Back to School 2026: Complete Guide

Back to School 2026: Complete Guide

With UK schools going back in September 2026, now is the perfect time to get ahead of the back-to-school rush. Whether you're shopping for a primary school child, a secondary school student, or a sixth-former heading into their final year, having the right school supplies from day one sets the tone for a great term.

At Jolafunbs, we've just added a brand new wave of back-to-school essentials UK parents and students will love — from character stationery sets and academic planners to lunchbox snacks and school-friendly drinks. Everything is available to buy online with fast UK-wide delivery, so you can tick the whole list off without leaving the house.

Here's your complete Back to School 2026 guide — organised by category so you can find exactly what you need, fast.

✅ Your Back to School 2026 Checklist

Before we dive in, here's a quick overview of everything a well-prepared student needs for September:

  • ✅ Pens, markers, and correction fluid
  • ✅ A4 printer paper for homework and projects
  • ✅ A notebook, diary, or academic planner
  • ✅ A pencil case or complete stationery set
  • ✅ Art supplies for creative subjects
  • ✅ Lunchbox snacks and no-added-sugar drinks

All of the above — and more — are available right now at Jolafunbs. Read on for our top picks in every category.

✏️ Best School Stationery Essentials to Buy Online UK 2026

The foundation of any good school bag. These are the best stationery essentials for school — all recently added to Jolafunbs and ready to order for September.

Nibb — Fine Liner Pens & Permanent Markers

Two of the best-value school pens available online in the UK right now. The Nibb Fine Liner Pens 18 Pack 0.4mm deliver crisp, precise lines across 18 assorted colours — brilliant for note-taking, revision colour-coding, and art projects. For bolder, more permanent work, the Nibb Permanent Marker Pens 30 Pack offers 30 vibrant colours in one set. Both are excellent picks for secondary school and college students who want reliable, colourful stationery at a great price.

Crayola — Create & Colour Washable Markers Set 65 Piece

One of the most trusted art sets for primary school children in the UK. The Crayola Create & Colour Washable Markers Set 65 Piece packs 65 creative tools into one set, including washable markers, colouring pages, and a storage case. The washable formula is a genuine lifesaver for parents — no permanent marks on clothes or furniture. A brilliant choice for ages 5 and up.

HP & NU — A4 Printer Paper for School

From homework assignments to printing revision notes, a good supply of A4 printer paper is a back-to-school essential every household needs. The HP Back to School A4 Printer Paper Ream is designed specifically for the school year and works with both laser and inkjet printers. For everyday home and school use, the NU A4 Multipurpose Printer Paper 500 Sheets is a great value 500-sheet ream that covers all printing needs from September to July.

Tipp-Ex Rapid Correction Fluid 3 x 20ml

A school stationery classic that never goes out of style. The Tipp-Ex Rapid Correction Fluid 3 x 20ml comes in a triple pack so there's always a spare. Fast-drying, smooth to write over, and with a precision brush applicator for neat, professional corrections. An essential for every pencil case, from Year 7 to A-Level.

📓 Best School Notebooks, Diaries & Planners UK 2026

Staying organised is one of the most important skills a student can develop — and the right academic planner or school diary makes it so much easier to manage homework, deadlines, and revision schedules.

A5 Academic Diary & B5 Academic Organiser 2026–2027

Two of the best school diaries for the 2026–2027 academic year now available at Jolafunbs. The A5 Academic Diary 2026–2027 is a compact, well-structured diary with plenty of space for daily planning, homework notes, and appointments — available in four designs including Bows, Ombre, Black, and Stripes. For students who need a little more room to plan, the B5 Academic Organiser Planner offers a larger format in four designs — perfect for sixth-formers and university students managing a busy schedule.

Academic Wipe Clean Mid-Year Planner 2026–2027

A favourite among UK teachers and organised parents, the Academic Wipe Clean Mid-Year Planner 2026–2027 gives a full-term overview at a glance. The reusable wipe-clean surface means it adapts as plans change — no crossed-out entries, no wasted pages. A practical, eco-friendly choice for classrooms and study spaces across the UK.

Magnetic Monthly Whiteboard Planner Set

One of the best study organisation tools for students, the Magnetic Monthly Whiteboard Planner Set lets students map out the whole month at a glance on their bedroom wall. Dry-wipe surface, magnetic pegs for added notes, and available in White or Black. A great tool for building the kind of consistent study habits that make a real difference at GCSE and A-Level.

🎨 Best Character Stationery Sets for Kids UK 2026

Getting a child excited about going back to school starts with stationery they actually love. These character stationery sets are among the most popular picks for UK kids this year — and they've all just arrived at Jolafunbs.

Minecraft — Bumper Stationery Set & A5 Notebook

The Minecraft Bumper Stationery Set with Tin Pencil Case is one of the most complete back to school sets for boys available right now — packed with writing, drawing, and studying essentials in Minecraft's iconic design. Pair it with the Minecraft A5 Notebook to give them a matching set they'll actually be proud to pull out in class.

