
Planning your child’s education in a foreign country like Spain requires you to understand the local education system; it may be a lot different than what you are used to as a parent.
The best thing about Spain is that the country provides rich and comprehensive educational opportunities. Also, the government has structured its pathway for quality learning at all levels.
Let us take you through the Spanish education system from nursery to secondary education. We will examine everything you need to know as a parent and cover the educational structure, different types of schools, and how to choose the right school based on your child’s needs.
Overview of the Spanish Education System
The education system in Spain is structured into four distinct stages: preschool, primary, secondary, and higher education. It is required that education be completed from the age of 6 to 16 years. Education beyond this age follows two parallel courses: academic and vocational.
Autonomous Regions and Education:
The regions of Spain have the authority to govern the educational system. However, there are minimal differences among areas, and what is taught will slightly differ, along with a few local languages such as Catalan, Basque, or even Galician.
Preschool (Educación Infantil)
Preschool (Educación Infantil) is not obligatory but recommended instead.
Preschool education is up to age 6, and although not mandatory, it’s encouraged. Parents send their children to preschool to aid in language and social development before enrolling them in primary school.
Primary Education (Educación Primaria): The Start of Compulsory Schooling
Primary education in Spain is a compulsory phase for children aged 6 to 12, starting with Primary A and finishing with Primary C. Curricula within this stage include basic academic skills like language, mathematics, science, and social studies. There is regular physical education, art, and a second language in addition to these.
The teachers assess every year whether the students have reached the criteria for promotion to the next grade level.
Secondary Education: Preparing for the Future
Compulsory secondary education, ESO or Educación Secundaria Obligatoria, is provided between 12 and 16. This period is divided into four years, during which students have to attend core lessons in mathematics, science, and the Spanish language alongside electives.
At the end of ESO, a student receives a certificate that will determine whether they should continue with higher academic education, called Bachillerato, or vocational training.
Bachillerato: The Road to University
The Bachillerato is a two-year academic course that students can join after they have completed the ESO. It is reserved for students who will eventually be heading off to university. Since it is considered the final year of high school, it also has options in different fields, namely in science, arts, and social sciences.
Private and International Schools: Alternative Option
Spain offers many private and international schools to expat families or parents looking for an alternative curriculum. Many follow global standards, like the IB program or the curricula of Britain and the United States.
Distinguishing Factors Between Private Schools and Public Schools:
Language: The primary use of Spanish occurs in public schools, while bilingual or English programs prevail in international schools.
School Fees: Public school fees are free except for the required materials. Alternatively, international and private educational establishments levy tuition charges.
Cultural Enrichment: Public schools offer more opportunities to experience cultures, whereas international schools make the experience more familiar to expat children.
Support for Special Education Needs (SEN)
Spain is very open to educational support for children with special needs. In public schools, there are programs in place, both for supportive teaching staff and individual education programs. Parents with children who have a learning disability or special education need to know about these programs so that their child gets what they need.
School Calendar and Daily Schedule
Schools in Spain last about nine months, starting in September, with breaks for Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays. The specifics of the daily program vary depending on the school. However, most operate using a split shift, where students attend in the morning and return to school for a few hours in the afternoon.
Extracurricular Activities and Holistic Development
In Spain, the emphasis on extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and the arts, is extreme. Most schools have additional programs beyond academics that complement the curriculum to develop their students’ skills and interests further.
Navigating the Admission Process
When placing your child in a Spanish school, the desired area would be one of the considerations accompanied by the reputation of the school and its programs. Admissions to public schools are made according to residence in the catchment area. International schools tend to be very selective, even going so far as holding interviews and sometimes entrance exams.
Conclusion: Why Education in Spain Suits Your Child
From free public schooling to private alternatives and a wide variety of post-secondary pathways, Spain’s education system provides children with a balanced and robust approach at whichever point in their lives they begin to study. This structure allows parents to ensure their child achieves academic and social development through the appropriate program.
Navigating this schooling system may be challenging when transitioning to a new country like Spain. Proper guidance will, however, ensure that your child thrives in this rich environment.
Contact Us
Contact us for a free consultation for student or visitor visas. Our immigration experts are ready to assist you.