Back to School in Poole: Last Minute Shoes, Uniform and Everything You Forgot

There is a particular moment that arrives every September. You pull last year’s school shoes out of the cupboard, hold them up and realise your child has grown roughly four sizes since July. Nobody is judging. It happens in almost every house in Poole this week.

The good news is that the whole list, shoes, uniform, bags and the small things you always forget, sits in one place.

Start with the shoes

Shoes are the job worth doing properly. Feet change fast over a summer of running about, so it is worth measuring before you buy rather than guessing from last year’s size.

Clarks is the obvious first stop for school shoes. Deichmann and Skechers are both good for a second pair or something a bit sturdier for the walk home. If your household is more trainers than lace ups, JD Sports and Sports Direct will sort the PE kit at the same time.

One trip, both feet, done.

Uniform and the bits that vanish

Uniform has a habit of disappearing over six weeks. Jumpers especially. Primark, H&M, New Look and Next between them cover shirts, trousers, skirts, cardigans and the plain basics that schools ask for.

Buy more socks than you think you need. You will need them.

Pens, bags and the rest of the list

TG Jones is where most of the stationery list gets ticked off, from pencil cases and folders to the very specific calculator that appears on the letter every year. Card Factory is handy for wrapping and cards if there is a birthday in the first fortnight. Toy Town is worth a look for younger ones who want something to carry that is theirs.

Poole Library is right here too, so you can pick up reading books for the term without spending a thing.

While you are here

A few things that are easier to do now than in October. Boots for lunchbox bits and the first aid drawer. Specsavers and Vision Express if anyone has been squinting at the telly lately. Timpsons for name tags, keys and shoe repairs.

What is on at GATHER

Plenty coming up in our free community space.

The CHAS Exhibition runs until Saturday 5 September, open to all, just drop in. Adult Social Care Services holds an information session on Monday 7 September for anyone looking into care in the local area.

Craftaholics Makers Market returns on Wednesday 9 September, from 10am to 3pm, with handmade jewellery, cards, bags, cushions and more from local makers.

Seafood and Sounds comes to Poole

The big one this month. Seafood and Sounds takes over Poole Old Town and the Quay on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September. Local fish, live music, fresh produce and an artisan market, free entry all weekend.

The live kitchen demos are here at The Dolphin rather than down on the Quay. Three a day across both days, with free children’s entertainment running inside the centre too.

Plan your visit

The Dolphin is in the heart of Poole with parking on site, so you can do the shoes, the uniform and the stationery in one go and still be home for tea.

Have a look at our What’s On listings before you set off, then come and find us.