15 best school bags for primary school kids

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From cute satchels to practical rucksacks, we've got your little one's school bag sorted

With the summer holidays coming to an end, if you’re a parent or guardian of a little one, you probably have a long list of school essentials to prep for the new term.

The days of high chairs and baby changing bags might be long gone, but whether your child has been at school for a while, or they’re starting in reception, we know that there’s lots to organise.

To help make the back-to-school prep a little easier, we've found the best school bags for primary school kids. Here they are at a glance:

We spoke to Tara Ryan, Head of Design at M&S kidswear, for her top tips on finding the best school bag for your child:

“When it comes to the back-to-school countdown, choosing the right school bag for your little ones is as important as picking out their new uniform,” Ryan says.

Comfort should be a key consideration when choosing a school bag, especially if your mini me regularly walks or cycles to school. “Adjustable padded straps ensure comfort when carrying around their school essentials,” notes Ryan. Plus, backpacks are practical and can also be used on weekends and during school holidays.

It’s no secret that kids can be messy too, so unless you want to replace their school rucksack frequently, it’s important to think about the fabric and how easy it is to clean. Opt for polyester fabric for durable styles that are easy to clean. “Water-repellent fabrics ensure that rain showers won’t result in soggy books too,” adds Ryan.

Ryan also recommends making sure your little person’s school bag is the right fit for their size. She explains: ‘Make sure straps are tightened to support even weight distribution and include their name and class on the handy label provided so belongings don’t get misplaced.’

It's also worth considering what your child will be carrying around on a daily basis to make sure you get the right sized bag for their needs. Books, lunches, PE kits and tablets all take up valuable room, so a school bag with a number of compartments could be a worthwhile investment.

Scroll down for our pick of the best practical and stylish back-to-school bags that will have your little one excited for the new term.

You can always rely on Zara for on-trend and fun accessories, and this personalised school bag is no different. It’s available in three shades, and has multiple pockets and a back strap that can easily be attached to a suitcase should your mini me want to take it on holiday, too.

We love that you can also add a little picture instead of a name to make it even more unique. Note: personalisation costs an additional £3.

For the mini bakers among us, this children’s backpack is sure to go down a treat, and will have your little one counting down the days until they can wear it.

It’s available in a variety of sizes and is lightweight for little backs to carry. It also has wide shoulder straps for optimum comfort and an anti-skid chest buckle to keep it in place.

This school bag is also available in a range of other 3D cartoon designs such as a cat, bear, tiger and spaceship.

For the mini fashionista, we rate this budget-friendly school bag from H&M. Featuring a cute teddy detail, adjustable back straps and a padded back, it gives all the style of a grown-up rucksack but in a child-friendly size.

With two handy compartments, it'll fit all of their back-to-school essentials too.

If your child has Barbie fever (don't we all), then this affordable rucksack is a great buy.

It makes a great school bag thanks to its water-resistant interior, adjustable straps and large bottle holder. Plus, it comes in a range of Barbie-inspired designs.

For the Disney lover in your life, try this affordable Princess rucksack. It’s water repellent, so come rain (or liquid mishap!) it’ll keep their essentials dry, and it has top handles as a second way to carry.

It also has an interior name and class label to make the school pick-up faff a thing of the past. Oh, and did we mention you can also purchase a matching children’s lunchbox too?

For an older child, you can’t go wrong with this rucksack from Nike. The wipe-clean material and dark colourway means it won’t show marks easily, while the sporty design will keep active kids happy.

It's roomy enough to fit a small PE kit or even your child's everyday classroom essentials.

Got an animal lover at home? Snap them up this super cute pup-adorned rucksack.

This is one of our favourites because it isn’t all style over substance. It has a ventilated back for optimum comfort, two compartments and a side pocket, making it practical and pretty.

Giving us serious flower power, this daisy print children’s backpack features adjustable shoulder straps and a padded back panel for comfort. Plus, the fun print won’t date.

It has a 13.5 litre capacity so easily holds all your little one's essentials such as lunch, a notebook, and a pencil case.

If you grin and bear it (see what we did there?) every time your child goes for the garish option, then this neutral teddy rucksack is a great compromise.

Adorned with a cute little face and available in this gorgeous beige hue, it’ll go just as well with any uniform as it would with a weekend outfit. Top features include a name label and a handy side pocket.

If you have a mini superhero at home, then this Marvel school rucksack is bound to have them leaping into action the minute that midweek alarm goes off.

It features additional carry handles and clever Stormwear technology to protect against light showers.

This cute, retro-looking satchel is a versatile school backpack option thanks to its multiple compartments and useful top handle.

The muted shades give a pop of colour too, without being garish. The only downside? This beauty can’t be washed so is best saved for the child who is precious about their possessions!

Invest in this mini backpack for back to school and thank us later. It’s made from recycled materials and is water repellent, making it ideal for any child who walks to school come rain or shine.

It has a roomy fit and two external water bottle pockets, too.

This adorable personalised children’s backpack is ideal for little ones who are just starting school or going back to nursery.

It features both a front and main pocket, with two mesh pouches on the side, perfect for carrying that all-important water bottle!

If your child is involved in every school sports club going, then this adidas rucksack is perfect for their PE kit.

It’s also good news for parents of mucky pups, because it can be cleaned with a moist cloth. Oh, and it’s also available in pink, if that’s more their style.

If you’re after a kids’ rucksack that’s compact yet practical, then look no further than this yellow school bag from H&M.

Featuring a fun rainbow zip detail, this backpack has two compartments making it the ideal choice for your little ray of sunshine.

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