It’s that time of year again! Back to School shopping is just around the corner and, as the summer holidays draw to a close, many parents find themselves lost on where to start. But don’t worry, that’s where we come in!
From notebooks and pens, to folders and revision tools, having the right supplies can help children start the school year feeling organised, confident, and ready to learn. To make your school shopping easier, we've created a practical back-to-school shopping list featuring high-quality products from Oxford and Pelikan - two trusted brands designed with students of all ages in mind. Not sure where to start? Check out the below!
1. Notebooks, Exercise Books, and Refill Pads for Every Subject
A dependable notebook or exercise book is at the heart of every student's school bag.
If your child is older and about to head into their GCSE years, then our top recommendation is the Oxford Campus notebooks and refill pads in both A4 and A5. Ideal for organising subjects with different colours, Oxford Campus contains high-quality Optik Paper+ which is super smooth with no ink bleed through – perfect for those long writing sessions. Also compatible with Scribzee, Oxford’s notebook companion app which allows you to scan, save, and share your notes, Campus notebooks are especially great for those students who often lose their notes.
Need something a little more robust or tailored to your child's learning needs? Our exercise book range includes hard-wearing PP covers that stand up to daily wear and tear, along with tinted paper exercise books that help create a more accessible learning experience for all learners.
2. A Reliable Pencil Case
A pencil case is often a reflection of a student’s personality, so choosing the right one can absolutely set your child up for success as they head into a new school year. Oxford pencil cases have a range of colours and sizes, depending on your child’s style and needs.
Oxford’s pastel pencil cases have been a staple for so many students. Known for their spacious storage capacity, and beautiful calming pastel tones, Oxford pastel pencil cases are the ideal base to start building your child’s stationery supplies whilst also giving them a touch of added flare.
Alternatively, Oxford also has several bright colours to choose from, all with the same benefits of the pastel range. Sitting down with your child and selecting their pencil case together is a superb start to getting them interested in their stationery and build up some excitement for September!
3. Pens, Pens, and More Pens!
That’s right, pens are an absolute essential, but unfortunately the most likely item to go missing throughout the school year. That’s why stocking up now will give your child the best start when September rolls around.
Our Pelikan pen range is extensive, so it can be tricky to know where to start. For younger children starting their handwriting journey, you can’t go wrong with the Griffix collection – a range designed and built for every stage of writing development. Starting from crayons all the way up to ink handwriting pens, Griffix focuses on correct hand positioning to give students the best possible start with their handwriting.
The next step from the Griffix range for students now comfortably writing full sentences are the Pelikan Handwriting Pens. Available in blue or black, these pens feature fluent ink flow and bridge the gap from early writing development to future essay writers.
As for our more premium ranges like Jazz ballpoint pens and Twist rollerball pens, these are ideal for high school students just starting to find their own style. Top Tip: our Jazz pens match Oxford’s pastel pencil cases!
4. Get an Early Start on Revision Materials
It might seem strange to start talking about revision right at the start of the year, but at Oxford we’re big believers in being prepared for success as early as possible. Getting the materials your child needs now will help remove the stress of revision season for them, and ultimately you too.
Whilst the Back-to-School shop is your priority, picking up some highlighters, flash cards, and folders will ensure that exams can stay front of mind. Our Pelikan highlighters come in assorted packs of pastel and brights, as well as packs of 10 single colour. They pair perfectly with Oxford flash cards which are all Scribzee compatible, therefore getting your child ready for revision season right from the get-go.
When preparing for a new school year, filing can easily slip down the priority list. However, a good filing system can save a lot of stress, helping to keep homework, letters, and important documents in one place.
Whilst ring binders and lever arch files are perfect for storing documents at home, while our popper wallets make it easy for children to keep worksheets and handouts organised while they're at school.
Final Back to School Shopping Tips
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Buy in Multi packs - products such as Oxford Campus notebook packs and refill pad bundles offer excellent value and ensure your child won't run out of supplies mid-term.
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Choose Durable Products - investing in quality stationery often means fewer replacements throughout the school year, reducing both costs and frustration.
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Think Ahead to Exam Season - stock up on folders, flash cards, and highlighters before they're needed. Future-you will be grateful when revision season arrives.
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Create a Homework Station - a dedicated study area equipped with notebooks, pens, organisers, and revision materials can support better concentration and independent learning.
Make Back to School Shopping Simple
Oxford and Pelikan offers everything parents need for a successful school year in one place, from premium notebooks and filing solutions to Pelikan writing instruments and creative supplies. By choosing quality stationery from trusted brands, you can help your child stay organised, motivated, and ready to achieve their best throughout the year.