Last Updated on July 4, 2025 by Maryam Siddiqui
If you have children and are considering relocating to Spain, their education is probably one of the first things on your mind. The good news is that Public Schools in Spain are a great option, even for expat families. With a strong focus on language, community, and accessibility, Spain offers a school system that many families from abroad find welcoming and surprisingly high quality.
While there may be an adjustment period, especially with the language, many expat kids thrive in Spanish public schools. Read on to find out exactly what Public Schools in Spain have to offer and why they might be a perfect fit for your family.
How Do Public Schools in Spain Work?
Spain’s school system is generally divided into two main stages, which we’ll break down for you in a moment: basic education and secondary education.
It starts with Infant School, known as Escuela Infantil, which is for children ages 0 to 6. From there, kids move into Primary Education or Educación Primaria from ages 6 to 12.
After that comes Obligatory Secondary Education or Educación Secundaria Obligatoria for ages 12 to 16. From age 15 to 18, students can choose between university preparation, called Bachillerato, or vocational training known as Formación Profesional.
Basic Education
Let’s start with preschool education in Spain. While it’s not compulsory, nearly all children under six are enrolled. Preschool is divided into two cycles. The first cycle is for little ones up to age three, and the second cycle is for ages three to five.
Many families choose to enroll their children early, not just for social development but also because Public Schools in Spain offer quality early education.
Once children turn six, primary education becomes compulsory and continues until age twelve. During these years, students follow a broad curriculum and are assessed regularly through both formative and summative methods.
Parents receive consistent updates about their child’s progress and, at the end of the year, get a full record of results for each subject.
Official assessments also monitor learning. Students take exams in math and language at the end of year three and again in year six, along with science and technology.
Secondary Education
Secondary education in Spain picks up where primary leaves off and is split into two parts. First comes Educación Secundaria Obligatoria, or ESO, which is compulsory for kids between the ages of 12 and 16.
Most students attend a local secondary school known as an Instituto. These four years are grouped into two stages. The first covers years one to three, and the second is the final year. If needed, students can repeat a year during the first stage, but only once in the fourth year.
At the end of ESO, students who pass all required subjects receive a certificate showing they’ve completed compulsory education. If they don’t pass, they still get a report listing how long they studied and how they did in each subject.
After that, students can choose to continue with the Bachillerato, which prepares them for university. Many stay at the same school for this. Those with certificates in sports or arts can also take the Bachillerato. Public Schools In Spain offer both academic and practical options for this next step.
Do Public Schools in Spain Teach in English?
Public Schools in Spain don’t completely teach in English, but English still plays an important role in the classroom. It’s part of the regular curriculum and is introduced early on in a child’s education. While the main language of instruction is Spanish, many schools make a real effort to include English in daily learning.
Wondering how this works in practice? Keep reading to find out more about how Public Schools in Spain handle English in the classroom and what this could mean for your child.
Language Of Instruction in Public Schools
When considering Public Schools in Spain, it’s important to know that the main language of instruction is Castilian Spanish, the official language of the country.
But don’t you worry about your children not learning English! All Public Schools in Spain teach a foreign language as a mandatory subject, and for most, that language is English.
This is a fantastic opportunity because it means your child will likely become bilingual, which is a wonderful advantage in our global world!
Pros of Enrolling Your Children in a Public School in Spain
Here is a detailed list of why expats often choose to enroll their children in public schools in Spain.
Free Of Cost for Compulsory Education
One fantastic thing about Public Schools in Spain is that most of the compulsory years of your children’s education are completely free!
This is a huge help for your family’s budget, especially when you think about all the financial expenses that come with relocating. Taking advantage of this free program means you can save up for your university years later on.
It really helps alleviate the burden of those initial expat costs. Plus, beyond the financial benefits, free primary education at Public Schools in Spain really helps children integrate and adapt to their new surroundings much faster.
This makes the whole relocation and settling process easy for your kids, which is exactly what you want.
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Exposure To Local Culture and Language
Relocation is often the “easy” part of moving to a new country. What often goes understated is the importance of integrating into the community as quickly and smoothly as possible. Getting to know the local culture will truly help your children form lifelong connections and feel a deep sense of belonging.
There is truly no better way for your kids to understand the local culture and language than to integrate with their fellow children in school. Public Schools in Spain offer that direct, daily interaction.
This closeness to the culture can also help them learn the language at a much faster pace, especially during those crucial primary school years. It’s a wonderful immersion experience!
Social Integration
Sending your children to Public Schools in Spain offers a huge advantage when it comes to social integration. While private or international schools might keep them more connected to expat circles, public schools truly immerse them in the local community.
They’ll be interacting daily with Spanish children, making friends, and learning about everyday life and customs firsthand.
This organic social interaction is incredibly valuable for feeling a genuine sense of belonging and building a new life. It helps them form bonds that extend beyond the classroom and truly adapt to their new home in Spain.
Cons of Enrolling Your Children in a Public School in Spain
Of Course, the public school system in Spain comes with its fair share of shortcomings just like in any other part of the world. Let’s discuss a few to help you get a more comprehensive understanding of public schools in Spain.
Language Barrier Challenges
It’s true that while Public Schools in Spain teach English as a foreign language, the bulk of instruction will be in Spanish. This might feel like a hurdle at first, but honestly, it’s a fantastic way for your children to become fluent! They’ll likely pick up Spanish incredibly fast in an immersive environment like school.
Still, to help them adapt even quicker, you might consider enrolling them in some extra Spanish classes, at least initially.
