Help, which school for my child in Spain?

School in Spain, which option suits your family?

A fresh start in Spain means not only paella and beach days, but also important choices for your family. Which school in Spain will you choose? And can you choose? In the Netherlands, you visit elementary school and choose which one suits your child best. In big cities, you have to enroll your child almost before he or she is born. But how does that work in Spain? How will you find the right school for your children. Whether you choose a public, private or international school, the Spanish education system works differently than the Dutch one. So, what about ages, compulsory education, and the different school types in Spain? We’ll take you through all the ins and outs.

What is the Spanish education system like?

The Spanish education system is divided into several stages, with some notable differences from the Netherlands:

1. Educación Infantil (Preschool Education).
   • Age: 0 to 6 years old
   • This is not mandatory, but many children start early here. Preschool education is divided into two phases:
     • 0 to 3 years: This is similar to Dutch child care and usually private.
     • 3 to 6 years: Starting at age 3, preschool education is free and offered by public schools. Many parents choose to send their child to school at this age in preparation for primary education.
2. Educación Primaria (Primary Education)
   • Age: 6 to 12 years old
   • This is where compulsory education begins. Primary education lasts six years and focuses on subjects such as language, math, history and natural sciences. In some regions, such as Valencia, classes are also taught in a regional language such as Valencian.
3. Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO, Secondary Education).
   • Age: 12 to 16 years old
   • This is the second compulsory stage of the Spanish education system. After obtaining the ESO diploma, students can choose to quit school, pursue vocational training, or continue with the Bachillerato.
4. Bachillerato (Preparation for college)
   • Age: 16 to 18 years old
   • This optional phase can be compared to the upper phase of the Dutch havo or vwo. Students prepare here for university studies or higher vocational training.
5. Universidad of Formación Profesional
   • From the age of 18, students can choose a university education or a secondary vocational education (Formación Profesional). This is similar to the Dutch hbo or mbo, depending on the direction chosen.

What are the differences from the Netherlands?

While there are similarities, such as the structure in stages, there are also important differences:

• Age of compulsory education: In Spain, compulsory education does not begin until the age of 6, while in the Netherlands children are required to attend school from the age of 5.
• School hours: Spanish schools often use a split schedule (with a long break in the afternoon) Here they take into account the siesta.or a continuous schedule. In the Netherlands, schools usually work with a continuous schedule.
• Language of instruction: In Spain, Spanish is the main language, but in regions such as Valencia, Valencian is also used. This can be challenging for expat children. Children among themselves learn the language quickly. Just look at the playground or the beach. Children can entertain each other for hours and understand each other as they act it out and demonstrate. Still, instruction in another language is different. Make sure they already have a foundation when they get to school.
• Peuterspeelzaal versus kindergarten education: In the Netherlands, children attend the peuterspeelzaal from the age of 2, you pay for this as a parent, while in Spain the Educación Infantil from the age of 3 is often free.

What types of schools are there in Spain?

As in the Netherlands, there are different types of schools, each with its own advantages and challenges:

1. Public schools (Escuelas públicas).
   • Cost: Free (only books and extracurricular activities cost money).
   • Language: Classes are taught in Spanish and in some regions also in a regional language, such as Valencian.
   • Feature: An excellent choice for families looking to integrate into the local community.
2. Private schools (Escuelas privadas)
   • Cost: On average €1,500 to €8,000 per year.
   • Language: Many private schools offer bilingual education (Spanish and English).
   • Feature: Smaller scale, with more personal attention and extra facilities.
3. International schools
   • Cost: Ranging from €5,000 to €20,000 per year.
   • Language: Classes are taught in English or another international curriculum (such as IB or British education).
   • Feature: Perfect for expat families who move frequently and seek a uniform curriculum.

How do you make the best choice?

When choosing a school in Spain, there are some important considerations:

• Language Skills:
  Public schools help children learn Spanish and Valencian quickly, while international schools are ideal for children who thrive better in an English-speaking environment.
• Length of stay:
  Are you staying in Spain for a long time? Then a public school helps with full integration. For shorter stays, an international school offers more continuity.
• Budget:
  Public schools are free, while private and international schools vary in cost.
• School allocation:
  In public schools, the municipality determines which school your child will be assigned based on your residential address. In private and international schools, parents have more freedom to choose for themselves.

Several International and private schools in Spain:

If you click on the school name you will see where the school is located.

