Everything Parents Need Before the New School Year
Preparing for a new school year can feel overwhelming, especially if your child is starting school or moving up to secondary school. To make things easier, we’ve put together the ultimate school uniform checklist to help you stay organised and avoid those last-minute shopping trips.
Whether you’re shopping for a new starter or replacing worn-out items, here’s everything you should check before September.
Essential School Uniform
Every school’s requirements are slightly different, but most pupils will need:
✔ School blazer or jumper
✔ School tie (if required)
✔ School shirts or blouses
✔ Grey or black trousers, shorts or skirts
✔ School socks or tights
✔ School shoes
It’s always worth checking your school’s uniform policy before ordering to make sure you have everything you need.
PE Kit Checklist
PE kit is one of the most forgotten parts of back-to-school shopping.
Most pupils will need:
- PE polo shirt
- PE shorts
- Tracksuit bottoms
- ¼ zip top or hoodie
- Sports socks
- Trainers
- PE bag
Buying everything before term starts helps avoid your child missing lessons because they’re waiting for kit to arrive.
Accessories
Don’t forget the little things that are easy to overlook:
- School backpack
- Water bottle
- Pencil case
- Lunch bag
- Name labels
- Hair accessories (where required)
These items often make school life much easier.
How Many Items Should You Buy?
Parents often ask how much uniform they really need.
A good starting point is:
- 4 shirts or blouses
- 2 jumpers or cardigans
- 2 pairs of trousers or skirts
- 7 pairs of socks
- 1 blazer
- 1 complete PE kits
This gives enough flexibility for washing during the week without constantly running out of clean uniform.
Check Sizes Early
Children can grow quickly over the summer holidays.
If possible:
- Try everything on before August.
- Check blazer sleeve length.
- Make sure trousers still fit comfortably.
- Test school shoes with socks.
Buying early means you have a much wider choice of sizes before the busiest weeks of the season.
Label Everything
One of the simplest ways to avoid lost uniform is to label every item.
Adding your child’s name to blazers, jumpers, PE kit and coats makes it much easier for lost property to be returned.
Buy Early and Beat the Rush
The busiest period for school uniform shopping is usually the last two weeks of August.
Shopping earlier gives you:
- Better stock availability
- Less waiting
- More appointment times (if applicable)
- A more relaxed shopping experience
Why Shop with Grays Schoolwear?
For over 100 years, Grays Schoolwear has been helping families prepare for the new school year.
We proudly supply official school uniform for schools across Blackburn, Clitheroe and the surrounding areas, offering:
- Official school uniform
- High-quality PE kit
- Friendly expert advice
- In-store fitting
- Fast online ordering
- Click & Collect
- Nationwide delivery
Whether you’re preparing for your child’s first day at school or replacing a few essentials, we’re here to help.
Ready for Back to School?
Browse our full range of school uniform, PE kit and accessories online, or visit one of our stores in Blackburn or Clitheroe.
We look forward to helping your family get ready for a successful new school year.