Education
Starting a new life in southern Spain with your family is a fantastic opportunity for
everyone. Your kids will get to spend more time outdoors, enjoying the region’s spectacular
climate and excellent facilities. And though they may prefer to be on the beach, you can
rest assured that they’ll be educated in a great system, and, regardless of their age,
become fluent in Spanish.
Education is compulsory in Spain from 6 to 16, and schools in Spain are increasingly
considered to be of a better standard than many other European countries (including the UK)
with fewer discipline problems. Here’s a quick guide to the options and how they work.
Spanish schools
Spanish state education is open to all EU citizens and is free from pre-school to 18.
You’ll be expected to pay for books, stationery and extra-curricular activities.
Villages and suburbs have their own nursery and primary schools, but secondary schools
have a larger catchment area. The catchment area is all-important – if you’re set on a
particular school, make sure you look for a home in the right area.
Around 30% of Spain’s school children go to a private school. These are fee paying and
offer a lower student/teacher ratio than state schools.
The Spanish education system
Pre-school age 1-6
A good way to integrate your children into the community. There are
state nurseries and private nurseries, some run by expats.
Compulsory education age 6-14
Pupils complete their basic general education (Educacion
General Basica or EGB). At the end of this they’ll receive a school leaving certificate
which determines what they move onto next. Unlike UK schools, if children fail their end
of year exams in both primary or secondary schools, they risk having to repeat the entire
academic year – a definite motivator!
Technical school age 14-16
Less academic pupils go on to a vocational school. The first
year is compulsory and covers general career teaching. The second year is optional and allows
students to specialise in a particular subject and go on work placements.
High school age 14-18
More academic pupils go on to a secondary school to study for their
Baccalaureate diploma.
Most universities in the UK recognise the Baccalaureate diploma as well as
A levels. Applicants for Spanish universities are expected to complete the Selectividad entrance
exam in their final year at high school.
In Spain it’s usual for students to go to the nearest university and live at home. There are
several good universities in the area including Murcia, Alicante and Almeria. When it comes to
grants, it’s a familiar story – you’re very unlikely to get one. So whether they’re at
university in Spain or in the UK, it will be quite an investment.