Back to school guide for teachers, clubs & parents
Written by The MagicBooking team | Aug 25, 2025
10 min read
As the summer break ends, many are asking the same question: when do kids go back to school? In the UK, most schools return on Monday, 1st September 2025, with term dates varying slightly by local authority. Whether you’re reading this with said date soon approaching or just gone, it’s the perfect time to ensure a smooth transition.
This guide brings together everything schools, wraparound care clubs, childcare providers, and parents need to know for back to school 2025. From back to school dates and practical planning to activities, shopping, and wellbeing, here’s how to make the most of the new term.
While this blog focuses on primary schools and clubs, the themes of preparation, wellbeing, and organisation apply across education – from early years to higher education.
Ready to cut the admin this school term? Book your free MagicBooking demo today.
Fancy skipping the read? Get in touch for tailored advice on how we can help you.
When do kids go back to school in 2025?
- England, Wales, and Northern Ireland: Most state schools reopen on 1st September 2025. Always check your council website for exact back to school dates.
- Scotland: Children often go back earlier, with most schools resuming in 2025 on August 20th.
- USA: If you’re wondering when do Americans go back to school, most return between mid-August and early September, depending on the state. Elementary schools generally do not have different return dates to middle schools if they’re in the same school district, etc.
So, if you’re asking “what date do we go back to school in the UK?”, the answer is the first week of September.
What is meant by “back to school”?
Back to school relates to the start of a new school year. The phrase covers more than just the return to lessons. It includes:
- Back to school shopping for supplies, uniforms and tech.
- Welcome back to school activities for pupils.
- Preparing wraparound and activity clubs for busier schedules.
- Parents adjusting routines as children go back into learning and after-school care.
See how MagicBooking simplifies bookings, payments, and registers - try a free demo now.
Primary schools & clubs: Fighting back to school anxiety and stress
The first weeks back can feel overwhelming for many pupils. Back to school anxiety is common, and schools and clubs play a vital role in helping children settle. A positive, supportive environment eases the transition and sets the tone for the rest of the autumn term.
Creating welcome back to school boards & back to school balloons
A good way to lift spirits is through visual welcome displays. Colourful boards and back to school balloons can make children feel valued and excited to return.
- Add “welcome back to school” messages in classrooms and club spaces.
- Use balloons or themed decorations for the first week to create a warm atmosphere.
Resources:
Writing back to school quotes on their white boards or smart boards
A great way to inject positivity is by adding encouraging quotes to classroom or club whiteboards. They set a motivating tone and can be changed weekly.
One cool quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world” - Nelson Mandela.
- Rotate back to school quotes per day to keep things fresh.
- Encourage children to share their own favourite words or sayings.
Resources:
Using back to school memes in newsletters
Adding humour can ease nerves. Including light back to school memes in parent newsletters or club updates can build connection and reduce stress.
- Choose child-friendly memes that reflect excitement and positivity.
- Share them in staff WhatsApp groups or internal bulletins to boost morale too.
Resources:
Scheduling gentle back to school activities in the first week
Children often need time to adjust after summer. Gentle back to school activities help rebuild routines and encourage social interaction.
- Start with team-building games or outdoor play.
- Keep lessons light in the first week, mixing creativity with routine.
Resources:
Supporting mental health and wellbeing
Emotional wellbeing is just as important as academic readiness. Schools and clubs can reduce stress by providing safe spaces and trusted adults for children to talk to.
- Appoint a clear point of contact for pupils to share worries.
- Offer calming activities like mindfulness colouring or quiet reading corners.
- Reinforce that it’s okay to feel nervous and encourage children to speak up.
Encourage parents to stay present in the first two weeks, watch for changes in behaviour, and share any concerns with the school. A strong partnership between home and school supports children best - See our parent engagement blog for tips.
Resources:
- YoungMinds - Back to School Support
- Place2Be - Mental Health in Schools
- Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 Guide
Take the stress out of back to school admin. Book your free demo with MagicBooking.
First term back: Activities for primary schools and clubs
The autumn term is ideal for:
- Icebreaker back to school activities to help pupils reconnect.
- Launching new after-school or holiday clubs to meet rising demand.
- Offering parents a clear back to school list of childcare options, from breakfast clubs to wraparound care.
- Recognising staff with small back to school gifts - even thank-you notes go a long way.
If you’re a school looking to achieve better whilst making life easier, see how MagicBooking’s schools did it.
For parents: Getting back into routine
If you’re a parent asking “when do we go back to school?”, prepare for it today:
- Organise school uniforms and back to school shopping now, avoiding the last-minute rush. After a summer growth spurt, some back to school shoes might be in order.
