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IDEAS & ADVICE

Back to school: Backpack & accessories guide

The kids are going back to school and there’s so much to think about! Do they have the right sized shoes? Who’s going to help them with their homework? And most importantly, where can you find the right backpack for the job?


From nursery up until secondary school, kids are required to take a seemingly ever-growing list of items to school each day. Lunchboxes, pencil cases and schoolbooks are just a few, so it’s essential that their backpack can stand the test of time. Looking for some tips to help you get started? Our school backpack and accessories guide will tell you all there is to know about getting kitted up, making the back to school period just that little bit easier.


The best school bags

There’s plenty to think about when buying a school bag for your child. You’ll need a bag that’s both practical and comfortable, so style, size and functionality are all worth considering.

School bag size

With so much to fit inside, your child’s school bag needs to be just the right size for the job. Too small, and you may end up with splitting seams and the need for an additional bag. Too big, and it might be too much for your child to carry!

While too big is always going to be better than too small, a happy medium will work wonders. Pay attention to labels that display the content size in litres. Aim for a size of around 20-24 litres—though of course, take your child’s size into consideration too!


School bag style

The most popular style choices for school bags tend to be backpacks or shoulder bags, and there are lots of different fabric and colour options to reflect your child’s personality.

School bags are often made from a natural or polymer fabric, such as canvas, nylon and PVC. These materials are generally water and stain-resistant, as well as being strong and sturdy which is a great option for accidental leaks or spills. Leather is also a popular school bag choice since it’s versatile and robust.


School bag functionality

We all like a trendy school bag, but substance is just as important as style! The functionality of a prospective bag is so important. Does it have plenty of zip pockets and storage areas? Can it easily fit an A4-sized book in it? Will it feel comfortable for your child to carry?

Some people argue that backpacks are better for the posture than satchels, something worth keeping in mind if your child’s bag is going to be heavy. Since they have two straps, backpacks help to distribute the weight more evenly. At Next, we stock a range of boys’ school bags and girls’ school bags to suit every style and taste.

School lunch bags

School lunch boxes and bags are handy for keeping your child’s food cool and organised throughout the day. There’s plenty of fun patterns and designs to choose from, and many come with water bottle holders and additional pockets to separate between lunch and break time snacks. You can also find personalised school lunch bags to help differentiate your child’s bag from others.


School drinking bottles

From running around on the playground to getting stuck into a science lesson, school can be very thirsty work. Make sure your kids have a bottle they can refill throughout the day.


School stationery

Different stationery is used for a range of subjects, so make sure your child’s pencil case has all the necessities! Your child’s school will likely provide a list of recommended stationery, but here are some to add on the list:

Primary school stationary:

• An a4 notebook
• Pens and pencils
• Pencil sharpener
• Glue stick
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Rubber
• Calculator
• Basic maths set

Secondary school stationery

These items are in addition to the stationary we mentioned above. It may seem like a lot, but it’s better to be prepared!

• Scientific calculator
• Post-it notes
• Diary
• Ring binder
• Plastic wallets
• Paper clips
• Highlighters
• USB stick
• Dictionary
• Thesaurus
• Tipp-ex
• Stapler
• Staples


Preparing for your children’s new school term just got easier with our handy guide, and with it taking UK parents two hours each day to get their children ready for school, we're sure these tips will help you make the most out of your mornings! Take a look at our full collection of boys’ back to school items and girls’ back to school items, or continue to get organised with our back to school checklist.