The South African school year starts in January, but preparation should begin in October. This checklist organises everything your child needs by timeline so nothing falls through the cracks.
October-November: Planning Phase
- Collect the official stationery list from your school (usually issued at the end of the previous year)
- Check which textbooks your child already has that can be reused
- Measure your child for uniform sizes - they grow over the holidays
- Book school transport if applicable
- Note early-bird deadlines for school fees, after-care registration, and extramural activities
November-December: Shopping Phase
Uniforms
- Summer uniform: shirts/blouses, shorts/skirts, socks, school shoes
- Winter uniform: long trousers/pinafore, jersey/blazer, school jacket
- PE kit: house colour shirt, shorts, takkie/sneakers
- Swimming costume and towel (if school has a pool)
- School hat or cap for sun protection
Tip: Buy winter items now while they are in stock. Many uniform suppliers run out of popular sizes by March.
Stationery
- Follow your school's specific stationery list exactly
- Label everything with your child's name
- Buy a few extras (pencils, erasers, glue sticks) as mid-year replacements
- Consider pre-packed school packs from stationery suppliers for convenience
Textbooks
- Purchase prescribed books (new or second-hand)
- Cover textbooks in clear contact paper or plastic sleeves
- Check if your school uses digital textbooks or online platforms
January: Week Before School
- Pack the school bag with all stationery and books
- Try on complete uniform including shoes - check everything fits
- Set up the homework station at home (desk, lamp, quiet space)
- Establish the school-morning routine (wake time, breakfast, transport)
- Prepare lunch boxes and water bottles
- Charge and set up any devices (tablet, laptop) required by the school
- Print and laminate the school timetable
First Week of School
- Confirm transport arrangements work smoothly
- Note any additional items teachers request (some only communicate at the start of term)
- Save important school contacts: class teacher, admin office, after-care
- Download school communication app if applicable
- Check if after-school activities require additional equipment (cricket bat, art supplies, etc.)
Budget Summary
Expected costs for 2026:
- Primary school total: R2,000-R5,000 (stationery R200-R500, uniform R800-R2,000, shoes R300-R600, bag R300-R600, books R400-R1,500)
- High school total: R4,000-R10,000 (stationery R500-R1,000, uniform R1,500-R3,000, shoes R400-R800, bag R500-R1,000, books R2,000-R4,000, calculator R300-R500)
Find competitive prices by browsing school suppliers in our directory.