|
Education in Spain is compulsory between the ages of six and sixteen, provided by the state and the private sector. The standard has improved significantly over recent years and state spending has seen an increase in real terms. In terms of integrating non-Spanish speaking children into Spanish schools, the younger the children the better. If the language barrier is too daunting, or the educational stage of a child is inappropriate for being plunged into a new language, then there are good multi-lingual international schools in many locations throughout Spain.
Most Spanish children attend a nursery at the age of 4 or 5, "basic general education" starts at 6 and is taught up to the age of 12. From 12 to 16 children attend secondary education, after which children are awarded either a "school certificate" or a "titulo de graduado" qualifying the child to study for a baccalaureate leading to university entrance. At the age of 16 a vocational school may be attended instead of studying for a baccalaureate. Enrolment in a Spanish school requires an interview and on occasion an examination. Enrolment is usually during a 2 month period in the early part of the year but precise dates vary from one school to another. Although an element of choice exists, it is normal to attend the school nearest to the child's home. For enrolment, you must provide a birth certificate, proof of immunisation, proof of residence and 2 passport style photographs. For direct entry into a secondary school proof of convalidation should also be provided as proof of an education record. This can be obtained from the "Ministry of Education and Science" in Madrid, and as it can take 3-6 months it would be wise to have the application in process before you plan to take up residence in Spain.
Private schools vary considerably in syllabus and style. State subsidised private schools have a minimum of 25% Spanish pupils and may be multi-lingual, with fees typically over 100,000 Ptas per annum. Non-subsidised schools may be from 300,000 to 1,000,000 Ptas per annum. Private schools generally provide a wider range of subjects and activities than state schools and may even offer British GCSE and A-levels or American high school diploma and university entrance exams.
For general information about foreign language schools contact the British Council in Spain, see "Living and Working in Spain" by David Hampshire, published by Survival Books. For information concerning the specific area of your domicile in Spain please contact the Eden Villas office on +44 (0)1382 505101.
The information contained in this document does not constitute a legal contract or legal advice and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information. No claims against Eden Villas relating to information provided herein will be entertained
|
