Primary, secondary education in Spain for international students

Nowadays, education in Spain is really popular among foreign students due to excellent climatic conditions, opportunity to continue studying at prestigious universities of the world. Moreover, Spanish secondary schools provide inexpensive and high-quality courses.

SMAPSE offers 20 best secondary schools in Spain available for foreign students. Due to descriptions of programs and courses at schools, tuition fees and student feedback, it's really easy to make the right choice.

Many foreign students choose Spain as a country for studying due to emphasis on personal development of each student in the best Spanish schools. The teachers pay attention to individual work with students and help them to decide on future university specialization and profession. In prestigious schools in Spain studying of foreign languages is conducted.

Schools in Spain full guide 

Spain offers a unique educational structure for students, which can be broken down as follows:

• Initial stage (6 - 12 years): At age 6, children begin their journey in primary schools in Spain, progressing through this stage for six years.

• Middle Schools in Spain (12 - 16 years): Upon turning 12, students transition to secondary education which spans four years.

• Full secondary level (Bachillerato, 16-18 years): Beyond the age of 16, students can delve into more specialized studies, preparing for their chosen professions under the "Formacion Profesional". This phase of school education culminates at 18 years.

Features of Secondary Schools in Spain

A hallmark of Spain's education system is the colegios concertados – schools founded by the church. Despite their religious origins, these schools offer a secular-style education. Students in these institutions study general subjects alongside religious disciplines, with an added emphasis on language learning.

Furthermore, Spain boasts a range of top schools that offer international curriculums. Foreign students have the option to enroll in private schools that adhere to the British educational system or the American-Spanish model. These best schools in Spain align with international education standards and equip students with globally recognized qualifications such as the  International Baccalaureate or A-Level diplomas.

Upon completing compulsory courses, foreign students can either embark on a professional program or take specialized tests to pursue the Bachillerato program. Comparable to grades 10-11 in the American education system, the Bachillerato provides three years of rigorous study across core subjects.

For those eyeing a spot in a Spanish high school, they can opt for:

• Local system: Spanish Bachillerato

• International: European or American system

Stages of secondary education in Spain

It's worth highlighting that during the fourth year of secondary school, students are channeled into one of three educational programs:

• Natural science

• Social and humanitarian

• Artistic

As students navigate the final three years in the senior classes of the best schools in Spain, there is a heightened focus on subjects pivotal for success in universities or professional colleges.

In summary, from the list of schools in Spain to understanding their structure and specialties, Spain offers diverse and quality educational opportunities for both local and international students.

Esther Diaz

Education specialist, career coach and consultant. She worked for Inspired Education Group and directed the admissions department at the International School san Patricio Toledo.

What makes Spanish schools special among all schools in the world? Why do parents choose primary and secondary schools in Spain?

There are many reasons. This is a complete immersion in the Spanish language and culture, in the family environment, the strategic position of the country in the south of Europe. Outstanding, rankings educational institutions - well, a rich historical and artistic heritage, warm and hospitable people, colorful holidays, bright cities, unforgettable traditions and folklore!

Increasingly, foreign students are gravitating towards international institutions in Spain that offer an English-based educational system. In such schools, Spanish is taught as a foreign language, with primary instruction carried out in English.

Higher Education in Spain: Value and Prestige

Spain is home to both bachelor's and master's degree programs. Despite the affordability of national universities, the diplomas from both private and state institutions are globally recognized. With a list of 47 state universities and 10 private ones, foreign students have a broad array of options.

Cost and Fees of Top Schools in Spain

The cost of education in private schools can vary based on factors like school ranking, exam results, historical prestige, and more. On average, the annual tuition, including accommodation, ranges from 20,000 to 35,000 EUR.

Spanish preschool education, an introductory phase to secondary schools in Spain, is divided into:

• Kindergarten (Infantil): Catering to children under three years.

• Preparatory classes (Pre-escolar): Designed for ages 3 to 6.

While these educational phases aren't mandatory, a significant majority of parents opt for them. Spanish kindergartens offer a diverse curriculum, from math and Spanish to music and choreography. They operate typically from 9-10 am to 4-5 pm, with students having meals up to three times daily. Some schools in Spain might only offer two meals.

Secondary education in Spain spans 8 years, accommodating students aged 6 to 14. This stage is mandatory, culminating in a full secondary education certificate.

The first 5 years constitute primary education, where one teacher often covers all subjects. Core subjects include Spanish, Mathematics, Literature, Natural Science, and others. One standout feature in Spain, similar to primary schools in the UK, is early exposure to foreign languages, primarily English, often taught by native speakers.

Following this, students transition to middle school (Educación Secundaria), encountering a more diverse subject pool, including computer basics, art, physics, and biology.

