Year 6–7Starting secondary

Starting secondary school: the practical checklist

Written by A Dagdelen · Reviewed 17 October 2026

Before the first day there is a surprising amount to sort out: uniform, bag, PE kit, lunch, the journey and the phone rule. Most of it is on the school's website, and a little planning makes September much calmer.

Photo: Lena Kudryavtseva on Unsplash

4 or fewercompulsory branded uniform and PE kit items at a secondary school, if one is a tie (from September 2026)
On the websitethe uniform policy should be published for every family, including future ones
Phone-freeschools follow statutory guidance on prohibiting phone use through the school day, from September 2026
Your councildecides who gets help with home-to-school transport; check by postcode

What you need to know

Uniform: read the policy first. Each school sets its own uniform, and its policy should say what is compulsory and what is optional. From September 2026 secondary schools must limit compulsory branded items of uniform and PE kit to four, if one is a tie, so most of the list can usually be bought where you like. The guidance also expects schools to make second-hand uniform easy to get.
The kit list is short. Most schools ask for a bag, a pencil case, a planner, a calculator and PE kit with trainers. Your school's list says exactly what is needed, and when a subject needs something extra.
Lunch: find out how to pay. Many schools use cashless payment, and the school office can help you set it up. Free school meals are separate, and our guide to free meals explains how to apply.
Getting there: ask the council early. Help with home-to-school transport follows your council's rules, so use GOV.UK to find its page. Children with special educational needs may be eligible under separate rules. Sort out passes and times before September, not in the first week.
Phones: ask how it works in practice. From September 2026 schools follow statutory guidance on prohibiting the use of mobile phones throughout the school day. Each school explains how that works for it, including how to reach your child in an emergency, which is usually through the school office.

What to do before September

Label everything

Name every item of uniform, PE kit, the bag and the water bottle. Lost property fills quickly in the first term.

Pack the night before

Check the timetable, pack the bag and lay out the uniform. A calm morning starts the evening before.

Practise the journey

Do the route twice before term, once with you and once with your child leading.

Check in after week one

Ask what was hardest, where they ate and who they sat with. Tell the form tutor if something worries you.

Practise and explore on Quizo School

Year 7: new school, new habits What the first year is for and how to help at home.
Free school meals and support Who qualifies and how to apply.
Who is who at school Who to ask about uniform, travel and settling in.
Year 7 Maths A look at the first Key Stage 3 units.
Help with home-to-school transport Find your council's page, on GOV.UK.
Mobile phones in schools The statutory guidance, on GOV.UK.

Questions parents ask

Do we have to buy uniform from one shop?

Check the school's policy. It should say which items are compulsory and where they must come from. Compulsory branded items are now limited to a few, and the rest can usually be bought elsewhere. Ask the office if the policy is unclear.

Can my child bring a phone on the journey?

Schools handle this in different ways. Read the phone policy to see whether phones may be brought and where they are kept during the day.

We cannot afford all of the uniform. What can we do?

Talk to the school office or the head of year in confidence. Schools are expected to make second-hand uniform available, and many have a uniform swap or bank. Also check free school meals and other support.

Is there free transport?

It depends on your council's rules, such as distance, the safety of the walking route, family income or special educational needs. Check on GOV.UK with your postcode and apply early.

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