Education in Spain: What you need to know about schools

Moving to a new country comes with a multitude of challenges and changes, one of which, if you have children, is navigating the local education system. If you’re considering relocating to Spain or have recently moved, understanding how the Spanish education system works is essential for ensuring your children receive the best possible education. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with all the fundamental insights and practical information you need to know about schools in Spain.

School attendance is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 16. The education system in Spain is a well-structured pathway guiding children from early childhood through to higher education. It is overseen primarily by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (Ministerio de Educación y Formación Profesional). However, The Spanish education system is decentralized, meaning that the 17 autonomous communities (Comunidades Autónomas) in Spain manage and deliver education according to both regional and national policies.

Spain scores above the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) average in reading literacy, mathematics, and sciences with a score of 491 compared to the average of 486. Spanish students typically partake in nearly 18 years of education, surpassing the OECD average of 17.2 years.

The Structure of the Spanish Education System

In Spain, schools are classified into three main categories:

1. Publicly funded (Colegios Públicos): Fully funded by the government.
2. Privately funded (Colegios Privados): Including international schools.
3. State-subsidized Private (Colegios Concertados): Partially funded by the government.

‘Colegios concertados’ are unique in that they blend aspects of both public and private education. While they receive government funding to make education more accessible, they are privately managed, allowing for greater flexibility in administration and curriculum design compared to fully public schools. Many ‘colegios concertados’ are affiliated with religious organisations, primarily the Catholic Church, and often incorporate religious education and values into their programmes. However, not all 'colegios concertados' are religious; some may focus on specific educational philosophies or pedagogical approaches, such as Montessori or bilingual education. This diversity allows parents to choose a school that aligns more closely with their educational preferences and values.

The Spanish education system is divided into four main stages:

• Pre School (Educación Infantil): Not compulsory, ages 0-3 (1st Cycle) and 3-6 (2nd Cycle)
• Primary (Primaria): Compulsory, ages 6-12
• Secondary (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria or ESO): Compulsory, ages 12-16
• Upper Secondary (Bachillerato and Formación Profesional): Ages 16-18

Pre-School Education (Educación Infantil)

Overview: Early childhood education in Spain starts from 0 to 6 with pre-school education (Educación Infantil). This stage is divided into two cycles:

1. The first cycle caters to children aged 0 to 3 years and is usually provided by nursery schools (guarderías)
2. The second cycle is for children aged 3 to 6 years and is often available in primary schools (Colegios de educación infantil y primaria).

Key Points:

• Attendance is not compulsory but highly encouraged.
• Focuses on the holistic development of the child, including emotional, physical, social, and intellectual growth.
• Many pre-schools are public and free, but there are also private options available, which can be more expensive.
• This stage often serves as a low-cost childcare option and might be eligible for financial support based on family circumstances.

Primary Education (Educación Primaria)

Primary education in Spain is compulsory from ages 6 to 12. It consists of six academic school years and focuses on providing basic literacy and numeracy skills, alongside other subjects such as social sciences, arts, and physical education.

Curriculum:

• Core subjects include Spanish language and literature, mathematics, natural and social sciences, physical education, and a foreign language.
• Schools may offer additional subjects based on regional requirements and specific educational projects.

Assessment:

• Continuous assessment is conducted throughout the school year.
• Promotion to the next grade is generally based on these assessments, focusing on ensuring each child meets the required standards.

School Choices

• Parents can choose their child's school, which is typically limited to the nearest available school. Spare places in full schools are allocated based on a points-based system considering factors like siblings, proximity to home or parents' workplaces, family income, and any disabilities.

Secondary Education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria - ESO)

After primary school, children between the ages of 12 and 16 attend compulsory secondary education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria or ESO). This phase is crucial for academic and personal development, preparing students for further education or vocational training. This level of education, if it is public, is delivered at an 'Instituto de Educación Secundaria' commonly referred to as IES. Contrary to if were a private or semi-private ('concertado') school it would be referred to as a 'Colegio'.

Key Features:

• The curriculum is broad and includes Spanish language and literature, mathematics, social sciences, natural sciences, a foreign language, physical education, and arts. Optional subjects and electives allow students to tailor part of their education to their interests and future aspirations.
• Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical knowledge.

Assessment:

• Students are continuously assessed with regular exams and class performance.
• At the end of ESO, students receive a certificate of completion (Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria), necessary for advancing to higher education or entering the workforce.

