Schools are facing tough financial decisions as budgets become increasingly stretched. Inflation, supply chain disruptions, and changing educational demands have made it harder for schools to afford essential supplies while maintaining quality. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS, 2023), per-pupil spending in UK schools has fallen by 9% in real terms since 2010, leaving schools with fewer resources to meet growing student needs.
At the same time, new trends in education, sustainability, and digital learning are reshaping what schools need to stock. Schools that proactively adapt to these emerging changes can:
✔️ Reduce costs by investing in bulk and high-impact essentials.
✔️ Improve student learning outcomes by selecting future-proof products.
✔️ Enhance sustainability and social responsibility through better purchasing choices.
Why does this matter? Because the right supplies don’t just meet immediate needs—they help schools function more efficiently, support student well-being, and create long-term value.
Shifting School Supply Trends: What’s Changing?
Rising Demand for Digital & STEM-Based Learning – Schools are investing more in robotics, coding kits, and interactive tools to prepare students for future careers. Sustainability as a Priority – Eco-friendly products like sustainable toilet paper and refillable notebooks are gaining traction as schools commit to carbon reduction goals.
Increased Health & Well-Being Focus – Schools are incorporating mental health tools like well-being journals to support student emotional resilience.
Smarter Procurement Models – With tighter budgets, schools are seeking bulk deals, vendor partnerships, and fundraising-driven purchases (e.g., LocaeRise’s “Who Cares” campaign).
This blog highlights five essential, high-potential products that schools should invest in now—backed by market insights, real-world case studies, and cost-saving strategies.
Let’s explore which school supplies can drive impact in 2025 and beyond.
1. Robotics & STEM Kits: Preparing Students for the Future
Why Schools Should Invest in Robotics & STEM Kits
The demand for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is increasing as schools recognize the need to prepare students for a technology-driven job market. With the rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, careers in coding, robotics, and engineering are expected to grow exponentially.
A report by the World Economic Forum (WEF, 2023) estimates that 80% of jobs by 2030 will require STEM skills, yet only 35% of students globally feel confident in subjects like coding and robotics. This gap highlights the need for accessible STEM learning tools in schools.
Investing in robotics kits, coding programs, and interactive STEM resources can:
✔ Improve student engagement – Studies show that hands-on learning in STEM improves knowledge retention by 40% compared to traditional learning methods.
✔ Boost problem-solving skills – Robotics teaches students logical thinking, teamwork, and real-world application of engineering concepts.
✔ Encourage career readiness – Early exposure to robotics increases the likelihood of students pursuing STEM careers in the future.
Data & Market Insights
- The EdTech market in the UK is projected to grow by 12.7% annually (UK Gov, 2023).
- Schools that introduced coding & robotics programs saw a 25% increase in STEM subject enrollment.
- Google Trends (2024) reports a 35% increase in searches for “best robotics kits for schools”, indicating rising demand.
Application: How Schools Are Implementing STEM Learning
A pilot project in London introduced robotics kits in underfunded schools and found that students’ engagement in STEM subjects increased by 40%. This initiative was made possible through corporate sponsorships and local business partnerships, proving that funding challenges can be overcome with community-driven initiatives.
Key Takeaways for Schools & Vendors
📌 For Schools:
- Schools should explore grants and EdTech partnerships to make robotics kits more affordable.
- Investing in low-cost, high-impact STEM resources can drive student success.
📌 For Vendors:
- STEM kits should be bundled with teacher training to maximize impact.
- Schools are looking for affordable, scalable solutions—vendors should focus on modular, upgradeable kits.
2. Bulk Tissue & Hygiene Supplies: Managing Rising Costs
Why Schools Should Invest in Bulk Hygiene Products
Maintaining clean, hygienic learning environments is a non-negotiable priority for schools. With the rise of health concerns, budget constraints, and supply chain disruptions, the cost of essential hygiene products—including toilet paper, tissues, and hand sanitizers—has increased significantly.
