Smart back-to-school checklist for educational buyers
Get ready for the new school year with this essential back-to-school checklist. Perfect for primary or secondary school buyers to plan and save time efficiently.
For school procurement teams, back-to-school planning means tight deadlines and long to-do lists. This guide offers a ready-made checklist to help educational buyers source classroom, office, and staffroom essentials efficiently. With Viking’s wide range and dependable delivery, you can get everything sorted on time—without the stress of starting from scratch.
What should be on a school procurement checklist?
A school procurement checklist should include classroom supplies, office stationery, staffroom essentials, PE equipment, uniforms, IT accessories, cleaning products, and furniture. Tailor by school type—primary or secondary—and buy in bulk where possible to save costs and ensure everything’s ready for the new school year without last-minute stress.
Complete School Procurement Planning Checklist
- Stock up on essential classroom items like glue sticks, rulers and whiteboard pens.
- Ensure the admin office has basics covered—printer ink, shredders and filing systems.
- Prepare the staffroom with comfort essentials such as kettles, mugs and cleaning supplies.
- Order uniforms and PE gear early to avoid size shortages or supplier delays.
- Don’t forget tech accessories—headphones, USBs, chargers and HDMI cables are classroom musts.
- Use bulk-buy options for high-usage items to save budget and reduce future orders.
- Organise storage solutions for everything from PE equipment to paperwork.
Organized classroom scene with diligent students and teacher.
Classroom supplies: stocking the core of learning
The classroom is where the school year comes alive. Start by stocking up on high-use essentials: whiteboard pens, glue sticks, exercise books and rulers. Don’t overlook hygiene items like wipes and hand sanitiser, especially during peak cold-and-flu seasons.
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Primary schools often need craft supplies and coloured paper
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Secondary schools require more tech-ready tools like USB sticks, calculators and exam stationery
With Viking’s bulk buying options, you can equip entire year groups while staying within budget. A well-stocked classroom helps students stay engaged and ensures teachers have everything they need—right when they need it.
Office & admin: keeping operations running smoothly
Behind the scenes, the school office plays a crucial role in daily operations. Stock up early on:
- Printer ink, paper, staplers, laminators, and shredders
- Sticky notes, pens, and organisers for admin desks
- Batteries and tech accessories for devices like door buzzers or clocks
Viking’s dedicated school shop makes reordering efficient, and ensures your admin team starts the term fully prepared—no last-minute surprises.
Staffroom essentials: supporting staff wellbeing
A functional staffroom is a small investment with big returns. Make sure your checklist includes:
- Hot drink essentials: kettles, mugs, tea bags and coffee
- Appliances: microwaves, fridges, toasters
- Comfort: chairs, cutlery, cleaning products
Teachers need a space to recharge between lessons. Viking’s wide selection of staffroom supplies can help create a welcoming, well-equipped space to boost morale and productivity.
Tech & IT Accessories: equip classrooms for digital learning
Modern classrooms run on tech. Your procurement list should include:
- Chargers, headphones, USB sticks, keyboards
- HDMI cables, extension cords, USB hubs
- Spare mice and webcams
Viking offers affordable bundles and bulk pricing on IT accessories so you can stay ahead of tech hiccups. Well-equipped classrooms reduce downtime and keep learning on track.
Essential Classroom Supplies Checklist
| Item | Purpose | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Books | Daily writing and note-taking | High |
| Whiteboard Pens | Teacher instruction on whiteboards | High |
| Glue Sticks | Craft and worksheet activities | Medium |
| Hand Sanitiser | Maintaining hygiene during school hours | High |
| USB Sticks | Saving and sharing digital work | Medium |
| Calculators | Supporting maths and science tasks | High |
| Coloured Paper | Creative and classroom display projects | Medium |
Conclusion
At Viking, we understand that procurement teams are under pressure to deliver—on time, on budget, and without hassle. With our extensive experience in educational supplies and logistics, we offer:
- A complete range for classroom, admin, staffroom and IT needs
- Bulk-buy deals to help you save
- Fast, reliable delivery so you’re always ahead of the curve
Make your back-to-school planning smoother, smarter, and stress-free—with Viking as your supply partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a back-to-school checklist include?
A full list includes classroom tools, office stationery, PE equipment, IT accessories, uniforms, and hygiene supplies. Tailor by school type for maximum efficiency.
When should schools begin procurement?
Start at least 2–3 months before the new school year to compare prices, secure stock, and prevent delays.
How can schools save on supplies?
Buy in bulk, shop early, and use suppliers like Viking that offer education-focused deals and reliable fulfilment.
Should student backpacks be included?
Yes. For schools providing starter kits or supporting under-resourced pupils, ergonomic, durable backpacks are essential additions to the checklist.