School Choices

Parents can choose their child's school, though this is typically limited to the nearest available school. Spare places in full schools are allocated based on a points-based system considering factors like siblings, proximity to home or parents' workplaces, family income, and any disabilities.

Post-Compulsory Education: Bachillerato and Vocational Training

Secondary education in the Spanish public school sector continues after ESO with either the Spanish Baccalaureate (Bachillerato) or Vocational training depending on the pathway the student chooses. If you choose the private school or international school sector this may be different, as we will address later on.

Bachillerato:

• This is a two-year programme for students aged 16 to 18 who wish to pursue a university education.
• It offers various tracks, including arts, sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
• Assessment includes continuous evaluation and final exams, culminating in the university entrance exams (Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad - PAU), also known as Selectividad.

Vocational Training (Formación Profesional - FP):

• Offers an alternative for students who prefer to acquire practical skills and enter the workforce directly.
• Divided into middle-grade (Ciclos Formativos de Grado Medio) and higher-grade (Ciclos Formativos de Grado Superior) cycles:

Grado Medio: A two-year basic training programme.

Grado Superior: An additional two-year advanced programme, accessible to those 18 and older

In Spain, Formación Profesional (FP) offers a variety of subjects across numerous disciplines, providing students with vocational training tailored to meet the demands of various industries. The subjects studied can be grouped into several major categories ranging from Administration and Management to Electonics and Gastronomy. Overall, Formación Profesional in Spain includes a wide spectrum of specialised training programs aimed at enhancing both practical skills and theoretical knowledge related to specific career pathways.

International and Private Schools

For expatriates in Spain, international and private schools can provide a viable alternative to the public education system, especially for those seeking education in their native language or following a different curriculum. Around 32% of students attend private or semi-private schools in Spain, which may charge varying fees. Compared to many other Western countries, education in Spain, especially at the private level, is relatively affordable.

International Schools:

There are around 300 international schools in Spain, mainly located in Madrid, Barcelona, and along the Costas. Some examples are The Liceo Francés (French system), Escuela Suiza (Swiss system), Escuela Aleman (German system) and of course many schools that follow the British system or the American system.

These schools offer various curricula and globally recognised qualifications. International schools might be ideal for families looking to maintain ties with their culture and provide a more cosmopolitan environment for their children.

• Offer curricula from various countries, including British, American, French, and German programmes.
• Classes are often in the language of the curriculum offered, with bilingual options available.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes are frequently provided, which can facilitate university admission worldwide.

Private Schools:

• Follow the Spanish national curriculum but may offer more specialised programmes or bilingual education.
• Often have smaller class sizes, more extracurricular activities, and a diverse student body.
• Fees can vary significantly, so it’s essential to research options and budget accordingly.
• Dual Diploma programmes are also offered in some private schools and ‘Colegios Concertados’ allows students to graduate with the Spanish Baccalaureate and US High School diploma combined.

Language Considerations

Given that Spanish is the dominant language in Spain, language considerations are crucial for expatriate families.

Public Schools:

• Instruction is primarily in Spanish and regional languages (Catalan, Basque, Galician, Valencian) in respective autonomous communities.
• Children not proficient in Spanish might need additional language support, which some schools provide through special programmes.

Bilingual and International Options:

• Many international and private schools offer bilingual education, facilitating smoother transitions for expatriate children.
• Students often have the opportunity to learn Spanish while continuing their education in their native language.

Enrolment Procedures

Enrolling your child in a school in Spain involves specific procedures that vary depending on the type of school.

Public Schools

Steps:

1. Research and Visit: Investigate local schools, visit them, and gather information regarding education quality, facilities, and extra-curricular activities.
2. Application: Submit applications typically in the spring for the following academic year. Ensure you adhere to deadlines set by regional education authorities.
3. Documentation: Required documents include proof of residency, your child’s birth certificate, passport photos, and school records from your home country.
4. Placement: School placement can depend on various factors, including residence proximity, available spaces, and, sometimes, lottery systems.

Private and International Schools

Steps:

1. Research and Contact: Identify schools that align with your preferences and contact them directly.
2. Application: Private and international schools have their own application processes and deadlines, often more flexible than public schools.
3. Interviews and Tests: Some schools may require placement tests or interviews to assess compatibility.
4. Documentation: Provide necessary documents similar to those required by public schools, though the exact requirements may vary by institution.

