How Can I Stay Organised with School Materials and Deadlines with ADHD? 

Staying organised and meeting deadlines are common challenges for individuals with ADHD, affecting both academic performance and emotional well-being. ADHD students often struggle with disorganisation, time management, and task initiation due to deficits in working memory and executive function. According to NHS guidelines (2025), ADHD students benefit from structured organisation strategies and routine building to improve focus and task completion. 

Core Challenges with Organisation and Time Management 

ADHD students often face difficulties with losing materials, forgetting deadlines, and keeping track of multiple assignments. This is largely due to weak executive function, which affects planning, prioritisation, and memory. As noted in BMJ Open (2025), without proper support, these organisational challenges can lead to feelings of overwhelm, missed deadlines, and academic underperformance. 

Practical Strategies for Staying Organised 

Colour-Coding & Structured Storage:

Using colour-coded folders, labelled binders, and clear bins for each subject can reduce the chances of losing materials and make it easier to find what’s needed. The NICE NG87 (2025) recommends visual tools like these to support organisation in ADHD students. 

Visual Planners & Checklists:

Wall planners, assignment calendars, and daily or weekly checklists help students track deadlines, priorities, and upcoming tasks. The Mayo Clinic (2024) emphasises how these tools help ADHD students stay on top of their schoolwork and stay organised. 

Time-Blocking & Task Prioritisation:

Breaking study sessions into timed blocks (such as the Pomodoro technique) and prioritising high-effort or important tasks first can help ADHD students manage deadlines and reduce stress. Frontiers in Psychology (2025) highlights how this approach improves focus and helps students avoid procrastination. 

Digital Tools:

Using apps like Todoist, myHomework, and visual timers can support ADHD students in tracking assignments, deadlines, and transitions. These tools help with time management by providing reminders and tracking progress. BMJ Open (2025) supports the use of technology in ADHD management to promote organisation and adherence to deadlines. 

Executive Function Support 

Executive function coaching is crucial for ADHD students. By learning how to sort materials, sequence tasks, and track due dates, ADHD individuals can build lasting organisational skills. RCPsych (2024) notes that visual cues like sticky notes or cue cards can be highly effective in helping students manage daily tasks and stay organised. 

Routine & Environmental Modifications 

Routine Setting:

Establishing a consistent routine, such as daily check-ins or organising school materials in the morning, helps ADHD students stay on top of their tasks. EEF (2024) suggests that simple routines and minimal distractions create an environment conducive to focus and task completion. 

Environmental Modifications:

A quiet, clutter-free workspace can also significantly improve focus for ADHD students. The NHS advises removing digital distractions and keeping study areas tidy to foster an environment that supports concentration. 

Parental & Teacher Support 

Guided Planning & Encouragement:

Both teachers and parents play a critical role in helping ADHD students stay organised. Regular feedback, reminders, and encouragement to use planners can reinforce organisational habits. NHS (2025) stresses that parental and teacher involvement is essential in providing structure and support. 

Exam Accommodations:

ADHD students may benefit from extra time, separate rooms, or sensory supports during exams. These accommodations should be discussed in advance with schools or universities to ensure fair testing conditions. 

Takeaway 

Staying organised with school materials and deadlines is a common challenge for individuals with ADHD, but with structured planning, visual aids, task breakdown strategies, and supportive routines, ADHD students can overcome these difficulties. Using digital tools, establishing strong support networks, and tailoring study environments can significantly improve organisational skills and academic performance. 

For ADHD assessments and support, visit ADHD Certify, a trusted UK provider offering online ADHD assessments and tailored treatment plans.