Back to school in Spain

When does everyone go back to school in Spain?

Unlike some countries with a single national start date, Spain does things region by region. That means dates vary slightly depending on where you live.

In general terms:

• Early years and primary (Educacion Infantil and Primaria): usually start between 6 and 10 September
• Secondary (ESO and Bachillerato): typically begin a few days later, often between 10 and 15 September

In Andalusia, for example, primary schools often start around 10 September, with secondary following shortly after.

Term dates are set by each autonomous community, so it is always worth checking your regional education website or your child’s school directly. Spanish schools are generally quite good at sending last minute emails that answer one question while raising three new ones.

The Spanish school rhythm

Before diving into supplies, it helps to understand how the school day works.

Most state schools run roughly:

• 09:00 to 14:00 for primary
• Secondary may run slightly longer, sometimes until 14:30 or 15:00

There is usually no formal lunch break in the British sense. Children either:

• Eat a snack during a short mid morning break, or
• Stay for comedor (school lunch service) if offered

Yes, this does mean your six year old may come home at 2pm absolutely ravenous despite allegedly eating something at 11am.

What school supplies do you need?

Here is where Spain quietly excels. Instead of handing you a vague suggestion like “basic stationery”, schools tend to provide extremely specific lists. Occasionally worryingly specific.

You will usually receive this list:

• At the end of the previous school year, or
• In early September via email or WhatsApp
• Early years (ages 3 to 5)

At this stage, it is less about academics and more about controlled chaos.

Typical requirements:

• Backpack (small, lightweight)
• Spare clothes in a labelled bag
• Wipes and tissues
• Water bottle
• Snack box
• Art supplies (often communal, sometimes oddly specific)

Some schools will also ask for:

• A small blanket or cushion for rest time

Labelling everything is not optional. It is survival.

Primary school (ages 6 to 12)

This is where the stationery list begins to resemble a small office supply order.

Expect:

• Notebooks (often specific sizes and colours)
• Pencil case (ideally one that closes properly)
• HB pencils, erasers, sharpeners
• Coloured pencils and/or felt tips
• Glue sticks
• Scissors (rounded ends for younger children)
• Ruler (usually 30 cm)

You may also need:

• A4 folders or binders
• Exercise books with specific ruling (cuadricula or lined)
• Whiteboard markers (yes, even for children)

Schools often specify brands or colours. This is not a suggestion. Deviating may result in your child being the proud owner of the wrong shade of blue notebook.

Secondary school (ages 12 to 18)

By this stage, expectations increase and so does the likelihood of lost items.

Typical kit:

• Multiple notebooks or subject specific folders
• Pens (blue and black are standard)
• Highlighters
• Scientific calculator
• Geometry set (compass, protractor, etc.)
• Backpack with decent capacity

Optional but increasingly common:

• Laptop or tablet (depending on school policy)
• USB drive

Teenagers will insist they need a specific brand of everything. This is rarely true, but not a battle most people win.

Textbooks and digital materials

In many regions, textbooks are:

• Provided by the school through a loan system, or
• Subsidised by the regional government

You may still need to purchase:

• Workbooks
• Digital licences

Schools will tell you exactly what is required, usually just after you thought you had finished shopping.

Uniforms and clothing

Uniforms are not universal in Spain.

State schools: usually no uniform
Concertado and private schools: often require full uniform

If uniform is required, expect:

• Polo shirts or shirts with logo
• Trousers or skirts in specific colours
• Sports kit

For non uniform schools, a practical wardrobe helps:

• Comfortable clothes
• Trainers suitable for playground activities

Spain’s climate means lightweight clothing in September is essential, but do not forget a jumper for winter. Classrooms are not always as warm as you might hope.

The infamous book covering ritual

Spanish schools often require books to be covered.

Yes, really.

You will need:

• Plastic book covers or adhesive film
• Labels

This is usually assigned as a parent task. It is oddly satisfying once you accept your fate.

Timing your shopping

A small but useful tip:

• Late August to early September: best availability, busiest shops
• Mid September onwards: quieter, but popular items sell out

Supermarkets, stationery shops, and larger stores all stock school supplies. Prices are generally reasonable, although the temptation to buy everything in one go can add up quickly. And of course there’s always Amazon year round! 

Almost there…

Back to school in Spain is a blend of structure and improvisation. You will receive detailed lists, then realise halfway through that you still need three very specific items you have never heard of.

The key is not perfection. It is preparedness with a sense of humour.

Label everything. Keep receipts. Accept that at least one glue stick will vanish within the first week.

And remember, by October, it will all feel entirely normal again. Until next year, when you find yourself once more standing in a stationery aisle, wondering how a child can possibly need that many notebooks.