Public / Concertado / Private
School Types
6–16 years
Compulsory Age
Sept – June
School Year
March – May
Enrolment Window
The Spanish School System Explained
Spain offers three main types of school, all of which are open to expat children. Understanding the difference is the first step to choosing the right one.
- Public schools (colegios públicos) — free, taught in Spanish/regional language
- Concertado schools — privately run, government-subsidised, low fees
- Private & international schools — fee-paying, many teach in English
- Education is compulsory from age 6 to 16
- The school year runs from mid-September to late June
Public vs Private: Which Is Right for You?
Public schools are excellent for younger children to integrate and learn the language, while international schools suit older children or short-stay families.
- Public: free, immersive, great for integration
- Concertado: a middle ground — small fees, often religious ethos
- International: British/American/IB curriculum, English-speaking
- Bilingual public schools (colegios bilingües) are increasingly common
- Consider your child's age and length of stay
The School Year & Daily Schedule
Spanish schools have a different rhythm to the UK or US.
- School day: roughly 9:00–16:30 with a long lunch break
- Some schools finish at 14:30 with no lunch break
- Three terms, with long summer break (July–September)
- Extracurricular activities often available after school
- Canteen (comedor) available at most schools for a fee
Frequently Asked Questions
Are public schools in Spain free for expat children?
Yes. Public schooling in Spain is free for all resident children, including expats, from primary through to the end of compulsory secondary education (age 16). You only pay for meals, materials and some extracurricular activities.
What language are Spanish schools taught in?
Public schools teach in Spanish and, in regions with a co-official language (Catalonia, Valencia, Galicia, the Basque Country, the Balearics), also in the regional language. International private schools typically teach in English.
At what age do children start school in Spain?
Schooling is compulsory from age 6 to 16. Most children attend preschool (educación infantil) from age 3, which is free in public and concertado schools.
How do I find schools in my area of Spain?
Use our School Finder tool — enter your city or area to see real local schools with Google ratings, reviews and contact details, plus the documents you need to enrol.