Every summer, thousands of parents prepare their children for the new school year. Uniforms are bought, shoes are fitted, and school bags are packed. Yet there are always a few essentials that are easy to forget until the night before term starts.
At Grays Schoolwear, we’ve been helping families get ready for school for over 100 years. Here’s our list of the ten items parents most often forget.
1. A Spare School Jumper or Cardigan
Children are experts at spilling drinks, leaving jumpers in classrooms or getting muddy at lunchtime.
Having a second jumper or cardigan means there’s always a clean one ready to wear.
2. Extra School Shirts or Blouses
Two shirts rarely last an entire school week.
We recommend having at least five school shirts or blouses so there’s one for every day.
3. PE Shorts and PE Socks
PE kit is one of the most common reasons children arrive at school unprepared.
Double-check you have:
- PE shorts
- PE shirt
- Sports socks
- Trainers
- PE bag
4. School Socks and Tights
These are probably the quickest items to wear out during the school year.
Buying a few extra pairs now will save another shopping trip later.
5. Name Labels
Every year, schools collect hundreds of unnamed jumpers, blazers and PE kits.
Labelling everything makes it much more likely that lost items find their way home.
6. Water Bottle
Many schools encourage children to bring a reusable water bottle every day.
Choose one that’s durable, easy to clean and fits comfortably inside a school bag.
7. School Bag
Does last year’s bag still fit everything?
Check:
- Zip works properly
- Straps are comfortable
- Plenty of room for books
- Space for PE kit and lunch
8. Pencil Case Essentials
Before September arrives, check you have:
- Pens
- Pencils
- Rubber
- Sharpener
- Ruler
- Calculator (where required)
9. School Shoes
Children often grow during the summer holidays.
It’s worth checking that last year’s shoes still fit comfortably before the first day back.
Properly fitted school shoes help children stay comfortable throughout the school day.
10. A Uniform Size Check
Before the new term starts, try everything on.
Check:
- Blazer sleeves
- Trouser length
- Skirt fit
- Shirt collar
- PE kit
- Shoes
A quick size check now can prevent unnecessary stress during the busiest shopping weeks.
Our Top Tip
Don’t leave your uniform shopping until the last weekend of August.
Shopping early means:
✔ Better stock availability
✔ More choice of sizes
✔ Less stress
✔ A more relaxed shopping experience
Why Families Choose Grays Schoolwear
For over a century, Grays Schoolwear has helped families across Blackburn, Clitheroe and the surrounding areas prepare for the school year.
We offer:
- Official school uniform
- PE kit
- School accessories
- Expert fitting advice
- Friendly customer service
- Click & Collect
- Nationwide delivery
Whether your child is starting Reception, moving into Year 7 or simply needs a uniform refresh, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Ready for the New School Year?
Browse our range of school uniform, PE kit and accessories online or visit our Blackburn or Clitheroe stores.
Getting organised now means one less thing to worry about before September arrives.