoor and outdoor sports.

Your child’s school will undoubtedly provide sportswear guidelines in good time, so make sure you have everything ticked off before their first PE lesson. The list could consist of:

If your youngster is in secondary school, it may also be recommended to invest in other kit such as shin pads, football boots, a sports skort, mouth guard and long football socks.

For little ones taking part in school swimming lessons, you’ll need:

  • One-piece swimming costume or trunks
  • Swimming cap (girls and boys)
  • Towel
  • Goggles

School shoes

No back-to-school supplies list is complete without a hardwearing pair of school shoes.

Of course, playground politics can come into contention here; scouring the shelves for the trendiest designs to please your style-conscious little one can be challenging. But, you don’t have to worry about that with our collection of cool school shoes from renowned brands like Kickers and Skechers which are sure to keep you and your youngster happy.

Many schools will specify which designs your child can and cannot wear. These guidelines will typically include avoiding casual trainers and sticking to smart black or brown shades.

You can also read our latest rundown of the best blogger-approved school shoes that won’t break the bank, here.

At the top of every school checklist is a pair of smart, black school shoes.

Stationery

One of the most exciting parts about heading back to school (for kids anyway) is choosing a brand-new selection of stationary to help them start the term the right way. It’s hard not to feel nostalgic when we think back to the first few days of term when our super-cool pencil case was still in mint condition!

Schools often provide lists of stationery suggestions, so if your child has been issued with one, make sure you check it. Your school equipment list will depend on their age and school year, so keep an eye out for any changes.

Some of the basics you’ll need to stock up on include:

  • Pencil case (of course!)
  • Pencils with a pencil sharpener
  • Ballpoint (or handwriting) pens
  • Ruler
  • Rubber
  • Colouring pencils
  • Highlighters
  • Notebook(s)
  • Glue stick
  • Sticky notes & revision cards (handy for high-school students)
  • Maths set (this could include a protractor, compass & set square)
  • Calculator (typically secondary school)
  • Organisation folders

School bags and backpacks

Sturdy and spacious school bags are an absolute must when starting a new term. Whether your child is a Toy Story maniac or is on the hunt for something a little more low-key with camouflage, look for a bag that is ideally waterproof and robust enough to withstand everything an entire school year will throw at it. Check out our guide to finding the best school bag, complete with expert advice on how to wear a backpack safely.

You might also need a book bag for primary school children and a sports bag will definitely come in handy for their PE gear – you don’t want those muddy football boots being lumped into the same bag as your little one’s pristine English homework after all!

School bags and backpacks are essential for back-to-school season.

Before you shop for a new back-to-school bag, check your school’s guidelines for any style requirements, such as minimal branding or a set colour scheme. It’s also handy to pop a couple of essentials into their bag to prep them for any scenario. This could be tissues, hand wipes or sanitiser, a spare hair bobble and spare dinner money or bus fare – just in case!

Lunchboxes and water bottles

While many schools provide the option of nutritious and affordable meals, some parents prefer to make a packed lunch for their kids. We recently worked with a selection of parent bloggers to get their tips on how to create healthy, yet affordable lunchbox ideas.

If you’re going down the packed lunch route, a sturdy lunchbox will need to be on your back-to-school shopping list. It’s also a must to prep your child with a refillable water bottle for all-day hydration.

A school-friendly haircut!

We’re rounding off our list with an unorthodox, but increasingly important consideration for parents: hairstyles.

Many of us have heard a horror story or ten about inappropriate school haircuts and a worryingly large number of kids being excluded from lessons or, even worse, sent home. This can be a minefield for parents as children naturally want to copy their favourite footballer or pop star’s trim – but this can spell trouble!

If your child has requested a particular do, it’s worth checking with their school before you head to the salon.

We hope that our list of back-to-school essentials has helped you to prepare for the big return. Visit our hub for more back-to-school advice, or browse our great selection of affordable school shoes.

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