Starting Grade 1 is a milestone for every South African family. After the relative simplicity of Grade R, the stationery requirements jump significantly. This guide gives you the complete list of what your child will need, where to buy it, and how to keep costs manageable.
The Standard Grade 1 Stationery List
While every school has its own specific list, most South African primary schools following the CAPS curriculum require these core items for Grade 1:
Writing and Drawing
- 2 x HB pencils (triangular grip recommended for small hands)
- 1 x eraser (large, white)
- 1 x pencil sharpener with container
- 1 x box of wax crayons (12 colours minimum, Pentel or Pritt)
- 1 x box of coloured pencils (12 colours)
- 1 x pair of round-tip safety scissors
- 2 x glue sticks (36g Pritt Stick or equivalent)
Books and Files
- 5-8 x exercise books (72 page, quad and ruled, A4)
- 2 x scrapbooks or blank drawing books
- 1 x homework book or diary
- Book covers or plastic sleeves (clear, A4)
Extras Most Schools Require
- 1 x 30cm ruler (clear plastic)
- 1 x pencil case (zip-up, not a box)
- 1 x school bag (with padded straps, sized for a 6-year-old)
- A4 white paper (one ream to share in class)
- Tissues or wet wipes
What NOT to Buy Yet
Parents often overbuy for Grade 1. Your child does not need:
- Pens (ballpoint or fountain) - Grade 1 learners write exclusively in pencil
- A calculator - not used until Grade 4 at the earliest
- A geometry set - only required from Grade 7
- Highlighters or permanent markers - these appear in later grades
Where to Buy: Price Comparison
Prices vary dramatically across retailers. Here is a rough comparison for a complete Grade 1 pack:
- Pep/Ackermans back-to-school packs: R150-R250 (cheapest, basic quality)
- PNA/CNA pre-packed school packs: R300-R450 (good quality, brand names)
- Waltons: R250-R400 (bulk pricing, ideal if buying with other parents)
- Takealot/online: R200-R350 (convenience, delivered to your door)
- School-appointed supplier: R300-R500 (includes exact items specified)
Tip: Many stationery suppliers offer early-bird discounts in November and December. Buying in January means paying peak prices.
Money-Saving Tips for Grade 1 Parents
- Buy in bulk with other parents: Waltons and Office National offer volume discounts. Five families buying together can save 15-20%.
- Wait for the official school list: Do not buy anything until you receive the specific list from your school. Generic lists waste money on items you do not need.
- Label everything: Grade 1 learners lose stationery constantly. Invest R50 in name labels and save hundreds in replacements.
- Choose quality over quantity: One good eraser lasts all year. Cheap ones smear and tear the paper.
- Check second-hand groups: Facebook Marketplace and school WhatsApp groups often have leftover stationery from older siblings.
Preparing Your Grade 1 Learner
Beyond stationery, prepare your child by practising pencil grip (the tripod grip), cutting with scissors along lines, and writing their name. These skills make the Grade 1 transition smoother and help them get more out of their new stationery from day one.
Browse our stationery suppliers directory to find a supplier near you with competitive Grade 1 pricing.