Beat the September rush: Nine must-have Back to School essentials from Sports Direct and Ryman (aff)
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Don't leave your September prep to the last minute when high street stocks run low. We’ve rounded up 9 top-rated, specific back-to-school essentials from Sports Direct and Ryman
The six-week summer break has only just begun, but getting a head start on September's back-to-school list can save you money, time, and the inevitable panic of late August stock shortages.
While children across West Yorkshire are celebrating the start of the six-week summer holidays, experienced parents know that the clock is already ticking on the September return.
Leaving the back-to-school shopping list until the final weeks of August usually means fighting through crowded high streets, facing picked-over stock, and missing out on early-bird online savings.
Whether your child is starting reception, moving up to high school, or simply outgrowing last year's gear, ordering specific, high-demand items in late July takes the stress out of the summer.
To help you tick off your shopping list in one go, we’ve pinpointed 9 product recommendations available right now from Sports Direct and Ryman, to make that return, or even start, to the new school year that little less stressful.
9 essential Back to School items to buy before the September rush
Kickers Fragma Lace Up Kids Shoes (£41.99)
A perennial favourite on school playgrounds, these low-cut leather shoes feature scuff-resistant leather, supportive rubber soles, and practical double hook-and-loop straps (perfect for younger kids who haven't mastered laces yet).
Buying them in late July guarantees you catch full-size runs before the late-August rush clears the shelves.
Everlast Assist Lightweight Kids' Trainers (£11.00)
Finding budget-friendly, all-black trainers that comply with strict school PE guidelines can be a headache.
Reduced from £34.99, these lightweight Everlast trainers feature cushioned foam insoles, breathable mesh uppers, and non-marking outsoles—making them an ideal indoor gym and outdoor track shoe.
Nike Elemental Kids' Backpack 20L (£23.00)
A classic 20-litre capacity school bag that strikes the right balance between storage and comfort.
Built with padded shoulder straps, a heavy-duty double-zippered main compartment, and a detachable pencil case clip, it easily accommodates A4 exercise books, a lunch box, and a water bottle.
Ryman Clear Wedge Pencil Case With Black Zip (£4.99)
Secondary school exam halls strictly require clear, see-through pencil cases, and this pre-filled pouch saves parents from purchasing separate stationery items.
It comes stocked with black and blue ballpoint pens, graphite pencils, a 15cm ruler, an eraser, and a pencil sharpener ready for day one.
Casio FX-85GT CW+ Scientific Calculator (£21.99)
The gold standard recommendation for UK Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, and GCSE maths curricula.
Featuring Casio's updated ClassWiz high-definition Natural Textbook Display, it shows fractions, roots, and formulas exactly as they appear in school textbooks.
Oxford Campus Pastel A4 Wirebound Notebook Pack of 3 (£11.99)
Ideal for older students prepping for secondary school or GCSE revision.
These wirebound notebooks feature 140 pages of high-quality 90gsm Optik Paper (which prevents ink bleeding through), punch-holed margins for ring binders, and micro-perforated pages for easy tear-out.
Leakage inside a school backpack can ruin homework in seconds.
The Pro Softtouch Water bottle features an impact-resistant design with an ergonomic quick-turn lid that seals completely tight, keeping drinks cool throughout double-period PE sessions and afternoon classes.
Alpina Lunch Boxes (£5.99)
Ditch single-use plastic wrap for this modular, wipe-clean lunch container.
Featuring easy-locking clips, flexible compartments, and a sealable inner fruit/yogurt pot, it keeps sandwiches crisp and snacks separated without squishing inside a crowded school bag.
Helix Oxford Maths Set with Metal Tin (£6.49)
The iconic silver tin that has been a UK school desk fixture for generations.
It includes a metal compass with a safety point, 9cm pencil, 15cm ruler, 180-degree protractor, 45° and 60° set squares, sharpener, eraser, and letter stencil - all organised safely inside a sturdy storage case.
Note: all prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Any changes to the prices are of the decision of the retailers in question - so check the relevant websites for further information.