School uniform, bags, trainers, shoes and more

It’s back-to-school time and Whiteley is the easy and fun way to get all your uniform, sporty buys, school bags and stationery organised in one place – plus we’re hosting everything from Princess and Superhero visits to a pop-up charity clothing swap in support of Cash For Kids this summer.

Thanks to a huge range of shops, and plenty of carer-child parking, Whiteley is here to take the stress out of back-to-school shopping.

With an offers page full of discounts for every budget and ways to keep the kids entertained while you’re out shopping, delicious food and drink and more, start your planning here.

Download and print out our handy back-to-school checklist

1. Start the day with some much-needed breakfast

Back-to-school shopping on an empty stomach? Not advised… Get ready for the day ahead with breakfast and coffee from Greggs (don’t miss their £2.85 breakfast deals), Caffe Nero and Costa Coffee.

2. Pick up uniform and school bags at Marks & Spencer and Next

Image provided by Marks and Spencer

Blazer, jumper, polo shirts, non-iron shirts (go for short sleeves for younger ones to make it easier when they’re painting and creating), skirts (pleat and straight), pinafores, shorts, trousers (different lengths are available alongside skinny and plus-size) and culottes – whatever uniform basics you need for girls and boys then head to Marks & Spencer and Next for quick and easy updates.

With multi-packs, non-crease and easy washing plus a huge range of colours (navy, grey, black, blue and white) and sizes alongside unbranded school bags, you can grab everything you need (don’t forget those crucial name labels and marker pens at Poundland). Or pick up a bag with matching stationery at Smiggle.

3. Find winter coats and outerwear at H&M, River Island and Mountain Warehouse

Image provided by H&M

From light early-autumn and summer jackets to warm winter coats, find what you need for every weather at H&M, River Island and Mountain Warehouse.

4. Get your school shoes at Clarks and schuh

Image provided by Clarks

Black school shoes are a must for every school uniform list. Whether it’s girls’ chunky loafers and ankle boots or Kickers, Dr Martens and Velcro fastenings, find what you need at Clarks and schuh (take in an old pair of shoes and get £5 off and check the offers page for other amazing discounts). You can also avoid the queues and book shoe fittings at Clarks via their website.

5. Stop for mid-morning break

Take a much-needed sit down and rehydrate with a Starbucks Pink Drink or Summer-Berry Starbucks Refresher. Or go for a fun sugar boost at Kaspa’s Desserts.

6. Sort your sport bag and PE uniform at JD Sports and SportsDirect.com

Image provided by Sportsidrect.com

A fleece, polo shirt, joggers, shorts, long socks, plimsolls and trainers, swimsuits and football boots from adidas, Nike and Puma: JD Sports and SportsDirect.com have you covered.

7. Reading, tutors and learning support for the new term

Whiteley is home to the brilliant Explore Learning which offers in-person and online learning tutorials to support students from reception up to GCSE. Pop in and meet the team.

8. Update underwear and socks at H&M and Marks & Spencer

Don’t forget the basics. For underwear, vests, socks (long and short) and hairbands, H&M and Marks & Spencer are your go-tos.

9. Find pens, books, stationery, water bottles and extras at Flying Tiger Copenhagen, The Entertainer, Smiggle, Waterstones and WHSmith

Image provided by Smiggle

Must-haves for secondary school include a pencil case, pens, rubber, ruler, pencils, exercise book, calculator, highlighter and protractor. Pick up everything you need including water bottles, reading books and academic diaries at Flying Tiger Copenhagen, Smiggle, The Entertainer, Waterstones and WH Smith.

10. Deodorant, cleansers and more at Boots, Tesco and Superdrug

Get stocked up on with natural deodorants, shower gels and tea tree oil products and great teen skincare from Boots, Tesco and Superdrug (good brands include CeraVe, Byoma and Cetaphil). Don’t forget the basics: toothpaste, cotton wool and hair accessories in one quick sweep at Poundland.

11. Need glasses? Head to Vision Express

Book in for an appointment at Vision Express (book here) and Specsavers (book here) which offer free NHS eye exams and glasses for under-16s.

12. Finish the day with a movie and tea…

Image provided by wagamama

And if you’ve still all got some energy – treat them to kids’ menus at wagamama, rock climbing and pizza at Rock Up or head to Cineworld for a family movie.

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