Schools in Spain: Public, International & More

The standard of Spanish education is high, and expats will have a variety of options when it comes to finding a school for their child. There are public, private (colegios privados), semi-private (colegios concertados) and international schools in the country.

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

Expats only planning to stay in Spain for a short time, or those with older children, generally opt for an international school.

The standard of the public school system in Spain is high. These schools are free for all children to attend, including expats, as long as they are on the municipal register (empadronamiento) at their local town hall.

The primary teaching language of public schools is generally Spanish, or sometimes the language of the region, such as Catalan in Barcelona. Public schools tend to be best for very young children who can easily overcome the language barrier, and for expat families who plan to live in Spain long term.

Children usually attend the state school closest to their homes until secondary school, when the principle of catchment zones takes effect.

Semi-private schools are former private schools subsidised by the Spanish government. They often teach through a religious lens, usually Catholic. Fees are low, and in some cases, non-existent.

These schools are a good option for parents who would prefer smaller class sizes for their children, but the standard of semi-private schools varies. The primary teaching language in these schools is also Spanish or the regional language, while the curriculum is the Spanish state curriculum.

Private schools in Spain are numerous and have annual tuition fees, which can be rather steep. These schools generally have smaller class sizes, higher quality facilities and a wider array of extra-curricular activities.

Unless the private school is a bilingual school or an international school, the primary teaching language is Spanish or the co-official language of the region.

Demand can be high for the more prestigious private schools in Spain, and expats will have to move fast to secure a spot for their child.

International schools in Spain are private schools that teach a globally oriented curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate or the curriculum of a foreign country. Short-term expats usually favour these schools because they allow their children to continue learning the curriculum of their home country in a language that they are familiar with.

Most urban centres in Spain have a good assortment of international schools, with the most widely used curricula being the British or American systems. There are also schools offering German, Swedish, Swiss and French curricula, among others.

Admission procedures vary from one school to the next and can include entrance exams and interviews. It’s best to correspond with each school individually to find out what’s required.

Before moving to Spain, ensure you and the family are fully covered with a reliable health insurance plan. Explore our comprehensive international healh insurance plans, designed to provide you with peace of mind abroad. Find out more about the Spain healthcare system in our Healthcare in Spain guide.