King’s College, The British School of Alicante – Alicante

A well-established British school that provides education for students aged 2 to 18 years according to the British national curriculum.

Newton College – Elche

A private school offering a bilingual program based on both the British and Spanish curriculum for students ages 3 to 18.

El Limonar International School Villamartín – San Miguel de Salinas

Follows the national curriculum for England and Wales and offers IGCSE and A-Level exams for students aged 3 to 18.

Xabia International College – Javea/Xabia

The only international school in Jávea that offers education to students from 2 to 18 years old according to the British national curriculum.

Lady Elizabeth School – Benitachell

Offers a broad curriculum for students ages 1 to 18, emphasizing both academic and personal development.

Valencia is also home to several International schools.

Public schools in Spain

Admission criteria: How does it work?

In Spain, admission to public schools depends largely on your residential address. When you register, you must submit a list of up to five preferred schools located near your home. Based on a points system, the municipality then decides which school your child will be placed in.

The point system works as follows:

• Distance from school: The closer you live to the school, the more points you get.
• Parents’ work address: If the school is closer to your work, this can also earn extra points.
• Family Income: In some cases, lower-income families are given priority.
• Siblings: Does your child already have a sibling at the same school? If so, he or she will automatically receive priority.

Do you get to choose for yourself?

Although you may specify your own preferred schools, the municipality ultimately determines which school is assigned based on the point system. This means parents have less freedom than in the Netherlands, where you can usually choose which school suits you best.

Tip: If you have your eye on a specific school, it may be helpful to live near it. The distance between your home and the school plays a big role in allocation. So pay attention to this when buying a house. Do you want to buy a house? We are happy to help you and help you well.

Benefits of public schools

• Cost: Tuition is free, making it attractive to families with limited budgets.
• Language and culture: Children learn Spanish (or a regional language such as Valencian) quickly and integrate easily into the local community.
• Accessibility: Public schools are everywhere in Spain, even in small villages and communities.

Challenges

• Limited choice: The municipality determines allocation based on availability and distance.
• Language barrier: It can be difficult for expat children to attend classes entirely in Spanish or Valencian.
• Classes: Classes in public schools tend to be larger than in private or international schools, which can affect personal attention to students.

The ultimate tip for parents: every child adapts

Whether you choose a Spanish public school, a private institution or an international school, children usually adapt faster than you think. The most important thing is to choose an environment where your child feels comfortable and where his or her talents can flourish. We ourselves have no desire for children, and that for someone with a mother as a kindergarten teacher. For us, this is totally out of the question. But of course I always got from mom what is really important for those little ones. School is super intensive for them. They need to adjust and feel safe. Especially in that first period, make sure they can settle in peacefully and that they know you are always there for them. Time, attention and trust is very important. Whatever choice of school you make. Discuss what is going well, what is difficult and support your child in language.

School abroad can be extra intense. A new home, new place. But perhaps this is precisely an educational system that suits your child much better. Children here are allowed to be a little more of a child. They are less strict about asking for time off or being on time. There is more play and less achievement. Maybe your child will flourish.

Compulsory education in the Comunitat Valenciana

Are you moving to the Costa Blanca with children? Then it is good to know how compulsory education is regulated here. In Spain – and therefore also in the Comunitat Valenciana – children between 6 and 16 are subject to compulsory education. So they have to go to school until they get their certificate for compulsory secondary education (ESO).

For children aged 0 to 3, school is not compulsory. Nevertheless, from the 2024-2025 school year, the Comunitat Valenciana offers free care and education for this age group. Useful if you have young children and want to give them a good start.

After age 16, young people may choose. They can continue studying, for example through the Bachillerato or a vocational training program. This is not mandatory, but it is smart if they want to continue studying later or find work more easily.

Home schooling is not allowed in Spain. Children must really be enrolled in a recognized school and also attend classes.

Schools on the Costa Blanca are used to receiving children from different countries. There are often special programs to help new students settle in quickly.

A tip? Check on instagram to see if there are families in your area who just moved. They may have tips. You can learn so much from people who have just emigrated. Then you don’t have to reinvent the wheel twice. There are an awful lot of app groups with Dutch people and Facebook groups. Ask your questions. Want to be in one of those app groups? We can arrange that for you 😉 We also have someone who can help you with this. Also with contacting school. Do you want to buy a house? We will be happy to help you. It’s free in Spain. Note: We can only help you as a buying agent if you let us register you. So not if you do it yourself.