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At Immofy, we understand that moving to Spain means more than just finding a new home, especially for families with children. From experience, we know how important it is to find a good school for your children, and we receive many questions about this during the initial search and viewings by our clients. Therefore, we are happy to share this overview of schools on the Costa Blanca and briefly explain how the Spanish education system works.
Does Spain have a good education system?
This is a frequently asked question from people looking for the right school for their children. There is no simple answer, as it is subjective and everyone has their own opinion. According to the European Commission, however, Spain is among the top 11 education systems.
In recent years, the Spanish education system has significantly improved in terms of educational quality, innovation, infrastructure, and curriculum, making it attractive for both Spanish and foreign students.
Basic principles of the Spanish education system
The Spanish education system is managed separately by each autonomous region and offers a wide range of high-quality public and private schools. Education in Spain is free for all children between the ages of 6 and 16. However, books and other learning materials must be paid for. After the age of 16, children can choose further education; 'Bachillerato', vocational training, or work (and learning). More on this later.
What should you consider when looking for the right school in Spain?
It is important to keep in mind the region where you will live, as autonomous regions differ in terms of educational processes, school hours, and enrollment periods. In this blog, we focus on the Costa Blanca, which belongs to the Valencian Community.
In Spain, there are three types of schools: public schools, private schools, and semi-private schools ('concertado'), which are subsidized by the government but privately managed.
Here are some important points to consider when looking for a school on the Costa Blanca:
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- Language: Spanish (Castellano) is the language of instruction, but on the Costa Blanca, Valencian is also mandatory as it is part of the Valencian Community. Some schools even prefer teaching in Valencian over Spanish.
- Wishlist: Create a list of your expectations, such as curriculum, teaching methods, language, and extracurricular activities. Visit schools and ask questions about the subjects they teach, class size, introductory courses for foreign children (integration), and the number of school hours.
- Enrollment period: The first application process is usually in May. Outside of this period, there are limited options and possibly waiting lists. Check this and follow the enrollment period if possible.
- Language assistance: When enrolling in a public school, it is helpful to bring a Spanish-speaking friend if your Spanish is not good enough, as it can still be difficult to find a (good) English-speaking staff member.
* TIP * - Overview of various schools: To see the list of schools in your area, you can consult the official website of the education system in Valencia (Guía de Centros Docentes), where you can find all relevant information about public schools. For (international) private schools, each school usually has its own website, but an overview can also be found on the official website. Or you can make a selection from the database of international schools on this website.
The public school system in Spain
School attendance in Spain is free for children from 6 to 16 years old and includes primary and secondary schools. All children of compulsory school age are guaranteed a place in a public school. Registration at the town hall (Ayuntamiento) using a 'Padron' is sufficient for enrollment. After completing secondary school at the age of 16, there are various options:
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- Bachillerato: Bachillerato is considered the upper level of secondary education and lasts another 2 years, typically ending at the age of 18. Bachillerato, followed by an entrance exam, allows direct access to the university, or one can proceed directly to "Grado Superior" (see below).
- Grado Medio - Grado Superior: Grado Medio is considered vocational training and is usually meant for people who have a very specific and clear idea of what they want to learn, as it is generally much more practical than university, which is much more theoretical. Grado Medio lasts 2 years, but once completed, it offers only limited access, and it is advisable to complement this period with another 2 years of 'Grado Superior', the highest level of vocational training. After completing the 4-year vocational training, one can either start working or still choose to go to university, where direct access to the subjects studied in vocational training is provided.
- Working (or work-based learning): Full-time work at the age of 16 is not very common in Spain, but it is a valid option as it is no longer mandatory to study once you are 16 years old.
Languages of teaching in Spain
Teaching is managed by autonomous regions, so there are co-official languages like Valencian in the Valencia region. On the Costa Blanca, Valencian is mandatory in public schools, and many schools offer integration and adjustment classes for foreign students. Private schools usually focus more on international languages like English.
International (private) schools on the Costa Blanca
There are both English and American international schools on the Costa Blanca which teach based on the British and American curricula respectively. Generally, these are the differences between both teaching methods:
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- English school: The curriculum is more structured with an emphasis on exams at the end of Key Stages; GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and then A-Levels (Advanced Level qualifications). Focus on in-depth study of fewer subjects during A-Levels. Emphasis on academic performance and exams. Externally assessed by British examination boards like AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. GCSE and A-Levels are recognized worldwide and are often prerequisites for admission to universities in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
- American school: Flexible with an emphasis on a wide range of activities, extracurricular engagement, and college preparation. Focus on a wide range of subjects until the end of high school. Based on the American K-12 system, leading to a High School Diploma. Divided into Elementary School (K-5), Middle School (6-8), and High School (9-12). Examination; Students can take Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams. Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and American College Testing (ACT) are standard for admission to American universities.
Both systems offer excellent educational opportunities, and the choice often depends on the parents' preferences and the student's needs.
Outside the English and American systems, Waldorf, Montessori, Norwegian, French and German schools can also be found, including European School (Alicante), Den Norske Skole (Alfaz del Pi/ Albir), Lycée Français International d'Alicante Pierre Deschamps (Alicante), Altea International School - AIS (Altea) and Montessori British School (albeit in Murcia), and that's just a selection of the offerings in this region. The above schools usually offer bilingual education and follow international curricula.
Costs for international schools
The cost of education varies between €2,000 and €10,000 per year, excluding extras like books, uniforms, lunch, excursions, and (possibly) bus transportation to and from school. Contact the respective school for detailed information.
Spanish private schools on the Costa Blanca
In addition to public and international schools, there are also Spanish private schools like Colegio El Valle Alicante and Colegio San Alberto Magno, which offer high-quality bilingual education.
CONCLUSION: Whether you choose a public, private, or international school, there are many options on the Costa Blanca to meet your children's educational needs and ensure they enjoy a good education. For detailed information on specific schools, you can consult the respective websites or even better, contact the schools directly for comprehensive advice and visits..
