Back to School Shopping in Exmouth

Six weeks of playing out in the garden and staying up late, afternoons on the beach… who wouldn't be moaning about slipping back in to uniform and getting back to homework again? You, too, may be dreading the start of term with the cost of new uniforms, bags and stationary. So plan now and make the most of some excellent deals in Exmouth's shops.

For many children, the best bit about going back to school is the excuse to hit the shops for new rulers, pencil cases and bags. "No, I can't possibly re-use that protractor, Mum. Jane wrote I love Kyle on it in Tippex, and you know Kyle is old news!" And more excuses like that...

But with salary freezes, job losses and a general tightening of belts this summer, you might wish last year’s equipment would see another academic year.

You could raid some of Exmouth's charity shops. Oxfam on The Parade, currently has bags and pencil cases, some of which are FairTrade, and some local mums recommend Sue Ryder Care shop, on Exeter Road, for bags, pencil cases and also some school uniform items.

Alternatively, try a trick that will help them get their Maths brains switched on and that will make life easier for you! Give them a budget for their equipment and take them to find the best deals. Whatever they have left over, they can buy a treat with - as long as you give them a list of the essentials they have to buy! They can compare percentage discounts or just stick to adding and subtracting.

I've had a look around at what's available but if you know of anywhere that you can add to the list, please comment on this story and it will show up underneath. Also, what do you think of school uniform? Is it costly and unnecessary or does it make life easier during term time? Comment below!

Uniforms

New Look  Ltd has black and grey trousers for girls, and white shirts, from size 6 to 18 and they currently have a deal on, £12 for two shirts. Trousers range from £10 to £25.

M & Co, sells black skirts and trousers, and white shirts, for children aged 9 to 13 years. Shirts range from £8 to £12 and trousers, £8 to £14.

Dorothy Perkins has white shirts (£14) and black trousers (£16) for girls, from size 6 to 20, and a selection of shoes, and Burtons have smart trousers available for boys.

Tesco on Salterton Road also stocks some school uniform, in Aisle 10, as well as offering some great deals on stationary and equipment.

Although Exmouth Community College, and some primary schools, sell their own ties and sweatshirts with school crests (details of which are available on the school website), much of the basic uniform is available in town - or you could

go further afield in to Exeter to M&S, where they stock a large range. Asda, in Newton Abbot, also stocks excellent value basic school uniform.

Stationary

If you want to buy in bulk and encourage your children to manage their own stock cupboard at home, WH Smith in the Magnolia Centre has lots of promotions on until the beginning of September, including 4 for 3 on all stationary and up to 75% off school equipment.

Buying in bulk works for some, but if you’re on a tight weekly budget and need to just get the minimum, why not head to Paper Caper on the parade, where shop owner Mrs Williams says, “You can buy a single rubber, pencil sharpener, refill pad or pencil case here. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to stock up a new pencil case for the new school year.”

You might also need to check the printer isn't about to run out of ink and possibly stock up at Cartridge World on Exeter Road or at Cartridges-Direct UK on Dinan Way trading estate.

Exmouth Indoor Markets has shops selling bags, WH Smith in the Magnolia Centre, Dorothy Perkins, New Look. But although fashion bags remain popular, remember that rucksacks worn with both straps are the best option for children carrying heavy books or walking to school - however unpopular that is. Sports Shops such as Intersport Tony Pryce, who have a sale on until August 22nd and stock popular sport and surf brand names such as Animal, Billabong, Puma, Nike and Umbro.

So, time to make a list and get your child involved - their school

prospectus usually lists the essential equipment they need each year.