Spanish education system: complete guide for families
Understanding the Spanish education system is essential for any family living in or moving to Spain. This guide covers all stages, school types, and particularities you need to know.
Education system structure
Early Years Education (0-6 years)
Divided into two cycles:
- First cycle (0-3): Not compulsory. Provided in nurseries or early years schools.
- Second cycle (3-6): Free and universal, though not compulsory. Nearly 100% of 3-year-olds are enrolled in Spain.
Primary Education (6-12 years)
First compulsory stage. Lasts 6 years covering core subjects: Spanish Language, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Foreign Language, Physical Education, and Arts.
Compulsory Secondary Education — ESO (12-16 years)
Second and final compulsory stage. Lasts 4 years. Upon completion, students receive the ESO Graduate Certificate, allowing access to Bachillerato or Vocational Training.
Bachillerato (16-18 years)
Post-compulsory stage lasting 2 years with four pathways: Sciences & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Arts, and General. Students then take the EvAU university entrance exam.
Vocational Training (FP)
A practical alternative to Bachillerato with three levels: Basic FP (from age 15), Intermediate FP (after ESO), and Advanced FP (after Bachillerato).
Types of schools
| Type | Funding | Percentage | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public | State | ~63% | Free |
| Semi-private | State + families | ~25% | €0-300/month |
| Private | Families | ~12% | €400-2,000/month |
Grading system
Spain uses a 1-10 scale: Sobresaliente/Outstanding (9-10), Notable/Good (7-8), Bien/Satisfactory (6), Suficiente/Pass (5), Insuficiente/Fail (0-4).
University entrance exam (EvAU)
- Compulsory phase: 4 exams (Spanish, History, Language + core subject).
- Voluntary phase: Up to 4 additional exams for extra points.
- Access score: 60% Bachillerato grade + 40% compulsory phase (max 10). With voluntary phase, up to 14.
Regional particularities
Spain's decentralized system means education varies by autonomous community:
- Catalonia: Linguistic immersion in Catalan.
- Basque Country: Models A (Spanish), B (bilingual), and D (Basque).
- Galicia: Teaching in Galician and Spanish.
- Valencia: Programs in Valencian or Spanish.
Special education and diversity
The Spanish system promotes inclusive education. Schools must accommodate students with special needs through curriculum adaptations, support teachers, and school counselors.