Understanding the School System in Spain: A Guide for Expats

Moving to Spain with children means making an important decision about their education. Spain offers a diverse range of schools, each with its own curriculum, teaching philosophy, and admission process. Thus understanding the different types of schools available is essential for families relocating to the country is paramount. In this guide, we will explore the educational landscape in Spain and how moviinn® assists families in choosing the right school for their children.

The school year in Spain typically starts in early to mid-September and ends in late June. There are three main holiday periods: Christmas break from around December 22 to January 7, Easter break in March or April (lasting one to two weeks), and the summer break from late June to early September. Some regions also include a short winter or mid-term break in February or early March as well the national holidays apply across Spain, although each autonomous community may have additional local holidays.

Types of Schools in Spain

Spain’s education system offers a variety of options, including public, semi-private (concertado), private, and international schools. Each type has its own characteristics, advantages, and potential challenges.

1. Public Schools (Colegios Públicos)

Public schools in Spain are government-funded and follow the national curriculum established by the Ministry of Education. These schools are free of charge, though parents may need to cover minor expenses such as books, materials, and extracurricular activities.

Advantages:

- Free education
- Full immersion in the Spanish language and culture
- Wide availability throughout Spain

Challenges:

- High student-to-teacher ratios
- Admission is based on the family’s residential address, limiting school choices
- Teaching primarily in Spanish (or a co-official regional language such as Catalan, Basque, or Galician).

2. Semi-Private Schools (Colegios Concertados)

Semi-private schools, known as concertados, receive partial government funding but are privately managed. These schools charge lower tuition fees than fully private institutions while maintaining some autonomy in their teaching approaches.

Advantages:

- Lower cost compared to private schools
- Balanced approach between public and private education
- Often associated with religious institutions, offering additional values-based education

Challenges:

- Limited availability in some regions
- May have religious affiliations that may not suit all families
- Admission criteria vary by institution


3. Private Schools (Colegios Privados)

Private schools in Spain operate independently of government funding and charge tuition fees. These institutions offer a range of curricula, including the Spanish national curriculum, bilingual programs, and alternative educational approaches such as Montessori or Waldorf.

Advantages:

- Smaller class sizes and personalized education
- More extracurricular opportunities and modern facilities
- Greater flexibility in curricula and teaching methodologies

Challenges:

- Higher costs
- Admission processes can be competitive
- Not all private schools are recognized by international accreditation bodies

4. International Schools

International schools are a popular choice for expatriate families who want their children to follow a foreign curriculum, such as the British, American, French, or IB (International Baccalaureate) programs. These schools often offer bilingual or multilingual education, helping children transition more smoothly.

Advantages:

- Continuity in education for families moving from abroad
- English or bilingual instruction
- Internationally recognized diplomas

Challenges:

- High tuition fees
- Limited availability in smaller cities and rural areas
- Some schools may have long waiting lists

Spain offers a variety of esteemed international schools, particularly in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Below are some top institutions in each city, along with highlights of the curricula they offer:

Madrid:

King’s College, The British School of Madrid

Following the English National Curriculum, preparing students for IGCSEs and A-Levels. It was established in 1969, King’s College offers a comprehensive British education from Pre-Nursery to Year 13. The school emphasizes academic excellence and provides boarding facilities. 

International College Spain

Offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) program from Primary Years through to the Diploma. It is known for its diverse student body, representing over 70 nationalities, fostering a multicultural learning environment. 

American School of Madrid

Provides an American curriculum alongside the IB Diploma Program. Features excellent facilities, including a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) building, supporting a holistic educational approach. 

Virtus, The British Sixth Form College

Specializes in A-Level education for students aged 15 to 18, focusing on personalized learning and university preparation. It was founded in 2016 by alumni of Oxford University and Imperial College London, Virtus offers small class sizes and a mentorship program tailored to each student’s academic interests. 

Barcelona:

St. Peter’s School

The only school in Barcelona offering the IB Continuum in English, covering the Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programs. Established in 1964, St. Peter’s provides a bilingual environment and is accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education and the Generalitat de Catalunya. 

The British School of Barcelona

Follows the English National Curriculum, offering GCSEs and A-Levels, and is accredited to provide the IB Diploma Program. It was founded in 1958, the school operates multiple campuses and is part of the Cognita group, emphasizing a global educational perspective. 

Benjamin Franklin International School

Offers an American curriculum alongside the IB Diploma and Spanish Baccalaureate. Serving students from Nursery through Grade 12, BFIS boasts a diverse community with over 50 nationalities represented. 

American School of Barcelona

Provides an American-based curriculum and offers the IB Diploma Program. Established in 1962, ASB serves students from 3 to 18 years old, preparing them for American, Spanish, and international universities. 

Valencia:

Caxton College

Offers the British curriculum from Early Years through to A-Levels. Founded in 1987, Caxton College provides a bilingual education and emphasizes a broad extracurricular program. 

American School of Valencia

Follows an American curriculum and offers the IB Diploma Program. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the school serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. 

British School of Valencia (BSV)

Follows the National Curriculum for England, offering IGCSEs and A-Levels. It is part of the Cognita group, BSV provides education from Early Years to Sixth Form, emphasizing proficiency in English and other foreign languages. 

Those are some of the amazon school options that the country can offer to a foreign family, At moviinn® we would be delighted to go further in each of the areas in the country and assist you to find the perfect school for your children, 

How We Assist Families in Choosing the Right School

moviinn® understands that finding the right school is one of the most crucial decisions for families moving to Spain. We offer comprehensive support to ensure that parents make informed decisions that suit their children’s academic and social needs. Here’s how we help:

1. Understanding Family Needs and Preferences

We begin by conducting detailed consultations with parents to understand their priorities, considering the needs of all children in the family, including older siblings. Some families prioritize academic excellence, while others seek schools with strong extracurricular programs, bilingual instruction, or particular teaching philosophies. When older children are involved, we also assess their educational background, interests, and future academic or career goals to ensure a seamless transition and alignment with the family's overall educational objectives.

2. Providing School Research and Recommendations

We compile a list of suitable schools based on factors such as curriculum, location, tuition fees, and admission requirements. We also provide insights into each school’s reputation, facilities, and extracurricular offerings.

3. Arranging School Visits and Meetings

We coordinate and schedule school visits, allowing families to tour campuses, meet with administrators, and observe classroom environments. For families unable to visit in person, we assist in organizing virtual tours and video meetings.

4. Assisting with Application and Enrollment

Each school has its own admission process, including application forms, entrance exams, and interviews. moviinn® guides families through each step, ensuring all paperwork is completed accurately and submitted on time.

5. Support with Language and Cultural Transition

For families enrolling in Spanish or bilingual schools, language support may be necessary. We provide recommendations for Spanish language courses and cultural integration programs to help children adapt smoothly.

6. Follow-Up Support

Even after a school is chosen, our assistance doesn’t stop there. We remain available to help families navigate any challenges, whether adjusting to the new education system, resolving administrative issues, or finding extracurricular activities.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right school in Spain is a significant decision that impacts a child’s education, integration, and overall experience. With options ranging from public to private and international schools, it’s essential to find a school that aligns with the family’s educational goals and lifestyle.

moviinn® is dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. Whether you are moving to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga or the islands like Mallorca or the Canary Islands, we offer expert guidance in school selection and enrollment. Our experience ensures that families receive the best advice, allowing them to make confident decisions about their children's education.

If you are considering relocating to Spain and need assistance with school selection, we would be happy to be your trusted partner in finding the best educational opportunities for your family. Book a call today to learn more and request an initial complimentary consultation.