Back to school checklist Europe 2026: detailed supplies list, uniforms and paperwork by country

The back to school season in Europe in September 2026 requires careful planning, especially if you live in a country with different customs from your own. This back to school checklist Europe 2026 helps you organise school supplies, uniforms, paperwork and pre-term tasks, highlighting key differences between countries (Spain, France, Germany or the UK). Use this list in Foco to assign each step to a family member, set reminders or attach photos of shopping lists or documents.

In Europe, term start dates vary: Spain and France usually begin in early September, while in Germany it depends on the state (Bavaria starts in September, Berlin in August). The UK typically starts in early September, though Scotland may begin earlier. School uniforms are mandatory in UK state schools and many private schools across Europe, but in Spain or Germany they are only common in private or state-subsidised schools. Paperwork also differs: France requires an up-to-date vaccination certificate, Germany needs school health insurance, and the UK asks for permission slips for school trips.

How to use this checklist in Foco

Create a project called 'Back to school' in Foco and add these tasks. Use tags like '#Spain', '#France', '#Germany' or '#UK' to filter by country. In Kanban view, organise tasks into columns such as 'Shopping', 'Paperwork' and 'Logistics'. If using Ráfaga, say something like: 'Buy a sturdy primary school backpack, urgent, reminder tomorrow at 9 AM, tag #UK'. Foco will automatically detect the priority, reminder and tag.

• Check the official school supplies list sent by the school (varies by country: France includes lab coats, the UK requires uniform socks and ties)
• Purchase school uniforms or clothing according to the school’s dress code (in the UK, check if the school sells uniforms directly or has authorised retailers; in Spain, look at El Corte Inglés or Kiabi)
• Buy a backpack and pencil case with basic supplies (pencils, pens, eraser, sharpener, ruler, scissors and glue; in Germany, A4 ring binders are usually required)
• Purchase textbooks (in Spain, some schools provide them; in France, they are often sold at the school’s bookshop; in the UK, check for second-hand options at the school)
• Label all clothing and supplies with the child’s name (mandatory in the UK; in Germany, heat-seal labels are sold at supermarkets like DM)
• Update required documentation (France: vaccination record; Germany: school health insurance 'Schülerunfallversicherung'; Spain: photocopy of ID and family book)
• Fill out and submit permission forms (UK: consent for school photos and trips; France: emergency contact sheet)
• Buy comfortable and durable school shoes (in rainy countries like the UK or Germany, include waterproof boots)
• Prepare a healthy snack for the first day (in France, some schools ban nuts due to allergies; in Spain, avoid sugary products)
• Verify the first day’s start and end times (in Germany, some schools start at 7:30 AM; in Spain, it’s usually 9:00 AM)
• Organise school transport or walking route (in the UK, many schools have 'walking buses'; in Germany, check for safe bike lanes)
• Buy specific supplies for extracurricular activities (France: PE kit with the school logo; Spain: swimsuit and cap for swimming lessons)
• Review the school calendar to plan holidays (in Germany, states have different term dates; in Spain, check regional public holidays)
• Prepare a folder or binder for school communications (in the UK, these are often sent via email; in France, they are usually paper-based)
• Buy hygiene products for your child (tissues, hand sanitiser and wipes; in Germany, some schools require masks for public transport)
• Adjust your child’s sleep schedule a week before term starts (in Nordic countries, days are shorter in September; in Spain, move bedtime earlier)
• Attend the parents’ meeting if scheduled (in France, it’s often mandatory; in the UK, a summary is emailed if you can’t attend)
• Download the school’s app if available (in the UK, many schools use ClassDojo; in Spain, TokApp or Alexia)