Last reviewed: 27 October 2026
Preparing for boarding school, whether for Grade 7, Grade 10 or a first-time boarder in primary, comes with a long shopping list and a tight budget. Every school sends its own required items list, and that list always comes first. This guide helps you understand the common items, plan the budget and avoid buying things the school will not allow.
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Start with the school’s official list
Schools include a list of required items in the admission or joining letter. Read it line by line, note the exact colours and sizes, and check whether items like uniform must be bought from a particular supplier. Public schools are guided by Ministry of Education rules on uniform and levies, and parents can raise concerns about unfair charges; see our guide to reporting illegal school levies. Use our reporting list builder to turn the school’s list into a checklist.
Uniform and clothing
- School uniform sets as listed (usually two or three of each item).
- Games kit and sports shoes.
- School sweater, and a warm jacket if the school is in a cold area.
- Black school shoes, plus socks in the school colour.
- Home clothes for weekends if allowed, and sleepwear.
- Rubber slippers for the bathroom.
Bedding
- Mattress if required (check the size; many schools specify it).
- Two pairs of bedsheets in the specified colour.
- Blankets, usually two, and a pillow with pillowcases.
- A mosquito net, especially in warm or lake regions.
The metal box and storage
The classic metal box (and sometimes a separate wooden locker or tuck box) holds clothes and personal items. Buy a strong padlock and keep a spare key at home. Write the learner’s name and admission number on the box with paint or a permanent marker.
Toiletries and personal care
- Bathing and washing soap, toothpaste, toothbrush and a towel.
- Body lotion or petroleum jelly, a comb, and sanitary pads for girls.
- A basin and a bucket, which many schools require.
- Shoe polish and brush.
Stationery and learning materials
Exercise books, pens, pencils, a mathematical set and a calculator for older learners are standard. Textbooks are usually supplied in public schools under government programmes, but check what the school expects you to buy. The Ministry of Education publishes guidance on learning materials and school requirements.
Food items and shopping
Some schools allow a small amount of shopping, such as biscuits, juice concentrate or cereals. Many ban perishables, energy drinks and glass containers. Stick strictly to what is allowed to avoid confiscation.
What to leave at home
Most schools ban mobile phones, electronic devices, expensive jewellery, large sums of cash and non-uniform items worn in class. Breaking these rules can lead to confiscation or discipline. If you need to stay in touch, use the school’s official channels and visiting days.
Label everything
Sew or iron name labels into every piece of clothing, and mark shoes, basins and books. Lost property in a boarding school is common, and labelled items come back.
Budgeting tips
- Price the list at two or three shops; uniform shops near schools can be costly.
- Reuse items in good condition from older siblings.
- Spread purchases over a few weeks rather than buying everything the week before.
For overall costs, compare our guide to boarding vs day school costs, and if you pay from abroad, read how to pay school fees from abroad.
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