12 of the best backpacks for primary and secondary school children

Whether your child is starting school in September or heading back for their final year, a new bag is a back-to-school essential for every student.

Over the years, school bags have had to become more durable and stylish to suit busy, modern-day children who are often expected to cart around laptops, school books, lunch boxes, PE equipment and more around.

Even nursery school children require a bag to carry books, toys, snacks and wipes so they can go from nursery to their extra-curricular activities.

READ MORE: Thousands of parents eligible to apply for £150 grant to buy new school uniform

Due to the demand, there are hundreds of school bags available in all shapes, sizes, colours and prints available - which can make picking one difficult.

Check out the round-up below of the best reviewed or bestselling products online, or the bags our Yahoo staffers love the most to suit all budgets and tastes.

Shop 12 of the best school bags:

1. John Lewis & Partners Dinosaur Children’s Backpack | £18 | Shop now

Why choose: One John Lewis customer wrote: “My 8 year old nephew was very appreciative of this gift (which I filled with some appropriate treats) and after spending the afternoon with us he left with it proudly on his back. The size was perfect for him. Quality excellent.”

2. Global I Mall Unisex Galaxy School Back | £10.88 | Shop now

Why choose: One Amazon customer said: “Good value little rucksack. It's not too big and is perfect as a schoolbag for my 8-year old. Has a small fabric divider in the middle so perfect for younger children who only have a few bits and bobs to carry around. It has an additional zip pocket on the side touching your back. The pencil case is nice and neat; on the smaller side but perfect for anyone in primary school. All in all, a really good buy and looks fabulous”

3. My First Years Personalised Koala and Friends Print Mini Backpack | £22 | Shop now

Why choose: “Very easy website, item came very quickly, personalisation and quality of items are first class. My little girl can’t wait for her first day at nursery with his new backpack,” said one My First Years customer.

4. Marks and Spencer Kids’ Camouflage Water Repellent Backpack | £20 | Shop now

Why choose: One M&S customer said: “Brilliant design and fit. Lightweight but strong. I do like the double zip opening on bags hence why I chose this one! The design could be more striking as the camouflage print is only visible close up but overall happy.”

5. Eastpak Casual Daypack 24L | £36.99 | Shop now

Why choose: One pleased Amazon customer said: “I love it. It has great support, so far there are no signs of wear. There is enough room inside for about 3 or even 4 binders for school, a pencil case, and a couple of texts. (I wouldn't recommend carrying all of that at once, the bag can take it but can your back take it?) There is only one pocket - the front one - for bits and bobs. It's a very practical backpack. I'm glad I bought it. Though it does make me feel like a kid when I two-strap.”

6. Herschel Heritage Mini Kids Backpack | £17.04 | Shop now

Why choose: One Yahoo Staffer wrote: “I really love this bag. It’s small enough for my little one to carry around with her, but big enough to fit all her essentials such as a small water bottle, toys and wet wipes. It’s also really pretty and she carries it around with her with pride.”

7. JoJo Elephant Print Toddler Rucksack | £6 (WAS £14) | Shop now

Why choose: One mother and JoJo Maman Bebe customer said: “I bought this bag for my two year old daughter when she started nursery, then gave it to my younger daughter when she started nursery a year later. You wouldn't be able to tell it’s been heavily used and dragged around by two toddlers. The quality is outstanding, perfect size for spare clothes, and other little bits such as small toys. Would definitely recommend buying this bag.”

8. Fjällräven Kånken Rainbow Mini | £70 | Shop now

Why choose: One happy Fjällräven customer said: “The most beautiful backpack I have ever seen! Carried it once and already got compliments on it. Perfect size to use as a diaper/personal bag. It looks tiny, but fits two pairs of children’s clothing, a few diapers, wipes, snack bag, glasses, sunscreen, lipsticks, hair accessories, wallet and hand cream & sanitiser.”

9. RAINS Backpack | £75 | Shop now

Why choose: One Yahoo staffer said: “This bag is really sturdy, waterproof and fit for all seasons. And it lasts for years. It’s pricey but is it worth buying mediocre that you’ll change every so often?”

10. The Cambridge Satchel Company 11 Inch Magnetic Satchel in Leather | £145 | Shop now

Why choose: One happy customer wrote on The Cambridge Satchel Company’s website: “Amazing quality, very happy with my purchase. The colour is amazing, the size is perfect if you want to carry only your wallet, phone, notebook or a book, keys, and lipstick as I mostly do. If you need it for university, then consider the 13-14 inch one, but if you use it at work or when you travel, 11 inch is really a perfect fit.”

11. Herschel Little America Backpack | £95 | Shop now

Why choose: One pleased student wrote: “I bought my Herschel bag last month and it's been great. I've managed to fit a boxy lunch bag, 1L water bottle, laptop, two massive textbooks (no seriously, I mean massive - one of these books is over 1,000 pages), three spiral bound notebooks, and lord knows what else in this bag at once. Great quality, loads of room, and it's a gorgeous bag! Do yourself a favour and snag one of these bad boys. You won't regret it.”

12. Made Studio Lismore Waxed Canvas Backpack | £69 | Shop now

Why choose: One Made Studio customer wrote: “I am so pleased with my purchase! The bag is the perfect size for my laptop and all other essentials. Its not bulky, looks very stylish, and is very comfortable too. There is a small zip picket inside but otherwise there is only the one main compartment. I do find I need a torch to track down the small items I lose at the bottom of the bag which is the only downside. My favourite thing is that it is waterproof.”

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