Almost every family I talk to who is moving to Madrid asks some version of the same question. What is Madrid education actually like, and which type of school should we choose? It is a fair question, because Madrid offers more choice than almost anywhere else in Spain. That choice can feel overwhelming rather than reassuring when you are also dealing with visas, housing, and a language you may not speak yet.
The honest answer is that there is no single right choice. There is only the right choice for your family, your child’s age, your budget, and how long you plan to stay in Spain.
To help you feel more in control, here are the key steps and decisions families usually face: first, deciding which type of school (public, concertado, or private/international) fits your needs; next, understanding the admissions timeline and paperwork required; then, budgeting not just for tuition but also for hidden and routine costs; and finally, preparing for your child’s academic and social transition. What I can do is walk you through how the system actually works, what each option really costs, and what tends to catch families out, so you can make that decision with your eyes open rather than guessing.
The Three Tracks Behind Every Madrid Education Decision
Families relocating to Madrid are choosing between three broad types of school, and understanding the difference matters.
Public schools, or colegios públicos, are funded entirely by the Comunidad de Madrid and are free, aside from books, materials, and optional extras like the school canteen. Concertado schools sit in between. A religious order or private foundation usually runs them, but they receive public funding and follow the same admissions rules as public schools, which means they are technically free too. In practice, most concertado schools ask families for a monthly or annual “voluntary” contribution to cover things like extracurricular activities, materials, or building maintenance, and a recent study found that these fees in Madrid can run as high as roughly 1,700 euros a year at some schools. Nobody is legally required to pay them, but most families do, and it is worth budgeting for as if it were a real cost rather than an optional extra.
Then there is the fully private and international sector, which includes both Spanish private schools and schools following a British, American, French, German, or International Baccalaureate curriculum. These charge proper tuition fees and set their own admissions process, completely separate from the Comunidad de Madrid’s public system.
Primary School in Madrid: Ages Six to Twelve
Educación Primaria runs from age six to twelve and is compulsory and free in both public and concertado schools. Most schools run a morning and afternoon session with a break for lunch, and nearly every school offers a canteen service and extended drop-off hours, which matters if both parents are working.
This is generally the easiest stage at which to move a child into the Spanish system. Younger children pick up Spanish quickly, often within a school year, and the academic content at this age is forgiving of a language gap in a way that secondary school is not. Many public and concertado schools in Madrid also run a bilingual programme in English and Spanish, which the Comunidad de Madrid has built into one of the largest publicly funded bilingual networks in Europe. It is worth asking any school you are considering exactly how much teaching happens in English, because the label “bilingual” covers everything from a few extra English hours a week to genuinely dual language instruction. If you are concerned about language barriers, it is also helpful to know that many schools, especially in areas with a large international community, offer additional support to help non-Spanish-speaking children catch up. This might include pull-out language lessons, Spanish as a foreign language classes, or extra assistance in the classroom, though the amount and type of support can vary. Asking directly about these resources during the admissions process can give you a clearer sense of how well your child will be supported in those first months.
Secondary School in Madrid: ESO from Twelve to Sixteen
Educación Secundaria Obligatoria, always shortened to ESO, covers four compulsory years from twelve to sixteen and ends with the Graduado en Educación Secundaria, the qualification every Spanish student needs before moving on to Bachillerato or vocational training.
This is where I ask families to slow down and think carefully. Moving a twelve- or fourteen-year-old into ESO in a language they do not yet speak is a genuinely bigger undertaking than moving a seven-year-old into Primaria. The academic pace is faster, the social groups are more established, and the stakes around exams start to feel real to teenagers in a way they do not to younger children. None of this means it cannot work well; plenty of teenagers settle in and thrive, but it does mean the decision deserves more thought than “we will just try the local school and see.” For older children, giving extra support during the transition can make a real difference. Arranging some language tutoring—either individually or in small groups—before or soon after your move can help bridge the initial gap and reduce stress in the classroom. Connecting your teen with other expat students, through local community groups or school-organised activities, can also provide a sense of belonging and make those early weeks less daunting. Taking these proactive steps not only supports academic adjustment but also helps your child build friendships and confidence in their new environment.
One thing that reassures a lot of parents is this: you do not need to homologate or officially convalidate your child’s previous school records simply to enrol them in Primaria or ESO. The receiving school places the child in the year group that matches their age, and no paperwork trip to the Ministry of Education is required at this stage. Homologación only becomes relevant later, when a student needs the official ESO or Bachillerato title itself, or when they are joining the final years of Bachillerato from a foreign system. At this point, certified transcripts from the last few years of study are needed.
