DS starting secondary this year and I’m bricking it!!!!!

Assuming you are in England - forget worrying about his bag! Get him to find out what others have, what he wants - if needs be buy a cheap black plain one nearer the time that can be upgraded if necessary at a later date. Better to go bland than expensive statement if you are not sure!

And honestly - do tell the school he is entitled to Pupil Premium. It helps the school, and it helps him, if he gets that extra money (and you if he is getting free meals). Presumably primary knew anyway?

Both my sons went to a secondary none of their friends did.

If this is a state school there should be a day in July where all the year 6 children go up to their chosen secondary and spend a day in their new form with their new class mates.

My son also attended an extra morning with children coming from non-feeder schools, so some team building games and more familiar faces.

If you can at any point, without looking like a stalker, park up nearish to the school to see the kind of rucksacks, coats and shoes the boys are wearing I would do that.

Mine have never had expensive backpacks, more like a £25 laptop bag off Amazon

I will tell you that both of my sons, introvert and quiet Ds1 and quirky, nerdy Ds2 both made amazing friends.

But breathe, he will be okay. He will not be the only child who doens't know anyone. He can walk to lunch with whoever he sat with in the previous class. There should be a school trip fairly soon after they all start which is designed to break up some primary groups and introduce new kids to them.

There are loads of lunch time or after school clubs he can join to make other friends too.

How does he feel about it? To be frank it sounds like you are more worried than him and if that the case you need to chill out and not project your anxiety onto him.

What did your DS think about it though?

So be practical: is the school used to having kids from tiny schools? If so they will be used to it.

Can he meet people through activities or social settings who will be going? How can you prepare him to feel confident, manage friendship dynamics and making friends? Is there something that will help him (having the ‘right’ shoes / bag / hair)? Is there an opportunity to let staff know he might need support?

Does he need anything, or is this more your own anxiety??!