Back-to-school checklist

When to shop

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the new school year usually starts in late August or early September; in Scotland, it's typically mid-August. Back-to-school stationery appears in shops from early summer. A sensible plan is to check the school's kit list before the summer holidays, buy the basics in late July or August, and hold off on specialist items (calculators, specific pens) until you've confirmed what's needed.

Primary school (Reception to Year 6)

Many primary schools provide most stationery in class. If a pencil case is allowed, keep it small:

• HB pencils (two or three)
• Rubber
• Sharpener with a lid
• Colouring pencils
• 15cm or 30cm ruler
• Glue stick
• Handwriting pen (Years 4–6, if the school uses them)
• Name labels for everything

Secondary school (Years 7–11)

• Clear pencil case (handy for exams)
• Black and blue pens, plus spares
• HB pencils and a rubber
• Sharpener
• 30cm ruler
• Maths set: protractor, compass, set squares
• Scientific calculator (check the recommended model)
• Highlighters in several colours
• Glue stick and small scissors
• Coloured pencils for maps and diagrams
• Homework planner (often supplied by school)
• A4 plastic wallet or folder for homework sheets

GCSE years extra

• Index cards for revision
• Sticky notes and page markers
• A4 ring binder per subject
• Subject dividers
• A wall planner for exam dates
• A pen they enjoy writing long answers with

Sixth form and college

• A4 lever arch files for each subject
• A4 refill pads (punched, lined)
• Two-hole punch
• Punched pockets
• Academic diary (August or September start)
• A5 notebook for lessons on the go
• USB stick or cloud storage for coursework
• Stapler

Shop the list

Also browse A4 refill pads, highlighters and handwriting pens, or open the school supplies drawer.