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.
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.
Primary schools often need craft supplies and coloured paper
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.
Niceday Copy A4 Printer Paper White 80 gsm Matt – 10 Packs of 500 Sheets
Niceday Copy A4 Printer Paper White 80 gsm Matt – 20 Packs of 500 Sheets
Niceday Copy Paper A4 80gsm White – 240 Packs of 500 Sheets
Viking Lever Arch File A4 Portrait 80 mm Black – Pack of 10
Really Useful Boxes Storage Box 35L Clear Plastic – 31 x 39 x 48 cm
Proform Rectangular Table with Beech Coloured MFC Top and Black Frame Crushbend 1100 x 550 x 640mm Pack of 4
Proform Rectangular Table with Beech Coloured MFC Top and Black Frame Crushbend 1100 x 550 x 590mm Pack of 4
Proform Rectangular Exam Desk with Beech Coloured Top and Black Frame 600 x 550 x 725 mm Pack of 5
Proform Rectangular Table with Beech Coloured MFC Top and Silver Frame 1200 x 600 x 640mm Pack of 4
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.
Viking Medium Ballpoint Pens – Black, Box of 50
Viking Highlighter HC1 – Assorted Colours, Pack of 4
Viking Envelopes DL 80gsm White – Self Seal, 1000 Pieces
Viking A4 Economy Punched Pockets – Green Spine, Pack of 100
Viking Staples 26/6 – 5000 Staples
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.
Yorkshire Tea Bags Pack of 1040
Nescafé Gold Blend Rich & Smooth Instant Coffee Tin Medium Arabica 750 g
Tate & Lyle White Granulated Pure Cane Sugar 2kg
Nescafé Original Instant Coffee Tin Instant Medium, Dark 750 g
Nescafé Barista Style Azera Instant Coffee Tin Americano, Ground Micronised Roast 500 g
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.
Viking Screen Wipes Pack of 100
Logitech Wireless Combo Keyboard and Mouse Wireless QWERTY Black MK270
Fellowes Crystal Gel Mouse Pad Black
Fellowes Premium Mouse Pad 58024 Black
Viking Spray Duster 400 ml
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.
