Welcome to School Bag Scotland 2027: Primary 1 Children to Receive Free Bag
Children starting Primary 1 in Scotland from August 2027 are due to receive a Welcome to School Bag as part of a new Scottish Government scheme. Around 47,000 children are expected to receive one, with the bag designed to provide useful school and learning resources as children begin Primary 1.
At a glance
- When: August 2027
- Where: Scotland
- Who: Children starting Primary 1 at their local school, including children starting at primary and special schools
- What: A Welcome to School backpack containing school and learning resources
- How many: Around 47,000 children are currently expected to receive one
- Exact date: The month is confirmed, but the exact delivery date has not yet been announced
What is the Welcome to School Bag?
The Welcome to School Bag is a new Scottish Government initiative for children starting Primary 1 in the 2027-28 school year. It is intended to give children practical items for starting school and help families with some of the costs associated with getting ready for Primary 1.
The scheme has been developed with input from children, families and teachers.
Who will receive a bag and when?
The Scottish Government says every child starting Primary 1 at their local school will be eligible. The programme is expected to reach around 47,000 children starting at primary and special schools in August 2027.
The figure of around 47,000 is an estimate based on current pupil rolls and 2024-based population projections from National Records of Scotland. The final number could change depending on how many children defer starting school.
What will be inside the bag?
The Scottish Government has published a proposed set of contents. These currently include a pencil case, stationery such as pens, pencils and coloured crayons, a notebook, a water bottle, and resources intended to encourage reading, writing and maths practice at home.
The proposed backpack is designed to be lightweight and made from durable recycled materials. It includes multiple compartments and pockets, reflective piping for safety, space for a name tag and a window where a child can add a drawing to personalise it.
Will parents have to apply?
There is currently no published application process for the Welcome to School Bag. The Scottish Government says children who meet the stated eligibility criteria will receive a bag, while detailed arrangements for distribution and returns will be confirmed later.
Parents therefore do not currently need to make a separate application based on the information published so far.
Will parents have to pay for it?
The Scottish Government is providing the Welcome to School Bag as a national programme. However, it has said that the overall cost of the bags will be confirmed after the procurement process is complete.
No separate charge to parents is stated in the published announcement. It is therefore too early to give parents a confirmed price or say that a particular amount will be charged.
What about independent schools?
The published announcement describes eligibility in terms of children starting Primary 1 at their local school and specifically refers to children starting at primary and special schools. It does not give a separate eligibility statement for children attending independent schools.
Parents of children at independent schools should therefore wait for the detailed eligibility and distribution guidance rather than assuming that the national scheme applies.
Is the bag replacing other school support?
No. The Welcome to School Bag is a separate programme. It is not described as a replacement for school uniform, the School Clothing Grant, Best Start Grant School Age Payment, free school meals or other support available to families.
The Scottish Government says the bag is also being designed to complement existing programmes including Bookbug and Read, Write, Count.
Why is Scotland introducing it?
The Scottish Government says the scheme is intended to help children feel excited, supported and ready to learn as they start school. It also says the programme is intended to help reduce costs for families and support its wider work to tackle child poverty.
What should parents do now?
There is no need to buy a Welcome to School Bag or apply for one now. The programme is planned for August 2027, while the detailed distribution arrangements are still being developed.
Families can continue to check the other support available when a child starts Primary 1. Eligible families may be able to apply for the Scottish Government’s Best Start Grant School Age Payment, while local authorities operate the School Clothing Grant. These are separate from the new bag scheme.
Getting ready for Primary 1?
Starting school means keeping track of a whole new collection of uniforms, bags, coats, shoes and other belongings. Personalised name labels can make it easier to identify your child’s things and help reduce the chance of items going missing.
What happens next?
User testing is due to take place in autumn 2026, followed by procurement and final arrangements for distribution. The Scottish Government says the testing will help inform the final design, contents and colour options.
Further information about distribution and the returns process is expected to be published as the programme develops. The exact delivery date in August 2027 has not yet been announced.
Information checked
This article was checked on 29 September 2026 and is based on information available from the Scottish Government at that time. The Welcome to School Bag is a future programme and some practical details, including final design, contents and distribution arrangements, are still being developed. This article is general information and not professional advice.
