Back to school hacks: Get ready for the new term with Virgin Red

Pack your pencil case and your points. It’s back to school time, Virgin-style. 

The sun’s still shining (just), but let’s face it: it’s nearly time to swap beach towels for book bags. Whether your kids are skipping into reception or eye-rolling their way through GCSEs, we’ve got the lowdown on how to school the new term - and earn Virgin Points while you do it. 

Here’s our cheat sheet for acing the essentials - uniforms, kits, shoes, bags, and stationery, all from Virgin Red partners. Gold stars all round. 

Fresh fits from Tesco

Nothing says new school year just like a fresh uniform that has yet to be ravaged by break playtime. F&F at Tesco has a school uniform shop stocking all the trousers, dresses, polo shirts, shirts and blouses that your little (or not so little anymore!) ones could ever need.   

The shop has multipacks for stocking up and items to suit all budgets. Better yet, you’ll earn two times the value of Tesco Clubcard points when you exchange to Virgin Points. Nice move, parent of the year. 

PE kits with Marks & Spencer

Stretchy shorts. Sturdy hoodies and so many somersaults. Participating in sport and staying active is important for children, and a solid PE kit will ensure they’re comfortable while playing team sports or doing the bleep test.  

Marks & Spencer (up to six points per £1 for a limited period) has pure cotton t-shirts, stretch shorts, and hoodies for cooler days.   

Shiny shoes with Clarks

Like with their uniform, chances are that during the summer break your child has gone up at least one shoe size – if not two - and will need a new pair before school starts again.   

Clarks (two points per £1) has been a solid choice for children’s shoes for generations and they remain a top option for durable yet stylish shoes made to last. Their site even has an online measure and fit system so you can find a perfect fit, and even if it’s not right Clarks accepts returns and exchanges. Perfect for feet that have grown faster than your patience this summer. 

Stationary goals courtesy of Argos

Digital world or not, there’s something magical about cracking open a fresh notebook. Argos has all the classics (Sharpie, BIC, Parker) plus funky pencil cases and grown-up calculators. All of this whilst earning two points per £1.    

Bag a backpack with Disney

If it’s got a Disney princess, Marvel hero, or Baby Yoda on it, we’re in. With a new PE kit and copious amounts of stationery, kids will need something to carry it all in. And they’re bound to love a bag with their favourite character on it. Enter shopDisney (three points per £1) - the best place to get everything Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar, including backpacks, water bottles, and lunch bags.   

Want more fun rewards in your life? Find out more about Virgin Red, the reward club for Virgin, and become a member for free.   

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P.S. We always do our best to include the most up-to-date information but Virgin Red offers do change from time to time. Click on each offer for the current points rate and all the details.