Navigating the Spanish Education System: A Guide for Expats

For expats living in Spain, understanding the local education system is crucial for ensuring their children receive the best possible education. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the Spanish education system, including its various stages, international school options, and recent developments.

Compulsory Education in Spain

Education in Spain becomes compulsory at the age of 6, but the government provides free schooling for all children from the age of 3. The education system is divided into several stages:

Guardería (4 months–3 years)

This stage is mainly covered by private nurseries, although some subsidised state nurseries are available. Places are awarded on a points system, making it quite competitive to secure a spot[1].

Educación Infantil y Primaria (CEIP)

• Infantil (3–6 years): Children attend nursery school, which is part of the CEIP.
• Primaria (6–12 years): This stage is compulsory and divided into three cycles: Inicial (years 1 & 2), Media (years 3 & 4), and Superior (years 5 & 6). At the end of primary education, each child receives a “Historial academico,” which is forwarded to their secondary school[1].

Instituto de Educación Secundaria (IES)

• Educación Secundaria Obligatoria – ESO (12–16 years): Students attend secondary school for at least four years to obtain the “Graduado Escolar” certificate. This certificate demonstrates basic proficiency in six core subjects and three optional subjects. Students can leave school at 16 if they haven’t obtained the Graduado Escolar, in which case they receive a “Certificado de Escolaridad”[1].

Post-Compulsory Education

After completing ESO, students can opt for the Bachillerato (16–18 years), which is a pre-university course that enables them to enter universities in Europe and the US. Alternatively, they can pursue Formación Profesional, which is vocational training[1].

International Schools in Spain

For expats, international schools offer a familiar curriculum and multilingual education. There are two types of international schools:

• Schools that teach in their native language and follow their country’s curriculum: These schools may include Spanish as a second language.
• Schools that teach in their native language but follow the Spanish curriculum: These schools offer secondary education from 12 to 16 years and the Bachillerato from 16 to 18 years. Many of these schools offer qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate, British A-Levels, American High School Diploma, or SATs[1].

International schools are available in various regions, including Andalucia, Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, the Balearics, and Madrid.

Recent Developments and Tips for Expats

Residence Permits for Non-EU Students

For non-EU students planning to study in Spain, new regulations effective from May 2025 introduce significant changes. Students can apply for a residence permit if they are engaged in academic activities lasting over 90 days at recognized educational institutions. Notably, these permits now allow students to work up to 30 hours per week, provided the work is compatible with their studies[4].

Bilingual Education

While the focus here is on Spain, it's worth noting the broader context of bilingual education. In other countries like California, there has been a significant shift towards reinstating bilingual education programs after nearly two decades of English-only instruction. This shift highlights the importance of recognizing students' language and culture as assets rather than deficits[2][3].

Conclusion

Navigating the Spanish education system can be complex, but understanding the different stages and options available can make the process smoother for expat families. Whether choosing a state school or an international school, ensuring your child is well-integrated and educated is key. Additionally, staying informed about changes in residence permits and educational policies can help you make the best decisions for your family's educational needs.