Education in Spain & Andalucia

For adults, there are many Spanish classes available throughout Spain, either private or publicly funded. For more information go to your nearest town hall, or simply scour the local newspapers for language classes and schools in your region.

When it comes to schooling your kids though, there are many different forms of education you can choose from. Public schools (which in Spain means a State school) are non-fee paying, but parents have to pay for the school books and materials. Any extra curricular activities also have to be paid for by the parents (eg: extra music lessons or sports). Foreign kids are allowed to attend these schools, but registration is necessary – for that you’ll have to go to your nearest town hall. Make sure you take all passports, some kind of utility bill, and any other ID you may have (eg. Spanish bank account).

The schooling system is generally good, and your child will be able to use their grades to attend University in other EU countries like the UK for example.With so many foreigners now choosing to live and raise their children here, Spanish-run private education is an expanding sector in Spain, though they do vary considerably in quality. Some only teach in Spanish, while others are bilingual, with the emphasis on English. Separate to these are the “foreign” or “international” schools, again private, run more or less exclusively for expats (eg. Aloha College in Marbella, which is actually owned by a charitable Trust). These will be run on the lines you are more familiar with in northern Europe, for example.  For the tiny tots, nursery education in Spain is from three to six years, while primary education is from six to twelve. In the latter, they’ll learn subjects like Spanish language, mathematics, history, and art.

There is also the chance to learn English. Religion (ie. Catholicism) is also taught at this stage. The secondary education stage is from 12 to 16 (or to 18, depending on results and requirements).  Be aware, that enrolling your child into the Spanish state education system could take some time, with much paperwork to be filled in and submitted. Having your child’s birth certificate, and medical immunization history will also help. Good luck!

Aloha College Marbella A non-profit-making organisation owned by a charitable trust and administered by.....