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Back to school 2024 with Ealing Broadway
Free uniform exchange, bags, trainers, school shoes and more
It’s back-to-school time and Ealing Broadway is the easy and fun way to get all your uniform, sporty buys, school bags and stationery organised in one place this summer – plus we’re hosting another free-for-everyone preloved School Uniform Store from Saturday 3rd August to Sunday 18th August to make life even easier.
With a huge range of shops, plenty of carer-child parking and excellent transport links, Ealing Broadway is here to take the stress out of back-to-school shopping.
There’s an offers page full of smart-shopping discounts, live music and big-screen sports with Summer Live plus ways to keep the kids entertained while you’re out shopping, delicious food and drink and more, start your planning here.
Download and print out our handy back-to-school checklist1. Start the day with some much-needed breakfast
Image provided by Marks and Spencer
Back-to-school shopping on an empty stomach? Not advised… Get ready for the day ahead with breakfast and coffee from Blank Street Coffee and Arise Coffee Roasters, baked goodies at Auntie Anne’s and Benji’s Buns. Or go for a sitdown start to the day with the kids’ all-day menu (Lounge breakfasts and pancakes from £4.95) at Castano Lounge and Jamaica Blue for breakfast rolls and vegan brunches.
2. Don’t miss our brilliant free School Uniform Store
Our free-for-everyone preloved School Uniform Store from Saturday 3rd August to Sunday 18th August is back this summer. You don’t need to donate any items (although good quality uniform is very welcome and a great way to clear out unwanted items) and there’s everything from core school uniform and sportswear to bags and shoes (visitors can pick up four items in total). Find out more here.
3. Pick up uniform and school bags at Marks & Spencer, Smiggle and Primark
Image provided by Primark
Blazer, jumper, polo shirts, non-iron shirts (go for short sleeves for younger ones to make it easier when they’re painting and creating), skirts (pleat and straight), pinafores, shorts, trousers (different lengths are available alongside skinny and plus-size) and culottes – whatever uniform basics you need for girls and boys then head to Marks & Spencer and Primark for quick and easy updates.
With multi-packs, non-crease and easy washing plus a huge range of colours (navy, grey, black, blue and white) and sizes alongside unbranded school bags, you can grab everything you need (don’t forget those crucial name labels and marker pens at Poundland). Or pick up a bag with matching stationery at Smiggle.
4. Find winter coats and outerwear at H&M and River Island
Image provided by H&M
From light early-autumn and summer jackets to warm winter coats, find what you need for every weather at H&M, Marks & Spencer and River Island.
5. Get your school shoes at Clarks and Marks & Spencer
Image provided by Clarks
Black school shoes are a must for every school uniform list. Whether it’s girls’ chunky loafers and ankle boots or Kickers, Dr Martens and Velcro fastenings, find what you need at Clarks and Marks & Spencer. You can also avoid the queues and book shoe fittings at Clarks via their website.
6. Stop for mid-morning break
Take a much-needed sit down with welcoming deckchairs in Town Square and rehydrate with Bubble Magik, get a sugar boost from Lola’s Cupcakes or grab a Summer Skies or famous Pink Drink at Starbucks.
7. Sort your sport bag and PE uniform at Decathlon, Foot Locker and JD Sports
Image provided by Footlocker
A fleece, polo shirt, joggers, shorts, long socks, plimsolls and trainers, swimsuits and football boots from adidas, Nike and Puma: Decathlon, Foot Locker and JD Sports have you covered.
8. Reading, tutors and learning support for the new term
Ealing Broadway is home to Ealing Central Library which has free internet access with dedicated children’s computers, reading groups for all ages and a quiet study area.
There’s also the brilliant Explore Learning above Primark which offers in-person and online learning tutorials to support students from reception up to GCSE. Pop in and meet the team.
9. Update underwear and socks at H&M and Primark
Don’t forget the basics. For underwear, vests, socks (long and short) and hairbands, H&M and Primark are your go-tos.
10. Find pens, books, stationery, water bottles and extras at Flying Tiger Copenhagen, Smiggle, Miniso, Waterstones and WH Smith
Image provided by Smiggle
Must-haves for secondary school include a pencil case, pens, rubber, ruler, pencils, exercise book, calculator, highlighter and protractor. Pick up everything you need including water bottles, reading books and academic diaries at Flying Tiger Copenhagen, Smiggle, Miniso, Waterstones and WHSmith.
11. Deodorant, cleansers and more at Boots and Superdrug
Get stocked up on with natural deodorants, shower gels and tea tree oil products and great teen skincare from Boots and Superdrug (good brands include CeraVe, Byoma and Cetaphil). Don’t forget the basics: toothpaste, cotton wool and hair accessories in one quick sweep at Poundland.
12. Need glasses? Head to David Clulow and Vision Express
Book in for an appointment at David Clulow (book here) and Vision Express (book here). Both offer free NHS eye exams and glasses for under-16s.
13. Finish the day with a movie and tea…
Image provided by wagamama
And if you’ve still all got some energy – treat them to kids’ menus at wagamama and Turtle Bay or head to The Ealing Project.
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