Kuromi — Bumper Stationery Set & Pencil Case

A top pick for Sanrio fans, the Kuromi Bumper Stationery Set with Tin Pencil Case is one of the most stylish back to school sets for girls in our range — colourful, character-packed, and built around Kuromi's distinctive purple-and-black style. Add the matching Kuromi Pencil Case for a complete look that will be the envy of the classroom.

Scribblez — Gaming Mode Activated & Mini Stationery Packs

Two fun options from Scribblez that make school stationery feel like a treat. The Scribblez Gaming Mode Activated Stationery Set is a gaming-inspired complete kit ideal for any young gamer. For something smaller and gift-ready, the Scribblez Mini Stationery Pack comes in Capybara or Unicorn designs — the perfect compact set for a school bag or a back-to-school gift.

Bluey Filled Pencil Case & Disney Stitch Charm Notebook

Two brilliant picks for primary school children. The Bluey Filled Pencil Case Stationery Set is a complete, ready-to-go kit packed inside a Bluey pencil case that little ones will love showing off. For Disney fans, the Disney Stitch Charm Notebook is a gorgeous journal-style notebook with a charm detail that makes it feel extra special — great for creative writing, diary entries, and story planning.

🍱 Best Lunchbox Snacks & School Drinks UK 2026

A great lunchbox keeps energy levels up and concentration sharp through the afternoon. These are our top picks for school lunchbox snacks and drinks — all individually portioned, school-friendly, and widely loved by UK children.

Fox's — Rocky Chocolate Biscuit Bars & Mini Party Rings

Two iconic lunchbox biscuits from Fox's, both available in bulk multipacks at Jolafunbs. The Fox's Rocky Chocolate Biscuit Bars are individually wrapped chocolate-coated shortcake bars that make a school lunch something to look forward to. The Fox's Mini Party Rings 21g Multipack are colourful iced shortcake rings that kids absolutely love — available from 20 up to 120 packs so you can stock up for the whole term.

Soreen Malt Lunchbox Loaves 30 x 30g

A British school lunchbox staple for decades. The Soreen Malt Lunchbox Loaves 30 x 30g are soft, individually wrapped malt loaves that are lower in fat than many snack alternatives — halal-certified, vegan-friendly, and genuinely tasty. At 30 loaves per pack, you're stocked for the first few weeks of term without a single supermarket run.

Babybel Mini Natural Cheese 60 x 20g

A protein-rich school lunchbox essential that children actually enjoy eating. The Babybel Mini Natural Cheese 60 x 20g comes in individually waxed, easy-peel portions that are completely mess-free. At 60 portions per pack, this is the smart, cost-effective way to keep lunchboxes stocked with something nutritious all term long.

Capri Sun & Fruit Shoot — No Added Sugar School Drinks

Two of the most popular school drinks in the UK, both available in bulk at Jolafunbs. The Capri Sun Orange Zero & Jungle Zero Mixed Pack gives you two favourite flavours with no added sugar in convenient pouches — perfect for lunchboxes and after-school hydration. The Fruit Shoot Apple Blackcurrant & Orange Multipack comes in sports-cap 200ml bottles that are spill-resistant and easy for children to manage. Both available in packs of 24 or 48 for term-long stocking up.

❓ Back to School 2026 UK — Frequently Asked Questions

When do UK schools go back in September 2026?

Most UK schools return in the first or second week of September 2026, though exact dates vary by local authority and school. In England, most schools return between 2nd and 8th September. Scotland typically goes back slightly earlier. Check your child's school calendar for the exact date — and start shopping now to beat the last-minute rush.

What stationery do you need for back to school in the UK?

A typical UK back-to-school stationery list includes: pens (blue and black), pencils, a ruler, an eraser, a pencil case, a notebook or exercise book, a school diary or planner, and a calculator for older students. Art subjects may also require colouring pencils, markers, or a paint set. Our School Supplies collection covers all of the above.

Where can I buy school supplies online in the UK?

Jolafunbs offers a wide and growing range of school supplies available to buy online in the UK, with fast UK-wide delivery. From character stationery sets and academic diaries to lunchbox snacks and drinks, you can tick the whole back-to-school list off in one place. Browse our full School Supplies range here.

What are good lunchbox snacks for school?

The best school lunchbox snacks are individually portioned, not too messy, and appealing to children. Popular choices include Soreen Malt Lunchbox Loaves, Fox's Rocky Bars, Babybel Mini Cheese, and fruit-based snacks. Pair with a no-added-sugar drink like Capri Sun or Fruit Shoot for a balanced, school-friendly lunchbox.

What is the best school planner for 2026–2027?

For primary and secondary school students, an A5 Academic Diary 2026–2027 is compact and easy to carry. Older students and sixth-formers may prefer the B5 Academic Organiser for more planning space. For a visual overview of the whole term, the Magnetic Monthly Whiteboard Planner is a brilliant addition to any study space.

🛒 Shop Back to School Supplies at Jolafunbs

Everything on this list is available right now at Jolafunbs — one of the UK's growing online destinations for school supplies, stationery, snacks, and more. With fast, reliable UK-wide delivery, you can have everything sorted before the first bell of September.

→ Browse the full Back to School collection at Jolafunbs

Also worth exploring:

Back to blog