First day of school: everything you need to buy to start the year on the right foot

There's a very particular feeling about the first day of school. For children it's a mix of excitement and butterflies. For parents, one of those milestones you remember forever — along with the inevitable dash around the shops to find everything before the first bell rings.

Whether it's the very first time or the return after summer, every year the list of things to buy is longer than you remembered. This guide brings it all together, organised by category, so you don't risk forgetting a thing.

The school bag and pencil case: the foundation of everything

The school bag is the most important purchase — and often the most debated in the family, because children want a say in the choice. It's worth involving them: a bag they love gets treated better.

What to buy:

• Ergonomic backpack with adjustable straps (essential for posture)
• Hard or soft pencil case (some children prefer one, others the other)
• Small wallet or coin purse if the child has lunch at school
• Sturdy or insulated water bottle with a secure lid
• Lunch box or snack container

For nursery and reception, add a drawstring bag or tote for spare clothes — almost always required by teachers.

Stationery: the list that changes every year

Every year, every class, every teacher has their own preferences. Before buying everything, wait for the official school supply list — but there are staples that always work.

The classics that are always needed:

• HB pencils (buy twice as many as you think — they disappear)
• Pencil sharpener with a container
• Eraser
• Blue and red ballpoint pens (from Year 3 onwards)
• Highlighters in various colours
• Ruler, set squares and compass (secondary school)
• Glue stick and liquid glue
• Safety scissors with rounded tips (for younger children)
• Felt-tip pens and colouring pencils
• Wax crayons

For staying organised:

• School diary or planner
• Exercise books (lined, squared, large squares — check the class list)
• Sketchbook or drawing pad
• Document folder for loose sheets
• Sticky notes for older pupils

Textbooks and school materials: buy early, save more

Textbooks are often the biggest expense, especially in secondary school. Buying them early — or looking for second-hand copies — can make a significant difference to the family budget.

What to buy (or where to look):

• New textbooks (school bookshop or online)
• Second-hand books from previous year groups (school fairs, Facebook groups, dedicated apps)
• Dictionaries (English, foreign languages)
• Atlas
• Scientific calculator (secondary school — check the permitted model)
• Vocabulary books and additional texts recommended by teachers

Clothing and uniform: the practical essentials

Not all schools have a compulsory uniform, but even where one isn't required, there are practical purchases every child should have.

Basic clothing:

• School uniform (check exact requirements with the school)
• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes for PE
• PE kit (many schools specify exact requirements)
• A full change of clothes to keep at school (for younger children)
• A light jacket or hoodie to keep in the classroom

For nursery and reception, also add:

• Non-slip indoor shoes or slippers
• Named bag for spare clothes
• Blanket or small pillow (sometimes required)

Lunch and snacks: the right fuel for the day

If your child eats at the school canteen you don't need to worry, but if they bring lunch from home — or just a snack — it's worth being well equipped.

For a packed lunch:

• Compartmentalised lunch box (keeps foods separate and fresh)
• Reusable cutlery in plastic or stainless steel
• Resealable bags or small containers for snacks
• Insulated lunch bag if the food needs to stay cold

For snacks:

• Convenient packaged snacks to pop in the bag
• Easy-to-eat fresh fruit (bananas, apples, grapes)
• Crackers, rice cakes or cereal bars
• Juice cartons or iced tea

Organisation and technology: for older pupils

From secondary school onwards, keeping on top of schoolwork becomes more complex, and some tech purchases can genuinely make a difference.

Organisation tools:

• Ring binders with dividers per subject
• Clear document wallets
• Sticky labels for books and exercise books

School technology (where permitted):

• Tablet or iPad with keyboard (check with the school)
• Headphones with microphone for online lessons or homework
• USB stick or cloud subscription for files
• Desk lamp for evening homework
• Charger and spare cables

The details that make all the difference

There are small purchases that seem optional but which experienced parents know matter enormously.

• Name labels — for the bag, pencil case, water bottle and shoes. Available as stickers, iron-on or sew-on. They prevent lost items (and arguments)
• Book covers — clear adhesive covers protect textbooks and last all year
• Correction fluid for mistakes in exercise books
• Sellotape and sticky tape to keep at home for craft projects
• Coloured card for the creative projects assigned throughout the year

Organise everything with Spesary

The school supply list is long, changes every year and often has to be pulled together in just a few days. With Spesaryyou can build your list by category, tick off items as you buy them and share it with your partner so the shopping gets divided up without any overlap.

Build the list once, update it every year. Less rushing, fewer things forgotten, more time to enjoy that special first day.