Back to School Coats: 3 Great Jacket Options from Mountain Warehouse (Kids + Teens)
Back-to-school always sneaks up on me. One minute we’re in holiday mode and the next it’s early mornings, packed lunchesand that first week where the weather can’t decide if it’s still summer or full autumn.
If you’re anything like me, you want a school coat that does three things:
- Keeps them warm on chilly mornings
- Handles those inevitable drizzly walks to school
- Survives playground life (mud, scuffs, and being shoved into a bag)
Mountain Warehouse has a really strong back-to-school jacket range, so I’ve pulled together a quick, practical roundup with three different styles to suit different ages and needs: a padded option, a softshell option, and a lightweight waterproof option. Even better, their jackets come with a 2-year warranty, which gives a bit of peace of mind when you’re buying for the school term (and beyond).
You can browse the full range here: https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/back-to-school/jackets/
What to look for in a back-to-school coat (UK weather edition)
Before we get into the roundup, here are the things I always keep in mind when choosing a school coat:
- Waterproof vs water-resistant: For everyday school runs, water-resistant can be enough, but a truly waterproof jacket is a lifesaver in proper rain.
- Warmth without bulk: You want them warm at 8am, but not overheating by break time.
- A hood that stays put: Bonus points if it doesn’t slip off the second the wind picks up.
- Easy zips and cuffs: Especially for younger kids who want to do it themselves.
- Room for layers: A little space for a jumper makes a coat work across more of the term.
- Durability: School coats get used hard. Quality matters.
1) Best for colder mornings: Titan Kids Water-Resistant Padded Ski Jacket
If you’re looking for a warm, practical coat that can handle chilly mornings and proper “back to school” weather, the Titan Kids Water-Resistant Padded Ski Jacket is a brilliant option. It has that cosy padded feel that’s ideal once the temperature drops — especially for kids who spend a lot of time outside at break and lunch.
What I really like about Mountain Warehouse coats is the quality for the price point. We’ve been genuinely impressed with how well ours have held up, and this one feels like the sort of jacket that can take everyday school wear (and still look great).
- Best for: cold mornings, windy days, outdoor play
- Why it works: padded warmth + water-resistant finish for drizzly days
2) Great for teens: Nina Women’s Grid Quilt Padded Jacket (Animal)
If you’ve got an older child or teen (especially around 14–16), you might find you’re starting to look at women’s sizing rather than children’s ranges, that’s exactly where we are, as my daughter is almost 15.
The Nina Women’s Grid Quilt Padded Jacket is a really nice “in-between” option: warm enough for the school run and everyday wear, but not overly bulky. Again, we’ve been really pleased with the quality and price point, which is exactly what you want when you’re buying coats that need to last the term.
- Best for: teens, older kids who prefer a more grown-up style
- Why it works: padded warmth without feeling too heavy
3) Lightweight waterproof option: Pace Kids Waterproof Jacket (Animal)
A lightweight waterproof is one of those back-to-school essentials I always recommend having on hand, September can be surprisingly wet, and once autumn hits, it becomes a non-negotiable.
The best thing about a lightweight waterproof is how easy it is to wear and layer. It doesn’t feel heavy, it’s comfortable over school uniform, and it can be thrown in a bag for those “it might rain later” days.
- Best for: rainy school runs, unpredictable weather, layering over uniform
- What to look for: a hood they’ll actually wear, and cuffs that keep the rain out
Why I rate Mountain Warehouse for school coats
Back-to-school shopping adds up quickly, so I’m always looking for that sweet spot: affordable, practical, and made to last.
Between the 2-year warranty and the quality for the price point, Mountain Warehouse feels like a really sensible option for school coats, especially if you’re buying for more than one child, or you just don’t want to replace a coat halfway through the term.
Final thoughts
If you’re shopping for back-to-school coats, I hope this roundup helps you narrow down what will work best for your child, whether you need something warm and cosy, something a bit more “teen”, or a lightweight waterproof for the rainy days.
If you’ve got a school coat that you swear by (especially one that lasts more than one term!), I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments.
Browse the full back-to-school jacket range here: https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/back-to-school/jackets/
Disclosure: I was kindly gifted two coats for review.
K Elizabeth xoxox
It is good to be prepared with quality jackets. I have been cold or wet too many times! These look like great options!
We are nearly at the point where we need to purchase new coats! This brand looks very sheek and high quality.