Education in Spain – What You Need to Know After Moving
Planning to move to Spain with your family? Great choice! Spain is not only known for its sunshine and laid-back lifestyle, but also for its well-structured education system. Before your child sets foot in a Spanish classroom, it’s helpful to understand how things work. Here’s a clear and friendly guide to education in Spain for expat families.
What you will find in the article:
- School is Mandatory – But When Exactly?
- Spanish School Year and Grading
- Nurseries and Kindergartens in Spain
- Primary Education
- Secondary Education
- Higher Education in Spain
- Enrolment and Applications
School is Mandatory – But When Exactly?
In Spain, schooling is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. The education system is divided into three main stages:
- Primary education (Educación Primaria) – 6 years, starting at age 6
- Compulsory secondary education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria) – 4 years
- Post-compulsory education (Bachillerato) – 2 optional years that end with a final exam (similar to A-levels or the SAT), opening the door to university.
Public primary and compulsory secondary schools are free of charge. However, Bachillerato and university studies usually involve tuition fees.
Spanish School Year and Grading
The school year in Spain runs from mid-September to mid-June. Students receive grades on a scale from 0 to 10, with 5 being the minimum passing mark. Most tests and exams are written.
Nurseries and Kindergartens in Spain
Nurseries, known as guarderías, cater to children from infancy up to age 3. Both public and private options are available, though they usually charge fees. Some private nurseries offer government-subsidised places based on family income.
Preschool (educación infantil) is non-compulsory but very common, available for children aged 3 to 6. Unlike in many other countries, Spanish kindergartens are often located inside school buildings. While play is still central, kids also begin learning basic letters and numbers — often while sitting at desks.
Primary Education
Primary school (educación primaria) is divided into three two-year cycles and is for children aged 6 to 12. Public schools are free and funded by regional governments. To enrol, families need to register with the local town hall. Most schools teach in Spanish, although in regions like Catalonia or Valencia, bilingual instruction (Spanish + local language) is standard.
Secondary Education
Secondary education includes both mandatory and optional stages. The compulsory stage (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria) is for ages 12–16. After that, students can choose to attend Bachillerato, which prepares them for university. Like in Poland or the UK, students must pass a final exam to enter higher education.
Spain also has a wide range of international schools, with annual fees ranging from €4,000 to €8,000 depending on the institution and education level.
Higher Education in Spain
Spain isn’t just beaches and tapas — it also boasts a strong higher education system. Twelve Spanish universities rank among the top 500 in the world. The country is also a popular destination for Erasmus students thanks to its vibrant culture and high academic standards.
Tuition at public universities is relatively affordable, with bachelor’s degrees typically costing between €680 and €1,280 per year. Private university tuition, however, can range from €5,500 to €18,000 annually.
Enrolment and Applications
The application period for schools in Spain typically runs from April 24 to May 10. It applies to:
- Children aged 3–6 entering the system for the first time
- Students changing schools
- Pupils starting public primary, secondary, or Bachillerato levels
Each child can submit only one application. To help guide parents through the process, Spain offers a nationwide helpline for education and enrolment-related questions.
