Whilst State Education in Spain is free, historically parents have been required to buy text books each year costing on average €120 per child per school year. In August 2008 the Andalucían Government announced the continuation of its programme for the provision of free text books for schools within the region. This programme has been ongoing for some time, having expanded year on year, and has now culminated in that with effect from September 2008 every student from ages 6-16 now has access to free text books throughout their compulsory education.  

For each school year, children will be expected to use text books from previous years until such time as they deteriorate beyond repair, at which point the school will claim for replacements via the "cheque-libro" system. This is essentially a voucher that must be presented to a "papelería" (bookshop). The papelería will order the books stated on the voucher and will provide a receipt for the order. The text books normally arrive within two to three weeks. On collection, the parent or guardian is required to sign the voucher confirming receipt and so that the papelería may claim the amount due. The books remain the property of the school to be used in subsequent years.

The head teacher of each school is responsible for ensuring that "cheque-libro" vouchers are provided only for those children who have matriculated correctly at the school, i.e. have completed the necessary form to register with the school for the coming academic year, and are in a year group covered by the scheme.

However there are also supplementary items which need to be purchased by the parents; these are at the discretion of the school, which will provide a list. Normally the list will include items such as a dictionary, a school agenda and practical text books that the children complete, usually as part of homework thus consolidating their learning. Some schools will ask for a set payment at the beginning of each school year to cover other materials, for example, art and craft materials, pencils, erasers and exercise books. Other schools will add these to the previously mentioned list given to parents.

Further information on the Free Text Books Programme can be found on the website of the Junta de Andalucía.