The Complete School Supplies Checklist for the Brugklas (2026)

The summer holidays are the ideal time to start thinking about school supplies for the Brugklas, the first year of secondary school in the Netherlands. After all, nothing is more annoying than discovering on the first day of school that the right exercise book or the required calculator is still missing. With this checklist for secondary school pupils, you will know exactly what you need for a good start to the 2026-2027 school year.

What is on the school supplies list for the Brugklas?

Most schools send out an official list of required supplies around the summer holidays. Haven't received yours yet? Then this is a reliable basic list for Brugklas pupils at vmbo, havo and vwo (the three Dutch secondary school levels, from pre-vocational to pre-university):

• School planner: essential for keeping track of homework, tests and deadlines. Choose a planner with room for weekly planning, not just for loose notes.
• Exercise books or writing pads: at least one per subject. Colour-code your books by subject so your child can quickly grab the right one.
• Fully stocked pencil case: blue, black and red pens, pencils, a rubber, a set square, compasses, a ruler and a sharpener.
• Calculator: ask the school which type is required. For the lower years, a simple scientific calculator is often enough.
• Book covering paper: for the loan books your child gets from school. Buy plenty.
• Sturdy rucksack: choose a bag with padded shoulder straps and plenty of compartments. A good rucksack is an investment that will last the whole school year.
• Lunchbox and water bottle: practical and more environmentally friendly than disposable packaging.

How much does a complete set of school supplies for the Brugklas cost?

On average, parents spend between 100 and 200 euros on the first set of school supplies for secondary school. Textbooks are not included in this, because in the Netherlands they are covered by the free learning materials scheme. The biggest expenses are the rucksack and the calculator. Smart shopping starts early in the summer holidays: that is when the choice is greatest and the most popular items are still well in stock.

Also check which items from primary school can still be used. Pens, a ruler or a set square don't need to be replaced every year. That way you keep costs under control without compromising on quality.

Planning and structure: the most underrated school supplies

Many parents forget the most important part of the school kit: a good school planner. At secondary school, your child becomes responsible for keeping track of homework, tests and projects. That calls for a clear system. A school planner designed specifically for secondary school pupils helps your child get a grip on their timetable from day one.

A pilot study by Scholis in the 2024-2025 school year, carried out with 150 pupils at two schools, showed that pupils who actively use a planner get better grades and experience less study-related stress. The key is daily use: writing down homework, planning tests and looking back every morning at what is on the programme.

Final check before the school year starts

• School planner or planning diary bought
• Exercise books for each subject (at least 5 to 8)
• Fully stocked pencil case, including set square and compasses
• Calculator (check the required type with the school)
• Enough book covering paper for all loan books
• Sturdy rucksack with padded shoulder straps
• Lunchbox and water bottle
• PE kit and trainers

Also read: How do you prepare your child for secondary school? and What does a year of secondary school cost?