Lorraine Williamson
As pupils return to classrooms across Spain, the financial pressure on parents is becoming increasingly evident. A new study by consumer watchdog OCU reveals that sending a child to school during the 2025/2026 academic year will cost an average of €2,390.
That figure covers far more than pencils and notebooks. From uniforms and sports kits to registration fees and extracurricular activities, the bills quickly add up. For many families, September has become one of the most expensive months of the year.
Madrid tops the table, Galicia lowest
The cost of education is far from uniform across Spain. In Madrid, parents spend on average €745 per child at the start of term, the highest figure in the country. By contrast, families in Galicia face an average bill of €544, highlighting stark regional inequalities.
These numbers are just the beginning, with overall annual costs climbing further as the school year progresses.
School type makes the biggest difference
While geography plays a role, the type of school chosen has the most dramatic effect on household budgets. According to OCU data:
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Private schools: €1,752 per student on average (including enrolment fees).
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Subsidised schools (concertados): around €702 per student.
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Public schools: €594 per student.
Even the public system, often seen as the most affordable option, still represents a significant expense, particularly for families with more than one child.
Parents’ frustration with waste
Beyond the raw figures, OCU notes a recurring complaint: some books and supplies go almost unused throughout the year. Parents argue that schools should avoid unnecessary purchases and focus only on essentials. At a time when many households are tightening their belts, such waste adds fuel to the frustration.
Tips to reduce the financial burden
To help families cope, OCU suggests a few practical strategies:
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Plan early: Spread out purchases rather than buying everything in one go.
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Compare prices: Shop around instead of relying on a single store.
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Keep receipts: Essential in case items need to be returned or replaced.
Small steps, the organisation insists, can save both money and stress.
On a recent shopping trip with my teenager, I realised just how quickly costs can spiral. Had I accepted all the branded pens and notebooks she picked out, I would have spent nearly six times more. By simply choosing the supermarket’s own label versions, I saved a small fortune — a reminder that brand loyalty isn’t always worth the price.
A yearly challenge in tough times
For Spanish families, the return to school is not just a logistical exercise but a recurring financial hurdle. With the cost of living still climbing, the price of education is one more pressure on household budgets. Unless action is taken to curb unnecessary costs, many parents will continue to feel that September brings more strain than celebration.
Source: Europa Press