EDUCATION
To study in Spain, children must be registered at the town hall registry “empadronamiento”. Most Spanish schools on the Costa Blanca necessarily request that the books and materials of the children’s course be purchased before the beginning of the new term. The materials include pens, pencils, crayons, plasticine, rubbers and rulers etc. In some cases, the school might also request to provide a toy. Your child’s school will provide you with a complete list and advise you on how to get all the items you need.
In some stores, a 25% discount on children’s school books is offered if these are bought before the end of July.
INTERNATIONAL AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Private Schools are designed to meet the needs of students of foreign origin and at the same time, it offers the possibility to Spanish parents to immerse their children in the multicultural environment.
Depending on the syllabus and the cultural Orientation and the Learning Center, the classes are taught in a variety of languages: English, Norwegian, Dutch, German, French, etc. Many of the private schools are bilingual and offer a study plan equal to schools in countries of northern Europe.
The wide variety of options reflects the popularity of international and private education. The majority of private welding schools offer children the possibility to take the GCSE Exams (Academic Qualification), while the Spanish LOGSE System (General Education System of 1990) is also an attractive alternative.
The International and private school lessons allow children to be in the company of their international friends and exposes them to children from other cultures. These schools tend to have a higher ratio of teacher to student and this allows for a more personalized experience.
SCHOOL OF PRIMARY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION C.E.I.P.
On the other hand, total immersion in Spanish culture has its benefits. Children develop friendships with other children in their community and integrate into Spanish culture quickly. More and more foreigners are exploring the option of public schools and the quality education they provide.
Public schools do not offer the characteristics of private schools, but they provide quality education. Where you live will determine which state school your children can attend.
Education in Spain begins with “pre-school” which incorporates play school, nursery school, kindergarten and infant school. Divided into two stages by ages 1 to 3 and 4 to 6, attendance is voluntary and provided free.
Compulsory education begins with a primary school at age 6 and covers subjects such as social sciences, Spanish, reading and maths.
Secondary school education provides more specialised education for pupils aged 12 to 16 and upon completion, pupils who have achieved the right grades are awarded a graduation certificate allowing them to continue with further education.
INSCRIPTION
When a family with children has decided to move to the Costa Blanca or another part of Spain it is normal to start researching the different possibilities for their children educational possibilities. If your child will be going to a state school you will need to be registered at the local town hall “el Padron”. You will need a copy of this registration, a copy of your child’s proof of immunisation, their previous school transcripts, as well as photocopies of both the parents’ and children’s passports.
As in British state schools, the catchment area is all-important, so having decided on your chosen school it is essential to ensure that your house (whether purchased or rented) is located in the correct area. Most schools prefer to interview prospective pupils, with exams being set in some cases to ascertain the level of Spanish attained.
RATINGS
Have in mind that if your child will attend a school where no English is spoken, his knowledge and learning of the English language should not be taken for granted. All students in the Spanish state school are required to learn English and your child can take advantage of this class time to refine their skills with spelling and grammar.
If you are planning for Spanish schools, contact the town hall of the area where you plan to move. Public education is free, but books and materials are not provided.
PRIMARY EDUCATION
Pre-school (educación infantil) is for children aged 1-3 and 3-5 and is not obligatory. Emphasis is placed on the development of personal identity and autonomy, the development of social and physical skills and communication. In other words, the children play and do group and individual activities.
Disclaimer: The information on this page only serves as general information and we are not responsible for incorrect information, changes in regulations, etc.