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Term creeps up the same way every year: fine all August, then suddenly a Sunday. The sensible response is a short list rather than a supermarket sweep. A 3120322 roll-top backpack that shrugs off rain covers most of the walk to the gate, and the rest of the backpack rack is variations on that one idea.

Lunch is where good intentions go to leak. A 453174 pop-up bottle and lunchbox set from Mepal actually closes, which is more than can be said for most; the other lunch box options are worth a look if the pattern isn't to taste.

The bus is quieter with a pair of 3153670 noise-cancelling buds from Sony, though any of the wireless earbuds here will get you through double maths. For whatever the teacher adds at the last minute, search beats the aisle.