Schools & Education
Obligatory education for ages 6-16 in Spain — public, concertado, and private schools, homologación of foreign credentials, linguistic support, and financial aid for foreign families.
Overview
Your child has the right to free education in Spain from age 6 to 16, regardless of your immigration status or nationality. The system is designed to integrate international students — with linguistic support programs, diagnostic evaluations instead of exams, and provisional enrollment while paperwork is processed. Here's how it works.
Education is compulsory and free from age 6 to 16 — Primaria (6-12) and ESO (12-16)
Three types: public (free, zone-based), concertado (subsidized), and private
You don't need homologación to enroll — schools evaluate and place your child directly
Linguistic support programs (Aulas de Enlace, ATAL) provide intensive Spanish alongside regular classes
What expats don't expect
You don't need homologación to enroll in Primaria or the first 3 years of ESO. The school evaluates your child and assigns them to the appropriate course based on age and academic background. Homologación is only needed later — to obtain the Graduado ESO title or access Bachillerato.
The VIC (Volante de Inscripción Condicional) lets your child study — and even sit university entrance exams — while homologación is pending. It's generated automatically when you submit the application, so there's no gap in education. Processing typically takes 3-6 months.
Every comunidad autónoma offers intensive Spanish programs for foreign students. In Madrid, Aulas de Enlace provide up to 9 months of support. In Andalucía, ATAL specialists visit schools. Your child won't be left without language help — ask the school about available programs.
Types
Spanish schools for ages 6-16 come in three types, plus a credential validation process for families arriving from abroad. Public schools (colegio público / instituto) are free and assigned by residential zone. Concertado schools are privately run but government-funded — tuition is free but extras cost money. Private schools set their own fees and criteria. If your child studied abroad and needs official Spanish titles, the homologación process validates their foreign credentials.
Quick comparison
| Concertado School (Semi-Private) | Private School (Colegio Privado) | Public School (Colegio Público / Instituto) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | €100-300/mo extras | €300-1,500+/mo | Free |
| Language | Varies by school | Often bilingual/international | Spanish (+ co-official in some regions) |
| Enrollment | Moderate, own process | Year-round, own criteria | Competitive, zone-based (baremo) |
| Class size | 20-25 students | 15-20 students | 25-30 students |
| Curriculum | National (LOMLOE) | National, IB, British, or American | National (LOMLOE) |
Concertado School (Semi-Private)
- Cost
- €100-300/mo extras
- Language
- Varies by school
- Enrollment
- Moderate, own process
- Class size
- 20-25 students
- Curriculum
- National (LOMLOE)
Private School (Colegio Privado)
- Cost
- €300-1,500+/mo
- Language
- Often bilingual/international
- Enrollment
- Year-round, own criteria
- Class size
- 15-20 students
- Curriculum
- National, IB, British, or American
Public School (Colegio Público / Instituto)
- Cost
- Free
- Language
- Spanish (+ co-official in some regions)
- Enrollment
- Competitive, zone-based (baremo)
- Class size
- 25-30 students
- Curriculum
- National (LOMLOE)
Government-subsidized private schools. Tuition is free but families pay for extras (materials, meals, activities). Own enrollment process with a similar points system.
Benefits
- +Tuition free
- +Smaller class sizes
- +May offer bilingual programs
- +Specialized philosophy available
- +Covers Primaria through ESO
Limitations
- -Extras cost €100-300/month
- -Own admission process
- -Many are Catholic
- -Less transparent criteria
Private schools with their own admission criteria and fees (€300-1,500+/month). Often bilingual or international curriculum. Accept applications year-round.
Benefits
- +Not zone-dependent
- +Often bilingual/international
- +Smaller classes 15-20
- +Year-round applications
- +No empadronamiento required
Limitations
- -€300-1,500+/month
- -Matrícula €500-3,000+
- -Quality varies
- -May require entrance tests
- -Not all accredited
Free public education for ages 6-16. Enrollment is zone-based — your empadronamiento address determines which schools you can apply to. Competitive admission via a points system (baremo).
Benefits
- +Completely free
- +Obligatory education guaranteed ages 6-16
- +School meals with subsidies
- +Free textbook programs
- +Linguistic support for foreign students
Limitations
- -Zone-based admission
- -Competitive spots
- -Strict enrollment period
- -Co-official language in some regions
- -Class sizes 25-30
Deadlines
Key dates for the 2026-2027 enrollment cycle. Timelines vary by comunidad autónoma — check your region's education website for exact dates.
Start research
Research schools in your area. Attend open days (jornadas de puertas abiertas). For children arriving from abroad, begin gathering academic records and translation.
Applications open
Enrollment period opens (solicitud de plaza) in most regions. Submit your application with all required documents. If arriving mid-year, contact the local DAT for emergency enrollment.
Application deadline
Deadline for submitting applications in most regions. Schools evaluate applications based on proximity, siblings, income, and family circumstances.
Results published
Admission results published. If not assigned first choice, you can appeal or join the waiting list. Start homologación process now if not already underway.