A report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS, 2024) states that hygiene product prices have risen by 35% in the past two years due to inflation and global shortages. Schools that fail to secure bulk purchasing agreements are at risk of paying more for the same essential supplies in the long run.
By sourcing hygiene products locally and in bulk, schools can:
✔ Reduce procurement costs by 20-25% compared to retail purchasing.
✔ Ensure a steady supply to avoid shortages and last-minute price spikes.
✔ Minimize logistical delays caused by international supply chain disruptions.
Data & Market Insights
- UK schools spend an average of £30,000 per year on hygiene products, making it one of the most significant non-educational costs.
- Schools that purchase toilet paper, tissues, and cleaning supplies in bulk save an average of 20% annually.
- Google Trends (2024) reports a 40% increase in searches for “bulk school cleaning supplies”, indicating that more schools are looking for cost-saving solutions.
Case Study: Manchester Schools Cutting Costs Through Bulk Orders
A group of primary schools in Manchester switched from retail procurement to a bulk-purchasing agreement with a local hygiene supplier. This change resulted in:
- A 20% cost reduction in annual hygiene expenses.
- More reliable delivery schedules, avoiding stock shortages.
- A 10% reduction in plastic waste by switching to sustainable toilet paper and refillable soap dispensers.
This model shows that schools can significantly cut costs and improve sustainability by forming bulk-purchasing cooperatives and working with local suppliers.
Key Takeaways for Schools & Vendors
📌 For Schools:
- Schools should audit their hygiene product spending and explore bulk-purchasing agreements with local suppliers.
- Partnering with sustainable vendors can reduce costs and environmental impact.
📌 For Vendors:
- Hygiene suppliers should offer subscription-based ordering models for schools to ensure consistent revenue and cost predictability.
- Schools prefer eco-friendly, high-quality tissue and hygiene products—vendors that provide sustainable options have a competitive edge.
3. Well-Being Journals: Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in Schools
Why Schools Should Invest in Well-Being Journals
Student mental health challenges are at an all-time high, yet many schools lack the necessary resources to address them effectively. With budget cuts affecting mental health support services, schools need low-cost, high-impact interventions to help students develop emotional resilience.
According to NHS Digital (2023), 1 in 6 children in the UK experiences a diagnosable mental health disorder—a figure that has doubled in the past decade. Additionally, Education Policy Institute (EPI, 2023) found that schools with structured mental health programs saw a 45% reduction in behavioral issues and absenteeism.
One simple yet highly effective tool that schools can introduce is well-being journals—guided notebooks designed to help students track emotions, develop mindfulness habits, and reflect on their daily experiences.
Key Benefits of Well-Being Journals:
✔ Encourages emotional awareness and stress management in students.
✔ Supports mindfulness and self-regulation, reducing classroom disruptions.
✔ Provides a low-cost mental health resource in schools that lack on-site counselors.
Data & Market Insights
- 45% of schools now include mental health support tools as part of their curriculum (Education Policy Institute, 2023).
- Google Trends (2024) reports a 30% rise in searches for “student well-being activities”, reflecting increased interest in mental health solutions.
- Studies show that students who use structured journaling exercises experience a 20% decrease in anxiety levels within six months.
Case Study: Bristol Schools and the Daily Journaling Initiative
A network of secondary schools in Bristol introduced daily well-being journaling exercises as part of their morning routine. Within a year, they reported:
- A 30% increase in student self-reported emotional regulation.
- A 15% reduction in bullying-related incidents due to greater self-awareness and empathy-building.
- Improved academic performance among students who participated consistently.
The success of this initiative shows that low-cost, simple interventions can have a significant impact on student mental health.
Key Takeaways for Schools & Vendors
📌 For Schools:
- Schools should integrate well-being journals into structured learning activities to promote emotional resilience and mindfulness.
- Well-being journals can be included in school supply lists to ensure widespread accessibility.
📌 For Vendors:
- Vendors should offer customizable well-being journals that align with school values and curriculum needs.
- Schools increasingly prioritize mental health in procurement decisions, meaning well-being products will continue to grow in demand.
