“I’m moving to Spain soon and I have children who will be attending school. I’ve heard a lot about the Spanish education system, but I’m not sure how it works. How does the school system operate in Spain? What types of schools are available, and what should I expect in terms of curriculum, school hours, and language?”
The education system in Spain is structured and varies depending on the region, but it follows a general framework defined by the Spanish Ministry of Education. Education is mandatory for children between the ages of 6 and 16, and it is provided free of charge by the public school system. However, there are also private schools, international schools, and charter schools that offer different curricula and languages of instruction. Let’s explore how the Spanish education system works and what you can expect.
1. Types of Schools in Spain
Spain offers several types of educational institutions, each with its own advantages depending on your needs and the age of your children.
a. Public Schools (Escuelas Públicas)
- What are they?
- Public schools in Spain are funded by the government and offer free education for all children. The curriculum follows national and regional regulations.
- Classes are mostly in Spanish, though in regions with regional languages (like Catalan or Basque), students will learn in those languages as well.
- They offer education from preschool to high school and follow the Spanish National Curriculum.
- Pros:
- Free education and widely available.
- Diverse student body and good social integration.
- High standard of education, especially in major cities.
- Cons:
- Large class sizes in some public schools.
- Language barrier: Children may need some time to adapt to Spanish (or regional language) if they are not fluent.
b. Private Schools (Escuelas Privadas)
- What are they?
- Private schools are not funded by the government and charge tuition fees. They are more flexible in their curricula and may offer specialized programs, such as arts or STEM.
- Classes are taught in Spanish, but some private schools offer a bilingual program or may even teach in other languages like English or French.
- Pros:
- Smaller class sizes for more individualized attention.
- Greater flexibility in choosing curriculum or teaching methods.
- International or bilingual schools available for children who need a specific language of instruction.
- Cons:
- Tuition fees can be expensive.
- Limited social diversity compared to public schools.
c. International Schools (Colegios Internacionales)
- What are they?
- International schools are designed for expats or families who may want their children to follow a curriculum from their home country. These schools often offer English-speaking programs and follow international systems, such as the British GCSE/IB or the American curriculum.
- Pros:
- International curriculum (IB, American, British).
- English language instruction, which can be beneficial for expat children.
- Typically small class sizes and a diverse international student body.
- Cons:
- Tuition fees are often high.
- Less integration with local culture and language, which might affect long-term adaptation.
d. Semi-Private or Charter Schools (Escuelas Concertadas)
- What are they?
- These are schools that receive partial funding from the government but are managed privately. They tend to have more flexible programs than public schools but are still affordable compared to fully private schools.
- Some of these schools offer bilingual education (Spanish and English), and many follow the same curriculum as public schools.
- Pros:
- Affordable compared to private schools.
- Often have a bilingual program or other specialized curriculums.
- Cons:
- Admission process can be competitive.
- Schools may still have relatively large class sizes.
2. School Stages in Spain
The Spanish education system is divided into several stages, similar to most European systems.
a. Early Childhood Education (Educación Infantil) – Ages 0-6
- This stage is optional, though many families choose to send their children to preschool.
- It is divided into two cycles:
- Cycle 1 (0-3 years)
- Cycle 2 (3-6 years)
- Curriculum:
- Focuses on basic social skills, creativity, and learning through play.
- Prepares children for primary education.
b. Primary Education (Educación Primaria) – Ages 6-12
- Duration: 6 years.
- This is mandatory for all children.
- Subjects include: Spanish, mathematics, science, physical education, art, and music.
- In regions with regional languages, children will also study the local language (e.g., Catalan, Basque, Galician).
c. Secondary Education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria or ESO) – Ages 12-16
- Duration: 4 years (from 12 to 16 years old).
- This is also mandatory and covers basic academic subjects like maths, science, language, and history.
- At the end of ESO, students take the “Graduado en Educación Secundaria” exam, which is necessary to move on to higher education.
d. Bachillerato – Ages 16-18
- Duration: 2 years.
- Students can choose between different academic tracks, such as sciences, arts, or social sciences.
- This stage prepares students for university or vocational training.
- Students who complete Bachillerato take the “Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad” (PAU), also known as the university entrance exam.
e. Vocational Education and Training (Formación Profesional or FP)
- Alternative to Bachillerato for those who want to pursue a vocational career.
- Includes courses in fields like electronics, mechanical engineering, healthcare, and tourism.
3. School Hours and Holidays
- School Hours:
- In most Spanish schools, classes start at 9:00 AM and end at 4:00 PM, though this may vary.
- Many schools in Spain follow a split shift schedule, with a break from about 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM for lunch. This break is important, as it allows children to eat and rest before returning to class.
- Holidays:
- Summer break: Schools in Spain usually close for about 3 months from late June to September.
- Christmas: 2-3 weeks off, usually from late December to early January.
- Easter break: A 1-week break in April.
- There are also several regional and national holidays, such as Labor Day (May 1st) and Spanish National Day (October 12th).
4. Language of Instruction
- Spanish is the main language of instruction in most schools across Spain.
- In regions with regional languages like Catalan (Catalonia), Basque (Basque Country), and Galician (Galicia), children will learn both Spanish and the regional language. This bilingual approach is common in public and private schools in these regions.
5. Integration for Expats
- Language: If your child does not speak Spanish, they may need some time to adjust. Many schools offer extra support for non-Spanish speakers, helping them with language integration.
- Bilingual Programs: Some schools offer bilingual education, where students are taught in both Spanish and English. These programs are especially popular in private, international, and some public schools.
The education system in Spain is highly structured, with clear stages from early childhood education through to Bachillerato or vocational training. While Spanish is the dominant language of instruction, regional languages are also taught in certain areas, offering a bilingual experience.
For expat families, the system offers a wide range of options, from public to private, international, and bilingual schools. Learning Spanish will be crucial for your child’s success in school, especially in non-international schools, but bilingual programs and support for non-Spanish speakers can help smooth the transition. Overall, Spain offers a high-quality education system, providing ample opportunities for children to thrive academically and socially.