Going back to school after the summer holidays means returning to routines, organising school essentials and making sure everything is ready for their first day. From checking school uniforms and stocking up on supplies to planning lunches and getting ready for the school run, there’s plenty to organise.
Our back-to-school checklist covers all the essentials you need to prepare for a successful school year and safer, easier school run commutes.
1. School uniform and PE kit checklist
One of the first things to focus on when preparing for the new school year is getting your child’s school uniform and PE kit ready. Whether they’ve grown over the summer or scuffed last year’s shoes, checking what still fits and replacing any worn or outgrown items can help make sure they’re ready for the first day back.
From September 2026, schools in England must limit the number of compulsory branded school uniform items to three or fewer. Secondary and middle schools can require a fourth branded item if one of those items is a tie. This means more everyday uniform essentials can be bought from a wider range of retailers, helping to keep costs down.
The most common school uniform essentials include:
- Shirts or blouses.
- Trousers, skirts or dresses.
- Jumpers or cardigans.
- School shoes.
- Socks or tights.
- PE kit and sports shoes.
- Coats and other school-appropriate outerwear.
It’s also a good idea to sew in name labels or use a permanent marker to write their name into their uniform, coat, bag or PE kit, so they’re easy to recover if they lose anything.
If you’re unsure of specific school uniform items, check any correspondence you have received from the school or look at their website. Similarly, schools are now encouraged to ensure second-hand school uniforms are available.
For any more support regarding school uniforms, you should contact the headteacher or if you live in England, contact your local council.
2. School supplies and stationery checklist
School supplies are another important part of getting ready for the school year, from choosing a new school bag to stocking up on stationery and lunchtime essentials. Getting your child involved in choosing items such as their pencil case, lunchbox and water bottle can also make them feel more excited about going back to school.
Before you start shopping, check whether your child’s school provides a list of required supplies, as what they need can vary depending on their age and school. Common school essentials include:
- School bag or backpack.
- Pencil case.
- Pens and pencils.
- Ruler, rubber and pencil sharpener.
- Coloured pencils or pens.
- Notebooks or folders, where required.
- Lunchbox or lunch bag.
- Reusable water bottle.
A lunchbox and water bottle are everyday essentials for children taking packed lunch and drinks to school. Look for options that are easy for your child to open, clean and carry, with a secure lid on water bottles to help prevent leaks in their school bag.
Letting your child choose a design they like, whether that’s a favourite colour, character or pattern, can make them more enthusiastic about using their new school essentials throughout the year.
3. School lunches: Packed lunch essentials and ideas
Planning packed lunch ideas before the new school year starts can make everything easier, particularly if your child is a picky eater or prefers certain foods. Try to include a mixture of foods across the week to keep things interesting, such as fruit and vegetables, starchy foods, protein and dairy or suitable alternatives.
You can involve your child in choosing some of their favourite healthy options to let them feel more control over their lunches. If you need inspiration, explore recipe websites for new packed lunch ideas or look for ways to put a different twist on foods your child already enjoys.
Check school dinner options
If your child will be having school dinners, check the menu, costs and payment arrangements before the start of term.
If you live in England, it’s also worth checking whether your child is eligible for free school meals. From September 2026, free school meal eligibility is being expanded to all children from households receiving Universal Credit, subject to the requirements.
4. Back-to-school admin and organisation
It’s always a good idea to check any letters, emails or handouts that were sent towards the end of the previous school year. These can contain important information to help you prepare, including the first day and start time, term dates, INSET days, forms that need to be completed and key dates for the new school year.
It’s worth saving important school dates to your calendar, including the first day of term, parents’ evening and school holidays so you’re prepared for childcare or commitments in advance.
5. Get your car ready for the school run
If you’ll be driving your child to school, it’s worth giving your car a quick check before September arrives. After the summer holidays, checking essentials such as your tyres, battery, windscreen and wiper blades can help make sure your car is ready for the return to the daily school run.
For extra peace of mind, you can book a Halfords 10-Point Car Check where a technician will check key areas of your vehicle, including:
- Headlights and brake lights.
- Tyre depth and inflation.
- Battery health.
- Wiper blades and windscreen.
- Oil, coolant and AdBlue levels.
- A screenwash top-up.
- MOT due date reminder (UK only).
It may also be worth checking that their car seat is still appropriate for them, and our Free Child Seat Consultation helps you identify the best car seat for your little one to keep them safer on the roads. For child booster seats and baby car seats, explore our wide range today.
Make the most of your Halfords Motoring Club membership
If you’re already a Halfords Motoring Club Premium member, you can use your two included 10-Point Car Checks to help get your car ready for the school run. Premium members also receive 5% off motoring products and services, which can help you save on essential maintenance and repairs throughout the year.
Or sign up for free today and unlock a 10-Point Car Check, worth up to £15, alongside even more benefits to make your daily journeys easier and safer.
6. Cycling to school: Kids’ bike safety and checks
If your child is planning to cycle to school, it’s important to check that their bike is safe and ready for them. Before school starts, check that the tyres are correctly inflated, the brakes are working properly and the wheels, saddle and handlebars are secure.
For expert reassurance, you can book a Free Bike Health Check where our mechanics will carefully examine key components of both kids’ and adults’ bikes for signs of wear, damage or adjustment issues. If they spot a problem that needs further attention, they’ll advise you on the next steps.
A bike check is also a good opportunity to make sure your child’s bike is still the right size for a safe and comfortable riding position.
7. Kids’ bike accessories
Once the bike itself is ready, it’s time to check that your child has the right cycling safety gear and accessories they require. Essential safety gear can include a properly fitted kids’ bike helmet, bike lock, lights and reflectors.
Choosing the right cycling accessories
A well-fitted helmet is an important part of your child’s cycling gear. Make sure you choose the correct size and adjust it securely so it sits comfortably on their head.
If your child will be leaving their bike at school, a bike lock can help keep it secure while they’re in class. Halfords stocks a range of bike locks, including D-locks and cable locks, with different Sold Secure ratings to suit different levels of security.
With the days getting shorter as autumn approaches, bike lights and reflectors can help your child remain visible and safe when cycling in lower-light conditions. Halfords kids’ cycling range includes front and rear lights, reflectors, and fun spoke lights.
If your child has outgrown their current bike or needs a new one for cycling to school, now’s a good time to choose a new kids’ bike. Halfords has a wide range of children’s bikes in different sizes and styles, including character-themed options featuring favourites such as Frozen and Spider-Man.
Getting ready for the new school year can feel like a lot to organise, but breaking everything down into a simple checklist can make the process much easier. From checking school uniforms and stocking up on supplies to planning lunches and getting your car or child’s bike ready for the school run, a little preparation can help you start the new term feeling organised and ready to go.
For motoring products and everything your child needs for cycling to school, Halfords has a wide range of products and services to help you get prepared for the year ahead.
