HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SCHOOL BAG  

Published: 04/08/2026 | By: Rhiannon Young

A new school bag has a lot of promises to keep. It needs to be the right size for all the essentials, durable enough to withstand the inevitable schoolyard showers and sturdy enough to keep that pesky water bottle standing to attention. And, of course, it needs plenty of nifty compartments for lunch, books and breaktime treats. 

The brilliant news? Knowing what to look for in a school bag doesn’t have to be daunting. If you need a little more guidance after you’ve double-checked the school colours, uniform and branding rules, take a few pointers from us...

Get the Size and Fit Right 

When it comes to school bags, bigger isn’t necessarily better – even if they insist on having super strength. The right size depends on what they need to carry each day. The last thing you want is for them to be lugging around a jam-packed bag or clunking through the halls with one that’s half empty… 

School bag size: how big does it need to be? 

Packed lunch? Science book? A bribe-friendly apple? A school bag needs to fit the everyday essentials, from pencil cases and lunch boxes to larger items like laptops or textbooks. 

School bags are usually measured in litres, which can be a simple way to compare sizes. The bigger the capacity, the more the bag can hold – but there’s no need to go oversized. 

For primary school pupils, a smaller style may be enough. Older pupils are likely to need more room, so look for a larger backpack that offers enough space while still being comfortable to carry. 

Comfort and straps 

When it comes to school bags, no one likes sore shoulders. Look out for adjustable, padded straps and a supportive back panel. For secondary school pupils, hip and chest straps can offer extra stability, particularly when there’s plenty to carry. 

We’d also suggest encouraging your child to use both straps (no matter the trends) and adjust them for the best school backpack fit. This helps with weight distribution and balance. Think heavy books, a tablet or Food Tech supplies. 

Durability That Lasts the School Year 

Broken zips, torn straps, ever-growing holes. All things a durable school bag shouldn’t have. Consider the daily wear and tear that comes with busy school life… and whether your choice of bag can handle it. 

Materials and stitching 

From being thrown into a locker to being lobbed onto the side of the football pitch, the school bag you choose needs to be suitably strong. Look for clean, well-finished stitching around straps and handles, as these areas are likely to come under more strain.  

Shopping online? Read the product description for details on school bag materials and construction. Shopping in-store? Give the fabric a feel, check the straps and have a good look at the stitching. 

Zips, bases and high-wear points 

There’s not a lot more irritating than a jammed zip. Look for one that’s smooth, easy to grip and sturdy enough to withstand plenty of pulling. If the toggle looks like it could snap off with too much pressure, it’s best to avoid. 

It’s likely to come up against soggy ground, bus stop benches and plenty of rough treatment between lessons, so look for a decent width and hard-wearing material that can cope with everyday knocks and scrapes. 

School Bag Compartments That Keep School Kit Organised 

Runaway rubbers, permission slips and the odd squashed Capri Sun are all part and parcel of school bags. That’s why handy compartments can make a big difference, helping your child fit all their essentials in while keeping everything easy to find. 

Main compartment vs pockets

 A main compartment holds the bulk of your child’s things, while smaller pockets are useful for bits that are more likely to get lost, like keys, calculators and their favourite pen.  

Think about where those everyday essentials need to live: 

Main compartment: school books, notepads, lunchboxes and larger items. 

Smaller pockets: keys, calculators, stationery and other easily lost bits. 

Side pockets: ideal for water bottles, keeping them away from books and other easily damaged items. 

School bag laptop sleeves 

For older children taking a laptop or tablet to school, a dedicated school bag laptop sleeve is a great way to keep valuable tech safe from squished bananas and the like. 

Just be sure to check that their laptop or tablet will fit before you buy. 

Waterproofing for UK Weather 

British weather can be (very) unpredictable, so it’s worth thinking about how your child’s school bag will cope with the rain. Whether they’re walking to the bus stop or heading to school, their bag is likely to get caught in a shower or two. 

Water-resistant vs waterproof

Water-resistant and waterproof aren’t quite the same, so make sure you know what your bag can cope with. 
Water-resistant school bag: Great for protecting school books and homework from light showers. 
Waterproof school bag: Designed to offer a higher level of protection against rain. If your child spends a lot of time outdoors, a waterproof school bag could be the better choice. 

Extra protection tips 

On damp days, a rain cover can give your school bag an extra layer of protection and help keep the contents dry. It’s also worth making sure water bottles are properly sealed and stored upright to avoid any leaks. 

Black and Uniform-Friendly Options

It’s easy to get excited about adding a little colour and personality to their school bag, but check what their school allows first. Some schools have guidelines around colours, logos or branding, so look for a uniform-friendly school bag that meets their requirements.   

Colour and branding rules 

School rules aren’t all the same. Some schools prefer accessories to be stripped back – think navy or a black school bag – while others have stricter rules around branding and logos. A quick look at the uniform policy could save you a lot of hassle.

Style vs school-ready 

As unpopular as this may make us, there is a difference between a bag that looks the part and one that’s actually durable enough for everyday use. While your child might have their heart set on a certain style, make sure it can handle everything they’ll be throwing at it, too. 

The sweet spot? A school bag they actually like, with all the practical features they need. Why not browse our school bags to find one that does both? 

Backpack vs School Bag: Which Is Best? 

The humble backpack is the go-to for Monday to Friday school life, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only option…

When a backpack makes sense 

When choosing between different school bag styles, take your child’s daily routine into account. Think about how far they have to travel to school, how heavy their day-to-day contents will be, whether they need to take in a laptop and so on. 

If a backpack looks like the best fit for their routine, consider adjustable straps that can be tightened or loosened as your child gets older. This can help you get a more comfortable fit as they grow, rather than having to constantly adjust the way they carry it. 

Holdalls and other shapes 

School trips, after-school clubs or sleepovers can all be good reasons to consider a school holdall. They’re handy for equipment, spare clothes and sports kit, but aren’t always as practical for a school day. 
If they regularly have a lot to carry, the two straps on a backpack can help spread the weight across their shoulders, making it more comfortable to carry. 

 

When You Need a Separate PE/Gym Bag 

After PE, kits can come home dirty, pongy – and the whole ordeal can be a pain. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with using a temporary bag for life to cart their things to and from school, but there’s also no harm in swapping it for a dedicated PE bag. 
It’s a great way to keep their kit, trainers and sportswear separate from the rest of their stuff, especially if they’re heading straight from school to an after-school activity. Some schools may also have their own requirements for school gym bags, so be sure to check before you buy. 

School bag vs PE bag 

• School bag: The everyday essentials – books, lunch, water bottle and, for older pupils, a laptop or tablet. 
• PE bag: The sports stuff – trainers, kit and spare clothes. 

Find Your School Bag Next 

Looks like you’re all clued up on how to choose the right school bag – check you out. Before you start shopping, here are five things to keep in mind: 

• Size and fit: You don’t need loads of excess space. Just make sure there’s enough room for their everyday school essentials without the bag feeling too big or bulky. 

• Comfort: If you’re going for a backpack, look for adjustable, padded straps and a supportive back panel – especially if there’s plenty to carry.

• Durability: Keep an eye on the materials, stitching and zip quality. A school bag needs to be ready for plenty of daily wear and tear. 

• Compartments: From lunchboxes and water bottles to books and pencil cases, useful compartments can help keep all those school-day bits and bobs organised. 

• Weather protection: Think about how much time your child spends outdoors and whether a water-resistant or waterproof bag makes the most sense. 

All set? Time to find their new school-day sidekick. And if you need any more guidance working through that hefty back-to-school list, our one-stop shop could make life a little easier.