Schools in Spain for expat families
How the main school types differ, what language and admissions mean locally, and what families should check before choosing an area.
School choice in Spain is closely connected to address, language and the autonomous community. Children generally attend compulsory education from age 6 to 16. Public education is administered regionally, so admissions timetables, catchment rules, teaching languages and supporting documents can differ between Madrid, Catalonia, Valencia and Andalusia.
State schools are publicly funded and normally follow the regional curriculum. Concertado schools are privately managed but receive public funding and may have their own ethos. Fully private Spanish schools and international schools charge fees. International options may offer British, International Baccalaureate, American or other programmes, but families should verify authorisation, curriculum continuity and the qualification pathway rather than relying on the word international.
Language is a practical decision, not only an academic one. Spanish is central nationwide, while Catalan, Valencian and other co-official languages can form an important part of state education in their regions. Younger children may adapt rapidly with the right support; older pupils approaching major examinations or university entry may face a more complex transition. Ask how the school supports newcomers and how much teaching actually occurs in each language.
For state and concertado places, the family's registered address and the regional application window can affect priority. Popular international schools can have waiting lists and may use assessments, interviews or previous records. Before signing a home lease, confirm the realistic school options, daily journey and whether a place is genuinely available.
Compare the full cost rather than tuition alone. Registration charges, deposits, meals, transport, uniforms, devices, books and activities can materially increase the annual budget. Check whether fees rise by year group, whether a deposit is refundable and what happens if immigration or relocation plans change.
Ask every shortlisted school about safeguarding, special educational needs, class size, staff turnover, university destinations, inspection or accreditation, language support and communication with parents. Visit during a normal school day where possible. Marketing facilities matter less than the experience your child will have every week.
Start school research alongside immigration and housing planning. Create a shortlist for each possible city, contact the admissions offices directly, retain written confirmation of requirements and compare the child's current curriculum and year placement carefully with the Spanish or international-school system.
Common questions
- Can expat children attend Spanish state schools?
- Resident children can generally access education under the applicable regional process. Admissions, documents, catchment and language arrangements are managed locally.
- Will lessons be taught only in Spanish?
- That depends on the autonomous community and school. In regions with a co-official language, public education may use both that language and Spanish to varying degrees.
Sources
- Organisation of the education system — Government of Spain
This guide provides general information for planning purposes. It does not constitute legal, tax, financial, immigration or medical advice. Always confirm decisions with a qualified specialist authorised to advise for your circumstances.
