The Ombudsman (Síndica de Greuges) has released a report estimating that Catalan families collectively bear 944 million euros annually to compensate for the underfunding of the education system. This situation results in additional expenses for households, extending beyond meals or school supplies to include fees for the operational costs of educational centers.
The study, titled "Estimation of the Cost of a School Place in Catalonia," details that the public deficit amounts to 429.9 million euros in the public sector and 514.2 million euros in the subsidized private sector. Despite improvements in funding since 2019, it still falls short of covering the actual expenses of the centers and guaranteeing effective free education.
Family contributions vary significantly by school type. In public schools, families pay an average of 948.5 euros for primary education and 573.7 euros for secondary education (ESO). In contrast, these figures rise substantially in subsidized private schools, reaching 3,810.4 euros for primary and 3,965.5 euros for secondary education.
These family expenses cover activities considered "complementary," such as meals, school trips, overnight stays, materials, digital licenses, and even operational costs and "services" linked to the educational project.
The report also highlights that the cost for families in subsidized private schools is approximately 3,000 euros higher annually, partly due to the offering of extended hours and paid activities. This situation disproportionately affects vulnerable students, raising questions about the equity of the education system.
