Felt Tip Pens for Primary Schools: Berol vs Classmates and How Many to Buy

Why are felt tip pens such an important classroom resource?

Felt tip pens are one of the most frequently used classroom resources in primary schools, supporting everything from early mark-making and art activities to topic work, displays and creative learning. For most schools, the decision is not simply whether to buy felt tips, but which type offers the best balance of quality, durability and value. While Berol remains one of the best-known classroom brands, many schools are increasingly comparing it with education-focused alternatives such as Classmates to manage budgets without compromising the pupil experience.

Walk into almost any primary classroom and you will find felt tip pens in use. In Reception, they support mark-making, creativity and early fine motor development. In Key Stage 1, they become a regular feature of topic work, posters and classroom activities. By Key Stage 2, pupils are using them for presentations, revision resources, project work and displays.

Unlike some classroom consumables, felt tip pens are used across almost every curriculum area. This means they can quickly become a significant stationery cost if schools do not manage them effectively. At GLS, felt tip pens are consistently one of the classroom essentials teachers review when looking at resource value. The challenge is balancing quality with quantity. Teachers want pens that produce vibrant colour, last well and withstand daily classroom use, while School Business Managers need products that deliver long-term value across multiple year groups. The good news is that these priorities do not have to compete.

What is the difference between Berol and Classmates felt tip pens?

For many teachers, Berol is the felt tip pen they remember from their own school days. The brand has built a strong reputation for vibrant colours, durable nibs and reliable classroom performance. Berol pens are widely used in UK schools and remain a popular choice for art activities, classroom displays and general creative work. However, as school budgets have come under increasing pressure, many schools have begun comparing premium branded products with education-focused alternatives.

This is where Classmates has become increasingly popular. Developed specifically for educational settings and available through GLS, the Classmates range focuses on delivering the performance schools need while maintaining strong value for money. Rather than simply replicating consumer products, Classmates products are designed around the realities of classroom use:

• Frequent handling by pupils.
• Shared classroom resources.
• High-volume consumption.
• Budget-conscious procurement.

At GLS, we often see schools adopt a mixed approach. Some choose Berol for specialist art activities where colour intensity is particularly important, while using Classmates as their core classroom felt tip pen for everyday learning. The right choice often depends on how the pens will be used rather than which logo appears on the barrel.

Which felt tip pens last longest in primary classrooms?

This is one of the most common questions teachers and School Business Managers ask. The answer is not always straightforward because longevity depends as much on classroom routines as product quality. Even the best felt tip pen will have a short lifespan if caps are left off, pens are stored incorrectly, resources are not organised, or pupils apply excessive pressure.

That said, schools generally report that both Berol and Classmates perform well in primary classroom environments when used appropriately. The bigger differentiator is often how resources are managed. At GLS, we frequently find that schools achieve greater savings through improved classroom organisation than by switching products entirely. Simple routines such as storing pens correctly, replacing lids immediately and regularly reviewing classroom stock can significantly extend product lifespan.

How many felt tip pens does a primary school need?

One of the biggest procurement challenges schools face is estimating quantities accurately. Order too few and classrooms quickly run short. Order too many and valuable budget sits unused in cupboards.

For a typical class of 30 pupils, many schools find that a classroom set of approximately 60–90 felt tip pens provides sufficient coverage for regular use, allowing for colour variety, replacements and normal wear throughout the term. However, actual requirements vary depending on several factors:

• Year group
• Curriculum focus
• Frequency of art activities
• Shared versus individual resources
• Classroom organisation systems

At GLS, we often encourage schools to review usage patterns rather than relying on assumptions. A Reception classroom engaging in daily creative provision will naturally use felt tips differently from a Year 6 class where they are primarily used for presentation work. The most effective ordering decisions are based on how resources are actually used.

Should schools provide individual packs or shared classroom sets?

This is another question that frequently arises during procurement reviews. Some schools provide individual packs for pupils, while others maintain shared classroom resources. Both approaches have advantages.

Individual packs can encourage personal responsibility and reduce disputes over resources. However, they can also lead to uneven usage, duplication and increased replenishment requirements. Shared classroom sets often provide better value and allow resources to be distributed according to need.

Increasingly, schools working with GLS are moving towards structured shared-resource systems, particularly in EYFS and KS1, where classroom provision is designed around collaborative access rather than individual ownership. The best approach depends on teaching style, classroom routines and school culture.

How can schools reduce felt tip pen costs without reducing quality?

The assumption is often that reducing costs means buying cheaper products. In reality, schools frequently achieve better results through smarter procurement and resource management. Some of the most effective strategies include:

• Standardising felt tip specifications across year groups where appropriate.
• Reviewing actual usage patterns rather than ordering based on historical habit.
• Choosing products designed specifically for educational environments.
• Maintaining organised classroom storage systems.
• Reducing unnecessary duplication between classrooms.

At GLS, we regularly support schools reviewing classroom consumables and often find that consistency creates greater savings than constant product switching. This is one reason many schools choose to standardise around trusted classroom ranges such as Classmates. The goal is not simply to reduce spend. It is to create a reliable, predictable resource strategy that supports both teaching and budgeting.

Why do some schools standardise on Classmates felt tip pens?

One of the most significant challenges School Business Managers face is balancing teacher expectations with budget realities. Teachers need resources they can trust. SBMs need procurement decisions that deliver value across an entire school. Classmates was developed specifically to help schools achieve both.

Because the range is designed around educational use rather than general retail markets, schools often find it provides a practical balance between performance and affordability. At GLS, we frequently see schools standardise on Classmates felt tip pens as part of wider classroom essentials reviews. By using consistent products across classrooms, schools can simplify ordering, reduce complexity and make stock management significantly easier. Importantly, standardisation is not simply about procurement efficiency. It helps ensure every classroom starts the year with access to the same reliable resources, creating a more consistent experience for both teachers and pupils.

What should schools consider before choosing a felt tip pen supplier?

Price matters. But it is rarely the only factor. Many schools are increasingly looking beyond the initial purchase cost and considering product durability, classroom suitability, availability throughout the year, ease of reordering, consistency across product ranges, and support from education specialists.

At GLS, we know schools are under pressure to demonstrate value in every area of spending. That is why many schools choose to compare products carefully and explore whether equivalent educational-quality alternatives can provide better overall value. In many cases, schools find they can match the quality they need while improving budget efficiency at the same time.

How does GLS support schools with classroom consumables?

At GLS, we understand that felt tip pens are not simply stationery items. They are tools that support creativity, communication, presentation and learning across the curriculum. That is why our approach focuses on helping schools make informed decisions rather than simply supplying products.

Whether reviewing classroom essentials, comparing branded and own-brand options or looking for opportunities to improve value, we work with teachers and School Business Managers to find solutions that support both educational outcomes and operational efficiency. As part of the wider Findel family, our focus is always the same: helping schools feel confident, capable and supported while making every budget work harder.

For more guidance, visit our Teaching Tools & Learning Resources Hub. Schools reviewing classroom art and colouring resources may also find it useful to explore our Felt Tip Pens and Colouring Supplies category.