Stationery chosen with British desks, A4 binders and the September school term in mind
I Want StationeryPaper, pens & the joy of a fresh page

Shop drawer

School supplies

New shoes, new pencil case, new term. Here is what pupils in the UK typically need, from reception to sixth form.

Check the school list first

Most UK schools provide exercise books, so pupils usually just need a well-stocked pencil case. Rules differ: some schools ask for a particular colour of ink, some ban gel pens or correction fluid, some specify a calculator model for maths. Always check the letter or website before you buy anything specific.

By stage

Primary

Pencils (HB), a rubber, a sharpener, colouring pencils, a 30cm ruler and a glue stick. Many primary schools keep a shared supply in class, so children may only need a small pencil case, if anything. Handwriting pens are often introduced in Years 4–6.

Secondary (Years 7–11)

A clear pencil case (often needed for exams), black or blue pens, pencils, a maths set with protractor and compass, a scientific calculator and highlighters. By GCSEs, a revision toolkit of index cards and sticky notes helps.

Sixth form and college

A4 ring binders or lever arch files for each subject, refill pads, dividers and a planner to manage coursework deadlines. See filing & organisation.

Term dates at a glance

  • England & Wales: autumn term usually starts early September
  • Northern Ireland: usually late August or 1 September
  • Scotland: usually mid-August
  • Individual schools and academies set their own dates, so check locally

Our back-to-school checklist has a printable-style list.

School essentials to browse

Maths sets

Protractor, compass, set squares, ruler and sharpener in a tin. A secondary-school staple.

Shop now for Maths sets

Handwriting pens

Beginner fountain pens and handwriting pens with comfortable grips for primary pupils learning joined-up writing.

Shop now for Handwriting pens

Little things that go missing

Glue sticks, rubbers and rulers vanish at an astonishing rate. Buying multipacks of glue sticks, highlighters and 30cm rulers in August means fewer emergency trips in October. Label everything with a name.

Browse another drawer

Notebooks & Journals Pens Pencils Planners & Diaries Desk Accessories Filing & Organisation Art & Sketch Office Essentials Cards & Envelopes Washi Tape & Stickers Gifts for Stationery Lovers

Not sure where to start? Our paper weights guide and fountain pen guide are good first reads.