Secondary School Back to School Must Haves for 2025 UK Parents Guide
Let’s Keep It Real What Do Secondary Kids Actually Need
Whether your child’s starting Year 7 or gearing up for GCSEs back to school shopping can feel like a military mission and don’t even mention the cost. So I’ve pulled together a no nonsense list of back to school essentials for secondary students that are affordable practical and parent approved.
Even better I’ve popped in trusted UK stores where you can grab everything without blowing the budget.
The Stationery Bits They’ll Definitely Need
🛍️ What to Get
- Black blue and red pens
- Pencils HB or mechanical if they’re fancy
- Ruler sharpener rubber
- Highlighters a must for revision later
- Pencil case
- Glue stick and safety scissors
💸 Where to Shop
- ✅ TG Jones – Great bundles and back to school deals
- ✅ Ryman – Solid quality and often has student discounts
- ✅ Tesco or Sainsbury's – Handy for a top up during your food shop
👉 Money saver tip Some supermarkets do 3 for 2 on stationery this time of year so stock up while it’s cheap
Notebooks and All That Paper Stuff
📒 What to Grab
- A4 lined notebooks or refill pads
- Ring binders and subject dividers
- Flashcards or index cards for revision
- Clear wallets or plastic folders for worksheets
🛒 Best Buys
- ✅ Paperchase – Stylish but often has sales
- ✅ Amazon UK – Great for bulk buys
- ✅ Wilko – Really affordable and usually reliable
👉 Top tip Plain notebooks are cheaper. Let them decorate them at home
Maths and Science Kit. Yes, You’ll Need That Calculator
🔢 Must Haves
- Scientific calculator Casio fx83GT CW is teacher approved
- Geometry set protractor compass ruler etc
- Graph paper especially in KS4
🛒 Shop Smart
- ✅ Calculator Direct – Legit and school safe brands
- ✅ Oxford Education Store – Full maths kits
- ✅ Argos – Good bundles if you want everything in one go
👉 Ashleigh’s Pick Buy a decent calculator early They’ll need it all through secondary school and even sixth form
Organisational Bits (They’ll Thank You For Later!!)
🧠 What to Include
- Homework planner or diary
- Sticky notes tabs page markers
- Plastic wallets or document folders
- Post it notes great for quick reminders
💼 Where to Find Them
- ✅ The Works – Diaries from just one pound
- ✅ Staples UK – Big range for school filing systems
- ✅ Typo Cotton On – Funky planners for older teens
👉 Tip Some schools give out planners so check before you buy
Everyday School Bag Essentials
🧳 What’s Handy
- Durable backpack go for padded straps
- Reusable water bottle
- Lunchbox or snack tub
- Hand sanitiser and pocket tissues
- Deodorant or small hygiene kit especially for PE days
🛍️ Where to Shop
- ✅ Mountain Warehouse – Long lasting water bottles and bags
- ✅ Boots and Superdrug – Hygiene minis for under two pounds
- ✅ Smiggle – For younger teens who like a bit of colour
Don’t Forget the PE Kit
👟 What to Pack
- T shirt and shorts or leggings
- Hoodie or trackie bottoms for cold weather
- Trainers non marking soles if indoors
- Football boots if required
- Spare socks towel and drawstring PE bag
🛒 Where to Buy
- ✅ Sports Direct – Loads of deals on basic kit
- ✅ Decathlon – Great for all ages and very durable
- ✅ Primark – Basic gym kit without the price tag
👉 Quick tip Label everything PE kits have a way of vanishing into the lost property void
A Few Handy Extras to Keep Them Going
📚 You Might Also Need
- A reading book for DEAR or quiet time
- Small dictionary or thesaurus
- Waterproof jacket or compact umbrella
📦 Where to Pick Up
- ✅ Waterstones – Pick up a book they'll actually want to read
- ✅ Decathlon – Rain ready coats that won't break the bank
- ✅ Sports Direct – Budget jackets and hoodies
Getting your child ready for secondary school doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With a little planning and some savvy shopping you can tick everything off the list without the stress or the scary price tag
Don’t get sucked into buying the latest gadgets or trendy extras, stick with the essentials and your teen will be more than ready to smash the school year
