The new school year is just around the corner, and with it comes the endless list of school supplies. Front and centre is the undisputed essential?: the 24x32 large-squared notebook, a star in school bags from primary school to sixth form. But be warned—faced with overcrowded shelves, it's easy to make a mistake. Paper that bleeds ink, a cover that tears before the first half-term, or an unsuitable size… the pitfalls are many. Follow our guide to find the notebook that will survive the school year and meet teachers' requirements.
The chore of back-to-school shopping can quickly turn into a headache. Here are two classic mistakes that transform a simple purchase into an annual struggle?:
You don't need to be an expert to make the right choice. Simply check three key points that will guarantee a durable notebook that meets teachers' expectations.
Also known as a large format notebook, the 24x32 cm size is far from just a teacher's whim. Its dimensions were designed for a very practical reason?: to allow A4 sheets (21x29.7 cm) to be glued in without folding them or having them stick out. It's the go-to format for subjects where photocopies are common (History, Geography, Biology, languages…). Choosing a smaller format means students are doomed to endless folding, cutting, and the risk of losing important documents.
The Seyès ruling, with its famous large squares and interlines, is quite simply the standard in the French school system. It isn't just for looks?: it guides handwriting, helps with proper letter formation, and provides structure for note-taking. A good school notebook should feature a Seyès ruling that is crisp yet easy on the eyes to reduce visual fatigue and improve concentration.
This is the crucial element. High-quality paper like the 90g/m? Optik Paper used by Oxford makes all the difference?: it's perfectly white, opaque, and most importantly, ink won't bleed through. The writing experience is on another level. As for the binding, the 96-page staple-bound notebook is the classic choice. It's lightweight and flexible, making it ideal as long as its cover is sturdy enough to protect everything inside.
Why it's a great choice : This notebook ticks all the boxes on the back-to-school supply list. It's the hassle-free option, ensuring you have the right product and providing the student with a reliable tool for the entire year. The green Oxford Color Life notebook is a safe bet.
Its laminated card cover withstands rough handling and moisture at the bottom of a bag. The 90g/m? Optik Paper prevents ink from bleeding through, ensuring clean pages that can be used on both sides.
Perfectly compliant with teachers' requirements and a build quality designed for intensive school use.
Why it's a great choice : In addition to school notebooks, this A5 journal is the perfect companion for a diary, creative notes, or rough drafts. Its compact size and beautiful design make it a personal item that's a pleasure to use and carry.
Its hardcover protects it from bumps, while its thick 100g/m? paper ensures a superb writing experience without ink bleeding through, even with gel pens.
An elegant design and robust construction for daily use. It conveniently includes a bookmark and an elastic closure.
Why it's a great choice : Perfect for sixth-formers, university students, or even parents who want to keep track of homework, this undated planner offers complete flexibility. You can start using it at any time of the year to plan weeks and months without constraints.
It's a dedicated tool that prevents school notebooks from turning into to-do lists. Its hardcover and 100g/m? paper are made to withstand daily use for 18 months.
Its undated structure offers maximum freedom. It provides monthly and weekly views, and its build quality is designed for the long haul.
Discover our full selection of products that meet our quality criteria and the demands of the school curriculum.
This large format is simply essential for gluing in A4 sheets without having to fold them. Teachers love it because it helps keep notebooks neat and organised, ensuring all distributed documents remain accessible and don't get lost.
The staple-bound notebook is lighter and thinner, a real plus for not weighing down an already heavy school bag. It also opens perfectly flat. The spiral-bound notebook, on the other hand, can be folded back on itself, which is handy on a small desk. Its drawback?: the spirals can snag inside a bag and get bent. Ultimately, the choice often depends on the teacher's instructions or the student's preference.
For a student who writes with a fountain pen or uses felt-tips, yes, it's essential. This paper weight is the only guarantee that ink won't bleed through. This makes every page usable on both sides, extending the life of the notebook and ensuring notes remain legible. For a simple ballpoint pen, a lower weight might suffice, but 90g/m? remains a true mark of comfort and quality.