The good news is, Spanish is considered one of the easiest languages for children to pick up, thanks to its phonetic nature and consistent pronunciation. They’ll be chatting away in no time!
Potential Differences in Teaching Styles
You might find that teaching styles in Public Schools in Spain can differ from what you or your children are used to. This is especially true if you’re coming from a system with a more hands-on or project-based approach.
Some Spanish classrooms might lean more towards traditional methods, with a greater emphasis on lectures and rote learning. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can be an adjustment.
The key is to remember that every school and every teacher is unique. If you’re concerned, try to visit the school and talk to the teachers if possible. You can also supplement your child’s learning at home with activities that align with your preferred teaching styles. A little proactive engagement can make all the difference!
How Much Do Public Schools Cost in Spain?
When considering Public Schools in Spain, it’s great to know that a significant portion of compulsory education is free. This applies to the tuition fees for children aged 6 to 16.
While the government certainly goes a long way in providing education through public schools, it’s worth noting that the quality can vary from one school to another.
Even though basic tuition for Public Schools in Spain is free, parents must still budget for other expenses. These can include things like schoolbooks, which alone can cost up to €200 per year, as well as school trips and various extracurricular activities. So, while it’s a fantastic free program, there are still some costs to consider.
Best Public Schools in Spain
Finding a definitive “best” list for Public Schools in Spain can be a bit tricky because their quality, as mentioned earlier, can vary. Also, rankings often focus on private or international schools.
Here are ten examples of well-regarded Public Schools in Spain or areas known for strong public education:
- IES Ramiro de Maeztu in Madrid, Community of Madrid: This is a highly respected public secondary school, often cited for its academic excellence.
- IES Lope de Vega in Madrid, Community of Madrid: Another well-known public institute in Madrid with a good reputation.
- IES Jaume Balmes in Barcelona, Catalonia: Known for its strong academic tradition and located in a vibrant city.
- IES Sant Vicenç Ferrer in Valencia, Valencian Community: A public high school in a major city, often considered a good option.
- CEIP Pinolivo in Marbella, Andalusia: This primary school is often mentioned as a reputable public option, sometimes incorporating aspects of Montessori philosophy.
- CEIP Platero in Marbella, Andalusia: Often connected with CEIP Pinolivo for primary education, also known for its quality.
- IES Zaidín-Vergeles in Granada, Andalusia: A well-regarded public secondary school in a historically rich city.IES Rosalía de Castro in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia: Known for its strong focus on languages and humanities.
- IES Las Canteras in La Laguna, Canary Islands: A public high school in Tenerife, often recognized for its academic performance.
- IES Goya in Zaragoza, Aragon: A respected public institute in the capital of Aragon.
Remember, when looking at Public Schools in Spain, local reputation and community feedback are often key indicators of quality!
What Is Needed to Enroll a Child in A Public School in Spain?
In Spain, enrolling your child in a public school depends on where you live. According to the principle of regionalization, you’ll need to choose a school close to your home. If you have permanent residency, this step becomes much easier, as your location will help determine your options.
To narrow down your search, you can use the Educational Institutions and Centres Finder, which gives you a list of nearby schools and their details.
There are two main ways to enroll. One is to register online, typically alongside Spanish citizens, starting in early spring. The second is to complete the registration after the online step, usually in September. Just keep in mind that the summer break can slow things down, so planning ahead is a good idea.
To complete enrolment, you’ll need several documents:
- International Birth Certificate
- Passports and NIE numbers for both parents
- Child’s check-in certificate (empadronamiento)
- Child’s health card and vaccination records (copies are fine)
- ID photos
- Any school certificates from outside Spain
Public Schools in Spain require all of these to make sure your child has a smooth start.
Can Children of Non-Regularized Foreigners Study in Public Schools in Spain?
Yes, children of non-regularized foreigners can study in Public Schools in Spain. The Spanish education system is inclusive, and all children under 18 have the right to education, no matter what their parents’ legal status may be.
This means that even if a family is still in the process of getting their papers in order, their children can still go to school.
Public Schools in Spain do not ask for immigration status when enrolling a child. What’s usually required are basic documents like proof of address, birth certificate, and vaccination records.
Some flexibility is given in special cases, so it’s always worth speaking directly with the school or local education office.
When Does the School Year Start in Spain?
In Spain, the school year usually begins in early to mid-September and runs through to late June. Exact dates can vary slightly depending on the region since each autonomous community sets its own school calendar.
Public Schools in Spain typically follow a three-term structure with short breaks in between, including holidays for Christmas, Easter, and regional festivals.
The start of the school year is often a gradual process. In the first few days, especially for younger children, classes might run for fewer hours to help ease them into the routine. Most schools publish their calendars in advance, so parents can plan accordingly.
If you’re enrolling your child for the first time, it’s a good idea to check with your local education office or school website for the exact start date in your area. Public schools in Spain tend to begin preparing well in advance for the new year, especially for new enrolments.
Do You Need Help Bringing Your Family to Spain?
Bringing your family to Spain comes with many questions, especially when it comes to schooling and settling in. As we’ve seen, Public Schools in Spain are a great option, even for expat families.
If you still have doubts or need guidance, don’t hesitate to join our Facebook Group – All About Spain for Expats. Here you can connect with others on the same journey.
And when you’re ready to take the next step, book a consultation with our team at Viv Europe. We’ll help you with immigration and finding the right school for your children so you can move forward with confidence.
