Every child starting Primary One in Scotland will receive a free backpack filled with school essentials under a new Scottish Government scheme. Around 47,000 youngsters starting primary and special schools in August 2027 are expected to be among the first to receive the new Welcome to School Bag.
What's inside the Welcome to School Bag
The backpacks will contain a pencil case, pens, pencils, coloured crayons and a notebook, as well as a water bottle and resources designed to encourage reading, writing and maths practice at home.
Families will not need to meet an income or benefits test to qualify, with every child starting P1 at their local school eligible for a bag. The Scottish Government said the scheme is intended to help families with the cost of starting school and ensure children arrive for their first day with essential equipment.
Design and testing
Procurement for the first backpacks is now underway after the Scottish Government consulted children, families and teachers about their design and contents. The bags are expected to be lightweight and made from durable recycled materials, with several compartments and pockets.
They will also feature reflective piping for safety, space for a child's name and a window where youngsters can display their own drawing to personalise their bag.
Each backpack is set to contain:
- A pencil case
- Pens and pencils
- Coloured crayons
- A notebook
- A water bottle
- Resources for practising reading, writing and maths at home
The final design, contents and choice of colours have not yet been confirmed. Testing will take place this autumn with children, families, headteachers, and P1 teachers before the final version is agreed.
Eligibility and distribution
Every child starting P1 at their local school will be eligible, with bags expected to be delivered to around 47,000 children entering primary and special schools in August 2027. Full details of how the backpacks will be distributed will be announced at a later date.
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: "Every child and family should feel excited and ready for their first day of school, which is why the Scottish Government is offering Primary Ones their very own Welcome to School Bag, filled with things to help them learn."
She said the scheme would build on existing support including the School Clothing Grant, Best Start Grant School Age Payment, breakfast clubs and free school meals. Ms McAllan added: "The Welcome to School Bag will help ensure that no child's start to school is determined by their family's financial circumstances."
Other help with the cost of starting school
Families on a low income may also qualify for other financial support when a child starts primary school. Social Security Scotland is currently accepting applications for the Best Start Grant School Age Payment, worth more than £330 to eligible families.
The payment is made automatically to eligible parents and carers who receive Scottish Child Payment. Families may also qualify for the School Clothing Grant, which is administered by local councils and is worth at least £120 for primary school pupils and £150 for secondary school pupils.
All children in P1 to P5 and pupils attending special schools are also eligible for free school meals in Scotland. The Scottish Government estimates taking free school meals every day can save families around £450 per child each year.
