Good afternoon

I have a group of pupils (15), age 12 to 14, who have just started playing X Wing. I have three core sets plus three more ships so therefore do not have enough ships for individual lists. We are playing one on one (ships) at the moment while we learn the rules.

What would you recommend I encourage the pupils to buy in order to run their own lists?

Thanks

Well they should all buy core sets. Doesn't really matter which one, though I prefer TFA version.

Then, honestly, there's no end to where you could go with your purchases.

If I were to offer a couple suggestion for each faction, these would be them:

Imperial:

Imperial Veterans

TIE Aggressor once it comes out, TIE/FO, or TIE Striker

Rebel:

HotR

Sabine's TIE Fighter

Scum:

Jumpmaster (Basic, but true)

Most Wanted

Some sets for different factions, that are good ships/pilots and plays right out of the box.

Imperial faction:

Imperial veterans

Omega Leader

Rebel faction:

K-wing

Heroes of resistance

Scum faction:

Jumpmaster

Most wanted (can also be used for Rebel faction)

protectorate starfighter

As already stated, any core set should be their first purchase. I'd tell them then to pick a faction, and assuming cost is a concern, suggest either Rebel or Imperial since the core set includes 1 or 2 ships to get them started. They can go Scum, but will end up investing just a tad more money when getting started.

After that, pick up one of the aces or veterans packs for their faction (Rebel Aces or Heroes of the Resistance for the Rebels, and Imperial Aces or Imperial Veterans for the Imperials). Once they get that far they will have enough to create a 100 point squad and some good pilots, but won't have really enough to come up with a variety of ships to choose from, so I'd suggest them picking up 1 or 2 blister packs that fits into their play style. Total cost will be around $100 USD.

For blister packs:

ARC-170

Z-95 Headhunter

TIE Special Forces

TIE/FO

The K Wing suggestion is ridiculous since they are out of stock everywhere.