Back to School Essentials List 2025

Back to School

Back to School Essentials List 2025

11th August 2025 • 5 min read

Every parent knows how stressful the start of a new school year can be – for you as much as your child! But as the summer holidays wind down and the days start to grow shorter, you can at least make their return to the classroom a little smoother by doing your homework and making sure you’ve got all those essentials sorted. That’s why we’ve put together this handy back to school list – it’ll not only help you remember everything they’ll need when the first day of term arrives but will even get you an A-star for organisation!

Ready? Then let the lesson begin.

Uniforms

If there’s one thing all school uniforms have in common it’s the fact that no matter how carefully you wash and iron them, they’re going to end up covered in every kind of scuff and smear imaginable! Whether you’re talking grass stains or pencil smudges, you’ll want to make sure you stock up with plenty of pieces that are not only easy to wash but also tumble dryer safe. This will also make things more convenient on those hectic evenings when you realise your child is out of clean shirts or skirts and you need to quickly run one off in the wash and get them dry in time for morning.

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Shoes

Let’s face it, every child is top of the class when it comes to quickly wearing out their school shoes. You can help them last longer by investing in a pair with tech features like scuff-resistance and microfresh insoles that help prevent the build-up of odours. For younger children, options with hook and loop fastening straps ensure a snug fit and make it easy for them to get them on and off (especially handy when they’re changing for PE lessons!).

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Coats, Gloves, Hats and Scarves

Essential for those walks to and from school in the autumn and winter months, a good coat will keep them protected from the elements and shield their uniform against rainy days. You can help them get even more comfortable with a hat, scarf and set of gloves. It’s also worth investing in a lighter weight waterproof coat for the summertime – something that’s easy to pack away in their bag until it’s needed during unexpected downpours. Some coats provide a 3-in-1 design that combines a waterproof shell with a zip-in fleece. These can be separated, giving kids three different ways to wear it depending on the weather.

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PE/Swimming kit

Every bit as important as their uniform, a PE kit needs to be comfortable, durable and long-lasting. You’ll also want to make sure you think about layers – as well as a set of tees and shorts, they’ll need a hoodie and joggers to wear on colder days or when they’re heading to and from after-school footy practice.

As well as plenty of great value options from our own Very label, you’ll also discover loads of kids sportswear from adidas, Nike, Puma and other big-name brands. Here’s a tip: joggers with zip fastenings to the ankles make them super easy for kids to take off over their football boots or trainers!

For swimsuits and shorts it’s worth looking for quick-dry options and chlorine-resistance to help them stay looking their best for longer. And don’t forget about a set of goggles, as well as a large bath towel for fast drying when they get out of the pool.

Football boots and trainers

Whether they’re practicing their skills during PE lessons or taking part in an after-school match, you can help them emulate their heroes with our league leading collection of football boots. We’ve got options for natural grass and artificial pitches in a range of sizes from infants to junior. For indoor sports and running they’ll need a good quality pair of trainers. Look for options that are lightweight, breathable and feature soles specifically designed for sports, which will help protect their feet and joints against the impacts associated with running. Non-marking outsoles are also a plus during lessons in the gym or on the basketball court.

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Wellies

Every child (and maybe a few of us parents too if we’re being honest…) loves a bit of puddle jumping or leaf kicking on the way to primary school, so for younger kids it’s always worth having a pair of wellies at the ready. This will ensure their feet stay dry on rainy days – or those rare occasions when we actually get a spot of snow. Okay, we’re halfway through the list, so this is the ideal time to ring the lunch bell!

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Lunchbox

A great way of saving money on school dinners and being more in control of what your child eats, lunchboxes are available in designs for every age, from the first years of primary right up to sixth form. When you browse our collection, you’ll find a wide selection of different sizes, so make sure you pick the appropriate one for your child. Smaller boxes often come with dividers inside, allowing you to separate sandwiches, crisps and other treats. Larger bags are usually insulated, so they’re ideal for chilled snacks like yogurts and fruit. Look for options that come complete with a matching bottle to ensure they stay hydrated throughout the day, and check that the lunchbox or bag is easy to wash or wipe clean – essential when taking care of any spills!

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Drinks bottle

Hydration has been proven to have a significant effect on children’s physical health, cognitive function and ability to concentrate in class. Having their own water bottle with them allows kids to drink regularly throughout the day (rather than only at lunch time), helping them stay hydrated. A number of bottles like the Stanley Ice Flow or Ninja Thirsti are now designed to keep drinks chilled for several hours, so even during the height of summer they’ll never be far from cool refreshment. Many of these will also benefit from leak-resistant lids to help prevent accidents, and remember, metal bottles are a lot more hardwearing and long lasting than plastic versions.

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Bags

Kids are always very specific about the kind of school bag they want. From youngsters who are keen to show off their love of TV and Movie heroes like Bluey or Marvel Avengers, a character backpack allows them to bring some individuality to their outfit. For high schoolers you can browse our wide range of bags from the biggest brands, including adidas and Hype.

It’s also worth considering a bag for PE or swimming lessons, which will allow them to keep muddy footy boots, wet trunks and the rest of their kit separated from their schoolbooks.

Pencil case

Kids of all ages are experts at misplacing their possessions, so a pencil case is essential for keeping all their pens, pencils and other stationery secure and in one place. Available in a range of different designs to appeal to kids from the first years of primary school to the last year of secondary school, our collection also includes backpack and pencil case sets, like this one from adidas Originals, which results in a cool coordination they’ll love.

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Stationery

The stationery needs of your child will depend greatly on their age and whether they’re in primary school or high school. Younger children will only require the basics – pencils, pens, rubber, sharpener and coloured pens or felt-tip pens. Older kids will also need more specialised stationery, particularly for maths lessons, such as a calculator, compass and protractor.

School’s out

It’s almost home time! But before you run for the bus, we’ve got one last bit of back to school homework to set you – a quick reminder of those little extras it’s all too easy to forget:

Hair bands
Hand Sanitiser
Name Labels
Sun Cream

And there you have it — your ultimate back-to-school checklist, all ticked off and ready to go. Whether it’s your first day or you’re heading into a new year like a pro, being prepped makes everything feel that bit easier. So pack your bag, sharpen those pencils, and head out the door knowing you’ve got everything covered!