Education in Spain

Education in Spain

In Spain, there are various options for pursuing studies. We have carefully researched using official sources and will provide detailed information. Below is an overview of the different types of schools in the country.

Public Schools (Colegios Públicos):

• Funded and managed by the government.
• Provide free education to students.
• Follow the national curriculum, although there may be variations depending on the region.

Private Schools (Colegios Privados):

• Operated by private organizations, religious institutions, or individuals.
• Parents usually pay tuition fees.
• Offer various educational approaches, including religious education and specific pedagogical methods.

Semi-Private Schools (Colegios Concertados):

• Funded by the government but managed by private organizations, usually religious.
• Parents typically pay part of the tuition fees.
• Generally follow the national curriculum but may include specific religious or pedagogical elements.

International Schools (Colegios Internacionales):

• Provide education in multiple languages, such as English, French, or German.
• Generally associated with diplomatic missions, international companies, or expatriate communities.
• Tend to follow an international curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the curriculum of another country.

Special Schools (Colegios Especiales):

• Designed for students with special educational needs, such as disabilities, learning disorders, or behavioral issues.
• Offer adapted programs and specific support.

The choice between these types of schools depends on factors such as parents' financial resources, educational philosophies, the family's religious beliefs, and the specific needs of the student.

Public Education in Spain

Let’s delve into public education in Spain. It is important to note that there may be slight differences between autonomous communities.

The educational system in Spain is structured into different levels, similar to many other countries. Here’s an overview of the structure of the Spanish educational system:

1. Early Childhood Education:
   • Age: 0-6 years.
   • Not compulsory, but highly encouraged.
   • Divided into two cycles: 0-3 years (first cycle of early childhood education) and 3-6 years (second cycle of early childhood education).
2. Primary Education:
   • Age: 6-12 years.
   • Compulsory and free.
   • Lasts six years, divided into two cycles of three years each.
3. Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO):
   • Age: 12-16 years.
   • Compulsory and free.
   • Lasts four years, divided into two cycles of two years each.
4. Bachillerato:
   • Age: 16-18 years.
   • Not compulsory, but necessary for access to higher education.
   • Lasts two years and is divided into two tracks: the scientific track (Bachillerato de Ciencias) and the literary/humanistic track (Bachillerato de Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales).
5. Vocational Training (FP):
   • Available after Primary Education and ESO.
   • Provides education and practical training for a wide range of professions and industries.
   • Divided into two levels: medium qualification (Ciclos Formativos de Grado Medio) and higher qualification (Ciclos Formativos de Grado Superior).
6. Higher Education:
   • Includes university education and higher vocational training.
   • University education comprises bachelor's degrees (Grado), master's degrees (Máster), and doctoral programs (Doctorado).
   • Higher vocational training also includes programs in technical and artistic fields.

The responsibility for the educational system is divided between the central government and the autonomous communities in Spain. This can lead to variations in the curriculum and other aspects of education between different regions.

Early Childhood Education (0-6 years)

In Spain, early childhood education is divided into two phases. The main objective of early childhood education is to stimulate the development of young children in various areas, including physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Activities are aimed at promoting creativity, social interaction, language development, and basic skills such as counting and recognizing colors. Early childhood education is not compulsory in Spain, but it is highly encouraged as an important phase in the early development of children.

The Phases

The first phase is from 0 to 3 years. This education is paid for by parents and is comparable to nurseries in the Netherlands. Costs are generally very low compared to the Netherlands, and in Spain, parents can also decide on which days and times they want to use the service.

The second phase is from 3 to 6 years, and these preschools are often integrated into primary schools. Early childhood education emphasizes a playful and experiential approach to learning. Activities are often organized around play, exploration, and creativity. Teachers act as facilitators of the learning process.

Primary Education (6-12 years)

Spanish primary education is divided into 6 school years, from year 1 to year 6, comparable to years 3 to 8 in the Netherlands. These 6 years are divided into 3 cycles: from 6 to 8 years (years 1 and 2), from 8 to 10 years (years 3 and 4), and from 10 to 12 years (years 5 and 6). Just like in the Netherlands, children are required to attend this education, which is free within the Spanish public school system. The only costs that parents must cover are for school materials and extra services contracted, such as lunch and after-school care (offered only at some centers).

