If you are moving to Spain with children, schooling is one of those topics that tends to get parked until late in the process. Visas get sorted. Housing gets argued over. Healthcare gets researched. Then suddenly you realise September is not that far away and you still do not know the difference between a colegio público and a concertado.
Spain has a good education system, but it works very differently from the UK. Understanding how it is structured, how admissions actually work, and what your realistic options are will save you a lot of stress once you arrive.
This is not a comparison piece about which system is “better”. It is a practical guide to how schooling in Spain works for British families, and how to navigate it without panic.
The structure of schooling in Spain
Spanish education is broadly divided into four stages.
Early years education runs from ages 0 to 6 and is split into two cycles. The first cycle (0 to 3) is not compulsory and is usually paid nursery care. The second cycle (3 to 6) is free and forms part of the public education system. Most Spanish children start school at age 3.
Primary education runs from 6 to 12. Secondary education (ESO) runs from 12 to 16 and is compulsory. After 16, students can choose between academic routes such as Bachillerato or vocational training (FP). Compulsory education in Spain ends at 16, not 18 as in the UK.
One practical difference that surprises many British parents is that children tend to stay in the same school building from age 3 through to 12, and sometimes longer if the centre includes secondary education.
Public, concertado, private and international schools
You will quickly encounter four types of schools.
Public schools are fully state funded and free. They follow the Spanish curriculum and teaching is primarily in Spanish, with regional languages such as Catalan or Valencian used in some areas. Places are allocated based on catchment zones and priority criteria.
Concertado schools sit in between public and private. They are privately run but publicly funded, so tuition is subsidised. They often have religious links. While officially free, many charge monthly “voluntary” contributions. Teaching language depends on the region and the school.
Private Spanish schools are fully fee-paying and follow the Spanish curriculum. Class sizes are usually smaller, and facilities vary widely.
International and British schools follow non-Spanish curricula such as the British, IB or American systems. Fees are significantly higher. These schools are popular with expat families who want continuity with the UK system or plan to move again.
There is no universally right choice. Public schools are often the best route for full integration. International schools provide familiarity but can limit language immersion. Many families start international and later move into the Spanish system once children are settled.
Language and integration realities
Language is usually the biggest fear for parents, but children adapt faster than adults expect. Younger children, particularly under 10, often become fluent remarkably quickly when immersed.
Public schools rarely offer long-term English-language support beyond initial assistance. This can be daunting, but it is also why children integrate so effectively.
In bilingual regions, children may be taught in two languages from day one. This is normal locally but can come as a surprise to newcomers. It is important to understand the regional language policy before choosing a location.
International schools avoid this challenge entirely, but that also means children may have fewer opportunities to practise Spanish outside the classroom.
How school admissions actually work
This is where many British families get caught out.
Public and concertado schools have fixed admissions windows, usually in spring for the following academic year. Places are allocated using a points system based on residence, siblings already enrolled, income and other factors.
You generally need proof of address (empadronamiento) to apply. Without it, your options may be limited until places are reassigned later in the summer.
International and private schools operate independently and accept students year-round if places are available.
If you arrive outside the main admissions window, you are not locked out, but you may have fewer choices. In practice, local education offices will assign a place where availability exists.
Costs you should realistically expect
Public schools are free, but families still pay for books, materials, meals and activities. School lunches are optional and charged monthly. Books are sometimes reused year to year.
Concertado schools often charge monthly fees that are technically optional but widely expected.
Private and international schools vary enormously in cost, from a few thousand euros per year to well into five figures, not including transport, uniforms and extras.
Uniforms are common across all types of schools, including public ones.
Daily school life in Spain
The school day is often shorter than in the UK, especially for younger children. Some schools finish early afternoon, with optional comedor (lunch service). Homework loads can be lighter in primary years and heavier in secondary.
Parent involvement is more informal. Communication is often via apps rather than letters. Teachers are respected but less accessible in day-to-day conversation than UK parents might expect.
Common mistakes British families make
Waiting too long to research schools.
Assuming admissions work like the UK.
Underestimating the importance of residence paperwork.
Expecting English support in public schools.
Choosing a home without considering school zones.
Final thoughts
Schooling is one of the most emotional parts of relocating to Spain with a family. It is also one of the areas where expectations matter more than perfection.
Children are adaptable. Systems are different, not worse. Most families find that once the first term is over, routines settle and worries fade.
The key is understanding how the system works before you arrive, rather than trying to decode it under pressure.
If you are planning a move with children, schooling should be part of your early decision-making, not an afterthought once the boxes arrive.
