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There are three types of schooling options: free public schools, semi-private and partial fee-paying schools (concertados) and private institutions, including international schools. The right choice for your family will depend on a range of factors like language preference, academic goals, family budget and your child's academic abilities and needs.

But which should you choose? A public or semi-private Spanish school or an international school where English or your native language is taught? On the one hand, enrolling in an international school can provide a smooth transition, allowing children to continue their education in a familiar curriculum and language. This can ensure they don't fall behind in their coursework. On the other hand, attending a local Spanish school can help them integrate more quickly, make local friends, and become fluent in Spanish at a young age.

In this guide, we will break down the key factors to consider to help you choose the best fit for your child's needs.

Good to know:

Before your child can start school in Spain, there's some important paperwork to prepare. Most schools will ask for your child's passport or NIE (Foreigner Identification Number), proof of residence and vaccination records.

Read also Childcare in Spain

The school system in Spain

Spain's education system is divided into several stages and is compulsory for children aged 6 to 16.

Pre-school (Educaci贸n Infantil): While not compulsory, children from 0 to 6 years old can attend pre-school, which is split into two cycles: 1) 0-3 years (nursery), typically costing parents around 200 to 300 euros per month and 2) from 3-6 years (pre-primary). This second cycle is often free in public schools and focuses on socialization, basic skills and early literacy.

Primary education (Educaci贸n Primaria): From ages 6 to 12, children attend primary school (colegio), comprising six academic years. The curriculum includes Spanish language, mathematics, science, arts and physical education. Schools may also introduce a foreign language, usually English, from an early age.

Secondary education (Educaci贸n Secundaria Obligatoria - ESO): From ages 12 to 16, students enter secondary school (instituto). The focus is on general subjects like Spanish, mathematics, history, sciences and a second language (usually English or French). At 16, students must choose between continuing their education or entering the workforce.

Post-secondary education (Bachillerato or Vocational Training): After successfully completing their secondary school studies, students can pursue Bachillerato (ages 16-18), which prepares them for university, or opt for vocational training, which provides practical, job-oriented education. Bachillerato students specialize in areas such as science, humanities or social sciences. They must pass the Selectividad (university entrance exam) to enter university.

Read also International schools in Barcelona

Types of schools in Spain

There are three categories of schools in the Spanish education system:

Public schools: These schools are fully funded by the Spanish government and offer free education to all residents, including expat children. The primary language of instruction is Spanish, but in regions like Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia, local languages such as Catalan, Basque or Galician may also be used. Public schools follow the Spanish national curriculum.

Concertado schools: These are semi-private schools that receive government funding but also charge modest fees. Many concertado schools are affiliated with religious organizations, particularly the Catholic Church, but they must follow the Spanish national curriculum like public schools.

Private and international schools: Private schools in Spain are fully independent and charge tuition fees. Some follow the Spanish curriculum, while international schools offer foreign curricula such as British (GCSEs and A-Levels), American (AP and High School Diploma), or the International Baccalaureate (IB).

School hours and terms in Spain

The school year runs from September to June, with Christmas, Easter and summer holidays. The academic calendar is divided into three terms, similar to many other European countries. School days typically start around 8:30 or 9:00 AM and finish between 2:00 and 5:00 PM, depending on the school. Many Spanish public and concertado schools have a split schedule, with a long lunch break from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Afternoon extracurricular activities are common, especially in private and international schools.

The best schools in Spain

Each year, El Mundo newspaper publishes a list of the best 100 schools in Spain. It's a useful guide that can help parents decide which schools to send their children to. According to the 2025 edition, the top schools in the country are:

- Private

- Private

- Private

- Private

鈥� Private

鈥� Concertado

Good to know:

While public school education is free in Spain, parents are responsible for buying textbooks and other materials their children will need.

Read also International schools in Madrid

International schools in Spain

International schools provide a seamless transition for children, ensuring they continue learning in a familiar curriculum. Most of these schools teach primarily in English, but some also teach in French, German or Spanish.

The multicultural environment is another major benefit, exposing students to diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives, which helps them integrate more easily. Whether you're relocating for work, lifestyle, or adventure, international schools in Spain offer a stable and high-quality education to help your children flourish.

Types of international schools in Spain

For expat families moving to and living in Spain, choosing an international school often comes down to selecting the right curriculum. Numerous options are available catering to different national curricula.

British schools

British international schools in Spain follow the UK curriculum, starting with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and then progressing to Key Stages 1-5. Students take GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) at age 16 and then A-Levels or the IB Diploma when they're 18.

American schools

American international schools in Spain offer a US-style education, leading to a High School Diploma. Many also provide Advanced Placement (AP) courses or the International Baccalaureate.

French, German and Other European schools

Several international schools in Spain follow European national curricula, such as the French 叠补肠肠补濒补耻谤茅补迟, the German Abitur or the Dutch and Scandinavian systems. These schools cater primarily to families from their respective countries but are also an option for multilingual students wanting a European education.