Going to School in Spain

To assist parents, there are grants for purchasing school books, for lunch, and for after-school care; the amount of the grant depends on the financial situation of the parents and must be applied for again each year.

Students receive classes in subjects such as the Spanish language and, depending on the autonomous community, also dialects like Catalan, Basque, and Valencian. Additionally, classes in mathematics and mathematical skills, culture, science, social studies, art, physical education, music, and religion or ethics are taught.

In most Spanish public primary schools, a school day looks like this:

• 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Class schedule with a break around 11:00 AM, during which children usually have a healthy snack like a sandwich, fruit, and something to drink. In most schools, unhealthy snacks like cookies, candies, or chips are not allowed, and only water is permitted to drink.
• 2:00 PM: Parents have the option to pick up their child, but children can also stay at school for lunch (canteen), where a three-course menu is served. This typically consists of soup with a roll as an appetizer, followed by a hot main dish like fish or meat with rice or potatoes and vegetables or salad, and for dessert, yogurt or fruit.
• 3:30 PM: Parents have the option to pick up their child from school.
• 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: After-school care, where additional activities are offered to children, but they also have the opportunity to play or do homework.
• 5:00 PM: Parents can pick up their child from school, which is usually also when the school bus departs to take children to designated points in the neighborhood where parents can pick them up.

Secondary Education (12-16 years)

After primary school, children typically move on to the same secondary school with their entire class. They can also choose another secondary school, but admission is based on availability. This education is mandatory until the age of 16. Education at the institute, as it is called in Spain, is comparable in level to HAVO in the Netherlands.

Preparation for the Future

The goal of compulsory secondary education is for students to acquire the basic elements of culture, especially regarding scientific, technological, humanistic, artistic, or motor issues. It aims to develop and consolidate study and work habits, as well as healthy lifestyle habits that prepare students for further studies and for entering the workforce. Similarly, this educational phase attempts to educate students about the exercise of their rights and duties as citizens.

The compulsory subjects in years 1 to 3 are as follows:

• Biology and Geology
• Physical Education
• Plastic, Visual and Audiovisual Education
• Physics and Chemistry
• Geography and History
• Spanish Language and Literature and, if applicable, co-official language and literature (such as Valencian)
• Foreign Language (English)
• Mathematics
• Music
• Technology and Digitalization

In the fourth year, students take the following subjects:

• Physical Education
• Geography and History
• Spanish Language and Literature and, if applicable, co-official language and literature
• Foreign Language
• Mathematics A or Mathematics B, depending on the student's choice

Additionally, they choose three subjects from the following list:

• Biology and Geology
• Digitalization
• Economics and Entrepreneurship
• Artistic Expression
• Physics and Chemistry
• Personal and Professional Guidance and Training
• Latin
• Music
• Second Foreign Language
• Technology

This curriculum is established by the Spanish Ministry of Education.

End of Compulsory Education

After completing the fourth year, compulsory education ends, but students have the option to continue their studies. Depending on what a student wants to do in the future, they can opt for a baccalaureate, which lasts 2 years and is often completed at the same secondary school. This is necessary for admission to a university and is divided into two different routes: the scientific route (Bachillerato de Ciencias) and the humanistic/literary route (Bachillerato de Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales).

If a student prefers to pursue vocational training, they can choose a vocational training program (Formación Profesional), which is comparable to MBO education in the Netherlands.

Vocational Training 
Vocational Training (FP) is the Spanish system of education and vocational training, designed to prepare students for work in various sectors and professions. Below is a summary of what a Vocational Training program in Spain entails:

1. Structure:
   • FP programs are divided into two levels: Intermediate Vocational Training Cycles (Mediación de Cualificación) and Higher Vocational Training Cycles (Alta Cualificación).
   • Qualification programs typically last for two years, while higher qualification programs usually last for two years but can sometimes extend to three.
   • These programs are offered by public and private training centers and can be taken full-time, part-time, or through distance education.
2. Curriculum:
   • The curriculum of FP programs focuses on teaching practical skills and knowledge relevant to specific professions and industries.
   • It includes both theoretical and practical components, emphasizing hands-on training and experiential learning.
   • The curriculum varies by specific program but may include subjects like technical skills, business administration, health and safety at work, communication skills, and more.
3. Practical Training:
   • A crucial component of FP programs is practical training.
   • Students have the opportunity to apply their skills in realistic work environments, often through internships in companies within their field.
   • This practical experience allows students to develop their competencies and prepares them for a smooth transition to the job market.
4. Recognition and Certification:
   • Upon successfully completing an FP program, students receive a diploma or certificate (technical title) recognized by the government.
   • These certificates indicate that the student has achieved the required qualifications to work in the specific field for which they have been trained.
5. Career Opportunities:
   • FP programs prepare students for a wide range of careers in sectors such as engineering, health, commerce, tourism, information technology, graphic design, hospitality, among others.
   • Graduates of FP programs have good job prospects as they possess practical skills and knowledge that are directly applicable in the job market.

