For us stationery-lovers, September brings back fond memories of going back to school with a shiny new pencil case. To mark the season, we invited the Mark+Fold team to share memories of their school days, feelings about the 'new term' this September, and their picks from our 2025 Back to School Edit.
Ruth Hoskins, Marketing
Back to school, back then
“I will always remember the smell of my eraser collection as I swapped them with fellow grubby-pawed classmates! And hiding behind my mum’s skirt because I felt so shy wearing all my homemade clothes that I was so embarrassed about back then!
I loved being able to dream my way through the day because my imagination was my happy place.
Back to school, now
"I still love the feeling, it really does feel like the start of a whole new chapter, so a new notebook, a new playlist and a new mindset are all required!”
I always clean my desk to make it all feel fresh and have a good old tidy round, love to have a new candle or diffuser too. Must have a cup of mushroom coffee for focus. I would love a new pair of wool slipper socks, too, as the days get cooler.
Ruth's back to school picks
It has to be a set of lined Set of Set of 3 Classic Notebooks, I love the lay flat and premium feel with the flash of gold.
Little me would love the Triangle Eraser, so I'll pick that.
Helen McGowan, Production
Back to school, back then
“I was always excited. I was a lover of school. As well as the new shoes, a new pencil case and stationery were very exciting. I liked the technical items like a drawing compass and protractor. I always remember the ritual of "backing" my books. Wrapping in wrapping paper or sticky back plastic, before I knew how unsustainable it is! At junior school, the head teacher, Mr Crosley, was a favourite. He used to say, 'You don't come to school to work, you come to school to play!' He made learning and school fun."
Back to school, now
A new notebook always feels like a fresh start. For me, it has to be the dot paper. My desk must-haves are notebook and my calculator! I'm old school, prefer a calculator rather than the one on my phone.
Helen McGowan's back to school picks
Set of Exercise Books with the Washi Tape to add some fun - but still super stylish!
Tony Drant, Digital
Back to school, back then
“I remember feeling hopeful, and my shiny Clark’s shoes with the dread of making a mess of them on the first day. I loved my geometry set; it was cheap but made me feel like an engineer.
My favourite teacher was Mr Durrant, partly because of the surname similarity but mostly because he taught computer studies like it was playtime.
Back to school, now
"These days, I always feel like there is so much to do, and where do I start?! I try to start the new ’school year’ with inbox zero and have a clean planner page on the desk. I just treated myself to a new cork desk mat; it frames the desk space, and only the things needed for the task are on it. "
Tony's back to school picks
Set of 2 | A5 & A6 | Exercise Books | Lichen
Amy Cooper-Wright, Founder
Back to school, back then
"I have clearer memories of secondary school and remember being very conscious of my ‘first day back’ outfit, which would have had a lot of thought. And the week before, I would have spent a lot of time shopping for stationery, organising it all into my pencil case. I would buy a new black pen and then some bright coloured ones, so I could organise my notes as I was writing things down. I was very into colour-coding.
I was lucky to have a lot of inspiring teachers over the years. Ms Bush in year 6 had had a career in advertising and then became a teacher, so she had good stories. At secondary school, Ms Pringle was a brilliant DT teacher who inspired me to pursue a creative path."
I enjoyed all the organisation — there was a lot of revision schedules, writing down where I needed to be and when. I loved all that.
Back to school, now
"This year we went away for longer than usual, and I’ve had a bit of mental jetlag as my brain is slowly readjusting to work again. But now my kids are back at school, I am really looking forward to resuming my routines.
Before I sit at my desk, I like to clear my head with a walk in the woods. This never fails to make me feel calm and ready for the day, and my best creative ideas pop into my head while I am out walking. Once I’m at my desk, I need a clear surface and a strong coffee in a very specific mug. Then it’s time for lists, as well as some reflective notes — What are my big objectives or dreams for the next few months? What are the top priorities? I find this helpful before I get too bogged down in the day-to-day.
A new notebook is an absolute must in September; I need a fresh blank page to start back with. It’s my birthday next week, so I am hoping to get some nice new black leather shoes for autumn (after a few months of sandals, I am really ready for some nice new socks and smart shoes for work days)."
Amy's back to school picks
Classic Notebook Bundle in Mustard
For me it's always plain pages, and I like to have a few lined up on the shelf ready for when I need them, as I am a prolific note-taker. I love the mustard and am very sad that this will be it's last year, since the mill is discontinuing this colour.
I've written before about my personal connection to this pen. I've had mine for 20 years now (since my 21st birthday) and it still feels special every time I use it. It makes my hand-writing much more good-looking too!
Helen Porter
Back to school, back then
“I loved the preparation, and feeling organised at the beginning of term. Shopping for a new pencil case and stationery with my Mum. September has always felt more of a 'New Year' to me than January.
My favourite teacher was Miss Rozier, she was my tutor in year 7 through to year 11. She was a new teacher, and it felt as if we all learned and grew together over the 5 years."
Back to school, now
“I felt really positive this year - the last quarter at Mark+Fold is always busy but exciting, so it’s going to be fun seeing everything coming together. “
Must-haves on my desk are a cup of coffee and a Week Planner. I like to take a few moments each morning to plan my schedule. I've treated myself to a new candle for my desk, it gives a lovely cosy autumn vibe to my office.
Helen Porter's back to school picks
Jen, Fulfilment
Back to school, back then
“I remember having a set of coloured gel pens that were basically treasured possessions at the time. My favourite teacher was Mrs Fox, my textiles teacher. She was just super cool and really encouraging! I still keep in touch with her now.”
Back to school, now
“The first day back after the holidays this year felt like a fresh reset – I like the structure September brings. I always make sure I have a new notebook and a good pen on hand to feel ready for the weeks ahead.”
My must-have is a strong coffee on my desk before I do anything else! I treated myself to a new desk plant, which makes the workspace instantly feel brighter.
Jen's back to school picks
Classic Notebook in Flint (which will be back in stock next week, after a long wait!)
