As the summer holidays draw to a close, it’s time to start thinking about the new school year and Burnley has plenty of places to help you get organised.
From uniforms and school shoes to stationery, bags and those all-important last-minute essentials, you can tick off your back-to-school list while supporting Burnley businesses at the same time.
1. Get the uniform sorted
First on the list: school uniform.
Marks & Spencer, Next, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Primark all have a wide selection of schoolwear and everyday basics, while Burnley-based Moonline Uniforms on Standish Street has been supplying local families for more than 30 years. The family-run business stocks uniforms for around 60 local schools and also offers in-house embroidery and printing.
For families looking for a more sustainable and budget-friendly option, Relove the Preloved at Down Town provides good-quality second-hand school uniform.
For older students looking to refresh their wardrobe ahead of college or sixth form, town centre favourites New Look and River Island have plenty of affordable options too.
2. Stock up on stationery
New pens, notebooks and stationery are all part of getting ready for September.
Head to TG Jones for everyday school essentials, from pens and highlighters to folders, notebooks and planners.
For art materials, craft supplies and affordable stationery, The Works, One Beyond, The Range, B&M and Home Bargains are great places to stock up before the new term begins.
3. Find the right school shoes
A comfortable pair of shoes is essential for busy school days.
Clarks and Shoezone are a go-to for school shoes, with a range of styles designed to cope with everything the school day can throw at them or pop to Timpson for any last-minute repairs.
If trainers are on the list for PE, college or everyday wear, head to JD Sports or Sports Direct to browse the latest styles from leading sports brands.
4. Get connected
For older students heading to college, sixth form or university, technology can be just as important as stationery.
Whether you’re looking for a new phone, laptop for coursework, headphones for studying or useful accessories, Burnley has plenty of options including Vodafone, O2 and EE and a wide selection of pre-loved items at CeX and Cash Converters. You can also explore Burnley Market for phone accessories and other handy tech essentials.
5. Don’t forget an eye test
The start of a new school year is also a great time to make sure their eyesight is classroom-ready. Book an eye test at Browns Opticians, Burnley Eye Care or Specsavers, with expert teams on hand to look after their eye health and make sure they can see the board clearly when they head back to school.
6. Make time for a bite to eat
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be all work.
Take a break and grab something to eat or drink at one of Burnley many cafés and food spots including Little Barista, The Coffee House, The Tipsy Fork, Cosy Coffee, Down Town Kichen & Cafe, Real Coffee Bean, Central Kitchen, Real Food Hall, Rhode Island Coffee, icaro Lounge, Heavenly Desserts, Nando’s, Taco Bell, The Mechanics Bistro and Burnley Market or treat the kids to a bubble tea at Bobo Panda.
There are plenty more independent cafés, restaurants and takeaways across the town too so you can easily turn a shopping trip into lunch out too.
7. Make a day of it
Once the school shopping is ticked off, why not make the most of your trip into Burnley?
Combine your shopping with lunch, a trip to the cinema at Reel Cinema or Vault Cinemas, roller skating at Kendals Roller Rink or some end-of-summer family bowling and crazy golf fun at Disco Bowl Burnley. With shops, food, entertainment and plenty to explore, Burnley makes it easy to get ready for September while enjoying one of the last days of the summer holidays.
Ready for the new term? Head into Burnley and get that back-to-school list ticked off.
