7 best school coats that they’ll actually want to wear

If you live in an area where the temperature dips very low, or if your child really feels the cold, this coat – for children aged between two and 12 years – is the answer.

Wind, water and snow proof, this padded coat is filled with PrimaLoft insulation, which is vegan friendly and at least 60 per cent recycled. The seams are taped, so no amount of rain is an issue, and despite all the insulation, it’s also breathable and light to wear – so it would also make for the perfect ski jacket.

Our tester was most taken by all of the pockets, consisting of fleece-lined front pockets with zip closures, one chest pocket and one sleeve pocket. It’s so well made that we have no doubt it has the ability to serve multiple children over the years, as suggested by the brand.

There are so many reasons to recommend this coat, it’s hard to know where to start. Perhaps with how it looks – it’s cute with different-coloured popper fastens at the front. The inside is a removable, fleece gilet with bright, multi-coloured stripes.

The main body of the coat is padded without being unwieldy, and every effort has been made to keep children dry and warm. It’s waterproof, too, with taped seams to prevent leaking. It has a chin guard, a fleece-lined hood and adjustable soft-touch hook and loop cuffs.

Our little tester was delighted with the dipped hem at the back – but not as much as parents will be, as it means the end of soggy bottoms.

Frugi has stellar eco credentials and the rambler coat is no exception, made with 100 per cent post-consumer recycled plastic, which would otherwise go to landfill.

As the name suggests, this coat is made with movement in mind. It’s densely padded with a synthetic ball fibre, which bodes well for durability and warmth.

It’s water repellent rather than entirely waterproof – so, if a deluge is forecast, you’ll still need an umbrella. The zips are big – which makes it easy for smaller children to manage (great news for busy parents who tire of hearing “Can you do my coat up?”).

We really appreciated the two-year warranty offered – which speaks to the brand’s confidence that this jacket is well-made and built to last. It can be washed in a machine on a cold setting.

Our tester noted the cosy hood, which is lined with fleece and is really gentle and warming for the neck and ears. She even scaled a mini mountain in it, which tells you all you need to know about its active credentials. It’s the perfect weekend coat for mini explorers.

There are no two ways about it – this coat is utterly gorgeous. It’s extremely elegant and exquisitely made. The cut, the detailing (we see you, gold buttons) and even the touch of the fabric – which is a soft polyester, so not as heavy as wool – will make you wish Rachel Riley did adult ranges, too.

Smart looks aside, this is a warm coat – made more so by the double-breasted design, which provides twice the insulation across the front of the body.

It’s the kind of coat more discerning parents might choose for schools that have ultra-high standards when it comes to uniform. Our one reservation is that it may be a tad too refined for potential rough-and-tumble playground shenanigans. However, when it comes to presentation and warmth, you can’t lose. Be warned, though – you’ll have to pre-order this item, so don’t expect swift delivery.

Calling all would-be Paddington Bears. This adorable duffle coat for children aged between 12 months and six years is traditional and practical. It’s lightweight, made from polyester (not wool) and has a sweet striped lining.

This coat also comes in red, which is less uniform-policy friendly, but worth noting in case your child’s school is more relaxed and your little one has a penchant for scarlet hues.

Our four-year-old tester loved the toggles – although they do take a while to master – and the large pockets, into which seeds, berries and pebbles have already been stowed.

Perhaps best of all, this coat can be machine-washed, so you don’t need to worry about muddy puddles or smoothie spills.

Lightweight, warm and filled with cosy duck down, this is a great coat, suitable for cold winter school days but also promising to work hard in the holidays and over the weekends, too.

It’s slim enough to wear under waterproof coats on days when rain is forecast or the temperature dips below freezing.

We love the shape and how the hood manages to offer both warmth and roominess at the same time. And we were pleased to see the cuffs and hem both had stretch to them, which meant warmth would be kept inside for longer.

While this coat is available for children aged between three and 16 years old, we think it’s especially good for older children who are potentially a little more fashion-conscious. Duvet coats have been a winter staple for a few years now – thanks to being warm for the body and cool for the image. This padded one, complete with hood, manages to answer to any uniform policy while also looking fresh and contemporary.

We noted the knee length, which promises extra warmth, and were pleased to see our tester still managed to run, jump and dance about with the best of them, with no restriction. Fleece-lined pockets are also a major plus.

Prices start from £35, depending on size and length.