What is worth knowing about primary education in Spain?

Buying a property in Spain isn’t just about choosing the right house or flat; it’s also about planning everyday life for the whole family. If you’re moving to the Costa del Sol with children, you’ll no doubt be interested in how the education system works, when school enrolment takes place, and how state, private and international schools differ. We’ve put together a practical guide to help you find your way around the Spanish education system.

What will you read about in this note?

How do nurseries, pre-schools and schools work in Spain?
Stages of education for teenagers in Spain
How do you start your education at a Spanish school?
When does the school year begin in Spain?
Support for pupils from outside Spain
Discover the educational opportunities in Andalusia
Educational provision in Marbella, including international schools
The American School in Estepona (Atlas American School of Málaga)
Curriculum and stages of education
School fees and education costs
British school

In Spain, children are admitted to state and ‘concertadas’ (semi-private) schools on the basis of a points system (baremación). One of the most important criteria is place of residence, which is why the choice of property location can affect a child’s chances of gaining a place at their chosen school. The education system in Spain comprises compulsory primary education (Educación Primaria) and compulsory lower secondary education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria – ESO). Upon completion, pupils may continue their education at sixth form (Bachillerato) or opt for vocational training (Formación Profesional), both of which are non-compulsory stages.

How do nurseries, pre-schools and schools work in Spain?

Pre-school education in Spain (Educación Infantil) for children up to the age of 6 consists of two stages. For children aged 0–3, both public and private nurseries are available. In many regions of Spain, education at this stage is partly or fully funded by public funds; however, the rules and the amount of fees depend on the autonomous community and the family’s circumstances.

The second stage (3–6 years) is free in state schools and most ‘concertadas’ schools, although it is not formally compulsory. It is worth noting that this stage of education is now universal throughout Spain and is attended by almost 100 per cent of children.

The next stage of education for the youngest children is known as primary education (Educación Primaria) – compulsory and free for all pupils. As was the case in Poland just a few years ago, it comprises six school years and therefore covers children aged between six and twelve. Compulsory schooling begins in the calendar year in which the prospective pupil turns 6. The aim of education at this stage is to develop skills in reading, writing and mathematics, as well as digital and communication skills, and to acquire basic knowledge in the fields of science, culture and social life.

Stages of education for teenagers in Spain

The next stage of education is compulsory lower secondary education – Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO). The programme lasts four years and covers young people aged between 12 and 16. During this time, pupils acquire general knowledge, and in the final year they can choose some of their subjects according to their interests and plans for further education.

After completing ESO, young people can continue their education at sixth form (Bachillerato) or opt for vocational training (Formación Profesional).

In Spain, as in Poland, pupils can choose to attend sixth form (Bachillerato), which is the equivalent of the Polish general upper secondary school. Education at this stage is voluntary, lasts two years and is generally intended for pupils aged between 16 and 18. Schools currently offer four educational streams: science and technology, humanities and social sciences, arts, and the General Bachillerato. Completing upper secondary school prepares pupils for higher education.

An alternative is Formación Profesional – a modern vocational education system that combines theoretical learning with practical placements with employers. The curricula are regularly adapted to the needs of the labour market, ensuring that graduates acquire the qualifications sought by employers.

After completing secondary education, graduates can continue their studies at universities or choose specialist courses in the arts, sport or advanced vocational training programmes.

How do you start your education at a Spanish school?

Admission to Spanish schools primarily applies to:

children starting pre-school education (Educación Infantil),
children starting primary school (Educación Primaria),
pupils starting secondary school (ESO) or sixth form (Bachillerato),
pupils changing schools.

The enrolment process is organised separately in each autonomous community, so deadlines and specific rules may vary depending on the region. Enrolment usually takes place in the spring, and up-to-date information is published by the regional authorities responsible for education.

Applications can be submitted online or in person at the chosen school. Parents indicate their first-choice school, and where the number of applicants exceeds the number of places available, admission is determined by criteria set out in the regulations of the relevant autonomous community, such as place of residence, siblings attending the same school, or family circumstances.

