New School Year in the Canary Islands
The new school year will begin in Canary Islands on 9th September for the Infant and Primary levels, a day later for secondary education (ESO), and on 11th September for Sixth Form. Thus, the calendar in the archipelago slightly differs from that of most autonomous communities, which will commence classes on 8th September. Families in the Canary Islands face an average expenditure of €400.
This variation in dates highlights the diversity of educational calendars across the country. While Navarra will be one of the first regions to open classrooms from 4th September, other communities such as Andalusia, Galicia, and Madrid have chosen to schedule the return during the second week of the month.
Concern Over Costs
Beyond the calendar, the main concern for families is the financial outlay associated with the start of the term. According to estimates from various financial comparison sites, the average cost per student is expected to exceed €420 this year, with textbooks and uniforms being the most significant expenses. The rise in prices has led many families to turn to second-hand materials to mitigate costs.
Platforms like Wallapop and Milanuncios report that over half of households have already purchased or plan to buy reused products, particularly school manuals, clothing, and backpacks. Last year, the demand for such articles doubled in the months leading up to the start of classes.
Tips for Reducing Expenses
Consumer organisations recommend planning purchases in advance, reusing items still in good condition, and exploring alternatives like libraries or public book loan programmes to help reduce expenses.
The 2025/2026 academic year will again highlight notable differences between regions and types of institutions. While a student in a public school incurs an average annual cost of around €1,200, families with children in private or semi-private institutions face figures that can multiply this amount.
