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Schools save 34% on back to school items with YPO

News
Grace Bamforth
07 Sep 2026

Schools across the UK can save up to 34% on classroom essentials this back-to-school season, according to the latest YPO analysis, helping education providers stretch budgets further and reinvest savings where they matter most.

As part of its commitment to maximising the impact of public funding, YPO found that during its Back to School 2026 campaign, schools can achieve significant savings on everyday classroom products compared with prices offered by leading online retailers.

A like-for-like comparison of 12 commonly purchased classroom essential packs, including pens, pencils, glue sticks, whiteboard markers and highlighters, found that schools could each save more than £230 by choosing YPO.

Savings are based on averages. Larger academies and schools may save significantly more.

The products analysed comprised a total of 2,063 individual items and were, on average, cheaper per item than a common school retailer per pen, pencil, or classroom item.

With education budgets continuing to face pressure, the savings help schools, trusts and academies focus funding towards pupil support and SEND resources to promote inclusion, learning and wellbeing.

Based in Wakefield, YPO is one of the UK's largest public sector procurement organisations.

For more than 50 years, it has worked with schools and public sector organisations to deliver value for money. YPO products undergo a robust tendering process to ensure prices represent the best value for money in terms of quality, safety, compliance, and supplier reliability.

Ashley Cartwright, Head of Procurement Product and Supply Solutions at YPO, said: “With budgets remaining tight throughout the 2026/27 school year, every pound saved can make a difference.

“Our Back to School range, running until September 18, helps schools access lower-priced products without compromising on quality, enabling them to stretch budgets further and spend more where it matters most, supporting pupils and their learning.”

While purchasing smaller quantities can sometimes appear more affordable, larger consolidated orders often provide a lower cost per item, helping schools maximise value across classrooms and departments.

Schools and academies can explore YPO's Back to School range, including stationery, art supplies and classroom essentials here.

Grace Bamforth

Author

Grace Bamforth

PR and Communications Officer

YPO

Grace is a PR and Communications Officer, responsible for assisting in internal communications, PR and public affairs across the organisation. Grace manages stakeholder engagement and crafts content for diverse audiences. She supports corporate communications initiatives, including strategic partnerships, sponsorships, events and awards, ensuring YPO’s reputation and relationships remain strong.