It is also worth noting that during the admissions process for state schools and state-subsidised schools (concertados), Familia Numerosa (large family) status may entitle applicants to additional points. The scoring rules vary depending on the autonomous community, but holding a valid Large Family Card may increase a child’s chances of being admitted to their chosen school.

It is also important to note that if you move to Spain during the school year, your children may still be admitted to a school. In such cases, a place is usually allocated by the local education authority, depending on availability in the area.

When does the school year begin in Spain?

The school year in Spain usually begins in the first half of September and ends in the second half of June. The exact dates are set by the authorities of the individual autonomous communities and may vary slightly depending on the region.

During the year, pupils have a Christmas holiday and a week-long Easter break (Semana Santa). In addition, the school calendar includes national, regional and local public holidays, so the number of days off may vary depending on where you live.

In state schools in Andalusia, children attending nursery and primary school usually have lessons from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm. There is a break of around 30 minutes (recreo) during the day, when pupils have their lunch and spend time in the school playground.

After lessons, children can use the school canteen (comedor), which is a paid service, as well as take part in after-school activities. Parents who start work early in the morning can also enrol their child in the so-called ‘aula matinal’ – an after-school club that runs before lessons begin.

Support for pupils from outside Spain

Children starting school in Spain who do not yet speak Spanish can count on additional support offered by schools and the authorities of the individual autonomous communities. Depending on the region, language classes, adaptation programmes and educational support are organised to facilitate integration into the new school environment.

In some autonomous communities, there are special preparatory classes for pupils from abroad. One example is Catalonia, where the so-called aules d’acollida operate, supporting language learning and the adaptation of new pupils.

Families can also benefit from various forms of support offered by regional and local authorities. Depending on where they live, support available includes, amongst other things, subsidies for school transport and meals, textbook loans, as well as grants and financial assistance for families meeting specific income criteria.

Discover the educational opportunities in Andalusia

Andalusia offers a wide range of educational opportunities, and in Marbella and the surrounding area there is no shortage of reputable private and international schools, which are renowned for their high standards of teaching and are highly regarded by families from all over the world.

When looking for the right school, it is worth familiarising yourself with its curriculum, parents’ reviews, languages of instruction, the qualifications of the teaching staff and the range of extra-curricular activities on offer. In the case of international schools, it is also worth checking which educational system the school follows – the Spanish, British, American or International Baccalaureate (IB).

During the admissions process, the school may ask you to provide your child’s identity document, documents belonging to the parents or guardians, proof of address, records from their previous school, and your child’s vaccination record or medical records. The documents required may vary depending on the type of school.

Some private and international schools conduct interviews or meetings with parents and pupils. They may also charge an enrolment fee and maintain waiting lists. State schools, on the other hand, focus primarily on an admissions process in line with the criteria set by the education authorities. Many schools also organise induction days and meetings for new pupils, which help them settle in and integrate into their new environment.

Educational provision in Marbella, including international schools

Marbella, due to its international character, offers a wide range of educational programmes, allowing parents to tailor the curriculum to their children’s future educational plans.

The core system is the Spanish national curriculum (currículo nacional), which applies to all state schools. It emphasises the all-round development of pupils and the learning of Spanish, as well as – depending on the region – co-official languages.

There are also international schools in Marbella that follow other educational systems. The most popular is the British curriculum, comprising the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Primary (Key Stages 1 and 2) and Secondary (Key Stages 3 and 4), culminating in GCSE and A-level examinations.

An alternative is the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, recognised worldwide, comprising the PYP (Primary Years Programme), MYP (Middle Years Programme), DP (Diploma Programme) and CP (Career-related Programme).

Some schools also adopt alternative educational approaches, such as the Montessori method, which focus on pupil autonomy, working in mixed-age groups and learning through experience.

Pupils have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of extracurricular activities (actividades extraescolares), such as sport, music, robotics, foreign languages and art classes. These activities usually take place after 4.00 pm and incur an additional fee – the cost depends on the type of activity and the school.

Marbella is also home to ‘colegios concertados’, which are private schools operating within the public system and partially funded by the state. They follow the same curriculum as state schools, but often offer additional activities or an expanded educational programme.

The American School in Estepona (Atlas American School of Málaga)

Atlas ASM in Estepona is an international school offering an American curriculum for children aged 3 to 18. The school combines primary and secondary education, preparing pupils to continue their studies both in Spain and abroad.

