Education and Schools in Spain

Finding the right education and schools in Spain will be a primary concern for families moving to Spain with children. School options vary between public, private, international and semi-private institutions. These schools range from Catholic to secular, co-educational to single-gendered.

You’ll need to carefully evaluate several factors before making your choice. Consider your child’s age, the anticipated length of your stay in Spain, your budget, the primary teaching language you would prefer and the curriculum that would best suit your child.

Each situation differs and warrants careful consideration, but families planning short-term stays or those with older children usually opt for an international school in Spain.

Education is compulsory in Spain for children between the ages of 6 and 16, and the academic year typically runs from mid-September to the end of June.

Public schools in Spain

Public schools in Spain maintain standards comparable to private institutions. These state schools are free for children to attend, but you’ll still pay for books and extracurricular activities. You can send your children to state schools in Spain at no cost as long as you’ve registered on the municipal register or Empadronamiento at your local town hall.

Children typically attend the state school nearest their homes until secondary school. Catchment zones take effect for secondary school enrolment.

The primary language of instruction in state schools is generally Spanish or the regional language, such as Catalan in Barcelona or Valencian in Valencia. Don’t assume that teachers in the state system will speak English, as many do not and those who do have varying levels of proficiency.

Public schools work best for families with very young children who can easily overcome the language barrier and culture shock, and for those planning to live in Spain long-term.

Semi-private schools

Semi-private schools, known as colegios concertados, are former private schools now subsidised by the Spanish government. School fees are low and, in some cases, non-existent.

These schools prove an excellent choice for parents preferring smaller class sizes for their children, although the standard depends heavily on location. Schools located in affluent areas typically meet higher standards. Some concertado schools accept children from as young as one year old.

The primary teaching language in these schools is Spanish or the regional language, and they follow the Spanish state curriculum.

Empadronamiento in Spain 
Culture Shock in Spain

Useful links

• Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports

Private schools in Spain

Private schools in Spain are plentiful, and some charge steep annual tuition fees. These schools typically offer smaller class sizes, better facilities and a wider array of extracurricular activities.

Unless the private school operates as a bilingual or international school, the primary teaching language will be Spanish or the co-official regional language.

Demand is high for Spain’s more prestigious private schools, particularly in Madrid and Barcelona. To enrol your children in these schools, you’ll need to move quickly and negotiate effectively.

Education costs vary considerably across private schools, so contact each school directly regarding tuition fees and curriculum details.

International schools in Spain

International schools in Spain operate as private institutions teaching foreign curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or curricula from countries like the United States or the United Kingdom. Short-term residents typically favour these schools because they allow children to continue learning in their home country’s curriculum and in familiar languages.

Most urban centres in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and coastal areas, host numerous international schools. These institutions often sit on the city outskirts, potentially making for longer commutes. Ensure your salary covers the annual fees or that your employment contract includes education allowances.

Admission procedures vary significantly between schools, so contact each institution directly. Bring your child’s previous school reports and immunisation records to interviews.

Best International Schools in Madrid 
Best International Schools in Barcelona

Special educational needs in Spain

Parents with children who need special educational support can rest assured that Spanish public and semi-private schools are required to provide inclusive education for children with special needs wherever possible. Public schools maintain shared psychologist, speech therapist and sociologist services to support students.

Spain also has a range of special-needs schools throughout the country for children with disabilities too severe for mainstream school accommodation, especially in major cities.

Children with disabilities or different learning needs may qualify for government grants to assist with specialist treatments, tutoring or tuition for special schools.

Useful links

• European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education: Spain
• Asperger Support Spain
• Malaga Schools: Understanding Special Needs Services & IEPs in Spain
• Steps Into Spain: School Options for Children with ASD in Spain

Tutors in Spain

Tutoring serves as a valuable tool for children throughout Spain. Parents frequently hire tutors to teach their children Spanish, help them prepare for important exams or assist with challenging school subjects. Various private tutoring companies operate across Spain, offering services at facilities, at home or online. Reputable platforms include Preply and Apprentus.

Useful links

• Preply: Online Spanish Tutors
• Apprentus: Tutoring Lessons in Spain