Back to School? Your Printing Planning Guide is Here

September’s sneaky, isn’t it? One minute, it’s BBQs and beach days, and the next it’s game time. Back to school, back to business and a to-do list that’s already sprinting ahead. But don’t stress, we’ve got your back.

A little planning now means big wins later. The right print can make all the difference – from Posters that set the vibe on day one to Notepads that keep students (and staff) organised. It’s all about creating a space that’s ready, welcoming and seriously on point.

This guide covers everything you’ll need to nail the new year. Product by product, space by space, we’re here to help you plan like a boss and make it all happen. Whether you’re sprucing up a primary school or gearing up for freshers’ week at college, one thing’s for sure: you’ve got this and we’ve got you.

Plus, don’t forget, as a registered educational organisation you get 15% off every order! Get your discount code here.

Signs that do the talking for you

Before anyone says a word, your signage is already speaking volumes. Done well, it shows people where to go, what’s happening and what your school or college is all about.

Think about the key spots: reception, corridors, classrooms, noticeboards and event areas. Each space tells its own story, and here’s how to make sure it’s saying all the right things:

• Posters: The MVP of school print. Perfect for timetables, key messages, student work or event promos. Pin them up, frame them or stick them wherever you need a quick splash of info or creativity. Pro tip: check out our School Poster Ideas for some inspiration.
• Display Boards: Big, bold and built to impress. Think school values, subject overviews or staff intros – the kind of info that’s always useful on show tours or a quick glance in class.
• Roller Banners: The high-vis heroes. Lightweight, freestanding and impossible to miss, these are perfect for receptions, open days or anywhere with loads of foot traffic. Bonus: they last and last, so they’re a smart investment for multiple events.

Top tip: take a walk around your space. Notice where people pause or rush past and plan your signage to catch them where it counts.

Handouts that hit home

Signage gets attention, but handouts keep it. These are the takeaways that stick around – getting passed on, popped into bags or pinned to fridges.

• Leaflets & Flyers: Perfect for delivering key information. Whether it’s welcome packs, subject guides, event invites or reminders – keep them bold, visual and packed with all the details. Include clear calls to action like dates, QR codes or contact info to make them even more effective.
• Stickers: Small but mighty. Reward systems, labels or just a little something to brighten up school supplies stickers are a crowd-pleaser (especially with students). Plus, they’re budget-friendly in bulk.

The secret? Tailor your handouts to their audience. New parents, returning students, staff – each group has different needs, so make sure your print works for them.

Classroom materials that work as hard as you do

Let’s talk about what’s happening inside the classroom. The materials students and staff use daily don’t just support learning, they set the tone for the whole year.

• Saddle Stitch Booklets: From course guides and reading lists to student handbooks, these are the organised, professional touch every school needs. With space for up to 84 pages, you’ve got plenty of room to cover everything they need to know.
• Notepads: Simple, practical and endlessly useful. Branded Notepads look professional and keep everything cohesive. Bulk ordering before term starts is always cheaper than topping up later, so plan ahead to save.

Quick win: prioritise must-haves for day one, like welcome packs and save the rest for later in the term.

Little extras that make a big impact

Sometimes, it’s the small things that leave the biggest impression.

• Certificates: Whether it’s for attendance, achievements or end-of-year celebrations, a good Certificate feels like a trophy. Choose quality paper and custom designs for a touch of extra magic.
• Branded Pens: Low cost, high reward. Hand them out at open days, pop them in welcome packs or keep them handy at reception. People use them, they keep them, and they remember you. Win-win.

Plan smart, print smarter

Here’s where you flex those boss vibes—planning your print and budget like a pro:

• Break it down by category: Signage, handouts, classroom materials and extras all have different timelines and priorities. Tackle them one at a time.
• Think long-term: Invest in reusable products like Roller Banners and Display Boards and go big on high-use items like Flyers and Stickers to keep costs down.
• Know your quantities: Check minimum order requirements ahead of time and consolidate orders to save on costs and stress.

And don’t forget to leave yourself some breathing room. Aim to have everything in hand 3–5 days before you need it, it’s the difference between cool, calm and collected versus last-minute chaos.

Let’s make it happen

From Posters to Booklets, Notepads to Certificates, we’ve got everything schools and colleges need to kick off the new term with serious style. Plus, registered organisations can enjoy 15% off across our Education Collection. Ready to get started? Check out the collection or go full bespoke with our custom print options.

We’re here to help you plan smart, print easy, and absolutely smash the new academic year.