Education & Schools

Education in Spain

The standard of education in Spain is very high, and since entering the EU; it has become simple to transfer between systems with full recognition of qualifications.

Many younger families are coming to live in Spain and looking at the various ways of educating their children.

Schools and colleges are available in all areas, and Spain has some of the finest International schools where study is in English. If your children are still young it is recommended that they are educated in a Spanish school...state education is free and most children are quick to learn the language.

So basically you have two options; register your child in the Spanish state school system, or register your child at an International school. The choice between the two is purely a matter of personal taste. The ages of the children will be a factor to consider, as children attending a local state school will be taught totally in Castilian Spanish or the local dialect eg: Valencian. Younger children find it much easier to adapt to being thrust into the system than those approaching or within the secondary school age.

In most areas now there will be other English - speaking children in local state schools who will help translate. Starting age for children at infant and primary school varies from town to town, but if at the school there is infant section then children can start at 3 years, but full time education is not compulsory until they are 5. In nursery school prior the childcare workers must have a degree, so the quality of pre-school is excellent.

Spanish schools are more relaxed than their English counterparts, there is usually no uniform requirement and teachers are usually called by their Christian names. School hours are from 09.00 to 17.00 but there will be a 2-3 hour break in the middle of the day when the child can either stay and eat in the dining room, or go home if close by. School recommences at 15.00.

School holidays are taken at Easter and Christmas, and with a long summer break. From June 1st children attend only half days and break up the whole of July & August, plus back to only half hays in September.

Secondary School

This is for pupils aged between 14-18 and this is known as 'Instituto'. If your child is coming from the UK you will need the copies of any school exam certificates. School hours are from 08.00 - 15.00 hrs Monday to Friday.

International Schools

Entrance requirements vary from school to school as do the fees. Most will follow the syllabus of the United Kingdom schools and offer entry to GCSEs and A/S levels.

A birth certificate, report from previous school, exam results, vaccination and medical certificates are all needed for entry.

For information about Spanish schools, both state and private, can be obtained from the Spanish Embassy. Most British schools in Spain belong to the National Association of British Schools (NABS) whose members are visited and approved by British School inspectors.