Back to school guide Back to school essentials

Most schools provide a shopping list of essential items your child will need during term time – ring your child’s school if you haven’t yet received one by mid-August. In the meantime we’ve compiled a list of back to school essentials to help you get started.

School uniform

Check school uniform requirements with your child's school

You can get some real bargains on school uniforms in the summer holidays thanks to supermarket price wars. Check your school’s uniform policy for exact requirements, but most children will need:

• blazer
• jumper
• shirts/blouses and tie
• trousers/skirts
• PE kit t-shirt / PE top
• PE shorts / PE skirt
• specific sports wear (rugby shirt, netball skirt etc)
• tracksuit
• socks/tights
• shoes and plimsolls/trainers
• football/rugby/hockey boots
• school bag and PE bag
• swimming shorts/trunks/suit
• name tags.

Stationery and books

You can pick up school books cheaply online

School stationery can be picked up for just a few pounds on the high street. But don’t automatically head to a specialist stationer, bargains can be found elsewhere in supermarkets and independent discount shops.

For books, shop around online to find the cheapest retailers. Our Online bargains advice guide can help you to make savings.

Common back to school essentials include:

• pens
• pencils, coloured pencils, sharpener and eraser
• felt tip pens and highlighters
• pencil case
• ruler, protractor, compass
• calculator/scientific calculator
• notepad
• Tippex/correction fluid
• English dictionary, language dictionary (French, German etc.) and atlas
• textbooks (remember to dig out last year’s textbooks and homework diary to take back to school).

Everyday school essentials

Prepare lunch boxes the night before school

Put together packed lunches and school bags the night before and ensure you check travel plans to and from school in plenty of time to avoid stress on the first day back. Don’t forget these often overlooked term-time essentials:

• lunchbox or lunch money
• bus pass
• bus money
• tissues/handkerchief
• towel
• shower gel.

Computing and technology

Laptop

Valuable for children with exams coming up at school, a laptop is a great research tool and perfect for writing essays and other coursework. Our Laptops review offers buying advice and shows which laptop brands are most reliable.

Broadband

The internet has a world of resources for studying, and for fast download speeds broadband is a must. Discover the Best Buy internet service providers in our Broadband review.

A mobile phone will help your school child keep in touch on the move

Printer

Choose a Best Buy printer for perfect presentation of word processed homework and school assignments.

Security software

If your child uses a computer or laptop for school work, keep it in tip top condition with a good security software package. Read our Security software review for buying advice and top rated software.

Mobile phone

Check your child’s school’s policy on mobile phones. If allowed, a mobile phone is a great way of keeping in touch with your child on the way to and from school and after school activities. 

A pay as you go model will prevent unexpected bills and can be picked up from around £30. Check out our Mobile phones review for buying advice and reviews of the latest models.