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School enrollment in Spain: step by step
School enrollment in Spain is a process that requires planning, especially when seeking a place in a public or semi-private school. This guide explains everything step by step.
2026 enrollment calendar
| Phase | Approximate dates |
|---|---|
| Open days | February - March |
| Publication of available places | March |
| Admission applications | March - April |
| Provisional lists published | May |
| Appeals period | May (10 business days) |
| Final lists published | June |
| Enrollment formalization | June - July |
Required documents
- Official admission application form
- Child's ID/NIE or family book
- Parents' ID/NIE
- Certificate of registration (empadronamiento) - must be current
- Updated vaccination card
- Passport photos
Process for foreign families
1. Empadronamiento (municipal registration)
The essential first step. You need your passport, rental contract or property deed, and the registration form from your local town hall.
2. NIE (Foreign Identity Number)
The tax identification number for foreigners, obtained at the police station or immigration office.
3. Credential recognition (homologaciĂłn)
If your child has studied abroad, you'll need to validate their academic records. The process depends on the educational stage and country of origin.
Public school admission: the scoring system (baremo)
| Criterion | Points (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Siblings at the school | 40-50 points |
| Proximity of home | 20-30 points |
| Proximity of workplace | 10-20 points |
| Low family income | 5-15 points |
| Disability | 10-15 points |
| Large family | 5-10 points |
Private school enrollment
- Request information through the school's website or in person
- Visit the school for a guided tour and information session
- Admission test: Academic assessment and/or family interview
- Reserve a place: Pay enrollment fee and deposit
- Formalization: Submit documentation and sign contract
What to do if you don't get a place?
- Stay on the waiting list — places may open up during summer
- File an appeal if you believe the scoring is incorrect
- The schooling commission will assign you a place if all requested schools are full
- Check the list of schools with available places published by the education department