The only back-to-school checklist you'll need
Charlotte Thomas
Deputy Editorial DirectorWe've put together the ultimate back to school checklist for getting your child ready for school. Compiled by a panel of parents, it contains everything you need for the start of term. All you need to do is start reading and get ticking!
Sometimes it's hard to work out all the back-to-school kit your kids will need – what's necessary and what's simply a nice-to-have?
It's even harder if they're starting school for the first time. Do they really need a pencil case? Or a PE kit? We've consulted with parents who've been there to bring you this ultimate back to school checklist of must-haves.
Uniform checklist
Your school will issue you with a uniform list, but here's what we reckon you need, including how many of each, all compiled in a handy back-to-school checklist:
- 4 shirts or polo shirts
- Boys – 2 pairs of trousers, 1 pair of shorts
- Girls – 2 pinafores/skirts/trousers (depending on their preference)
- Jumpers – 1 with a logo and 1 plain for spare (if children are young, you might want an extra one in case one gets lost)
- Belt, if needed
- Shoes (check out our roundup of the best school shoes)
- Socks
- Tights (for girls)
- Lightweight waterproof coat (foldable)
- Heavier coat for colder days
- Summer hat
- Woolly hat and gloves
- Wellies
For some schools you might also need ...
- Tie
- Blazer
- Fleece
- Dinner tabard or coverall
- Painting tabard or coverall
Browse our roundup of the best school uniform buys, here.
PE kit checklist
- Gym bag
- Plimsolls or trainers
- Shorts
- T-shirt (check your uniform guide for colours)
- Tracksuit for cold weather
- Spare pair of socks (especially for girls who might be wearing tights that day)
- Swimming kit or other sports kit (in some schools) – this can include a swimsuit and sometimes a swim hat
- Hair tie for kids with long hair
Other back to school supplies
Check with your school about water bottles, lunch boxes, pencil cases and other supplies, as every school has its own policies.
- Name labels – see the best ways to label all your child's kit
- Book bag (usually sold by the school)
- Lunch box or lunch bag
- Small water bottle for lunch – we've found the best non-leak ones
- Water bottle for daytime (schools may provide this and some might not use them yet)
- Pencil case with pencil, pen (school might specify the type, but if not, ballpoint is a good choice), coloured crayons or pencils, ruler, pencil sharpener, rubber. Older kids may also need highlighters, plus maths supplies like a calculator and protractor.
- Older kids may need a notebook and folders to hold their work.
- Music bag/musical instruments e.g. recorder, violin
- School bag to carry it all in – we've rounded-up some great bags here
Your child's school will probably provide you with a list of exactly what stationery they need for the lessons they'll be doing this term.
7 school uniform top tips
Once you're a school parent, you get to know the hacks that can save you time and money, especially when it comes to school uniform.
Here are some words of wisdom from parents in the know:
1 Easy-iron trousers and shirts work well, saving on the amount of ironing each weekend.
2 Many schools allow children to wear polo shirts. If your child needs to wear a proper shirt, the short-sleeved ones can be easier for younger children to get on and off.
3 If you have a choice of white or coloured polo shirts, go for the coloured ones – they'll look cleaner for longer, meaning less washing.
4 Younger children sometimes like to wear shorts (if the weather is still warm enough). If you can't find any to buy, you could cut down an outgrown pair of trousers and hem them.
5 For younger girls, on winter days when they have PE send them to school in trousers. This avoids the problem of them trying to put their tights on by themselves.
6 Find out if your school runs a 'swap shop' or second-hand sales – a great way to pick up cheaper clothing. Or ask other local parents in the Netmums forum.
7 If you want to use proper name labels, it's worth ordering them early on. Alternatively, use a Sharpie or laundry marker to write your child's name.
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