School residential trip: a packing list for parents

A school residential is a few nights away from home, usually in a shared room with a strict bag limit. The school will send its own kit list, so use that first. This list helps you cover what it assumes you’ll think of: labels, spares, and the small things that make a child feel settled.

Make this a list for your child.
Zipi builds it around the trip, the weather and who’s going, and keeps it for next time.

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Check these first

The things people forget most. Everything else can be bought, borrowed or worked around.

The school’s own kit list
Signed forms and any medicine
Labels on everything
Spare socks and underwear
A waterproof

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Follow the school’s list first

The kit list from school (it overrules everything below)
The bag or case size and weight limit
Which items the school says to leave at home
Medicine and consent forms, returned on time
Emergency contact and dietary forms

Clothes

A change a day, plus two spare outfits
Underwear and socks, one pair a day and a few spares
Pyjamas
A warm jumper or fleece
Waterproof jacket and trousers if outdoor activities are planned
Old clothes and trainers that can get muddy
A hat and gloves if it’s cold
A bag for dirty or wet clothes

Washbag

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Hairbrush and hair ties
Soap or shower gel and a flannel
Towel (check whether you need one)
Any regular medicines, handed to a teacher as the school asks
Sun cream in summer

Little extras

A named water bottle
A few stamped postcards or a letter, if they’ll want to write
A small bag for the day
A little spending money in a named purse, if allowed

You can usually buy these there: . Leave room in the case.

Tips

Label everything, including socks and shoes. Things get mixed up in a shared room.
Pack a few outfits in labelled bags (a day each) so it’s easy for a child to find what to wear.
Tuck in a note or a drawing for the first night, if they’d like one.
Let your child help pack, so they know where things are.

Common questions

What should my child take on a school residential?

Follow the school’s kit list, then add spares of socks, underwear and a full outfit, a warm layer, waterproofs, a washbag, a named water bottle and a comfort item if allowed.

Should I label my child’s clothes?

Yes. Name tapes or a marker on every item, including shoes and the bag, make a big difference in a shared room.

How do I handle medicine?

Fill in the school’s medicine form and hand medicines to the named teacher in their original packaging, with clear instructions. Don’t leave them in the child’s bag unless the school says so.

One list per person, one link for whoever helps.
Send the children’s list to a partner, nanny or grandparent. They tick things off on their phone.

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This is general guidance. Check your airline, destination and your child’s own needs before you travel. Privacy · Terms