Finding the Best Schools in Malaga …
The region of Málaga is one of the most popular destinations for people, of all nationalities, relocating to Spain. Thanks to its excellent transportation network, it offers affordable accessibility to most parts of the world on most days of the week. Famous for its wonderful climate and outdoor Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, the Málaga region is a favourite amongst families looking for a new life abroad. ( Read this great post A to Z Reasons to live in Malaga)
Due to the cosmopolitain nature of this part of Spain, there is a wide range of education options available to children of all ages and all nationalities.
There are many International Schools in Malaga to chose from. Some of these International Schools follow the British System but are not regulated by OFSTED. They are monitored and regulated by the Junta de Andalucia Consejeria de Educacion (Junta de Andalucia Education Department).
All British Schools in Spain are inspected by the local authorities before being issued with a licence to operate as a school for foreigners. The Curriculum is monitored by the British Council who ensures that the correct curriculum is followed and that teachers have the correct UK recognized qualifications.
An official B.O.J.A. (Boletin official de la Junta de Andalucia) is issued by the Junta de Andalucia once the school has been approved. This licence should be clearly displayed within the school.
There are many towns offering education at International Schools in Malaga and a high percentage of them in the Marbella area and consequently fees in this area tend to be higher, however higher fees are not a reflection of higher standards.
This is just one of the relocation options that we offer. However we believe that the happiness of the children is the most important part of any relocation to any country. The reason is very simple, if the children are not happy then the move will not work. The school that the children are going to and the educational options that they are offered are therefore paramount in any move abroad.
State Schools in Malaga …
If you have decided that you would rather send your children to one of the State Schools in Malaga rather than a private or international school, you may wish to check out the Junta de Andalucia’s website. It provides a concise list of state schools in Malaga and all provinces of Andalucia.
Although only in Spanish, the website is relatively self explanatory. By inputting the post code or the village/town where you are planning to move to, you can see the schools in that area.
The codes used are:
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Educación Infantil |
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Educación Primaria |
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Educación Secundaria Obligatoria |
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Bachillerato |
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Formación Profesional.Ciclo Formativo de Grado Medio |
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Educación Especial |
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Programa de Cualificación Profesional Inicial |
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Formación Profesional Específicac.Ciclo Formativo de Grado Superior |
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Educación de personas adultas |
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Música |
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Danza |
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Arte Dramático |
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Idiomas |
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Artes Plásticas y Diseño |
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Actividades Extraescolares* |
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Aula Matinal* |
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Comedor* |
See the Junta de Andalucia list of education centres HERE.
Please note than in Andalucia, the State school timetable for lessons is generally from 9am until 2pm. In most schools, there is a canteen option (*Comedor) (at extra cost) and extra curricula activities (*Actividades Extrascolares)(at extra cost) and an early morning drop off option(*Aula Matinal) (at extra cost).
In other parts of Spain the schools close for a 2 hour lunch and continue lessons in the afternoon. Private/International schools tend to follow the traditional UK timetables of 9am until 4pm or 5pm.
If you would like more information about state schools in Malaga, do not hesitate to Contact Us.
Tracy, we can assist you with all aspects of your move including selecting the best location, school enrolment and sourcing a great rental. please email us at lisa@movetomalagaspain.com
This is our relocation website: https://movetomalagaspain.com/
Hi there,
My two daughters and i will be moving to south of Spain in August for 1-2 years , aged 5 and 9 i will be sending them to a state school, I’m in the process of getting them Spanish lessons but cant seem to find an ideal school as i want to plan my accommodation closest to where they will be attending, also i don’t drive so ideally would like you to recommend somewhere close to all amenities.
I have heard that school enrollment takes place early in the year and am worried i have missed the deadline?. also am worried about the time Im moving over just before school term and the length of time i have heard it takes for documentation to come through world it even be possible to start in September any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Hi Holly
We will contact you via email.
Do not hesitate to contact us via lisa@movetomalagaspain.com
Hi was just looking for a bit more info, we are very interested in moving to Spain, but I would like to choose a very good state school first for my 8 and 4yr old (they can’t speak Spanish) then look nearby for places to rent at first. If we all settle then buying is a definite. Any help or direction on a specific area great for families? Thanks
http://movetomalagaspain.com/international-schools-in-malaga/
Do you have a similar summary for private schools in the area?
Hi Lisa, hope your well….
My family are wanting to move to Spain by the end of the year or begginin of the new year. We have found several places to rent (before we buy), but i have a 12 year old son who i need to get into school. I have not got the funds at the moment to send to private school. Do you know any schools around the Malaga area that he could go to?
Your help is much appreciated.
Sarah
Hi we have been thinking about moving to spain. I have a 6 year old Scottish boy. Would there be a choice of schooling more suited to him if he does not speak Spanish? He is also a type 1 diabetic, would this be an issue during school?
Hi-
We’re looking for a marina in Spain, preferably on the southern coast, where we can put our kids (ages 2.5, 5.5 and 9.5) in school for several months before starting a circumnavigation. We will be living on our boat so will not have access to anything other than public transportation.
Any suggestions? I’m not sure how to go about locating marinas that are walking distance from good schools . . .
Ideally, the younger two are in a Spanish school and the older in either a Spanish school or bilingual. All have studied Spanish from age 1 – 4ish with a Peruvian family but have not really had the chance to practice. We’re not really looking for international schools – would like the kids to experience the local language and culture.
I’ll take any information you have to offer. If you know areas that would be kid-friendly and not too expensive, I can narrow down the options and look for marinas and then schools.
Also – if you have any suggestions on the Schengen visa. We’re US citizens and would rather not jump around if we don’t have to. I would be happy to enroll in a Spanish class if that helps (I thought I saw that students could apply for longer-term visas).
thanks,
Lara Grosjean