Education in Spain

What is education like in Spain?

In Spain, education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16, and the school system is considered one of the best in Europe. In recent years, an increasing number of state and private schools have been providing bilingual (Spanish and English) instruction.

The Costa del Sol is also home to many highly regarded international schools offering classes in English, French, Norwegian, German, Finnish and Swedish.

International schools are the most common choice for expatriates, although more and more parents want their children to benefit from the state system and become fluent in Spanish and culturally integrated from an early age.

Some international schools (all fee-paying) offer full bilingual instruction, while others teach only in English (or another European language).Spanish state education is free for all EU citizens from kindergarten to age 18, with parents paying only for books, stationery and extracurricular activities.

Pre-school education (Educación Infantil) (0-6) is an excellent way to integrate children and parents into the Spanish-speaking community and culture. It is not mandatory and is divided into two three-year stages (0-3 and 3-6 years).

Stage two (ages 3-6) is free in state-funded schools.

• Primary education (Educación Primaria) from 6 to 12 years of age
• Secondary I education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria - ESO) between the ages of 12 and 16 years old

Optional education (16-18 years)

• Secondary education (Bachillerato) - prepares you for university studies
• Vocational training

Higher education

Students are admitted to the university after passing the Selectividad entrance exam in their final year of high school. Study lasts three or four years and students receive either a "licencia" (in academic subjects) or a "diploma" in vocational or technical subjects.University graduates can then continue their studies to obtain a master's or doctoral degree.