IB (International Baccalaureate) schools

The IB system is widely recognized worldwide and is available in various international schools across Spain. It offers a challenging, inquiry-based curriculum, culminating in the IB Diploma Program (IBDP) for students aged 16-19.

Best international schools in Spain

Various polls and surveys highlight the best schools and international schools in Spain. The following is based on independent reviews by The Good Schools Guide:

Barcelona

Madrid

Costa del Sol

Good to know:

Admission to top international schools can be competitive, with long waiting lists, especially in high-demand areas like Madrid and Barcelona. Many schools require entrance exams, interviews and previous academic records as part of the application process. Applying early to the school of your choice is advised.

Read also International schools in Seville

Location and cost of international schools in Spain

International schools in Spain tend to be located in major cities and areas popular with expats, such as Madrid, Barcelona, the Costa del Sol, Seville and Valencia.

Tuition fees vary widely but are generally high. Annual tuition fees range from around 鈧�3,000 to 鈧�20,000 or more, depending on the school's reputation, curriculum and location. Additional costs often include registration fees, uniforms, textbooks, extracurricular activities and school trips, which can add a significant amount to the overall costs.

What to look for when choosing an international school in Spain

There are many different factors to consider when searching for the right international school for your child. To help you draw up your shortlist, consider the following:

Curriculum and accreditation: Ensure the school follows a recognized curriculum (British, American, IB, or European) and is accredited by reputable organizations like (Council of International Schools), (Council of British International Schools) or the (International Baccalaureate) Organization.

Language of instruction: Check if classes are taught in English, Spanish or both and whether language support is available for non-native speakers.

School reputation and reviews: You want the best for your children, so do as much research as you can to gauge the reputation of the school you're interested in. Make the internet your friend and look for reviews and commentaries online. Speak to other expat families and join expat forums to see what others are saying.

Class sizes and teaching approach: Smaller class sizes often mean more personalized attention, while teaching styles can range from traditional to inquiry-based learning.

Facilities and resources: Look at the school's infrastructure, including classrooms, science labs, sports facilities, libraries and technology integration. Many international schools have state-of-the-art facilities and modern campuses.

Extracurricular activities: A well-rounded education isn't just about what goes on in the classroom. Look for schools that offer activities that suit your child's interests and passions, whether that's sports, arts, music or something else.

Student support services: Ensure the school provides counseling, academic support, and special educational needs programs if required.

Admission process and availability: Some schools have long waiting lists or require entrance exams, so check deadlines and admission criteria early.

Cost and additional fees: Tuition fees vary widely, and extra expenses like uniforms, textbooks, extracurricular activities, and transport should be factored in.

Location and transport options: Consider the school's proximity to home or work, available bus/metro services and daily commute times.

Good to know:

The Spanish government doesn't cover tuition fees or expenses for international schools, as these institutions are privately funded. However, some schools offer scholarships or financial aid programs to help families who might not otherwise be able to afford them. If you're concerned about affordability, it's worth contacting your chosen school to explore any available options.

Spanish schools vs. international schools in Spain

If you're weighing up whether to send your children to a Spanish school or an international school in Spain, here is a quick summary of the pros and cons of each to help you decide.

Spanish schools

Pros

• Full language immersion 鈥� Attending a Spanish school helps children become fluent in Spanish more quickly.
• Affordability 鈥� Public schools are free, and concertado (semi-private) schools have lower fees than private and international schools, making them a more budget-friendly option.
• Cultural integration 鈥� Children in Spanish schools mix with Spanish students their own age, helping them better understand Spanish customs, traditions and way of life.

Cons

• Language barrier 鈥� Non-Spanish-speaking children may struggle at first, particularly in subjects that require a strong grasp of Spanish, such as literature and history.
• Larger classsizes 鈥� Public schools in Spain often have high student-to-teacher ratios, meaning children might receive less individual attention compared to private or international schools.
• Curriculum differences 鈥� The Spanish education system may differ significantly from the curriculum in your home country.

International schools

Pros

• Familiar curriculum 鈥� Many international schools follow the British (GCSE/A-Levels), American (AP/High School Diploma), French, German, or IB (International Baccalaureate) curricula, making it easier for expat children to transition between schools if they relocate again.
• English or multilingual instruction 鈥� Most international schools teach in English or offer bilingual programs.
• Smaller class sizes and individualized support 鈥� Private and international schools often have fewer students per class, allowing for more personalized attention and support.

Cons

• High tuition fees 鈥� Annual fees range from a few thousand euros to over 鈧�20,000, making international schools a significant financial commitment. Additional costs for uniforms, books, trips, and extracurricular activities can further increase expenses.
• Less cultural integration 鈥� While international schools have diverse student bodies, they can create a "bubble" where children interact mainly with other expats rather than integrate into Spanish society.
• Limited availability and long waiting lists 鈥� In high-demand areas like Madrid, Barcelona, and the Costa del Sol, international schools often have long waiting lists, and admission processes can be competitive.

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