Bachillerato and the Road to University, Sixteen to Eighteen
Bachillerato is the two-year, non-compulsory stage from sixteen to eighteen that prepares students for university or for a higher-level vocational course. Families at this stage face a real fork in the road. A student can continue in the Spanish Bachillerato, take the International Baccalaureate Diploma if their school offers it, or, if they are in one of Madrid’s international schools, continue on a British, American, French, or German curriculum through to their own national school leaving qualification.
University entry adds another layer worth understanding early rather than discovering at seventeen. Students who complete a Spanish Bachillerato sit the EBAU, the exam that combines with their Bachillerato grades to produce their university entry mark. Students coming from a foreign Bachillerato, an IB Diploma, or another international qualification generally do not sit the standard EBAU. Instead, they go through UNEDasiss, a separate accreditation process that assesses their foreign qualification and, where needed, includes its own set of specific subject tests before they can apply to a Spanish public university. It is a different process, not a harder or easier one. Still, it is one your child’s school should be guiding you through well before their final year, and it is worth asking about directly if you are considering an international school with older children.
Choosing Between Public, Concertado and Private in Madrid
Three questions tend to matter most when families are weighing this up. How long do you realistically expect to be in Spain? A family planning a permanent move often leans towards the Spanish public or concertado system precisely because full immersion gets children fluent and socially embedded faster. A family expecting to move again in a few years, whether back home or on to another country, often values the curriculum continuity that a British, American, or IB school provides, even at a much higher cost.
What can you genuinely afford, including the parts nobody puts in the brochure? A concertado school is not truly free once you account for those voluntary fees, and a private or international school in Madrid can range from around 6,000 euros a year at the more affordable end to well over 20,000 euros a year at the most established international schools (Source). It is also wise to consider other routine costs that tend to add up, such as uniforms, transport to and from school (including bus services or Metro passes), books and materials, and extracurricular activities that are often charged separately. Factoring in these typical expenses will help you budget more accurately and avoid any surprises down the line. If your employer is paying for a relocation, it is worth checking early whether an education allowance is part of the package, since several multinational employers in Madrid do offer one.
And finally, how do your children feel about it? A confident, adaptable seven-year-old and a reluctant fifteen-year-old who is leaving close friends behind are not the same situation, even within the same family, and it is worth listening to both of them rather than treating “school” as a single decision applied equally to every child in the house.
Madrid’s International School Scene
Madrid has one of the strongest international school networks in continental Europe, which is part of why so many relocating families end up here specifically. The British curriculum is particularly well represented, with long-established schools offering IGCSEs and A Levels. The French system has a presence through the Lycée Français network, the Deutsche Schule serves German families, and Madrid also has one of the country’s few schools offering the full International Baccalaureate continuum from primary years right through to the Diploma.
Most of these schools cluster in a handful of areas on the outskirts of the city, particularly La Moraleja, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Majadahonda, Boadilla del Monte, and Las Rozas, which is part of why these neighbourhoods have become established expat areas in their own right. If a specific school matters more to you than a specific neighbourhood, it is worth deciding on the school first and choosing where to live around it, rather than the other way round.
One practical difference worth knowing is that international and private schools run their own admissions calendar, often opening applications for September entry as early as January or February, well ahead of the Comunidad de Madrid’s own public system timeline. The most sought-after schools, especially IB continuum schools and the longest-established British schools, can fill up months in advance.
How and When to Apply
The Comunidad de Madrid runs one admissions process each year for every public and concertado school across the whole region. Madrid operates what is called a Zona Única de Escolarización. This single admissions zone technically means you can apply to any public or concertado school in the region regardless of where you live. In practice, living close to a school still earns you points in the scoring system, called the baremo, that decides who gets a place when a school has more applicants than spaces, so most families still apply to schools near home even though nothing legally forces them to.
The process typically opens in March, applications are submitted online through the Comunidad de Madrid’s Secretaría Virtual, and results come in stages over the following weeks, first a provisional list of scores, then a short window to query or correct any errors, then a final list of who has a place. Matriculation, the formal paperwork to confirm the place, usually follows in June. To avoid last-minute stress, it helps to prepare the typical documents needed for application and enrollment in advance. Most schools will ask for your child’s passport or ID card, proof of address (such as a rental contract or utility bill), vaccination records, and sometimes previous school reports. Having these ready can speed up the process and make everything smoother. The exact dates shift by a week or two each year, so I would always check the current year’s calendar on the Comunidad de Madrid’s own education site rather than relying on last year’s timeline, including your own.