- Try new back to school hairstyles, sign your kids up to some fun new clubs, or even indulge in fun back to school nails to boost confidence.
- Build routines for homework, meals, and after-school pickups before the term begins.
Parents & teachers: Back to school shopping and supplies
September always brings the rush for back to school bags, backpacks, stationery and shoes.
Checklist for back-to-school supplies:
- Back to school stationery: pens, pencil cases, exercise books.
- Back to school bags and backpacks that are durable.
- Back to school shoes that meet uniform requirements.
- PE kits, lunch boxes, and reusable water bottles.
- For teachers and admin teams: restock classroom supplies early to avoid shortages e.g. whiteboard pens, glue sticks, and printer ink!
Teacher Tip: Share a back to school checklist with parents to reduce stress and ensure children arrive fully prepared.
Ofsted likely to visit soon? Read our Ofsted handbook.
Discover how schools and clubs save hours every week and impress Ofsted with MagicBooking. Book your free demo.
If you’re a parent, Tesco’s ‘back to school’ has pre-organised selections that you can browse for affordable uniforms, stationary, and groceries, or simply to get ideas that you can purchase from elsewhere.
Wrapping up: Going back to school with confidence
So, going back to school in 2025 isn’t just about dates. It’s about preparation, wellbeing, and community. Whether you’re a teacher, head, club leader, or parent, the first term sets the tone for the whole academic year.
Make use of checklists, plan back to school activities, and remember that small touches - like balloons, gifts or encouraging quotes - can make a big difference in easing the transition.
With the right planning, the return this September can feel less like a rush, and more like a fresh start.
Your back to school list
Having a checklist makes the new term easier for both schools and parents. Share clear reminders so everyone feels prepared.
- Parent Back to School Checklist - Maths Whizz
- Teacher Resources - Tes Back to School Planning
- Back to school stationary guide
Encourage families and staff to use these guides in the first weeks to reduce stress and support a smooth return.
Start the new school year with less paperwork. Book a free demo today.
How MagicBooking can help with back to school
The start of the school year is one of the busiest times for schools and clubs. Admin piles up, parents need quick answers, and clubs see demand spike. That’s where MagicBooking helps.
Our automated management system saves staff hours by handling:
- Parent communication and bookings for wraparound, clubs, and activities.
- Online payments, including HMRC Tax-Free Childcare.
- Automated registers and financial reports.
With less admin and more control, schools and clubs can focus on children, not paperwork.
Book a free demo today or email sales@magicbooking.co.uk to see how MagicBooking makes returning to school stress-free.
Unconvinved? Read our 2024 client experience report here, or visit our case studies page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When do kids go back to school?
Every year parents and kids ask “when do we go back to school”. In the UK, the new school year usually begins in the first week of September.
As for “when do kids go back to school in 2025”, most schools return on Monday, 1st September 2025, though exact back to school dates can vary by council.
If you’re wondering “what date do we go back to school in the UK?”, always check your local authority’s published term dates.
What are the best back to school supplies?
The best back to school supplies are simple, practical, and durable. Essentials include back to school stationery (pens, pencils, rulers, exercise books), back to school backpacks or bags, back to school shoes, lunchboxes, and reusable water bottles.
Teachers should also stock up on classroom basics early to avoid shortages. Many parents shop big retailers like Tesco back to school ranges for value and reliability.
What is a cool quote for back to school?
A cool quote for back to school should capture the excitement of fresh starts.
A couple of perfect examples are...
- “The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all.” - Josiyah Martin
- "Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” - Malcolm X
Teachers can display back to school quotes on whiteboards or newsletters to inspire pupils as they settle into the autumn term.
What are some good back to school gifts?
Here’s some cute, cheap ideas for parents to give children or for teachers to share with coworkers: personalised stationery, back to school balloons, small notebooks, sweet treats, or small school essentials.
If you’re really feeling like splashing the cash, look out for deals in the Apple back to school 2025 promotion, which often includes discounts on tech like iPads and MacBooks for students and educators.
What is meant by back to school?
“Back to school” means more than just the return to lessons. It covers everything from back to school shopping for supplies and uniforms, to clubs reopening, and children readjusting to routines.
For schools and clubs, it’s also the busiest period for enrolments, wraparound care bookings, and welcoming pupils with back to school activities.
Some memes in this article are courtesy of We Are Teachers. Images are shared for educational and commentary purposes only, with credit retained to the original creator.
