Rural Spain Properties

EDUCATION

Pre-School

photoState-run nursery school places depend on availability within the area where you live. Entry is normally based on a points system, the more points the child has the more chance of a place. Points are awarded for a series of criteria including proximity to the nursery, maritial status of parents and earnings of parents. Specific details of criteria in the area you live can be picked up at your local council.

Should you fail to gain a place at a state run nursery there are usually a good selection of private ones. We advise you to make sure that the private nursery you choose is accredited by the local council to ensure it’s suitability.

Educación Primaria (Primary School)

The age for primary education is from five to 12.

Entrance to primary school is similar to nursery schools in that a points system is in place. The more points you score, according to the criteria set by the local education authority, the greater the chance that you will get the school that you want.

Primary Students study the following subjects: Spanish language, Maths, Conocimiento del Medio (a general knowledge subject which includes biology, history, geography, general and local knowledge and social awareness), Physical Education, Art and Craft and a second language (usually English but in some areas it can be French).

In Cataluña, Galicia and the Basque Country the local langauge and culture will also be taught as a subject.

Educación Secundaria (Secondary School)

From the age of 12 children move to Secondary school, known as El Instituto.

If your child is entering the education system at the secondary level the application process is once again a points system the same as that of nursery and primary education.

photoThe Spanish secondary system is modelled loosely on the British comprehensive system and offers complete mixed ability schooling. The first four years are called "la E.S.O." (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria). Children can leave school at 16 or at an earlier age if they complete their exams. Recently introduced is the possibility of repeating the first year of the ESO if the standard of maths or Spanish language is not sufficiently high.

A wide range of secondary subjects are taught including natural science, social science, maths, Spanish language, art, music, French, English, sports and technology. Recent additions include the introduction of project work, continuous assessment and a more up-to-date and relevant syllabus. However, much still depends on the approach of individual teachers.

Colegios Concertados (Grant Maintained Schools)

Concertado schools are similar to British grant maintained schools, in that they receive subsidies from the Spanish government. Tuition fees are usually charged but are far cheaper than private schools.
Generally it is perceived that the educational standard is higher than in state schools.

When starting your search for a suitable school your local town hall should be the first port of call. They will provide you with a list of all the state and grant assisted educational centres in the area.

Bilingual Project State Schools

There are over sixty state primary and more recently secondary schools that participate in the British Council and Spanish Ministry of Education run bilingual project. The objective of these schools is to offer an English/Spanish bilingual education through the state system.

The project recently celebrated it’s 10th anniversary and has been highly successful with the participating schools proving very popular with parents. The entry procedure is exactly the same as for other state primary and secondary schools.

International Schools

The fee paying international schools offer bilingual education and the chance to study various curriculums including British, French, German and International Baccalaureate.

They are based where there are the greatest number of resident foreigners - the costas, Madrid and Barcelona. Some schools offer boarding facilities such as King Schools, Madrid.

The best source of information for British schools is www.nabss.org, see information on other nationalities in our links page.