Education in Spain: An overview of the Spanish education system

An overview of the Spanish education system

Spain’s education system is regulated by national law but managed by each of its 17 autonomous regions. The current legal framework is set by LOMLOE (2020), which guarantees free and compulsory education from age 6 to 16 and places a strong focus on inclusion, digital skills, and equity.

Education in Spain is mostly delivered in Spanish or a co-official regional language (e.g. Catalan, Basque, Galician), but there are growing numbers of bilingual programmes, particularly in public and concertado schools.

💬 "The [international] school [I attended] offered both UK and Spanish qualifications. Some students followed just one route, while others did a mix depending on their university plans." — Kyero's Jade Buckley is an international school graduate.

Whether your child is starting early or joining mid-way, you will have the chance to choose a pathway that aligns with their future goals and your language preferences.

Spanish education stages explained

Educación infantil (0 to 6 years)
While not mandatory, most children begin preschool at age three. The first cycle, from birth to age three, may take place in guarderías (day nurseries), while the second cycle is widely available in public schools and offered free of charge. Activities focus on social development, play, basic literacy, and motor skills.
 

Educación primaria (6 to 12 years)
This six-year stage builds on subjects like maths, reading, science, and arts. Children are usually taught by a class tutor with some input from subject specialists. Many schools now include bilingual teaching, especially in larger cities and regions with co-official languages.
 

ESO: Educación secundaria obligatoria (12 to 16 years)
ESO is the equivalent of lower secondary school. Students begin to take on more academic subjects and can choose from optional modules in the later years. At the end of this stage, they receive the Graduado en ESO, which is required for further education or vocational training.
 

Bachillerato (16 to 18 years)
For students aiming for university, Bachillerato offers academic specialisation in Science and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, or the Arts. It ends with regional university entrance exams known as EBAU.
 

Formación profesional (FP)
This vocational route covers a wide range of professions, from hospitality to computing. Students gain practical skills and often complete work placements. Many go straight into the workforce, while others continue on to higher vocational or university study.
 

University
Spain has a mix of public and private universities, many of which offer courses in English. Entry typically requires passing the EBAU or holding an equivalent international qualification.
 

💬 “I chose to follow the UK qualifications, GCSEs and A levels, which prepared me well for studying in the UK. But the school also offered ESO and Bachillerato, so you could choose or mix depending on your plans.” — Jade

Types of school in Spain

One of the most important decisions you will make when moving to Spain with children is what kind of school to choose. Spain offers four main types of schools, each with different costs, curricula, and teaching styles.

Public Schools (Escuelas Públicas)
Funded by the Spanish government and completely free to attend, public schools follow the national curriculum and often teach in the regional language of the area. These schools are typically larger, more diverse, and have a strong emphasis on community. Many offer bilingual Spanish and English programmes, though not all do.
 

Pros:

• Free
• Integrated into the local community
• Exposure to Spanish language and culture

Cons:

• Language may be a barrier at first
• Larger class sizes
• Limited support in English

Concertado Schools
These are semi-private schools that receive partial government funding. They usually charge modest fees and often follow Catholic values, although many are secular in practice. Concertado schools tend to offer smaller classes than public schools and may include extra-curricular activities or bilingual teaching.
 

Pros:

• Lower fees than private schools
• More resources than public schools
• Often offer bilingual or multilingual education
   

Cons:

• May have a religious ethos
• Admission can be competitive in popular areas

Private Schools
Private schools operate independently and charge full fees. Some follow the Spanish curriculum, while others offer alternative approaches, such as Montessori or Waldorf methods.
 

Pros:

• Small class sizes
• Varied teaching styles
• More individual attention
   

Cons:

• Higher costs
• Not always academically accredited

International Schools
International schools follow a foreign curriculum (British, American, IB, etc.) and are popular with expat families. They are fully private and tend to have high fees but offer continuity for children who may later return to their home country.

💬 “I went to an international school that followed the British curriculum. My class sizes were tiny—no more than 15 students—and the teachers were very involved, which really helped me as someone with undiagnosed dyslexia.” — Jade

💬 “Most of my classmates were Spanish or mixed nationality, so the playground language was Spanish even though classes were in English. It was a great mix for learning both.”

Spanish curriculum and language expectations

Most schools in Spain follow a national curriculum set by the Ministry of Education, but how and in what language that curriculum is delivered can vary widely depending on the school type and region.

Spanish state curriculum
In public and most concertado schools, the national curriculum covers core subjects such as maths, science, history, language and literature, plus physical education and art. In later years, students can specialise in academic or vocational paths.
The curriculum is broadly standardised across the country, but regions with co-official languages such as Catalonia, the Basque Country or Galicia may teach partly or fully in those regional languages. In other areas, you’ll usually find Spanish as the primary language of instruction, with English taught as a second language from an early age.

Bilingual and multilingual programmes
Many public and concertado schools now offer bilingual Spanish-English education, where subjects are taught in both languages. Some even extend this to a third language such as French or German, particularly from Year 4 onwards.
 

