What Parents Need to Know About Returning to School in Spain
As the summer holidays wrap up, parents across Spain are getting ready for the new school year. This year, the academic session for 2025/2026 begins within a few weeks. So, let’s break down everything parents should know about the return to school, covering dates, material costs, financial aid, and the latest changes in schools.
School Return Dates
When it comes to the first day of school, the date can vary depending on the region. Generally, students will return between September 5th and September 11th. Most regions like to start on September 8th, 9th, or 10th.
- The Basque Country gets ahead with its students returning on September 5th.
- Andalusia and the Balearics have their first day on September 10th, while Extremadura holds out until September 11th.
It’s essential to check with your specific school, especially if it’s an international or private school, as they may have different schedules. For instance, in Catalonia, the primary schools and high schools return on September 8th, while students in Bachillerato (similar to A-levels in the UK) start on the 12th.
Costs of School Materials
With a new school year always comes the challenge of costs. This September, parents should expect to pay, on average, around €400 per child. Keep in mind that this can vary widely based on your location. For example, families in Valencia, Catalonia, and Navarre can expect to pay more, while those in Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha may find it more affordable.
The bulk of these costs comes from books and uniforms. On average, uniforms can cost up to €229.79 and books around €192.26. For primary students, textbook prices have risen by roughly 4.55% this year, while secondary textbooks have seen a more modest increase of 1.52%.
Given the rising costs, many families are opting for second-hand items. In fact, a recent study found that 54% of families have either already purchased or are considering purchasing second-hand school materials. The reality is that 89% of families feel the financial pinch when it comes to back-to-school expenses, with 77% admitting that this time of year is a financial strain.
Financial Aid Options
Fortunately, some regions are providing financial assistance to ease the burden. For instance, Catalonia is offering a voucher of €60 to help with school supplies, which comes in two parts of €30 redeemable until the end of November. In Madrid, there’s a book lending program available at publicly funded schools, and Valencia has a book bank, called Xarxa Llibres, to help keep costs manageable.
New Changes for the 2025-2026 School Year
For this school year, one of the goals is to reduce the student-to-teacher ratio across schools in Spain. While a clear implementation plan is still needed, some regions are already making strides. In Castilla-La Mancha, an agreement has been signed to gradually reduce these ratios, as well as the number of teaching hours.
In the Canary Islands, there’s a plan to maintain classrooms with a maximum of 20 students in early childhood education, especially in crowded areas. Additionally, Catalonia is rolling out a mobile phone ban in secondary schools as part of its Responsible Digitalisation Plan, aiming to limit screen time in preschool as well.
In the Valencia region, the focus will be on establishing student groups based on the primary language preference of the families, whether that’s Spanish or Valencian.
Heatwave Preparedness
As we move into the new school year, many regions have developed heatwave plans to ensure that schools can handle high temperatures. Madrid, for example, has implemented a high-temperature plan that includes changing school hours and halting physical activities during the hottest parts of the day. In Andalusia, the government is fast-tracking a bioclimatic adaptation plan that will benefit over 1,300 schools. Barcelona is also proactive with a municipal climate control plan for 170 schools that is set to last until 2029.
Final Thoughts
With school starting soon, it’s important for parents to stay informed about the return dates, costs, available financial aid, and changes to educational practices in Spain. Planning ahead can help ease the transition into another academic year for your children.
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Original Text – https://www.thelocal.es/20250827/what-parents-should-know-about-the-return-to-school-in-spain