Week of August 24 · Back-to-School Countdown
Barcelona's 2026-27 school year starts September 8. Here's everything to sort before then — vouchers, aid deadlines, transport, and two festivals landing in the same fortnight.
Infant, primary, ESO, and batxillerat classes begin Monday, September 8; vocational training (CFGM/CFGS) starts September 14. If your child's place still isn't confirmed, contact the Consorci d'Educació de Barcelona this week — late admissions are still processed, but slots shrink fast this close to term.
The Generalitat's "val escolar" gives primary and secondary students two €30 vouchers toward books, backpacks, and stationery for 2026-27. Ask your child's school how it's being distributed this round before you pay full price at the papereria.
Menjador escolar aid (up to 70–100% off school lunch costs) reopens for a second application round from September 8 to 27, with paperwork due at school by September 30. If you missed the May–June window, this is not your last shot — apply through the Consorci d'Educació or edubcn.cat.
If a teen or young adult in your family commutes to school, a training cycle, or university, the T-Jove (under-30s) covers 90 days of unlimited metro, bus, and rodalies across all zones for €45.50. Buy it this week so it's already validated when term starts.
School enrollment, health cards, and residency steps all lean on an up-to-date padrón. Without permanent residency, your registration expires every 2 years and the city won't always remind you. Check your registration date now, and book your renewal cita early if you're close to the mark — appointment slots get tight once back-to-school admin picks up.
Most households mark Krishna Janmashtami on Friday, September 4, while ISKCON and Vaishnav temples observe it September 5. With school starting right after, sort your temple visit, fasting plans, or puja essentials this week — before your calendar fills up with first-week-of-term errands.
Ganesh Chaturthi falls on September 14 — the same day vocational and specialisation courses begin in Catalunya. If you're organising a community celebration or visarjan gathering, lock the venue and timing now so it doesn't collide with the first busy week of term.
Barcelona's Indian parent WhatsApp groups regularly circulate gently-used uniforms, books, and backpacks before term starts. Post what you need — or what your kid has outgrown — before paying full price at the papereria for things another family already has spare.
Ask questions, swap uniforms, and get real-time answers from other Indian families doing this same countdown right now.
Every housing tip, every festival guide, every 11pm answer in the WhatsApp group — it's all built and kept running by this community, for this community. If Catalunyaar has ever made Barcelona feel a little less confusing, here's how to keep it going.
Open Bizum on your banking app, send to 667 900 501, and you're done. Instant, fee-free, and it goes straight back into the platform.
Head to our Ko-fi page and leave a tip — works from anywhere, India included, no fuss.
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