Common Questions About Madrid Education
Do I need to have my child’s school records translated or homologated before enrolling them in Madrid? Not for Primaria or ESO. Schools place children according to their age and enrol them directly. Homologación only becomes necessary later, mainly for the official ESO or Bachillerato title, or when joining the final years of Bachillerato from a foreign system.
Is a concertado school really free? Officially yes, in practice usually not entirely. Most concertado schools ask for voluntary contributions that many families end up paying as a matter of course, so it is worth budgeting a few hundred to over a thousand euros a year rather than assuming zero cost.
Can a child move from an international school into the Spanish public system later on? Yes, this happens often, particularly around the move into Primaria or the early years of ESO. The younger the child, the smoother this tends to go, since language and academic adjustment both come more easily at that age.
Is the Comunidad de Madrid’s bilingual programme the same as an international school? No. Bilingual public and concertado schools teach part of the curriculum in English alongside the standard Spanish system, while international schools follow an entirely separate national or IB curriculum. Both can produce genuinely bilingual children, but the academic path and eventual qualifications are different.
Do school catchment areas exist in Madrid? Not in the strict sense. Madrid uses a single region-wide admissions zone, so there is no formal catchment that guarantees or blocks a place. Distance from home still earns points in the admissions scoring, which is why most families still apply locally in practice.
The Real Question to Ask Yourself
Every family I work with eventually realises that the “best” school in Madrid is not a fixed answer; it depends entirely on their own circumstances. A public school with a strong bilingual programme might be exactly right for a family settling in Madrid for good. In contrast, an international school might be the better call for a family who needs continuity with a curriculum back home. What matters is making that choice deliberately, with real numbers and real timelines in front of you, rather than working it out after you have already arrived.
If you would like help thinking through the right school path for your own family’s move to Madrid, get in touch.
A Guide for Families Living in Spain: Exploring English-Taught Degrees in Europe for International Students
What comes after school? Let’s make it simple.
If you are an international family living in Spain, you may already be thinking about university options. With so many possibilities available, choosing the right pathway can feel overwhelming.
Many families ask:
Should we apply to universities in the UK?
Are there English-taught degrees in Europe for international students?
How complicated is the application process?
Where can we find financial and scholarship support?
You are not alone. This is one of the most searched topics among expat families planning higher education from Spain.
That’s why Family Life in Spain has created a brand-new monthly guide designed to help you understand English-taught degrees in Europe for international students and navigate the entire process step-by-step.
To make sure you receive expert guidance, we are collaborating with Educational Adventures, a specialist educational consultancy based in Barcelona.
What they offer:
Personalised university guidance
Support with researching degree options across Europe and the UK
Help with applications, writing personal statements, and choosing accommodation
Who they are:
Founded by two British educators, Matt Kelly and Joe Goodman
Over 20 years of experience supporting students globally
Deep understanding of international school systems, including IB, A-Levels and Bachillerato
Matt describes their approach perfectly:
“Every student is different. Our mission is to remove stress and uncertainty and help families find the right country, course and university.”
What’s included in the monthly series?
Over the next few months, we will break down the entire university process, with a special focus on English-taught degrees in Europe for international students.
November – Getting Started
Where to apply and how to shortlist universities
Comparing destinations: UK vs EU
What to consider: language, entry requirements, costs
December – UCAS & Personal Statements (UK focus)
How UCAS works
How to write a powerful personal statement that stands out
January – Applications, Deadlines & Offers
Understanding conditional offers
Avoiding common mistakes
Staying organised and on track
February – English-Taught Degrees in Europe for International Students
The best European countries offering full bachelor’s degrees in English
Differences in admissions and tuition
How to find degree programmes taught fully in English
Example destinations:
Country
Why consider it
Tuition estimate (per year)
Netherlands
Very international, strong universities
€2,500–€12,000
Germany
Many low-cost or no-tuition options
€0–€3,000
Ireland
English-speaking, supportive environment
€3,000–€10,000
Spain
Growing number of English-taught degrees
€1,500–€10,000
March – Financing University
Scholarships and grants available
Budgeting for living costs
Accommodation tips for students moving abroad
Why this matters to families in Spain
This guide gives you:
Clear information
Practical steps
Confidence to make decisions
Whether your child dreams of studying in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, or staying in Spain, this series will help you understand how to access English-taught degrees in Europe for international students.
