Our A* back-to-school basics

It’s time to get back-to-school ready – and with everything from uniforms and backpacks to stationery and shoes, we’re your one-stop shop for all those school essentials.

Full marks for uniform choice

At M&S, school uniforms are designed to last, with repellent finishes to ward off stains, crease-resistant fabrics and scuff-resistant shoes. A five-pack of Unisex Pure Cotton School Polo Shirts will cost £11-£25, and Crease and Stain-Resistant Trousers £11-£17. Next also has a huge range of schoolwear for all ages, with Black Sports Shorts costing £4.50-£11, and Sports Leggings from £7-£12. At New Look, pick up a Black Pleated School Skirt for £12.99, or Cable Knit Cardigan for £19.99.

Smart soles

Known for their school shoes, Clarks offers perfectly-fitted, science-backed shoes that are designed to last, from the Scala Loafer Youth Black Patent Loafer (£50) to the black leather Clowder Sprint Kid with velcro strap (£32). Visit Sports Direct for back to school trainers and football boots – these Puma Future 7 Match Rush Firm Ground Football Boots come in a range of colours and cost £79.99.

Packs of fun

Drop into Smiggle for fun stationery choices and a brilliant back to school collection. Keep school stationery super organised with the Limitless Stationery Gift Pack (£20), which includes coloured markers, gel pens and pencils that zip away in a handy pencil case. The Helix Ultimate School Set (£14.99) at Rymans includes all the essential tools for the hard-working student, from ball point pens and HB pencils to a compass, protractor, ruler, set square and sharpener. And at Poundland, the Staedtler Student Stationery Set (£2) contains two pencils, a ballpoint pen, a ruler, sharpener and eraser.

Make a note

There’s plenty of school essentials at Flying Tiger Copenhagen, including a useful Notebook with Solar-Powered Calculator for £6, and you can keep your notes in perfect order with a smart A4 Spiral Notebook (£8.08) from Søstrene Grene. The fun Campus Notebook (£6) at Typo comes with a range of great covers and has divider pages and internal pockets.

Hair raising

Keep hair neat and tidy with the hair accessories range at Claire’s. Keep it simple with a Shiny Thin Headband (£2.25), and stock up on hairbands with the Luxe Hair Ties 12-Pack (£1.80).

Pack it in

You’ll find a good choice of backpacks at H&M – from Barbie pink (£17.99) to plain black (£24.99). For a sporty choice, drop into Schuh, where you can pick up an Nike backpack in a either blue or pink (£25).