Back to School Deals 2026, Uniform, Stationery, Phones and School Essentials

Getting Their First Phone for Secondary School?

Starting secondary school often means travelling more independently, attending clubs and managing changing collection times. Some families choose this point to provide a child with their first phone or SIM. Before buying, check the school’s mobile phone policy and decide which controls, limits and permissions are appropriate for your family.

Not every child needs a phone. A basic phone, an existing family handset or a SIM-only plan may be enough. If choosing a SIM card for a school phone or comparing SIM-only plans for teenagers, start with likely usage and review it later.

• Existing handset or new handset
• SIM-only plan
• Monthly data allowance
• Unlimited calls and texts
• Spending limits
• No unexpected charges
• Parental controls
• Content filtering
• Location-sharing settings
• Emergency contact setup
• Screen lock and device security
• School mobile phone policy
• Lost or stolen phone plan
• Insurance or self-insurance
• Charging routine
• Power bank, only where genuinely needed

Check the school’s mobile phone policy before buying. Some schools require phones to remain switched off or stored away throughout the school day.

Reception essentials

• ☐ School uniform from the school list
• ☐ School shoes
• ☐ PE kit
• ☐ Book bag or school bag
• ☐ Lunch box and water bottle, where needed
• ☐ Name labels
• ☐ Weather-appropriate coat

Primary essentials

• ☐ School uniform from the school list
• ☐ School shoes
• ☐ PE kit
• ☐ School bag
• ☐ Lunch box and water bottle, where needed
• ☐ Pens, pencils and stationery requested by the school
• ☐ Name labels

Secondary uniform

• ☐ School shirts or polo shirts
• ☐ Trousers or skirts
• ☐ School jumper or cardigan
• ☐ Blazer, where required
• ☐ School tie, where required
• ☐ Socks or tights
• ☐ School coat
• ☐ Black school shoes
• ☐ Name labels

Secondary PE kit

• ☐ PE top
• ☐ PE shorts, skort or leggings
• ☐ Tracksuit or joggers
• ☐ Trainers
• ☐ Football boots, where required
• ☐ Sports socks
• ☐ Swimming kit, where required
• ☐ PE bag

Secondary stationery

Wait for the school to confirm its recommended scientific calculator before buying.

• ☐ Pencil case
• ☐ Black or blue pens
• ☐ Pencils
• ☐ Eraser
• ☐ Covered sharpener
• ☐ 30 cm ruler
• ☐ Colouring pencils
• ☐ Highlighters
• ☐ Glue sticks
• ☐ Maths set
• ☐ Protractor
• ☐ Compass
• ☐ Scientific calculator
• ☐ A4 notebooks or refill pads
• ☐ Ring binders
• ☐ Subject dividers
• ☐ Homework planner, where not provided by the school

Secondary books

• ☐ Starting-secondary-school books
• ☐ Age-appropriate fiction
• ☐ Dictionary or thesaurus
• ☐ School set texts
• ☐ Revision or study guides, only where requested
• ☐ Reading book for form or tutor time, where required

First Phone and SIM

• ☐ Check the school mobile phone policy
• ☐ Decide whether a phone is needed
• ☐ Check whether an existing family handset can be reused
• ☐ Choose a SIM-only plan
• ☐ Compare data allowances
• ☐ Check calls and texts
• ☐ Review spending controls
• ☐ Turn on content restrictions
• ☐ Set up emergency contacts
• ☐ Add a screen lock
• ☐ Review location-sharing settings
• ☐ Record the phone’s IMEI number
• ☐ Agree family rules for phone use
• ☐ Add a protective case
• ☐ Add a charger
• ☐ Label the phone or case discreetly
• ☐ Discuss what to do if the phone is lost or stolen