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Schools and Education in Spain

Girl in Spain When you move to Spain with children of school age, you'll have some key decisions to make.

Should you immerse them fully into the Spanish system? They'll quickly become fluent but it may take them longer to find their feet with a new language to master.

Or, should you find an international school where they can continue their UK curriculum and subjects?
Take a look a the options available to you below

Moving to Spain with school-aged children

In Spain, it's compulsory for children to be in education from the ages of six to sixteen. State education is free and there are primary schools (escuelas) in virtually every village and secondary schools (institutos) in most towns.

Primary schooling (primaria) lasts six years, and is followed by four years of compulsory secondary education (ESO), at the end of which pupils receive a certificate of education.

After this, students can take the Bachillerato, which takes two years and is roughly equivalent to A Levels in the UK.

What kind of school could my child attend in Spain?

Younger children tend to adapt well to Spanish schools and are quick to pick up the language. Older children who are not fluent often have more difficulty in Spanish schools - generally, children older than twelve or thirteen struggle to learn a new language and successfully undertake their academic work at the same time.

This doesn't mean that it's not possible to move to Spain with older children though. There are a number of private international schools in Spain, some of which teach the English curriculum (in English). These are usually located along the coastline or close to the big cities, and are a great option for children.

FAQs: Schools and Education in Spain

What should families know about the Spanish school system before buying property for sale in Spain?

Families considering property for sale in Spain should understand that the Spanish school system includes both public and private options, with compulsory education from ages 6 to 16. Location is important — the quality of schools can vary, and many expats choose areas based on proximity to the most suitable international schools.

Is primary education in Spain free and available to foreign residents?

Yes, primary education (ages 6–12) in Spain is free at public schools and available to all residents, including foreign nationals. When buying property for sale in Spain, it's wise to check whether the local primary schools offer bilingual programmes or support for non-Spanish speakers.

Are there international or English-speaking schools in Spain?

Yes, Spain has many international and bilingual schools, especially in areas popular with expats such as the Madrid, Palma, Costa del Sol, Alicante, and Barcelona. Families purchasing property in Spain often prioritize regions with reputable international high schools or primary schools.

How does secondary education work in Spain for expat families?

Secondary education in Spain begins at age 12 and continues through age 16 (compulsory), with optional higher secondary education (available afterward. When looking at property for sale in Spain, it's important to consider proximity to good secondary schools or international academies.

Can children attend school in Spain if their parents’ own property but are not yet residents?

Typically, children must be residents to enrol in public schools. However, owning property for sale in Spain may support residency applications, which then grant school access. International private schools may accept students regardless of residency.

What types of schools are available in Spain?

Spain offers public, semi-private (concertado), and fully private schools. Public schools are free and widely accessible, while private and international schools may offer English instruction and smaller class sizes — often key for expat families choosing where to buy property.

Are high schools in Spain suitable for English-speaking students?

Many public high schools in Spain teach exclusively in Spanish, but there are bilingual and international high schools across the country. Buyers searching for property for sale in Spain often choose locations near English-speaking or IB-curriculum schools.

Does buying property in Spain give my family access to better schools?

While buying property doesn’t guarantee school placement, living within certain school catchment areas can increase access to preferred public schools. Many families look for property for sale in Spain in areas known for strong educational reputations.

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