Senior Classes in Spain's Best Schools

The Bachillerato program, akin to high school, extends over two years for students aged 14 to 16. Though not obligatory, this certificate is crucial for those aspiring to attend top-ranking Spanish universities. Alternatively, students can opt for vocational training in their chosen fields.

The Bachillerato curriculum encompasses:

• Theatrical art

• Economics

• Natural science

• Visual art

• Humanities and social sciences

• Technology

Core subjects include Spanish and English, supplemented by elective subjects aligning with prospective university specializations.

There are three main types of secondary schools in Spain:

• State school (colegios públicos)

• Parastatal school (colegios concertados)

• Private schools (colegios privados)

State schools primarily admit Spanish residents or those with a residence permit. Parastatal schools, funded either by Catholic churches or the state, emphasize foreign languages, devoid of compulsory religious studies. Private schools, including many international ones, cater to a broader demographic, offering curricula from various countries. These schools often provide A-level or International Baccalaureate programs, maintaining high international academic standards.

Exams in Spanish Secondary Schools

Frequent tests and evaluations are staples in Spanish schools. Primary school students undergo trimester evaluations in all mandatory subjects. Year-end examinations assess both mandatory and additional disciplines, with a teacher council determining students' promotions. Successful completion of secondary education leads to the Bachillerato high school admission.

As for the grading system, it's on a 10-point scale:

• Below 5: Unsatisfactory (SS or D)

• 5: Satisfactory (S)

• 6: Good (BI)

• 7-8: Excellent (NT)

• 9+: Superb (SB)

• 10: Outstanding (MH).

Academic year in secondary schools in Spain(as in secondary schools in UK) lasts from the middle of September to the middle of June. Academic year in Spain divides in 3 trimesters (each lasts 11 weeks):

• First trimester (September – December) - followed by a two-week Christmas vacation
• Second trimester (January – March or April) – followed by a two-week spring vacation

Third trimester (May – middle of June) - after which students go on summer holidays lasting up to 11 weeks.

In the Spanish education system, secondary education (educación secundaria) consists of two main levels: compulsory education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria, ESO) and bachillerato (Bachillerato). ESO is a compulsory stage of education for all Spanish citizens and foreign students aged 12 to 16 years. The bachelor's degree is the next level of education after ESO and usually lasts 2 years (usually 1st and 2nd year bachelor's degree). The bachelor's degree aims to provide a more specialized education to students aged 16 to 18 years.

Yes, they can, provided that the parents are residents of Spain (residence permit, work visa, citizenship).

Differences between private and public schools in Spain may relate to their funding, management, structure, curriculum and additional services. Public schools primarily admit students who live in the area where the school is located. Private schools may have more flexible admission criteria and may accept students from other areas or countries. Additionally, private schools tend to have smaller class sizes, which can encourage more personalized learning.

Private schools often have greater flexibility in developing their curriculum and teaching approaches. They can focus on specific subjects, teaching methods and additional educational programs. Many private schools strive for a high level of education and academic rigor. They may have higher standards for teaching and assessing student performance.

During the compulsory education stage (ESO), students study a wide range of subjects, including compulsory and non-compulsory subjects. Compulsory subjects are Spanish language and literature, mathematics, geography and history, English, and physical education. In addition, students choose several optional subjects depending on their interests and future academic plans. This provides variety in the educational program and allows students to develop their specific skills and interests.

At the end of the Bachillerato, the last stage of secondary education, students are required to take exams known as Selectividad or EvAU (Evaluación para el Acceso a la Universidad). These exams assess students' knowledge and determine their ability to enter university. Exams are taken in subjects such as mathematics, literature, chemistry, history and foreign languages. EvAU scores play an important role in the higher education admissions process and determine which programs and institutions will be available to students.

In Spain it is possible to obtain internationally recognized diplomas. For example, many schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, which provide higher education standards and are recognized throughout the world. Additionally, Spain is a member of the European Union, and European degrees obtained in Spain are generally recognized in other EU member states, opening the door to international careers and study.

There are regions in Spain where national or regional languages such as Catalan, Basque and Galician have the status of official languages. In such regions, education is conducted in the appropriate language and students are required to learn it. This helps to preserve and promote the cultural and linguistic characteristics of different regions of Spain.

Spain provides various financial assistance programs for students, including scholarships and education loans. For example, there are government scholarships and grants for talented students, as well as support programs for low-income students. Moreover, many universities and organizations also provide their own scholarships and financial aid.

In Spain, standardized tests such as PISA are used to evaluate educational achievement and the quality of the education system. These tests assess students' knowledge and skills in various subjects and help governments and educational institutions identify areas for improvement. However, the results of these tests are considered in conjunction with other assessments and do not always determine a student's future success.

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