State-funded Catholic education in Spain: a chronicle of a death foretold? Implications for school choice and social mission

Abstract

The viability of Catholic state-subsidised schools is a challenge for educational pluralism in Europe. As example, when comparing Spain with other countries in the European Union, results are unfavourable. This article analyses whether the current funding system in Spain jeopardises this school provision. Our study shows that over 90% of the school units are running at a deficit, with the highest rates in primary and secondary education. Our findings show that the scarce public resources make schools depend on families’ voluntary contributions. This relationship generates a dilemma for the educational institutions between their survival and the ‘preferential option for the poor’ (Gravissimum Educationis). Most countries have secured stable and sufficient funding for their publicly funded schools. In Spain, the economics of these institutions makes it difficult for them to maintain quality and even their mere existence, especially in rural areas where they represent the only viable alternative to state schools. This leads us to the need for a profound reform that brings public funding for ‘concertado’ schools closer to the real cost of provision or, better still, to the cost of funding of similar public schools. Otherwise, the situation will force Catholic schools either to become elitist schools or close.