Additional Educational Support

Moving to a new country can be challenging for children, especially adjusting to a new education system and language. Fortunately, various forms of additional educational support are available in Spain.

1. Spanish Classes: Many communities offer Spanish language classes for expatriate children to help them integrate more smoothly into the local school system.
2. Tutoring Services: Private tutoring can help children catch up with subjects they find challenging or adjust to the new curriculum.
3. Integration Programmes: Support for integrating into Spanish schools can include language assistance and cultural orientation programmes, these are mainly available in regions with co-languages like Catalan, Basque or Valencian.

Homeschooling

Homeschooling in Spain is experiencing growing interest, particularly due to the flexibility and personalised learning it offers. However, its legal status remains a grey area. The Spanish Organic Law of Education mandates ten years of basic education between ages 6 and 16 but doesn’t specify whether this must occur in a formal school setting. While some local governments have regulations, many don’t, leaving families to navigate homeschooling with limited clarity on legal standing.

Those who choose to homeschool must file a declaration with local authorities, outlining the curriculum that typically aligns with conventional educational standards. Despite the lack of financial support, various associations like the Association for Free Education (ALE) and regional groups in Catalonia provide valuable resources and support for homeschooling families.

Higher Education in Spain

Spain is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, renowned for their academic excellence and rich cultural heritage. Institutions such as the University of Salamanca, founded in 1218, and the Complutense University of Madrid, established in 1293, have long histories of scholarship and intellectual achievement. Spanish universities are celebrated for their strong programmes in a variety of fields, including humanities, social sciences, engineering, and medical sciences. In recent years, several Spanish universities have made significant strides in global university rankings, reflecting their commitment to research, innovation, and international collaboration. These universities not only attract international students from around the globe but also play vital roles in advancing education and fostering cross-cultural exchanges.

Universities

Types:

1. Public Universities: Funded by the government, usually charge lower tuition fees.
2. Private Universities: Higher tuition fees but may offer more specialised programmes and smaller class sizes.

Business, engineering, architecture, medicine, arts, and humanities are some of the more popular fields of study in Spanish universities.

Tuition Fees

The cost of university tuition in Spain is generally more affordable compared to many other European countries. For EU students, the annual tuition fees for Bachelor’s degrees typically range between €750 and €2,500. Non-EU students can expect to pay higher fees, often around €7,000 per year for Bachelor's programs.

For Master’s degrees, the fees range from €1,000 to €3,500 per year for EU students, while non-EU students may pay between €2,700 and €5,100. Tuition fees at private universities can be substantially higher; for instance, a year’s Bachelor's degree at a private institution in Madrid can cost approximately €8,150.

Application Process

For expatriate students wishing to pursue higher education in Spain, understanding the application process is crucial.

Steps:

1. Research: Identify universities and programmes that suit your academic interests and career goals.
2. Equivalency: Ensure your previous education qualifications are recognised by Spanish educational authorities.
3. Application: Submit applications directly to universities or through platforms for specific regions.
4. Language Proficiency: Provide proof of Spanish language proficiency if the programme is taught in Spanish; many universities also offer courses in English.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Various scholarships and financial aid options are available for expatriate students in Spain. Spain provides various forms of financial aid and grants to support all levels of children's education. Families with low income or multiple children can receive subsidies for preschool and other educational expenses. Expatriates can also benefit from these financial aids:

1. Government Scholarships: The Spanish Ministry of Education offers scholarships for international students.
2. University Grants: Individual universities may have their own scholarship programmes based on merit or financial need.
3. Private Scholarships: Various organisations and foundations offer scholarships catering specifically to expatriate and international students.

The Spanish education system is a well-structured and efficient framework that caters to the diverse needs of its student population, from early childhood through to higher education. Spain remains an attractive destination for both local and international students. Whether you aim to delve into vocational training or pursue academic excellence at one of Spain’s revered universities, the Spanish education system offers abundant opportunities for learning and growth.

Navigating the Spanish education system as an expatriate might seem challenging, but understanding its structure and leveraging support will make the transition smoother for you and your children. Spain’s broad spectrum of educational opportunities is designed to accommodate diverse needs and preferences. Embrace the experience, and you’ll be well on your way to ensuring a successful educational journey for your family in Spain. To gain deeper insights into living in Spain with children and ensuring a smooth transition, read our article on Raising a Family in Spain.