Preparing for a new school year can be exciting, but also a little overwhelming. Whether your child is heading to primary school for the first time or transitioning into secondary school, having a clear and complete back to school checklist is essential. From school stationery to art and craft supplies, there’s plenty to consider.
This guide is designed specifically for UK students and parents, offering practical tips, important term dates, and essential supplies to help you start the academic year feeling confident and organised.
Understanding School Holidays and Term Start Dates
Before heading into the shops, it’s crucial to know when school starts and how to plan around the academic calendar. In the UK, school term dates can vary slightly depending on your local council, but most schools will return in the first week of September 2025.
Here’s a quick overview of the typical UK school terms:
| Term | Approximate Dates (2025) |
| Autumn Term | 1st week of September – mid-December |
| Spring Term | Early January – late March |
| Summer Term | Mid-April – mid-July |
School holidays include Christmas, Easter, and summer breaks, along with half-term breaks in each term. Always check with your child’s specific school or the local authority website to confirm exact dates. Planning ahead helps families organise travel, childcare, and shopping without the last-minute rush, making sure that there are no missing essentials before it’s time to go back to the routine.
Essential School Stationery for Every Classroom Level
Having the right school stationery is a must for both learning and organisation. Depending on the year group, the requirements will vary. Here’s a simple breakdown by school level:
Primary School Supplies Checklist
- Pencils (HB and coloured)
- Pencil case
- Erasers and sharpeners
- Ruler (30cm, non-bendable)
- Safety scissors
- Glue stick
- Mini whiteboard & markers (if requested by school)
- Exercise books (if not provided)
Secondary School Supplies Checklist
- Pens (blue, black, red)
- Highlighters
- Scientific calculator (check school’s recommendations)
- Geometry set (compass, protractor, ruler)
- Notebooks for each subject
- USB flash drive or cloud storage access
- A4 ring binders with dividers
- Index cards or revision record cards
- Planners and calendars
Encouraging children to organise and choose their own supplies also helps build independence and responsibility. Make it fun, let them pick their pencil case or folder designs during back to school shopping trips.
Tip: It’s also important to create a dedicated study space at home, as it plays a key role in supporting your child’s focus and overall learning. A comfortable chair, a well-sized desk, and a few practical desk accessories can make a big difference. Setting this up before the term begins helps them start the year organised and ready to learn.
Organising School Craft and Art Supplies at Home
Whether your child loves drawing or dreads craft day, having an organised set of school art supplies at home is incredibly helpful—not just for homework but also for creative growth.
Top School Craft Supplies to Keep at Home:
- Washable paint and brushes
- Crayons, felt-tip pens, colouring pencils
- Craft paper, card stock, tissue paper
- Safety scissors and glue sticks
- Sketchbooks and sketch pads
- Craft aprons or old shirts for messier projects
Creating a designated art station or storage bin can keep everything tidy and accessible. Use labelled containers or drawer sets so your child can find what they need on their own.
Tip: Art and craft activities are a great way to ease younger kids back into a learning mindset after the long school holidays. Try doing small creative projects together in the week before school resumes to help shift them into a productive routine.
FAQs
1. When do kids go back to school?
In the UK, most children go back to school in early September. However, start dates can vary slightly by local authority and school.
2. What supplies do I need to go back to school?
You’ll need essentials like pens, pencils, notebooks, a calculator (for older students), a school bag, and possibly school-specific items like whiteboards or binders.
Need to Stock Up?
Getting everything ready for the new school year doesn’t have to be stressful. For a wide range of reliable school supplies, stationery, and classroom essentials, visit Staples and make sure your child starts the term prepared and confident.
