Quick answer

Choose a vertical layout if you prefer a simple, time-blocked view of your day. Pick an academic planner if you need structured weekly pages plus extra trackers for teaching or study.

Layout differences that matter

Vertical planners break each day into hourly or open columns, making them ideal for visualising your time blocks at a glance. Academic planners often include dedicated sections for lesson notes, assignment due dates, and progress trackers, which suit students and teachers who need more than just time slots.

Fox & Fallow's new vertical layout uses a simplified planning system that focuses on daily priorities rather than rigid hourly slots. The academic version keeps the same vertical spine but adds themed tracker pages designed for the school year.

Size trade-offs: A5 vs A4

A5 planners are compact and portable—easy to carry between classes or meetings. A4 planners offer more writing space per spread, which helps if you need to jot down detailed notes or multiple appointments per day.

Both sizes are available in the vertical layout, but the academic planner only comes in A4. If you need an academic format but prefer a smaller carry size, you'll have to adapt a vertical planner with your own trackers.

Cover and paper quality

All 2027 planners use 120gsm paper, which handles fountain pens and markers with minimal bleed-through. Cover options like Chocolate Stripe, Merlot Pinstripe, Amalfi Latte, and Cherry Wisteria let you match your style without affecting function.

The paper weight is consistent across the range, so your choice comes down to layout and size rather than paper quality.

How to decide: vertical vs academic

  • You need academic trackers: Choose the A4 Academic Vertical Planner if you want built-in pages for assignments, grades, or lesson plans. The A5 vertical planners do not include these.
  • You want portability: Pick an A5 Vertical Planner (Amalfi Latte or Cherry Wisteria) if you carry your planner daily. The A4 size is better for desk use.
  • You prefer a simple time-blocked view: Go with any vertical layout planner. The new simplified system focuses on priorities without forcing hourly slots. If you also need academic pages, the A4 Academic is your only option.
  • You are a student or teacher outside Australia/NZ: The academic planners are designed for the Jan-Dec academic year. If your school year starts in a different month, you may prefer a vertical planner and add your own trackers. Check that the calendar months match your term dates before ordering.

Product facts

  • 2027 A5 Academic Vertical Planner - Chocolate Stripe - PRE-ORDER (25 SEPTEMBER): A5 Academic Vertical Planner designed for diary-loving teachers and students in Australia & New Zealand for the 2027 calendar year. If you teach or study in a semester-based system, this planner comes pre-loaded with academic trackers that save you setup time.

    2027 A5 Academic Vertical Planner - Chocolate Stripe - PRE-ORDER (25 SEPTEMBER)

    2027 A5 Academic Vertical Planner - Chocolate Stripe - PRE-ORDER (25 SEPTEMBER)

  • 2027 A4 Academic Vertical Planner - Merlot Pinstripe - PRE-ORDER (25 SEPTEMBER): A4 Academic Vertical Planner featuring a vertical layout and a new planning system designed to simplify your life with 120gsm paper. The A4 size gives you more room for detailed lesson plans or course notes while keeping the same vertical time view.

    2027 A4 Academic Vertical Planner - Merlot Pinstripe - PRE-ORDER (25 SEPTEMBER)

    2027 A4 Academic Vertical Planner - Merlot Pinstripe - PRE-ORDER (25 SEPTEMBER)

  • 2027 A5 Vertical Planner - Amalfi Latte - PRE-ORDER (25 SEPTEMBER): A5 Vertical Planner with a planning system designed to simplify your life rather than make it rigid or complicated. Best for anyone who wants a flexible daily layout without academic-specific pages—great for work, freelancing, or personal scheduling.

  • 2027 A5 Vertical Planner - Cherry Wisteria - PRE-ORDER (25 SEPTEMBER): A5 Vertical Planner in Cherry Wisteria cover art with the same simplified planning system as the other vertical models. Offers the same function as the Amalfi Latte version but with a different aesthetic, so you can choose based on cover preference.

Which planner fits you?

Best for

  • Students and teachers who want ready-made academic pages plus a vertical weekly view
  • Anyone who values portability and prefers a flexible daily layout without rigid time slots

Not for

  • People who need a non-academic year start (e.g., July–June) – consider a vertical planner with custom trackers instead