News

Back to school 2024 with Fort Kinnaird

It’s back-to-school time and Fort Kinnaird is the easy and fun way to get all your uniform, sporty buys, school bags, tech and stationery organised in one place this summer.

With a huge range of shops, plenty of child-friendly car parking spaces, excellent transport links, baby-changing spots and an outdoor playground, Fort Kinnaird is here to take the stress out of back-to-school shopping.

With an offers page full of discounts for every budget, a brilliant pop-up Uniform Exchange from The Leith Collective and ways to keep the kids entertained while you’re out shopping, delicious food and drink, live music and more, this is back-to-school buying made easy.

1.Start the day with some much-needed breakfast

Back-to-school shopping on an empty stomach? Not advised… Get ready for the day ahead with breakfast and coffee from Greggs (don’t miss their brilliant £2.85 breakfast deals), Caffe Nero, Costa Coffee and McDonald’s or go for a full American at Frankie & Benny’s or a Desi Indian breakfast at chaiiwala.

Image provided by M&S

2.Pick up uniform and school bags at Marks & Spencer, Next and Primark and take part in The Leith Collective’s brilliant Uniform Exchange

Blazer, jumper, polo shirts, non-iron shirts (go for short sleeves for younger ones to make it easier when they’re painting and creating), skirts (pleat and straight), pinafores, shorts, trousers (different lengths are available alongside skinny and plus-size) and culottes – whatever uniform basics you need for girls and boys then head to Marks & Spencer, Next and Primark for quick and easy updates.

With multi-packs, non-crease and easy washing plus a huge range of colours (navy, grey, black, blue and white) and sizes alongside unbranded school bags, you can grab everything you need (don’t forget those crucial name labels and marker pens at Hobbycraft).

The Leith Collective – inspired by their hugely successful winter coat exchange – are also inviting you to donate any good-quality uniform and swap items for anything you need. With polo shirts, jumpers, bags and more, it’s the perfect place to update their wardrobes sustainably and smartly. Find all the details here. 

Image provided by Primark

Find winter coats and outerwear at TK Maxx, Mountain Warehouse, New Look and River Island

From light early-autumn and summer jackets to warm winter coats, find what you need for every weather at TK Maxx, Mountain Warehouse, New Look and River Island.

Get your school shoes at Clarks, Office, Skechers and schuh kids

Black school shoes are a must for every school uniform list. Whether it’s girls’ chunky loafers and ankle boots or Kickers, Dr Martens and Velcro fastenings, find what you need at Clarks, Office, Skechers and schuh kids (take in an old pair of shoes and get £5 off and check the offers page for other amazing discounts). You can also avoid the queues and book shoe fittings at Clarks via their website.

Image provided by Schuh

Stop for mid-morning break

Take a much-needed sitdown and rehydrate with Hotel Chocolat (with a dreamy hot chocolate for the kids) or Starbucks. Let them work off some steam at the outdoor playground next to Caffe Nero for under-10s…

Sort your sport bag and PE uniform at adidas, JD Sports and SportsDirect.com

A fleece, polo shirt, joggers, shorts, long socks, plimsolls and trainers, swimsuits and football boots from adidas, Nike and Puma: adidas, JD Sports and SportsDirect.com have you covered.

Update underwear and socks at Marks & Spencer, Next and Primark

Don’t forget the basics. For underwear, vests, socks (long and short) and hairbands, Marks & Spencer, Next and Primark are your go-tos.

Find pens, books, stationery, water bottles and extras at Smyths Toys, Typo, Waterstones and WH Smith

Must-haves for secondary school include a pencil case, pens, rubber, ruler, pencils, exercise book, calculator, highlighter and protractor. Pick up everything you need including water bottles, reading books and academic diaries at Smyths Toys, Typo, Waterstones and WH Smith.

Image provided by Typo

Deodorant, cleansers and more at Boots and Superdrug

For teens, get stocked up on with natural deodorants, shower gels and tea tree oil products and great teen skincare from Boots and Superdrug (good brands include CeraVe, Byoma and Cetaphil). Don’t forget the basics: toothpaste, cotton wool and hair accessories in one quick sweep.

Need glasses? Head to Specsavers and Boots Opticians

Book in for an appointment at Boots Opticians and Specsavers. At Specsavers, glasses in their kids £65 and teens £90 ranges are free with an under-16s’ NHS optical voucher and includes a free NHS eye test for under-16s too.

Buy school laptops and tech at Argos and currys

For the latest academic tech including laptops, printers, notebooks, Chromebooks, headphones and Bluetooth speakers, visit Argos and currys and get advice for your budget from their in-the-know teams.

Finish the day with a movie and tea…

And if you’ve still all got some energy – treat them to kids’ menus at Bread Meats Bread (£8), Nando’s (£6.50) or Pizza Express (£7.95) or a summer movie at Odeon.

Be in the know about the latest openings, exclusive offers and special deals and news by signing up to our newsletter here. 

Last updated Tuesday 30 July, 2024