Moving to Spain with children comes with many important decisions. One of the most crucial is understanding how the education system works. Spain’s structure covers various levels and stages. 

Without the right guidance, it’s easy to feel lost choosing the right academic path for their children. Especially in a system that combines national and regional regulations, public and private options, and multilingual settings. 

That’s why we’ve put together this clear and practical guide to how the Spanish education system works. Whether you’re moving to Spain for a better quality of life or settling into your dream Mediterranean home in a high-end villa in Jávea, this guide will help you find the right schooling option for your family with confidence.

Overview of the Spanish education system

The system, regulated by Organic Law 2/2006 (LOMLOE), includes well-defined stages from early childhood education to university. Both public and private education are available, offering flexibility to suit different family needs.

The official language of the country is Spanish. However, several autonomous regions recognise co-official languages such as Catalan, Basque, and Galician. This matters in education, particularly in areas like Catalonia, the Basque Country, Galicia, and the Valencian Community (where Jávea is located), where public schools teach in both Spanish and the regional language.

Levels of education in Spain

The Spanish education system is divided into the following stages, each offering a different type of schooling:

• Early Childhood Education (Educación Infantil): From birth to 6 years. Nurseries welcome children up to around age 3, then pre-schools take over until age 6.
• Primary Education (Educación Primaria): Ages 6 to 12, taught at primary schools.
• Compulsory Secondary Education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria, ESO): From 12 to 16 years. Public institutions are often called “Institutos” or “IES”, while private and state-subsidised schools usually host all levels under one roof.
• Bachillerato: Covers ages 16 to 18 and focuses on preparing students for higher education.
• Vocational Education (Formación Profesional): From age 16 onwards, taught at IES or specialised vocational centres.
• University Education: Spain’s higher education includes undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees offered by public and private universities.

This setup gives expat families the freedom to choose an educational route that suits their values, way of life, and long-term plans. If you’re thinking about relocating to a sought-after spot like Jávea, Alicante, it’s well worth looking into the excellent schooling options the area has to offer.

A summary of the different levels of education in Spain

Below is a handy table that outlines the key stages of the Spanish education system, along with their English equivalents and typical age ranges.

This clear structure aligns with European standards and supports international mobility.

Public vs private education in Spain

Both public and private education in Spain offer distinct advantages. Understanding how they differ can help families make informed choices based on their children’s needs and long-term goals.

Private and international schools

Private and international schools are particularly popular among expat families. Many follow the British, American or International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, placing strong emphasis on academic achievement, English fluency, and cultural diversity.

In Jávea and across the Alicante province, you’ll find a number of prestigious international schools. They offer children a smooth transition by providing a familiar language environment and a supportive setting, all while maintaining strong academic standards.

Spain also has a unique category known as colegios concertados. Privately run schools that receive public funding. They sit somewhere between the public and private sectors, offering quality education at a more affordable cost than fully private schools.

Public education in Spain

Spain’s public education system is free and widely respected for its quality — particularly in autonomous communities like the Valencian region. Public schools follow a national curriculum, delivered by qualified teachers, and promote inclusive learning environments with strong community and parental involvement.

For expat families looking to immerse their children in Spanish culture and language, public schools provide a valuable and enriching opportunity.

University education in Spain

Spanish universities enjoy a solid reputation across Europe. Both public and private institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate degrees, dual-degree programmes, and master’s courses. Some are internationally recognised for their research and academic excellence.

To gain admission, students typically need to complete the Bachillerato (or an equivalent international qualification) and pass the national university entrance exam (EBAU). The University of Alicante, for instance, offers several English-taught programmes and holds partnerships with institutions abroad.

How to enroll your child in a Spanish school

In Spain, education is a fundamental right for all children, regardless of nationality. Enrolment begins with registering your child’s residence at the local town hall, a step known in Spanish as empadronamiento.

Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

1. Identify the appropriate education level for your child, based on age and background.
2. Choose a school that aligns with your expectations—be it public, private, or concertado.
3. Apply for a place at the chosen school.
4. Prepare and submit the required documents: proof of residence, ID (passport or NIE), birth certificate, vaccination record, and any previous school certificates, if applicable.
5. Confirm registration once a placement is offered.

In Jávea, this process tends to be straightforward, and local support is available to help you every step of the way.

School calendar and daily routine

The academic year in Spain runs from September to June, with key holidays at Christmas (22 December to 7 January), Easter (10 days in March or April), and a long summer break in July and August due to high temperatures.

Children attend school from Monday to Friday. Classes usually start between 8:30 and 9:00 and finish around 14:00 or 17:00, depending on the school’s schedule.

Weekly hours vary by educational stage: around 25 hours in Infant and Primary Education, and 30–33 hours in Secondary and Bachillerato. Daily routines typically combine academic lessons, extracurricular activities, and lunch — either at school or at home. Many schools in Jávea also incorporate outdoor learning and nature-based activities, which support holistic development.

Tips for expat families

If you’re considering enrolling your children in a Spanish school, here are a few helpful tips: 

• Integrating your children into the local education system can greatly support language acquisition and cultural adaptation.
• Jávea offers a safe, welcoming environment with excellent educational choices, a perfect setting for families.
• Seek expert advice to navigate the administrative side of the process with ease. 

Relocating to Spain could become one of your best family decisions. If you’re still unsure, explore our article “Why living in Jávea could be your best decision”.

Your Mediterranean dream starts here. Discover the true value of time in one of our villas in Jávea, thoughtfully designed and ready for you to enjoy from day one. It’s not just about beautiful architecture, but about craftsmanship that lasts: homes where timeless design meets forward-thinking sustainability, and every detail — seen or unseen — reflects a steadfast commitment to quality and wellbeing.