High quotas and underfinancing situation
According to a report by EsadeEcPol, the majority of chartered educational centers in Catalonia charge fees to families, regardless of the level of funding. These quotas are the highest in the entire Spanish state. 52% of centers charge to compensate for a situation of underfunding, while between 25% and 33% do so to obtain levels of distinction or financial benefit. The average fee in Catalonia is 1,696 euros, while the average in Spain is 936 euros.
Funding situation of the centers
The study classifies centers into three groups: centers in a situation of underfunding or on the verge of being so, centers with optimal levels of funding and centers with overfunding. 52% of the concerted centers in Catalonia are in a situation of underfunding, while between 25% and 33% seek to obtain levels of distinction or economic benefit.
Fees according to the size of the center
The study highlights that the size of the center is one of the factors that determines the quotas. Larger centers tend to charge higher fees. For example, between 76% and 80% of schools with fewer than 100 students charge fees, while all schools with more than 500 students charge fees.
Average share in Catalonia
The average fee paid by families in Catalonia to charter schools is 1,696 euros. This fee includes payment for schooling, donations, extended hours and prices of the school canteen. Non-paying students are not included.
Situation in Spain
In Spain, there are 32.6% of free concerted centers and the average fee is 936 euros. The main reasons for charging these fees are to finance the costs of non-arranged services or due to underfunding situations.
Proposals to address the situation
The promoters of the study propose several measures to address this situation. First, they suggest a detailed analysis of the theoretical cost of a school place in the public and private sector. They also call for an audit of non-agreed expenses, especially in centers without funding problems that charge fees. In addition, they are committed to reviewing the concert system to ensure that resources are allocated appropriately to centers with funding problems. Finally, they believe that the cost of school canteens in chartered schools should be regulated to bring it on par with public schools.
