School Uniform: Back-to-School Checklist

You can be confident you’re getting the best school uniform at M&S – known for its quality, durability and comfort.

Anything that takes the stress out of school mornings and helps children get dressed by themselves is a winner. Our range of crease-resistant, stain-resistant and water-repellent pull-on shorts, trousers, skirts and pinafores are designed to save you time, money and energy. We all know about riptape-fastening shoes, but there are also shirts with riptape behind the buttons that are great for younger kids, or those who don’t have as much dexterity.

Ideally, you’ll need between three and five sets of school uniform, depending on how often you do laundry and of course, how messy your child is. Most school uniform sets are sold in packs of three, so one to wear, one to wash and one spare in case of accidents. If you prefer to do less washing however, or have a busy schedule, you might want enough uniform to last the entire week, especially shirts and blouses, as they often bear the brunt of any spills.

• Shirts and blouses: 5 to 6

• Skirts, trousers and pinafores: 3 to 4

• Jumpers and cardigans: 2 to 3 (these are often the most mislaid items, so labels are a must)

• P.E. kit: 1 to 2 sets depending on how often your child does PE

• Tie: 2

When choosing what size to buy, always measure your child first as they might need a different size to what’s recommended for their age. Remember that children can have speedy growth spurts so choosing uniforms one to two sizes bigger ensures a roomy, yet comfortable fit and gives them space to grow throughout the school year.

Measuring tips:

Chest: measure around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms.

Waist: measure around the natural waistline.

Inside Leg: measure from the crotch down to about 5cm above the shoe.

Collar (for shirts): measure around the base of the neck, leaving room for two fingers.

Each school has a slightly different school uniform policy, so read the rules thoroughly before you start shopping. Also, remember that if you’re shopping for the new school year, September can often be quite warm and many schools still wear summer uniform (often gingham dresses and shorts), so ask other parents – or the school’s Facebook group – if you’re unsure.

One of the most important things you can do in preparation for the new term is to label all of your child’s school uniform. You can sew-in or stick-in labels for clothes or use a laundry pen (the ink doesn’t wash out) to write your child’s name on the labels. Label everything, from shoes to water bottles and lunchboxes, otherwise things will go missing on a regular basis.

Whether it’s packing a spare uniform for little accidents or making sure they have a coat in case of sudden downpours, keeping kids comfortable, dry and warm goes a long way to keeping them happy at school. When it’s hot, don’t forget sun hats and sun cream as part of their summer uniform and look for breathable fabrics. In colder weather, stock up on long socks and tights to keep them cosy, discover our winter uniform guide here.

Try and buy school uniform well ahead of the new term as popular items can sell out as the countdown begins towards the new term.

We have a wide range of school-ready footwear from smart leather shoes to practical trainers for P.E. So, why are ours the best shoes for school? Clever features such as scuff-resistant uppers and comfortable insoles. Fastening options from riptape for younger primary school kids to classic laces and buckles for older children.

Prefer something more casual? We have a wide range of trainers for both boys and girls for wearing both in and out of the classroom to keep growing feet happy all day.