The Scottish government is in the process of procuring school bags to offer children starting Primary One in the next academic year, 2027-28.

Following engagement with children, families and teachers, the bags will be lightweight, made of durable, recycled materials, have multiple versatile compartments and pockets, reflective piping for safety, and space for name tags and a window in which children can place a drawing to personalise their backpack.

Each one will contain a pencil case, stationery, a water bottle, and resources to encourage reading, writing and maths practice at home.

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.

“We worked with children, families and teachers to create the design and ensure it provides what a child needs as they take their first steps into school life.

“Building on the success of the Baby Box, alongside the School Clothing Grant, Best Start Grant School Age Payments, breakfast clubs and free school meals, the Welcome to School Bag will help ensure that no child’s start to school is determined by their family’s financial circumstances.

“This is an essential component of our determined focus to eradicate child poverty, which is why we have prioritised work during the first 100 days of Government to ensure the first bags reach children by the time they start school next year.”

Every child starting P1 at their local school will be eligible for the Welcome to School Bag. Full details of distribution and returns process will be confirmed in due course. User testing of the backpack will take place this autumn with children, families, headteachers and P1 teachers. This will inform the final design, contents, and colour options.