Having just settled in Madrid with my child, I’ve been busy looking at schools. After visiting a few private and semi-private (concertado) schools, I discovered an expense I hadn’t given much thought to before: the school uniform. I assumed it would be similar to what I was used to back home, but the cost of a complete set is surprisingly high. Today, I’m sharing the list and prices we just received to serve as a reference for other parents in the same situation.
We chose a fairly standard private school, and buying the uniform isn’t a one-time purchase. It’s divided into three main categories—daily wear, sportswear, and seasonal items—each with a dizzying number of individual pieces. The school shop provides a detailed list, and parents purchase items as needed. I have to admit, the quality of the uniform is excellent, but the prices are also quite ‘beautiful.’
Main Uniform Cost Components
Our child is a boy, so the basic required set is what’s listed below. The uniform for girls includes items like skirts, and the prices may differ slightly.
Daily Uniform
- Polo Shirts: You’re generally required to buy 2-3 for rotation. They come in long and short-sleeved versions. The short-sleeved ones are around €25 each, while the long-sleeved ones are closer to €30.
- Sweater/Cardigan: A V-neck pullover with the school crest. This is one of the pricier items, costing €40-€50 each.
- Trousers: Grey or dark blue long trousers in a standard style, costing about €40 per pair. There are also summer shorts, which are a bit cheaper at around €30.
- Jacket: This is one of the most expensive items. A thick winter jacket—windproof, waterproof, with a fleece lining—can set you back €80-€100. Seeing that price tag really made my
heart bleed.
Sportswear
The sportswear is usually sold as a full tracksuit, including a top and bottoms, costing €60-€70 for the set. There are also summer and winter versions. The summer kit, with a short-sleeved T-shirt and shorts, costs another €40-€50. Since P.E. classes are frequent, many parents buy two sets for rotation.
Below is a simple table with our approximate costs to give you a clear idea. Keep in mind, this is just the basic set and doesn’t include accessories like socks and shoes, which we have to provide ourselves but must adhere to specific color requirements.
| Category | Item | Quantity | Est. Unit Price (€) | Est. Total Price (€) |
|---|
| Daily | Short-Sleeved Polo | 3 | 25 | 75 |
| Daily | V-Neck Sweater | 2 | 45 | 90 |
| Daily | Long Trousers | 2 | 40 | 80 |
| Sportswear | Tracksuit Set | 2 | 65 | 130 |
| Other | Winter Jacket | 1 | 90 | 90 |
| Total | | | | 465 |
All in all, outfitting one child with a complete set of uniforms for the first year can easily cost over €400, and even approach €500. Furthermore, kids grow fast, and it’s likely many sizes won’t fit by the second year, forcing you to buy new ones, which is a common aspect of Spanish private school uniforms. While it’s a significant expense, the upside is that it eliminates the daily morning struggle of deciding what to wear. Plus, students look very tidy during school events with their Spanish school uniforms.
I’m curious to know how much other parents have spent on school uniforms. Do you have any money-saving tips to share? For example, have you tried buying second-hand items from older students through parent groups?
