Get Back to School Ready in Coventry City Centre
Amid the chaos of back-to-school season—trousers that no longer fit, broken pens, and another leaking water bottle – it’s easy to overlook something important. To help you prepare for the first day back in the classroom, we’ve created a back-to-school list. It’s perfect for avoiding those stressful last-minute panics when sizes and ranges are limited.
Uniform
M&S
Marks and Spencer is the perfect destination for school uniforms, offering a variety of styles from skinny fit to plus size and options for both short-sleeved and long-sleeved designs. Their handy multi-packs are ideal for stocking up, and easy-iron finishes make laundry a breeze. PE kits include easy-on shorts and T-shirts, as well as comfy joggers, leggings, and hoodies to keep young learners looking their best from classroom to playground. With tops, bottoms, and accessories featuring clever details like expandable hemlines and adjustable waists to accommodate growth spurts, Marks and Spencer makes busy weekday mornings a little easier.
Discover the full M&S range in West Orchards Shopping Centre.
Cat Ballou
Since 1972, Cat Ballou has been the go-to independent shop in Coventry for school uniforms, catering to students from reception to sixth form. As the current supplier for around 60 schools across the city, they offer a wide range of items from sweatshirts and book bags to blazers and ties, ensuring kids look smart and feel comfortable.
Based on the Burges, Cat Ballou uniform shop sells everything you need to return to school dressed to impress.
Other places to try… Primark, Peacocks, Pep&Co
Shoes
Clarks
Get ready to go back to school with a new pair of durable Clarks school shoes. Made from premium leather and perfect for the new term. Get your little ones properly measured by an expert to help you find the perfect fit and style. By school age, kids’ feet continue to grow on average one size a year, so it’s important to get their feet measured regularly.
Clarks store is in the Lower Precinct. Bring along their most recent pair of Clarks shoes and their expert in-store fitters will be happy to check if they’re still the right size.
Charles Ager
Having started in 1840, Charles Ager is still a family run business focusing on delivering excellent customer service. As an independent store, they stock shoes from a range of different brands giving you a wide selection of styles and fits. Book an appointment at their store on Corporation Street, to ensure you are seen at a time that suits you.
Several generations of local residents have used the children’s fitting service when they were children and now bring their own children to the store – a real testament to the quality of customer service they strive to maintain.
Other places to try …Deichmann and Shoezone
Stationery
WHS
WHSmith is your go-to destination for all school stationery needs. Stock up on essentials like pens, pencils, glue sticks, and notepads, as well as pencil cases, calculators, and math sets for secondary school students. Add a touch of fun to even the most miserable Mondays with their range of cute items, including novelty erasers, adorable notepads, and colourful folders.
Visit the WHS store in West Orchards Shopping Centre to explore the full collection and check out their amazing deals on stationery.
Sostrene Grene
A great new addition to the city centre, Sostrene Grene sells a wide selection of beautiful stationery, both practical and gorgeous, to get your teen studying including notebooks, desk organisers, planners, pens, highlighters and pencil cases. Find Sostrene Grene in the Lower Precinct.
Other places to try Rymans, B&M and Tiger
School Bags
New Look
For the fashion-conscious student seeking the perfect tote bag, New Look offers a stylish selection that combines practicality with trendsetting designs. Whether you prefer a sleek leather look, chic faux croc, or a variety of shades, you’ll find the ideal bag to carry all your essentials. Visit New Look in the Lower Precinct to explore the full range for the new school year.
Trespass
Trespass’s backpacks are weather-resistant, practical and designed to keep all your essentials safe and secure. From bright patterns to plain navy and black, these backpacks will ensure your books stay dry on the way to school.
Other places to try …JD Sports, Primark and ShuBox
PE Equipment
Sports Direct
Get the kids PE and games ready this back to school season, with top picks from their large sporting collection. Find both equipment and clothing to suit a broad range of activities, including football, tennis, cricket and hockey, ideal for both primary and secondary school lessons. Big names including Grays, Nike, adidas, Slazenger and Sondico know exactly what is needed – find everything from swimwear to shorts, base layers to bibs and tracksuits to trainers.
Check out Sports Direct in the Precinct.
Other places to try … JD Sports, Footlocker & Footasylum
Coventry city centre is your one-stop destination for all your back-to-school essentials. From uniforms to stylish stationery and trendy tote bags, you’ll find everything you need to start the school year right. Don’t forget to enter our competition for a chance to win school uniforms worth up to £500 here!