Confirm enrollment
Complete formal enrollment (matrícula) at assigned school. Submit final documents, pay meal/activity fees. Apply for becas de comedor and material escolar grants separately.
School starts
Academic year begins. Students new to the Spanish system receive an initial evaluation and are assigned to linguistic support programs if needed.
Start research
Research schools in your area. Attend open days (jornadas de puertas abiertas). For children arriving from abroad, begin gathering academic records and translation.
Applications open
Enrollment period opens (solicitud de plaza) in most regions. Submit your application with all required documents. If arriving mid-year, contact the local DAT for emergency enrollment.
Application deadline
Deadline for submitting applications in most regions. Schools evaluate applications based on proximity, siblings, income, and family circumstances.
Results published
Admission results published. If not assigned first choice, you can appeal or join the waiting list. Start homologación process now if not already underway.
Confirm enrollment
Complete formal enrollment (matrícula) at assigned school. Submit final documents, pay meal/activity fees. Apply for becas de comedor and material escolar grants separately.
School starts
Academic year begins. Students new to the Spanish system receive an initial evaluation and are assigned to linguistic support programs if needed.
Documents
You probably already have
Passport
(Pasaporte)Valid identification for parent and child.
Home country embassy/consulate.
Common mistakes
Expired passport at time of enrollment.
Passport/ID
(Pasaporte / NIE)Identity proof for child and parents.
Home country or Spanish police office.
Common mistakes
Schools may ask for NIE -- remind them it is not required for compulsory enrollment.
You need to get in Spain
Municipal Registration
(Certificado de Empadronamiento)Proof of residency in the schools zone.
Ayuntamiento (Town Hall).
Common mistakes
Using a padron that is more than 3 months old.
School Reference Letter
(Carta de Recomendacion Escolar)Confidential reference from the current/previous school.
Previous school.
Common mistakes
Not requesting this before leaving the home country.
You need from your home country
Official Transcripts
(Expediente Academico)Apostille requiredSworn translation neededReport cards for the last 2-3 academic years.
Previous school.
Common mistakes
Providing informal printouts from school portals instead of signed/stamped originals.
Step by Step
Empadronamiento and Zone Check
Register at the Ayuntamiento and confirm the concertado school falls within your zona de influencia.
Tips
Some concertados have very small zones -- check the regional zone tool first.
Landlords are legally required to provide a contract for padron; a rental receipt is often enough.
Ordinary Application (Solicitud)
Submit a single application via the regional portal listing the Concertado school as the first choice.
Tips
Include public schools as backup choices -- dont put all concertados.
Visit the school office directly if you have trouble with the online portal -- they are required to help.
School Research and Inquiry
Contact multiple schools to request information packs and check availability for the desired year group.
Tips
Start in September/October for the following academic year.
Ask specifically about their experience with students from your countrys education system.
Application and Documentation
Submit the official application form along with past transcripts, passport copies, and the non-refundable application fee.
Tips
Apply to 3-4 schools simultaneously to maximize options.
Ensure you have the VIC or proof of homologacion for students over 14.
Assessment and Interview
The child undergoes academic testing (English, Math, Logic) followed by a principal interview.
Tips
Some schools allow remote assessments for families still abroad.
Ask if accommodations are made for students testing in a non-native language.
Acceptance and Deposit
Upon offer, pay the registration deposit to secure the place.
Tips
Check if this deposit is deducted from the first terms fees.
Check the withdrawal notice period (often 1 term).
Save Money
Financial benefits that expats often miss. Ranked by potential annual savings.
Becas de comedor (school meal grants)
Most comunidades autónomas offer meal subsidies for families. IMV (Ingreso Mínimo Vital) recipients, families in foster care, and violence victims may qualify for full exemption. Low-income families get significant reductions.
How to claim
Apply through your school or the comunidad's education portal at the start of the school year. Requirements vary by region — typically need proof of income and family composition. Apply as early as possible.
Programa Accede / Xarxa Llibres (free textbooks)
Madrid's Programa Accede and Valencia's Xarxa Llibres are textbook lending banks — your child borrows books for free and returns them at the end of the year. Other regions have similar programs.
How to claim
Enroll through the school at the start of the academic year. In Madrid, sign up via the Accede program on the comunidad's education portal. In Valencia, register through the Xarxa Llibres system. Most public and concertado schools participate.
Transport escolar (free school transport)
Free school transport is available for students in rural areas or when the assigned school is far from home. Managed at the regional level.
How to claim
Apply through your school or the comunidad's education portal. Eligibility depends on distance from home to school — typically 2+ km for primary and 3+ km for secondary. Rural areas have more availability.
Material escolar grants (school supplies)
Regional and municipal grants to help cover the cost of school supplies, backpacks, and uniforms. Amounts vary by region and family income.
How to claim
Check your ayuntamiento and comunidad autónoma's education portal for available grants. Applications typically open at the start of the school year. Need: empadronamiento, proof of income, and school enrollment confirmation.
Last updated: March 2026