💬 “At my international school, students started learning Spanish at age three. By Year 4, we had the option to start a third language too. I had ten Spanish lessons a week—five from the British curriculum and five from the Spanish one.” — Jade

International and alternative curricula
Private and international schools may follow British, American, French or IB curricula. These are taught in English or the language of the home country and are particularly helpful for families who plan to return home or continue with familiar exam systems.

💬 “Our school offered both UK and Spanish qualifications. Some students took only A levels, others only the Spanish route, and some did a mix of both depending on where they wanted to apply to university.” — Jade

If your child will be joining mid-way through their education or you want consistency with their current system, international schools can offer a smoother academic transition.

Calendar and daily schedule

The Spanish school year typically runs from September to late June, with three terms separated by holidays in December and Easter. Exact dates vary by region, so it’s important to check with your local education authority or school.

Most schools operate Monday to Friday, but the daily schedule can differ between school types:

Public and concertado schools
Start: Around 9:00 am
Finish: Between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm, depending on whether they offer afternoon sessions
Lunch: Some schools end early and children eat at home, while others provide a canteen service (comedor)
Homework: Generally starts from age 6, with increasing volume in secondary years

Many schools offer extra-curricular activities or extended hours in the afternoon, which can be a helpful solution for working parents.

Private and international schools
Private and international schools often set their own timetables and may finish later than public schools.

💬 “My school hours were 10 am to 5 pm, which didn’t match either the Spanish or UK systems. We also had summer holidays starting around the 20th of June and returned in September.” — Jade

One cultural difference many families notice is that Spanish schools tend to start the academic year gradually, with part-days or flexible schedules during the first week or two—something worth planning for if you are moving during the summer.

Fees and funding

One of the biggest advantages of the Spanish education system is that public schooling is free, even for non-Spanish citizens who are officially residents. This includes primary and secondary education (ages 6 to 16) at state-run schools.
That said, you may still need to budget for some basic costs, such as:
 

• School books and supplies
• School uniforms (if applicable)
• Extracurricular activities or trips
• Lunch fees (if your child eats in the school canteen)

Concertado schools
Concertado schools receive state funding but usually charge a small monthly fee, often between €50 and €150, depending on the school and services included. These schools may also request voluntary contributions from parents.
 

Private and international schools
Fees at fully private and international schools vary widely. Expect to pay anywhere from €3,000 to over €15,000 per year, with additional charges for transport, meals, uniforms, and exams.
 

Financial Support
While Spain does not offer universal school vouchers, there are means-tested grants and tax deductions available for certain expenses, including textbooks and school meals. Some regions also offer subsidies for low-income families or students with special needs.

Admissions and paperwork

If you are moving to Spain with children, sorting out school admissions will likely be high on your to-do list. While the system can vary slightly between autonomous regions, most follow the same core steps.
 

What you’ll need
To enrol your child in a public or concertado school, you will usually need:
 

• Empadronamiento (local registration certificate proving your address)
• Parent and child’s ID or passport
• Child’s birth certificate
• Vaccination records and proof of medical cover
• Academic reports or school transfer documents (if applicable)

You’ll also be asked to provide proof of residency and your address, as most state school places are assigned based on catchment area.

Application timeline
Public and concertado school applications typically open in March or April for the following academic year. Each region publishes a calendar with deadlines, so it is important to check early with your local education office.

Private and international schools
These schools often have their own admissions processes, which can include interviews, assessments, and waiting lists. The earlier you apply, the better.
 

💬 “I was rather lucky as my mum was working at the school, so everything was very smooth. I was even able to visit the school a few times and meet all of my teachers before my first day.” — Jade

If you are relocating mid-year or arriving outside the application window, contact your local town hall or school directly. Many schools are flexible and will help accommodate late arrivals, especially if places are available.

Special educational needs and support services

Spain’s public education system is committed to inclusion and offers support for students with special educational needs (educación especial). This includes children with learning difficulties, disabilities, or giftedness.
 

Support is usually provided in one of two ways:

• Mainstream integration, where students receive tailored support within regular classrooms
• Specialised schools or classrooms, for those with more complex needs

Each autonomous region has its own support framework, but most public and concertado schools have access to:

• Educational psychologists
• Speech and language therapists
• Learning support teachers

Families must usually request an assessment through their local education authority, who will determine eligibility and recommend appropriate support.

💬 “Thanks to the small class sizes, I was able to have a lot more one-to-one working time. I had undiagnosed dyslexia at the time, but it was never a problem.” — Jade

This kind of individualised attention can be a major advantage, especially in smaller schools or international settings where teachers have more time for each student.

Extracurriculars and childcare

Whether your child is sporty, musical, artistic or just bursting with energy, schools in Spain offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to keep them busy and engaged beyond the classroom.

