What Are the Differences Between an Academic Year and a Calendar Year Diary?

The hunt is on for the perfect diary to suit your personal needs. Top of your list might be a family planner, or perhaps a journal which will help you progress your goals for the year. First and foremost though, you need to work out whether you need a diary for the academic year or one for the calendar year. We’ve summed up the differences between the two different types of diaries below, along with some helpful advice to ensure you pick the right option to meet your needs.

What is an academic diary?

Academic diaries, also known as mid-year diaries are 12-month planners which are designed to be used in line with the academic school year.

What month does an academic diary start?

Academic year diaries commence in August, shortly before the beginning of the school or academic year, whereas a calendar year product begins in January.

The Scottish school year starts in mid-August and the rest of the UK typically begins the Autumn term at the beginning of September, meaning you can use our diaries no matter your location. Our academic diaries are perfect for use during the run-up to back to school, college and university for both parents and students, and they will keep you organised for 12-months, taking you through to the summer holiday of the next year.

What is a 16-month diary?

Our 16-month diaries are designed to give our customers greater choice in how they use their diary (and calendar, as we also sell 16-month versions of these too). 16-month products can be used in line with both the academic year or the calendar year, depending on which suits your needs best.

You can use a 16-month diary to get organised for the academic year, running from August to August, then use the remaining months from September to December to plan the busy end of the year and Christmas period, or alternatively you could start from a later, preferred month such as January. Any additional pages you may have are great for notes or for making use of the clever extra features. These flexible products can be used in a way to suit your individual needs!

Is an academic diary the right choice for you?

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether an academic or a calendar year diary is more suited to your needs. Traditionally, academic diaries are designed with students and teachers in mind. They offer a fresh start at the beginning of the school year and ensure important information regarding studies is stored in one central location.

Parents may also benefit using an academic diary too, documenting school events and key dates in a fresh planner at the start of the new term ensures nothing is forgotten throughout the year.

Alternatively, you may have no connection to a school at all, and instead, be starting a new job, or even simply just fancy a clean slate to help you get organised for the latter end of the year and the hectic Christmas season. Lots of busy workers love the feeling of having a second chance at a fresh start in September, just like they used to experience when they were at school. You can adorn your desk with beautiful new stationery and get back on track with all the goals you set earlier in January.