In summary, vocational training programs in Spain provide students with practical training and theoretical knowledge that prepare them for a successful career in various professions and sectors.

Higher Education

Students with a Secondary Education Diploma can access both university education and higher artistic education in Spain, which follows the Bachelor/Master structure (referred to as “Grado” and “Máster”), as well as non-academic vocational training programs (including sports and visual arts).

What can I study and where?

On the website www.universidad.es, you can find detailed information for students who wish to study at a Spanish university, including the availability of programs in English for “Grado” and “Máster.” In the university section (“Universidades”) of the Spanish Ministry of Education's website www.educacion.gob.es/educacion/universidades/educacion-superior-universitaria/que-estudiar-donde.html, there is a part called “What to study and where” with information about the studies that can be pursued at various Spanish universities. Most universities have close ties with companies and research centers through the so-called “International Campus of Excellence.” More information can be found at: www.educacion.gob.es/campus-excelencia/2010/seleccionados.html.

What should I do if I have completed secondary education and want to study at a Spanish university?

In Spain, Spanish students must also pass the university entrance exam (PAU). Students from educational systems in European Union countries are exempt from this entrance exam but can participate in the specific phase of the exam to obtain a higher average grade, which is required for certain degrees. Students wishing to be admitted to Spanish universities must contact UNED and follow the procedure.

What should I do to access higher artistic education and higher vocational training?

It is necessary to convert the Secondary Education Diploma if one wishes to pursue higher artistic or vocational training. An application can be submitted for the conversion of the Diploma to the “Bachiller” title at the Education Department.

What should I do if I want to continue my unfinished university studies in Spain?

In this case, a request for partial recognition of the training must be submitted to the Spanish university where one wishes to continue their studies. If you already hold the Bachelor’s academic diploma, you have the possibility of directly accessing a Master’s program.

What level of knowledge of the Spanish language do I need?

Most subjects at Spanish universities are taught in Spanish. Therefore, it is necessary to have a reasonable command of the Spanish language. The DELE, Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language, is a diploma issued by the Instituto Cervantes (located in Brussels and Utrecht for Belgium and the Netherlands). It exempts the holder from presenting other Spanish language exams and certifies the level of language proficiency. The Instituto Cervantes also offers Spanish courses, both in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Special Education

In Spain, special education exists for students with special educational needs. This education is aimed at providing support and adapted educational programs for students with disabilities, learning disorders, behavioral problems, or other specific needs that may hinder their ability to benefit from regular education. Here are some key aspects of special education in Spain:

Target Group

Special education is intended for students with a wide range of special educational needs, including:

• Students with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities.
• Students with learning disorders such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dyspraxia.
• Students with behavioral or emotional problems.
• Students with developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Objectives

The main objective of special education is to enable all students to reach their maximum potential, regardless of their specific needs. It offers individually tailored educational programs and support to address the unique needs of each student.

Support and Adjustments

Special education institutions offer a wide range of support and adjustments, including:

• Adapted teaching materials and instructional methods.
• Individual or group guidance from specialized teachers or support staff.
• Therapeutic interventions such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or psychological support.
• Technological tools and adaptations to facilitate access to education.

Inclusion Policy

Spain is committed to promoting inclusive education, seeking to integrate students with special needs into regular educational institutions whenever possible. The inclusive education policy focuses on providing support and adjustments in regular classrooms so that all students can participate in education and benefit from interaction with peers without special needs.

Educational Institutions

Special education institutions in Spain include specialized schools and classrooms within regular schools, as well as specialized centers for students with more severe disabilities or special needs.

In general, special education plays an important role in the educational system of Spain by providing students with special needs the support and resources necessary to learn successfully and participate in society.

The information on this page has been compiled using sources from the Spanish Ministry of Education.