The school places great emphasis on developing pupils’ individual skills, learning in small groups, and acquiring the academic and language skills essential in an international educational environment.

One aspect of school life is the ‘houses’ system, under which pupils are assigned to different groups. Throughout the school year, these groups compete against one another in sporting, artistic and educational events, which fosters integration and builds a sense of community.

Curriculum and stages of education

In international schools in Spain, such as Atlas ASM, the educational programme is based on the American system and covers successive stages of education from early years through to secondary school (High School Diploma).

For comparison with the British system, the stages of education are as follows:

Early Years / Kindergarten (3–5 years)
Primary School (6–10 years)
Lower Secondary School (11–13 years)
Upper Secondary School (14–18 years)

School fees and education costs

The costs of attending international schools vary and depend on the child’s age and stage of education. The figures below are indicative:

Child’s age	Education stage	Tuition fee (annual)	Additional materials
2–3 years	Early Years	Approx. €700	—
3–4 years	Nursery	Approx. €750	Approx. €105
4–5 years	Kindergarten	Approx. €800	Approx. €105
5–6 years	Early Elementary	Approx. €900	Approx. €215
6–7 years	Elementary	Approx. €1,000	—
7–8 years	Elementary	Approx. €1,100	—
8–9 years	Elementary	Approx. €1,200	—
9–10 years	Elementary	Approx. €1,250	—
10–11 years	Elementary	Approx. €1,300	—
12–13 years	Middle School	Approx. €1,500	—

Upon completing secondary school, pupils can obtain an American High School Diploma, which enables them to continue their studies at universities in Spain, Europe or the United States.

The high standard of international schools in Málaga and Marbella is one of the key factors influencing the decision of families with children to purchase property.

Atlas American School of Málaga

Calle Monda No. 2, Selwo Hills

29680 Estepona

Tel: (+34) 952 938 155

admissions@atlas-asm.es

info@atlas-asm.es

British school

Many families moving to Spain opt for a British school. There are numerous private and international schools on the Costa del Sol offering the British curriculum, which is valued for its high standard of education and the opportunity to continue studies at universities in the UK and other countries.

Lessons are taught by a qualified, international teaching staff who hold the appropriate qualifications to teach within the British system. Parents are actively involved in school life and have access to online class registers and educational platforms, enabling them to keep track of their child’s progress and liaise with teachers.

The school year in British schools usually begins in early September and runs until the end of June or early July, depending on the school. Lessons generally take place from around 9.00 am to 3.30 pm or 4.00 pm. During the day, pupils have several breaks, including a lunch break, during which they can eat in the school canteen or – if the school allows it – bring their own lunch.

The British education system comprises the following stages: Nursery (ages 3–4), Reception (ages 4–5), Primary School (ages 5–11), Secondary School (ages 11–16) and Sixth Form (ages 16–18), which prepares pupils for GCSE and A-level exams.

Schools vary in terms of tuition fees, the organisation of the school day and the range of extra-curricular activities on offer. There is usually a one-off registration or enrolment fee, and many schools offer discounts for siblings or when tuition fees are paid in advance for the whole school year. Depending on the school, teaching materials may be included in the fees, whilst additional charges may apply for, amongst other things, meals, extracurricular activities or school uniforms, which are compulsory at most schools.

British schools are particularly popular amongst families planning to move to Marbella, as they enable children to continue their education in English seamlessly without having to change the curriculum. An additional advantage for those planning to move to Spain is the fact that many British schools on the Costa del Sol are accredited by British Schools Overseas (BSO) or are overseen by British educational institutions. Contact details for private British schools:

The British School of Málaga

Calle Centaurea, 8 Cerrado de Calderón

29018 Málaga

Tel: (+34) 952 290 149

admissions@britishschoolmalaga.com

Sunny View School S.L.

C/ Teruel No. 32, Cerro del Toril

29620 Torremolinos, Málaga

Tel: (+34) 952 38 31 64

admin@sunnyviewschool.com

The British College of Benalmádena

Urbanización Torremuelle, P.º del Genil, S/N