Transitioning to secondary school is a significant milestone for children and a time of change for both students and parents. Whether you're gearing up for the first day of Year 7 or preparing your child for another exciting year of secondary school life, it's important to ensure they have everything they need from the off so they can settle into school life quickly and confidently.
In this essential checklist from Start-Rite, we provide tips to make the back-to-school experience a breeze. From their very first day to the last, Start-Rite is here to support you.
Each secondary school will have its own specific list of required items, so it's essential to communicate with the school office for any special requirements. Often, schools provide this sort of resource on their websites, so make sure to check there.
In general, however, there are some items that are required for most secondary schools, so getting these basics sorted can give you a head start before you tackle any more niche requirements.
It’s difficult to overstate the significance of a well-fitted, comfortable uniform paired with sturdy school shoes. Children can be wearing these essential items for 30 hours a week or more, so it’s essential for their uniforms and shoes to offer comfort throughout the day so they can focus on their studies without distraction.
This is particularly the case for school shoes. They need to provide comfort, support growing feet, endure daily wear and tear and adhere to the school's dress code. At Start-Rite, our footwear is designed to meet these demands by offering both durability and comfort - our shoes are never outworn, only outgrown.
Maintaining school shoes and uniforms properly is a great way to significantly extend their life and usability. Teaching your child a routine to care for their shoes and attire can also help to give them more independence as they grow towards their teenage years.
Just as Start-Rite shoes protect and support your child's feet, a robust backpack can do the same for safeguarding schoolbooks and PE kit! A weak zip or no zipper at all can lead to the bag’s contents spilling across the school corridors or getting soggy in the wet weather. That’s why choosing the right type of bag is essential.
At Start-Rite, we always recommend rucksacks or backpacks as the go-to school bag design. Unlike shoulder bags like tote or messenger bags that place the burden on one side, rucksacks spread the load across both shoulders and the back, promoting a healthy posture and helping to prevent back and shoulder pain. The other advantage is they offer the convenience of being hands-free!
Rucksacks are also built to be durable, withstanding the daily wear and tear of school life. The padded straps and back panels are purposely designed to optimise comfort, especially when carrying heavier loads – like textbooks and a full water bottle. Furthermore, rucksacks are versatile enough for various activities, from school to sports, making them a practical and multi-functional choice for students.
Another consideration is to ensure your child’s school bag has plenty of compartments and pockets to help organise textbooks, stationery, water bottles and sports kit. This can help your child to stay organised throughout the day so they can concentrate on their learning - without losing their homework!
For active school days, durable sportswear is essential. Sturdy plimsolls and trainers are staples in many PE kits due to their versatility and support. Many schools recommend that children have different pairs for indoor and outdoor use, as indoor options are designed to avoid leaving marks on gym hall floors.
At Start-Rite, we offer a selection of plimsolls designed for comfort and resilience, preparing your child for any sporting challenge.
From plain and sturdy to fashionable fabric choices or even a simple pencil tin, the pencil case is a must-have item in the school bag to keep learning equipment safe and organised. Have fun letting your child choose a pencil case that matches their own style and character.
What other stationery items do you need to stock up on? As well as the basics, you might also consider revision cards and highlighter pens. These can be incredibly helpful for making study sessions more effective and memorable, particularly for visual learners who benefit from colour-coded notes.
Here's a quick list of stationery essentials to keep your child school-ready:
A balanced diet and proper hydration are key to maintaining energy and concentration levels throughout the school day. Modern lunch solutions like insulated flasks are excellent for keeping homemade soups warm during colder months, while lunchboxes with multiple compartments can help to prevent different foods from getting squashed against one another.
Equipping your child with these essentials will set them up for a successful and organised start to the school year. Remember, preparation paves the way for success, and with Start-Rite by your side, you can ensure that your child steps into secondary school with a positive mindset and full of confidence.
Explore our durable collection of school shoes and discover the perfect pair that combines style with support.