After-school activities
Most public, concertado and private schools offer after-school clubs known as actividades extraescolares. These might include:

• Sports like football, basketball or swimming
• Dance, drama or music classes
• Art, languages or computing
• Homework clubs or study groups

Some schools even partner with local sports academies or music schools for extra training.

Holiday camps and wraparound care
During school holidays, many towns offer municipal day camps, often run through the local council. Private and international schools may also run their own summer or Easter camps, which are open to both enrolled and external students.
 

💬 “There was a large outdoor space, which meant in summer months we were able to spend a lot of time outside. A benefit for sixth form students was being able to have their study periods outdoors.” — Jade
 

These open-air, active learning environments are part of what makes growing up in Spain so appealing for children of all ages.

Discover more about childcare in Spain with our handy guide. 

Homeschooling and alternative routes

Homeschooling in Spain exists in a legal grey area. While not explicitly outlawed by national law, the Spanish education system is built on the principle of compulsory school attendance from age six to sixteen. As a result, homeschooling is not widely practised and can sometimes lead to legal challenges.
 

That said, some families choose to educate their children at home through:
 

• Distance learning programmes, such as UK or US online schools
• Private international systems with remote enrolment
• Unregistered homeschooling, which carries a legal risk

Recent court rulings have generally upheld the state’s responsibility to ensure children receive formal education, which means families considering homeschooling should seek legal advice or speak with their local town hall before proceeding.
Some regions may be more flexible than others, particularly if you can prove academic progress and social integration.
If you are looking for non-traditional education but want to stay within the system, there are also alternative schools (like Montessori or Waldorf) available in some areas.

Choosing the right school

With so many options available, choosing the right school in Spain can feel overwhelming at first. But by narrowing down your priorities and asking the right questions, you can find a path that suits your child’s personality, academic goals and future plans.
 

Key questions to consider:

• Do you want your child to be immersed in Spanish language and culture, or continue in your home-country system?
• Are you comfortable with religious or values-based education?
• What kind of support might your child need—academically, socially or linguistically?
• How important are things like extracurriculars, facilities or class sizes?
• Is your chosen school within a reasonable distance of your future home?

💬 “I personally had a great experience in the international school and would highly recommend it. The small class size and dedication of teachers and students alike inspired me to work harder.” — Jade

💬 “One thing I wish I did differently would be attending a mainstream Spanish school for a year. It would have brought my Spanish on quicker and put me in a better position when studying for my ESO.”
 

If possible, visit schools before you move, ask to observe a class, and talk to other parents. Open days or introductory meetings are common, especially in private and international schools.

You can also check out Kyero’s guide to the 11 Best Destinations to Live in Spain for Families to explore areas with great schools and a welcoming expat community.

Relocation logistics

Choosing a school is only one part of the puzzle. To ensure a smooth transition for your family, it is worth thinking through the logistics that go hand in hand with education.
 

Visas and Residency
If you are a non-EU citizen, such as from the UK or USA, your child will need a valid visa or residency permit to enrol in school. Most families relocating long term apply for a non-lucrative visa, digital nomad visa, or family reunification route. You can learn more about visa and citizenship requirements in our Moving to Spain guides.
 

Housing Near Schools
School catchment areas (zonas escolares) matter, particularly for public and concertado schools. If you have a preferred school, try to find housing within its designated zone to improve your chances of admission.

You can browse homes via Kyero or check our location guides for advice.
 

Healthcare Tie-ins
Children must be registered with the public health system or hold private insurance. Some schools may request a medical certificate or proof of vaccinations at enrolment.
 

Getting Around
In urban areas, most children walk to school or take public transport. Rural schools often provide free school buses, especially at the primary level.

FAQs

Can foreign children attend public schools in Spain?
Yes, all resident children in Spain have the right to attend public schools, regardless of nationality.
 

Do public schools in Spain teach in English?
Some offer bilingual Spanish-English programmes, but the main language of instruction is usually Spanish or a regional language.
 

What is a concertado school?
It is a semi-private school partly funded by the government. Fees are low, and standards are often high.
 

Is homeschooling legal in Spain?
It is not officially recognised, and families may face legal issues if not enrolled in a registered school. Families should be prepared to navigate the legal landscape carefully.
 

When do school holidays take place in Spain?
The school year runs from September to late June, with breaks at Christmas, Easter and in summer.
 

What is ESO in Spanish education?
ESO stands for Educación Secundaria Obligatoria, the compulsory secondary stage from ages 12 to 16.
 

Can my child take A levels or the IB in Spain?
Yes. Many international schools offer UK A levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or other foreign qualifications.

Final words on education in Spain

Moving to Spain with children is a big decision, but when it comes to education, you’ll find there are plenty of good options. Whether you choose a local state school, a bilingual concertado, or a private international school, your child can thrive in an environment that encourages learning, independence and cultural awareness.
At Kyero, we’re here to make the move easier. Explore homes in Spain, read our location guides, or tune into the Kyero Podcast to hear first-hand stories from parents who have already made the leap.