ELITE WORLD ESTATES BLOG

Moving to Spain is a big decision. A new place, a new home, a different rhythm of life. However, for families with children, one key question quickly arises: What does the education system in Spain look like, and will my child adapt to the new reality? At what age does school start? What is compulsory? Is preschool paid? What do high school and university look like? Below you will find a structured explanation of all stages of education — from nursery to university.

Contents:

The education system in Spain is clearly divided into stages and regulated at the national level, although autonomous communities have influence over the curriculum. Compulsory education applies to children and teenagers between the ages of 6 and 16. However, many children begin their education earlier — at the age of 3. The entire educational pathway consists of consecutive, logically structured levels.

The first cycle of Educación Infantil (0–3 years) consists of nurseries, known as guarderías. A child can begin attending as early as a few months old. This is related to the length of maternity leave in Spain, which lasts 16 weeks. There are two main types of facilities:

• funded by local or regional authorities

• lower fees, often dependent on family income

• limited number of places

• recruitment usually takes place in spring

• greater flexibility in hours

• possibility to choose the number of hours

• higher monthly fees

• easier availability of places during the year

A typical day in a guardería focuses on play, sensory development, building early social relationships, and maintaining a structured daily rhythm (meals, naps, physical activity). For families relocating to Spain, this is often the first stage of a child’s natural integration into the language and environment.

This is the first stage of education, covering children from birth to 6 years old. It is divided into two cycles:

• 0–3 years

• 3–6 years

This stage is not compulsory, but the vast majority of children attend preschool from the age of 3.

The second cycle of Educación Infantil often takes place in the same building as primary school. Children have their own classrooms, learn their first letters and numbers, and begin understanding basic rules of group interaction — although play remains the dominant form of learning.

This is primary school and the beginning of compulsory education.

Education lasts six years. The curriculum includes, among others:

• Spanish language

• Mathematics

• Natural sciences

• English language

• Physical education

• Music and art

This is the stage at which children acquire language skills very quickly, making it a relatively smooth moment for relocation.

Recruitment for public schools usually takes place in spring (May–June), so the process should be started in advance. A detailed step-by-step guide — including a full list of required documents and the recruitment procedure — is described in our article “A Polish Child in a Spanish School. What Should You Pay Attention To?”

ESO is compulsory lower secondary education. It lasts four years and ends with a certificate that allows further education.

After completing ESO, a student may:

• finish compulsory education,

• continue studies in Bachillerato,

• choose vocational education (Formación Profesional).

This stage requires more careful planning for families relocating with teenagers, especially if the child does not yet speak Spanish.

Bachillerato is the equivalent of upper secondary school and is not compulsory. It usually lasts two years. Students choose a specialization (e.g., humanities, sciences, technology), which influences their future university path. After completion, students take the EBAU exam, which is required for admission to public universities.

An alternative to Bachillerato is Formación Profesional (FP), or vocational education.

This system includes:

• Grado Medio – available after completing ESO

• Grado Superior – available after Bachillerato or Grado Medio

Vocational programs cover areas such as:

• gastronomy and hospitality

• IT

• administration

• healthcare

• mechanics and technical fields

Studies usually last two years and include internships in companies. This pathway allows students to gain specific qualifications and enter the job market more quickly.

After completing Bachillerato and passing the EBAU exam, students may pursue higher education.

The higher education system consists of three levels:

• Grado – Bachelor’s degree (usually 4 years)

• Máster – Master’s degree (1–2 years)

• Doctorado – Doctoral studies

Most programs at public universities are taught in Spanish, although an increasing number of courses are available in English. Public universities charge tuition fees, but they are significantly lower than in many English-speaking countries. Private universities are more expensive.

Degrees obtained in Spain are recognized throughout the European Union, providing graduates with broad professional opportunities.

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