Getting ready for a new school year can be both exciting and a little overwhelming – there's a lot to sort out before the first day. In this checklist we've gathered everything your child needs for the new term: clothes, shoes, bags and PE kit. The guide works whether it's nursery, primary or secondary school ahead – and you'll find most of the list gathered in our back-to-school range for kids and juniors.
The first thing many people think of before a new term is a new backpack. Choose one that sits comfortably, is the right size for your child's age and has enough room for books, a pencil case and a water bottle. Padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a shaped back panel ease the load – especially important on the days the bag is packed full. For the youngest children a smaller backpack is often enough, ideally in a pattern they've chosen themselves, while older children and juniors need room for both books and a laptop.
A good pair of sneakers handles most of the school day: lessons, break time and the walk to and from school. Children play, run and climb all day long – that calls for shoes with a stable but flexible sole that supports the foot's natural movement. For the youngest, velcro or quick-lacing is handy, while older children and juniors often prefer classic lace-up styles – ideally in a look they like themselves. Will the shoes also be worn in autumn weather? Look out for water-repellent materials or Gore-Tex.
With a change of kit in the bag, your child is ready for PE. A t-shirt and a pair of leggings or soft joggers in a technical fabric breathe, dry quickly and are comfortable to move in – whether the lesson is in the gym or outdoors. Add an extra top for the warm-up and cooler days.
Most schools require a separate pair of indoor shoes for PE lessons. Choose shoes with good grip and a light sole that won't leave marks on the gym floor. The shoes should sit securely during quick turns while staying light and flexible. Let the indoor shoes live in the PE bag or stay at school – that way they're always ready when PE is on the timetable.
A PE bag makes it easy to keep kit, indoor shoes and a towel in order. For the youngest children a classic drawstring bag is usually enough, while older children and juniors may need a larger gym bag with room for shower things too. Choose a design in your child's favourite colour or with a fun print – then there's a better chance it actually makes it home for a wash!
A good jacket gets worn every day, from the morning bike ride to the last break. For autumn, a wind- and water-repellent jacket is a safe choice, ideally with reflective details as the mornings get darker. For younger children who play outside a lot, a shell jacket and shell trousers work as the outermost layer. Shell wear is rarely lined – instead you dress your child in layers underneath and adjust the warmth to the weather.
Trousers for school need to stand up to play, climbing frames and artificial grass – while staying comfortable to sit in through a whole lesson. Soft materials with stretch are often best for the youngest children, while older children and juniors tend to prefer jeans or joggers.
Jumpers and hoodies keep the warmth in at break time and on chilly mornings. Dressing your child in layers makes it easy to adapt to both the weather and the temperature indoors – the top goes on and off through the day. Make sure there are a few favourites in the wardrobe, ideally in materials that can handle frequent wear and even more frequent washing.
At school children are outside whatever the weather – so kit your child out with sturdy rainwear that's easy to put on and take off themselves. A rain jacket and rain trousers suit most children, while a rain suit is practical for the youngest. Reflective details give better visibility on dark and rainy days.
Play in the rain and jump in puddles without getting wet! With a pair of wellies your child is ready for everything break time has to offer – whatever the weather. Unlined boots are best for the warmer months, while lined wellies are a good choice for cooler days.
At the start of the school year a cap shields both head and eyes from strong sun – and it's a natural favourite for many children and juniors too. Choose a design in a colour or with a print your child likes, and the cap will come along both to school and in their free time.
Children have a habit of getting wet feet – so make sure there's always at least one spare pair of socks in the bag or on the shelf. Socks in wool or blended materials keep feet warm even if they do get damp. Choose socks without chafing seams for extra comfort.
Outdoor play in wet weather, spills at lunch and damp clothes can all call for a change during the day. For children in nursery and the first years of school, it's smart to always keep a complete set of spare clothes ready: underwear, socks, a top, trousers and a t-shirt. Pack it all in a separate bag that's easy to keep in the school bag or on your child's shelf.
Here's the whole checklist in brief – tick off what you already have and top up with the rest:
Bags
Backpack or school bag
PE bag or gym bag
Shoes
Everyday sneakers
Indoor shoes for PE
Wellies for rainy days
Clothes
T-shirts
Jumpers and sweatshirts
Trousers
Jacket for the season
Shell wear (for the youngest)
Rainwear
Socks – ideally a spare pair in the bag
A change of spare clothes (nursery and early years)
For PE
PE kit: t-shirt and leggings or joggers
Towel
Accessories
Cap
Water bottle
Ready to tick off the list? In our back-to-school range you'll find clothes, shoes and bags for kids and juniors – everything for school, break time and PE, gathered in one place.
