A survey from Smiggle- the UK’s children’s stationery retailer- has revealed that far from dreading their first day back in the classroom, youngsters actually can’t wait.

Of parents questioned, 66 per cent revealed that their child or children are itching to get back into their uniform, despite their virtuous efforts to keep them occupied for six weeks.

Two-thirds of primary school parents admitted that the prospect of seeing classroom friends, coupled with a new pencil case, and, would see their children (aged four to 10) running through the school gates.

Of those parents who admitted that their children were hankering after the classroom, 87 per cent said seeing fellow friends was the main reason for wanting to return, with the prospect of a new pencil case almost as compelling, with 80 per cent citing this as a secondary factor.

Virtually all parents questioned (93 per cent) said that they would be purchasing a brand new pencil case and rucksack for the new school year, in an attempt to ‘set the tone’ and encourage learning.

And 76 per cent of parents said that their child had a favourite pencil, pen and rubber, which they would not want to do their homework without.

Emma Fulford, expert, said: “As a global children’s stationery retailer, originating all the way from Australia, we were keen to find out if UK children are keen to go back to school after their summer holidays.

“We wondered if they’d miss the good times they may have had over the summer break too much, but this doesn’t appear to be the case!