Spanish school system

State education in Spain is in general co-educational and entirely free, from nursery school through to university. Finding a place for your child in a state run Spanish school is normally a straightforward affair for an EU citizen. Some schools have a waiting list and the local authorities have a responsibility to find an alternative school, if necessary.

In the "comunidad de Valencia" the lessons will be held in Valencian and in Catalunya in Catalan; and not in Castilian (the national Spanish language). The younger your child is when you move to Spain, the easier they will learn Spanish (and Catalan or Valencian). Without exception they all also speak Castilian. Children learn Spanish quickly and will soon become bilingual or trilingual. In areas with large foreign communities, many Spanish schools provide language support.

Books will normally have to be bought from a local shop. This can cost a considerable amount. You will get a list when your child starts school. Lunch will be paid by standing order from your bank account. Each school sets its own rate.

School starts with nursery or pre-school at the age of three to five. Compulsory education begins at six years of age in a primary school and lasts for six years in all. At the age of 12, pupils move on to secondary education for the next four years. When they are 16, and if they have completed the four years, students are awarded a "graduado en educación secundaria" certificate. Then they may attend a higher secondary school. Pupils who haven’t successfully completed four years of secondary education are awarded a school certificate. At 16, students may attend a vocational school which provides specialized training for a specific career.

Pre-school education is available to children from the ages of three until six. Although it is not compulsory, the majority of Spanish children attend pre-school. Pre-school aims to teach children social and personal skills as well as preparing them for a smooth transition into compulsory education at the age of six. From the age of four, they are gradually introduced to reading and writing.

As parents it is important that you can communicate in Spanish with teachers so that you are able to support your child’s progress.

• Academic Year runs from September until June
• Schools operate from Monday to Friday.
• Pre School is available for 3 - 6 year olds.
• Primary School from 6 - 12 and Secondary from 12 - 16.
• The standards of education are equally to those in the North of the EU.
• The Spanish children quickly make friends with the international counterparts.
• In most public schools uniforms are not needed.
• Children have to buy their own books; approximately 150€ per year.
• Many Schools work from 9am to 2pm (or 3 pm).
• Most schools offer a free School bus service to those who need it.
• Holiday in summer takes up to 10-11 weeks.
• The school nearest to your home is the one your children will be assigned to.

To enroll your child in the Spanish school you will need to provide the school with a "Certificado de Empadronamiento", which is a certificate of proof of residency in your village or town. You can get this certificate at the local Town Hall (= Ayuntamiento) by supplying your passports and title deeds to your property or a rental contract, and your child’s passport.

Your lawyer or "gestor" will support you with the school application form and the start.

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