Fee discounts for siblings, large families and early payment

Key rules

• Sibling discount: It is school policy, not a right, so ask for it in writing and get written confirmation.
• Familia numerosa: The title brings set benefits in public education, but private and concertada schools decide their own reduction.
• Early payment: This discount is less common and entirely the school's choice, so ask for the terms before paying.

Discount percentages and familia numerosa benefits vary by school and region, so confirm them with the school and your regional authority before acting.

Which discounts schools offer

Private and concertada schools set their own discount policy, so nothing is guaranteed. Common discounts are:

• a sibling discount
• a discount for children of school staff
• a reduction for familia numerosa families
• less often, a discount for early or annual payment

Ask for the full list before you enrol. Percentages vary from school to school, so get the exact figure for your case.

Sibling discounts: ask, don't assume

Sibling discounts are customary school policy, not a right. Many schools apply them once they know about the siblings, but you often need to ask or hand over documents. Do it in writing.

• Check the school's rules at enrolment to see whether the discount is automatic or must be requested.
• Sibling discounts usually grow with each extra child. Ask for the percentage for the second, third and any further child.
• Ask the school to confirm the discount in writing.

Familia numerosa

Familia numerosa is an official status for larger families. It comes in a general category and a special category, which covers larger or lower-income families. The title gives you set benefits in the public system. In public education fees, such as university tuition and exam fees, the general category gets a 50% reduction and the special category is exempt. It can also give priority points in school admission, extra scoring for becas and reductions in some school services. Exact benefits depend on your region.

Private and concertada schools are different. Any reduction there is the school's own choice. Show your title and ask whether the school offers one.

Early-payment discounts

An early or annual payment discount is a school's own offer. Ask what you must pay, and by when, to qualify. Get the terms in writing before you pay.

Use the checklist below when you talk to the school, and the FAQ for common questions.

Checklist

• Ask the school which discounts it offers: siblings, staff children, large families and early or annual payment.

• Ask for the exact percentage for each additional child.

• Check the school's rules at enrolment to see whether the sibling discount is applied automatically or must be requested.

• Request the sibling discount in writing and hand over any documents the school asks for.

• Show your familia numerosa title, if you hold one, and ask whether the school offers a reduction for it.

Frequently asked questions

Does familia numerosa status cut fees at a private or concertada school?

Not automatically, because private and concertada school discounts for familia numerosa depend on each school. Ask the school whether it offers one and what proof it wants. The 50% reduction and exemption apply to public fees, such as university tuition and exam fees.

What else does familia numerosa status give for schooling?

Familia numerosa status gives extra priority points in school admission and scoring in becas (study grants). Some school services may also cost less. Benefits differ by region, so check with your regional education office.

Do sibling discounts get bigger with each extra child?

Yes, sibling discounts usually rise with each additional child, but the percentages are set by each school. Ask for the exact figure for your number of children before you enrol.