Spanish Schooling in the Costa Blanca

Admission criteria into pre-school, primary and secondary State schools are established by the "Autonomous Communities" (Comunidades Autónomas - there are 17 different Comunidades Autonomas in Spain, each with its own government which has independence to take certain decisions).

Pre-school Education (Educacion Infantil)

Pre-school education is available for children up to six years of age. It is divided into two groups: up to three years and from three to six years. It is not compulsory although the central government guarantees sufficient places to ensure schooling for those who request it. The maximum number of children permitted per class is 25.

Primary Education (educacion primaria)

Primary education is compulsory and free for children aged six to 12 years, and consists of three cycles of two years each:

• First cycle: 6 to 8 years
• Second cycle: 8 to 10 years
• Third cycle: 10 to 12 years

Teaching of foreign languages begins in the first year of the second cycle (8 years of age).

Secondary Education (educacion secundaria)

This schooling is free and compulsory. To have access to secondary education it is necessary to have completed primary school. Secondary school extends from the age of 12 to the age of 16. It is divided in two cycles of two years each. 

If pupils are successful in all subjects they receive a certificate of secondary education (graduado en educación secundaria). There is no final examination.

Upper-Secondary Education (bachillerato)

Upper-secondary education is optional. It extends for two years, divided into two courses of one year each. This education is free of charge in state schools, although parents must cover the costs of additional services, such as canteen meals and transport.

To enrol in upper-secondary school, pupils must hold the certificate of secondary education (graduado en educación secundaria). Citizens of other EU member states need to have their secondary school qualification recognised as equivalent. The International Baccalaureate is recognised as equivalent to having successfully completed the Bachillerato.

Learning a foreign language and the language of the autonomous community is part of the curriculum.

Pupils are assessed continuously and at the end of the year receive an overall mark determined by all the teachers. There are two examination periods (convocatorias) per year, in June and September. Pupils who fail in any subject in June may retake it in September, while those who fail in more than two subjects in September must repeat the year.

To move up from the first to the second year, pupils must not fail in more than two subjects. Those who fail more than three subjects at the end of second year are obliged to repeat the year. Pupils may not take more than four years to complete their studies.

Grants and scholarships are available to assist pupils from low-income families. These are meant to cover travelling expenses, teaching materials and other extras.

Special Education (educacion especial)

Every child with special educational needs has the right to have special attention, from the moment the special needs are detected. It is the education system's responsibility to provide the necessary means for each child with special education needs to be able to achieve the same general objectives set for all pupils. 

Parents with children with special education needs should contact the official department of education from the autonomous community where they live.

Admission Procedure (Proceso de Admisión)

You need to apply to be admitted to State pre-school, primary and secondary education centres.

Necessary documentation:

• An application form to be obtained at the education centre
• An age certificate (photocopy of any document which proves the applicant's age)

These documents need to be taken to the centre where the applicant wants to study, between 15 April and 7 May.

School Year

The academic year normally begins in the second half of September and ends in the last week of June.

Further Information

• See INFOrmation page Education & Schooling in Spain
• See INFOrmation page School Holidays in the Costa Blanca
• See the website of the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (in Spanish)
• From the EU website EUROPA