Moving to a new country is exciting but can be a little daunting, especially if you have to consider your own or your child's education. Of course you'd want to choose the perfect school but Spain has so many different types of school and each with unique systems and traditions. This guide is here to help families like yours understand how Spain's education system works and what to expect from its culture. We'll also take a look at Spanish universities to give you a clear idea of the exciting options available to you for higher education.

Understanding the Spanish school system

Navigating a new education system can feel overwhelming, especially when it's in a different language. Whether you're moving to Spain permanently or temporarily, understanding how the school system works will help you make informed choices for your child's education. Here's a breakdown of how schooling in Spain is structured, what your options are, and how to approach key decisions.

The structure of schooling in Spain

The Spanish education system is divided into several stages, most of which are publicly funded and follow a national curriculum with some regional variations.

1. Infantil (Preschool): Ages 0 to 6

Preschool is split into two cycles.

• First cycle (0–3 years): Mostly private or semi-private nursery care.

• Second cycle (3–6 years): Widely available in public schools and often free.

Although optional many families enrol their children from age 3 to help with socialisation and early learning.

2. Educación Primaria (Primary Education): Ages 6 to 12

Primary school is compulsory and free at public schools. It covers core subjects like Spanish language, maths, science, art, and physical education. In some regions classes are also taught in a co-official language, such as Catalan, Basque, or Galician.

3. Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO): Ages 12 to 16

ESO is Spain’s version of lower secondary school and is mandatory for all students. It’s split into four academic years and finishes when students turn 16.

At the end of ESO, students receive a diploma (Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria) and then choose between two main paths: academic or vocational.

What comes after ESO?

Option 1: Bachillerato the university prep route

A two-year academic program for ages 16–18, the Bachillerato is designed for students who want to pursue higher education. It offers different tracks (Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, or Arts) and ends with the EBAU, Spain’s university entrance exam.

Many public and semi-private schools offer Bachillerato. Private and international schools may instead offer the International Baccalaureate or A-levels.

Option 2: Formación Profesional (FP) the vocational route

Students who prefer practical, career-focused training can opt for Formación Profesional instead.

• Grado Medio (Intermediate Level): Starts after ESO

• Grado Superior (Advanced Level): Requires Bachillerato or an entrance exam

These programs prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce or further technical study and are a respected alternative to university.

Can students switch between paths?

Yes! The system offers flexibility. A student might start with FP and later transition to university, or switch from academic to vocational education depending on their evolving interests. This adaptability is a strength of the Spanish system.

School Types: Public, concertado, or private?

When choosing a school, expat families typically consider three main types:

• Public schools (colegios públicos): Free and run by the government. Follows the national curriculum and often teach in Spanish or a regional language.

• Semi-private schools (concertados): Privately run but publicly funded. Often have a religious affiliation and may offer smaller class sizes.

• Private and international schools: Fee-paying, often with bilingual or foreign curricula (IB, British, American). A popular choice for expats wanting continuity with home-country education systems.

University in Spain

Spain is renowned for its prestigious universities and accessible higher education system. Here's an overview of the most prominent universities and how the system works.

Some of the most well-known universities include:

• University of Barcelona 

• Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) 

• University of Navarra 

• Complutense University of Madrid 

• University of Valencia

These institutions offer a range of degrees, from humanities to engineering, and many offer programmes in English.

• How it works: 

The academic calendar runs from September to June. With tuition fees for public universities typically lower than in many other European countries. International students should research specific admissions requirements and application deadlines.

Cultural school norms in Spain

Understanding cultural norms is just as important as knowing the procedures when settling into a new school environment. Here are a few things to keep in mind about schooling in Spain:

• Close Community: Spanish schools often foster a strong sense of community among parents, teachers, and students. It’s common for parents to be involved in school activities and events.

• Long Breaks: Schools in Spain usually have a long lunch break for "comida", which can last up to two hours. Many families return home to eat, though some schools offer meal services.

• Formalities: Teachers are highly respected, and addressing them with their title (Señor/Señora followed by their surname) is customary.

• Regional Influences: Depending on the region, the school may also teach in a regional language such as Catalan, Basque, or Galician.

• Uniforms: While public schools typically do not require uniforms, many private and concertado schools do.

Where to begin your search

Starting your school search in Spain can feel overwhelming. These steps can help you narrow down your options:

1. Define your priorities: 

Determine what’s most important to you. Is it the curriculum? Location? Language of instruction? Budget?

2. Research schools: 

Search for schools in your area through online resources, expat forums like Internations, and local community groups. International schools often have well-documented websites designed for foreign families.

3. Visit schools in person: 

Schedule school visits whenever possible. Seeing the facilities and meeting the staff first hand can give you a sense of the school’s environment.

4. Talk to other parents: 

Connecting with families in the area, especially expats, can offer valuable first-hand insights about different schools.

5. Consider language support options: 

If your child doesn’t speak Spanish, look for schools offering language support programmes tailored to non-native speakers.

6. Understand admissions timelines: 

Admission dates can vary depending on the type of school. Public school enrolments typically begin in spring whereas international or private institutions may have rolling admissions. 

Final thoughts and next steps 

Finding the right school for your child is undeniably a big decision. Spain offers a wide variety of excellent options to suit every family. No matter if you’re drawn to public schools, concertados, or international programmes, starting your research early and being clear on your priorities will help you make the right choice.

With the right planning, your child will not only adjust to Spain's vibrant and diverse educational landscape in no time. Good luck!