17 August, 2026

Back to School in Bratislava: Your Family Checklist

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Two weeks to go. That sounds like plenty of time, and in some ways it is. But uniform sizes sell out, bus places fill up and children need more than a day or two of early bedtimes to ease back into the school-day routine.

This checklist covers everything you need to do in the next three weeks to make the first day of term feel straightforward rather than chaotic, for your children and for you.

This week: the things that take longest

Uniform

Order uniforms now if you have not already. Popular sizes in most international schools in Bratislava sell out by late August and replacements can take time to arrive.

Try everything on this week. Children grow over summer. A uniform that does not fit is a distraction no child needs on the first day.

Check PE kit requirements separately. Many schools have specific items that differ from the everyday uniform, and these are easy to overlook.

Label everything. Every item. Including your child's water bottle, lunchbox and PE bag.

School supplies

Wait for the school's stationery list before buying supplies. Most schools send these in August and specify particular formats for notebooks, folders and files.

For secondary students, check whether a specific calculator model is required. Schools often sell these directly, which is the easiest way to get the right one.

Tesco, DM and Kaufland all stock good-quality stationery at reasonable prices. Most items on standard school lists are available locally.

Transport

If your child uses the school bus, confirm their place in the upcoming weeks. Routes sometimes change over the summer and spaces are limited.

If you are driving, plan your route now. Remember that September school-run traffic in Bratislava is noticeably busier than in August.

If your child is cycling, check their bike and helmet this week, not the night before the first day.

Next week: routines and admin

Start shifting the sleep routine

Begin moving bedtimes earlier now, by 15 to 20 minutes each night. A child who has been staying up until 10pm will not spring out of bed happily at 7am on the first morning.

Bring mealtimes back in line with the school day, particularly lunch. The timing difference matters more than most parents realise.

Reduce screen time gradually in the evenings. Starting this now rather than the night before term makes the first week significantly calmer.

Admin

Check that all emergency contact details held by the school are current, particularly if you have moved or changed phone numbers over the summer.

If your child has any medical needs, confirm that the school nurse or pastoral team has up-to-date information before term begins.

Log in to the school's parent portal and check for any messages or updates sent during August. Schools often share important information in the weeks before term.

If collection arrangements have changed, inform the school in writing before the first day.

The final week before term

Talk about what to expect

If your child is starting at a new school or in a new class, focus on practical specifics: where to put their bag, what lunch looks like, what happens at break time. Doing so can help your child overcome first-day uncertainties with confidence.

Acknowledge any nerves briefly and honestly, then move on. A matter-of-fact, forward-looking tone works better than extended reassurance.

Avoid over-preparing them. Calm and practical is the right register.

For children who are new to English

Spend some time this week watching English-language programmes or reading simple English books together. Easing back into the language before day one reduces first-day anxiety.

Remind your child that the school has specialist EAL support and they will not be expected to manage the language on their own.

Keep speaking your home language at home. This supports English development rather than hindering it.

The morning of the first day

Prepare everything the night before: bag packed, uniform laid out, lunch made if needed.

Build in more time than you think you need. September mornings have a way of expanding.

Say a confident, brief goodbye at the gate. A calm handover is better for your child than a prolonged one, even when it is hard.

Remember that most children who look anxious at drop-off are absolutely fine within minutes of being inside.

Questions about BISB this August?

If your child is starting at the British International School Bratislava this term, or if you are still exploring your options and September is feeling close, our admissions team is available now to help.

Get in touch today: nordangliaeducation.com/bisb-bratislava/admissions/enquiry