The start of term one is almost here and that means parents around the country are preparing to stock up on classroom essentials and organise their schedules for the school year.
Aside from the usual school supplies, such as books, pencils and calculators, parents will need to consider additional items as their children get older, and this doesn’t come cheap. Last year, Australians spent $2.5 billion on school supplies, that’s an average of $512 per family, to cover the stationary, uniforms and tech required.
While costs tend to be lower for prep-aged and primary school kids, they can climb as kids enter high school and take on new subjects or specialist programs, like advanced music or sport, that require additional uniforms and equipment.
Another cost that some parents consider essential nowadays is a kid-friendly smartphone that allows you to track your child’s location and for them to contact you if needed, especially if they’re travelling to and from school by themselves.
With so much to think about before the school year kicks off, Canstar Blue has compiled a list of the essential items your child needs for school in prep, primary school and high school in 2025.
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Prep
School supplies
The first day of school can be an overwhelming time for little ones and parents alike, so making sure your child has everything they need can certainly help ease the pressure.
Prep kids will need the basics, such as a lunchbox, school bag, hat, stationery, water bottle and new school shoes. They’ll also need to be able to use these items independently, so get them to practice opening and closing their water bottle and lunchbox at home before the school year kicks off and make sure they can take off their new shoes and put them back on without the help of an adult. Teaching your preppie to do these things by themselves will help grow their independence and sense of responsibility as they enter the school year.
What they’ll need:
- Lunchbox ($33, Woolworths)
- Water bottle ($22.50 Woolworths)
- Hat ($6 Big W)
- Spare uniforms (Big W)
- Sunscreen ($13, Woolworths)
- Notebooks ($3.75, Woolworths)
- Pencil case ($5.30 Woolworths)
- Eraser ($3.15, Woolworths)
- Lead pencils ($4.40, Woolworths)
- Coloured pencils ($3.50, Woolworths)
- Pencil sharpener ($4.30, Woolworths)
- Safety scissors ($4.00, Woolworths)
- Glue stick ($2.15, Woolworths)
Primary school
School supplies
Primary school kids will need more supplies such as calculators, protractors, headphones, USBs and recorders. By primary school, you may also decide that your child is ready for their first phone or smart watch. Make sure they know the school rules on devices and have important phone numbers stored in their favourites in case there is an emergency.
What they’ll need:
- Lunchbox ($11, Big W)
- Water bottle ($14, Big W)
- Hat (Big W)
- Sunscreen ($14, Woolworths)
- Notebooks ($3.75, Woolworths)
- Pencil case ($5.30 Woolworths)
- Eraser ($3.15, Woolworths)
- Lead pencils ($4.40, Woolworths)
- Pens ($3.50, Woolworths)
- Pencil sharpener ($4.30, Woolworths)
- Whiteboard markers ($10.00, Woolworths)
- Highlighters ($6.55, Woolworths)
- Calculator ($11.70, Woolworths)
- Protractor ($14.95, Woolworths)
- Compass ($14.95, Woolworths)
- Ruler ($1.25, Woolworths)
- USB ($19.00, Woolworths)
- Headphones (from $17, Woolworths)
- Scissors ($4.00, Woolworths)
- Glue stick ($2.15, Woolworths)
- Recorder ($35.00, Woolworths)
- Laptop ($269, The Good Guys)
- Phone or tablet ($179, The Good Guys)
High school
School supplies
School supplies get serious, and more expensive, in high school. Your child will likely need a scientific calculator and supplies for elective subjects such as music, art and physical education. High school kids are also at an age when they grow fast, so keep this in mind when purchasing uniforms for the year. If you’re looking to save costs, many schools sell secondhand uniforms that you can purchase in a size up so you’re prepared for those sudden growth spurts.
What they’ll need:
- Lunchbox ($12.10, Woolworths)
- Water bottle ($14, Woolworths)
- Hat (Big W)
- Sunscreen ($14, Woolworths)
- Notebooks ($3.75, Woolworths)
- Pencil case (from $3.00, Woolworths)
- Eraser ($3.15, Woolworths)
- Lead pencils ($4.40, Woolworths)
- Pens ($3.50, Woolworths)
- Pencil sharpener ($4.30, Woolworths)
- Whiteboard markers ($10.00, Woolworths)
- Highlighters ($6.55, Woolworths)
- Scientific calculator ($11.70, Woolworths)
- Protractor ($14.95, Woolworths)
- Compass ($14.95, Woolworths)
- Ruler ($1.25, Woolworths)
- USB ($19.00, Woolworths)
- Headphones (from $17, Woolworths)
- Scissors ($4.00, Woolworths)
- Glue stick ($2.15, Woolworths)
- Laptop ($269, The Good Guys)
- Phone or tablet ($179, The Good Guys)
Whether your child is turning up for their very first day of school or it’s just another school year, it certainly pays to be prepared with everything they may need. While stocking up on classroom and schoolyard essentials can be costly, shopping during the Boxing Day or back-to-school promotions can help you save and getting in early will ensure you don’t miss out on the colours, styles and sizes your child needs.
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