Save on back to school supplies: the complete school checklist

Whether your kids are learning their ABCs or studying for their GCSEs, the rush to get everything they need for the new school term can sometimes feel overwhelming.

In a cost of living crisis, every penny counts. As inflation continues to drive prices up, it’s especially important to have a plan of action ahead of the new term.

Keep reading to discover our tips for saving money on back to school supplies, so you can get your children ‘school ready’ without going over budget. From buying secondhand to earning cashback on online purchases, there are plenty of ways you can cut back your spending.

We’ve also included our ultimate back to school checklist for kids heading to primary and secondary schools this September, so you can make sure you don’t miss anything important.

Money-saving tips for back to school shopping on a budget

1. Create a shopping list and be smart about when you tick things off

Remember the saying, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’? Well, this certainly applies to buying back to school supplies. Kitting your children out for the new school year doesn’t necessarily mean taking an ‘out with the old, in with the new’ approach.

It’s probably best to start with a checklist of items they definitely need (check out our supplies list below for inspiration).

Once you’ve got an idea of everything they need, spend some time looking through your children’s wardrobe and cupboards and cross off all the things they already have from your list.

By doing this, you’ll have a shopping list tailored to what your family actually needs. After all, what’s the point in buying something twice?

Once you’ve got your list, you can tick things off as and when you see offers and deals that suit your budget. It will take a bit of leg work but if you really want to cut costs, it takes more than just sticking to a shopping list.

2. Check if you can buy second-hand

Buying school uniforms second-hand is a great way to save money. Many schools offer pre-loved uniform services, so it’s always worth checking if that’s available as your first point of action.

If that’s not an option but you’re part of a parents’ group chat, you could reach out to see if anyone is looking to give away or swap items they no longer need.

Another method worth trying is to scroll through Facebook Marketplace to find people in your area who are donating or selling old school supplies. Alternatively, pop into your local charity shop – you never know what you might find!

If you manage to find some second-hand bargains, why not pass on the favour by donating any school items your kids have grown out of?

You could take them to your local charity shop, or find a clothing recycling initiative near you, such as the M&S Shwop programme. M&S offer Sparks customers a free treat every time they place pre-loved clothes into one of their Shwop boxes in store.

3. Shop online for the best deals, plus cashback

Fancy earning yourself £15 cashback? We're currently offering an exclusive sign-up bonus when you sign up for a TopCashback account and spend £15 or more with any of our brands. Just click the green Join TopCashback button below to get started.

To avoid missing out on deals while you’re shopping for school essentials online, download TopCashback’s free browser extension tool. We’ll automatically notify you of any deals and cashback available when you’re on a brand’s website, so you’ll never miss a saving again.

4. Do a supermarket sweep – and don’t forget to check the special aisle

Life with kids can get very busy, so carving out time to do back-to-school shopping can be tricky. To save time, see if you can combine shopping for school essentials with your weekly shop.

All the big supermarkets tend to run back-to-school events during the summer months, with big money-saving deals and discounts.

If you’re signed up for your regular supermarket's loyalty scheme, don’t forget to use it! Any seasonal deals, member-only prices and bonus points opportunities will help you stretch your money further.

Aldi in particular are known for their bargain prices when it comes to back to school. Their deals tend to get snapped up very quickly, though, so you'll need to be speedy.

And even if there isn’t a special savings event running, it’s still worth checking Aldi’s middle aisle if you happen to be in store. You’ll find school essentials like stationery and lunch boxes, which might be cheaper than other retailers.

5. See if you're eligible for a uniform grant of up to £200

If you’re struggling to cover the cost of your child’s school uniform, your local council may be able to offer some support. If you qualify, you could get a non-repayable grant of up to £200.

Local authorities have different eligibility criteria, but as a general rule, families that qualify for free school meals should be able to get this school uniform grant too.

For more information on uniform grants, head over to the gov.uk website, or check the website of your local council. Each local authority will have its own guidance on how to apply, but most will keep applications open until early September.

6. Buying tech? Go for refurbished models to make big savings

If your child needs a laptop or tablet for school, consider buying a refurbished device. It’s better for your wallet and the environment, and it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality.

Only ever buy tech from retailers you trust and always make sure to check the warranty before you buy.

You can often buy refurbished devices straight from the manufacturer and you may be able to earn cashback too. Whether you’re buying from Dell, Apple, or Currys, check out their current cashback rates on the TopCashback site.

Primary school supplies checklist

Here is a list of things your child might need if they’re returning to primary school in September. Different schools will require children to bring in different items, so it’s worth asking the school if they provide their own checklist too.

Whether they need a particular item may also depend on what year your child is in. Infant-school children aren’t often expected to bring in their own stationery, for example, although a child in the juniors might be.

 Stationery

 Educational materials

 Everyday items

 Uniform

PE kit

Secondary school supplies checklist

The back to school checklist looks slightly different for secondary school children, although many of the items depend on what year your child is in and which subjects they study.

 Stationery

 Educational materials

Everyday items

 Tech

 Uniform

PE kit

Time to do your homework…

As the new school year approaches, the task of purchasing school supplies can often feel overwhelming. However, with a bit of planning and some savvy deal-hunting, you can make the most of your budget and enjoy stress-free shopping.

Remember to start by taking stock of what your child already has, as there’s no point buying replacements for things that don’t need replacing.

Once you know exactly what you need to buy, you’ll need to be smart about where and how you shop. Consider shopping during sales or buying in bulk, and don't shy away from second-hand or recycled items.

You’re not alone and if you need help there are resources available. Connect with your local community and find out if your council offers any financial support.

Armed with our money-saving tips, you're well on your way to getting your child prepared for the academic year without breaking the bank.