Want help tailored to your family?
If researching all of this alone feels stressful, we can connect you with the experts.
👉 Send us a message to request more information. 👉 We’ll introduce you to Educational Adventures for a free consultation.
Your child’s future should feel exciting — not overwhelming.
Together, we’ll help you find the best pathway to university success.
What will happen with back to school 2020 in Spain?
What are your thoughts? How are you feeling? What do you know? What do you wish you knew?
By now, most parents are longing for the “vuelta al cole”, after the seemingly endless (although, these days we wish they were longer) summer holidays we enjoy in Spain. However, this year we are clouded in incertitude. The future is currently clouded by the continuing presence and threat of Coronavirus.
As I write this post, Friday, August 21st 2020, I am anxiously awaiting an email from our children’s school. On Monday this week, we received an email advising, amongst other things, that today we would be explained how “back to school 2020” would be organised.
I must tell you that I am not too concerned about our children going back to school, I am confident that their school will take all the necessary precautions and that our children are old enough and wise enough to take the necessary precautions. However, I am unhappy that our children are returning to school earlier than usual and that there is a possibility they will be expected to attend a school trip at the start of the term. Can you imagine? Around 200 students in a camp together, having been so careful for so long. It is my nightmare!
I am also concerned about the long term health effects, catching the virus may cause our children to suffer.
However, as new measures are currently being imposed across Spain due to a new spike in cases, I am hoping that the school’s plan will be changed. I am hoping that by the time I post my ramblings here that I will be able to tell you the outcome!
And about the spike in cases in Spain … can anybody tell me why Spain is portrayed so badly in newspapers, online portals and TV programmes all around the world? What have they done so wrong? Or is it really a scaremongering tactic? And if so, to what avail?
Yes, there are more cases being detected. Yes, there are lots more tests being carried out. Yes, the track and trace system is tight. Yes, strict measures are put in place in an attempt to slow the spread. And yes there are much fewer hospitalizations and deaths. But how long will this last …
I asked on social media for parent’s thoughts about back to school 2020 in Spain. Here are some comments:
I’ve seen letters being published by some of the local AMPAs with their demands but can’t help hoping that plans are being worked upon and we have to have a little faith in those to whom we entrust our children who also have a vested interest in keeping the children and themselves safe. Either that or my head is well and truly buried in the sand!
Hey Lisa, I’m going back to teaching this year after a 5 year break and in answer to your question – we don’t know what is going on. There are plans for all 3 scenarios – all virtual, semi-presencial and all in person. Our daughter would be starting nursery at the same school as a 2 year old and we are planning to keep her home at least the first few weeks if need be to see if it’s actually safe and how things go. I don’t feel like things are under control – too many questions and variables – if I have a fever (for some other cold or run of the mill illness, does my whole class and their families quarantine? Will the 20 child bubble group I’m meant to teach actually be a bubble – how can that be controlled on weekends with extended families and the inevitable Sunday lunches? Too many questions and lots of anxiety.
Hi here there is no news yet, the mommies I know don’t know either. My kids are in infantil, primaria and ESO. We live in Castilla y Leon. For me, I really hope the kids go back to school as it has been a real struggle to keep up with their homeworks and projects from home, even though they were in contact with their teachers and class online on a daily basis ( the child in primaria ) but most importantly for their social skills and their interactions with school kids and teachers. Of coarse safety is a top priority, and if it is decided that going to school is high risk, then that is that.
Nothing yet here in Mijas Costa. My son is due to go back to school on the 10th September. It’s pretty shocking that we have had no updates from the school but they got their school fees Definitely would hate to hear home schooling again
Hi! My son’s 4 and due to my start Reception soon after preschool. He needs it and he’s so excited. They’re going to be in preschool for the first two weeks to get them used to being back in school and then onto “big school”! I’m excited for him to go to, he’s an only child and it’s just me, him and my Mom so he’s going to learn so much more being around his friends again.
In Sotogrande on September 8th. We just received today (18 August) a thorough and complete re-opening document with Covid-19 health and safety measures. All parents must read and sign this before children return. How do I feel about it? Cautiously happy. Social interaction is crucial for our students well being. However, the policing of their distance to one another, (no hugging, no touching, no high-fives) is very sad to imagine, but not impossible. I taught in Japan for two years and they all bow to one another and there really isn’t any touching, so we will adapt to other ways of showing our affection. We must make that a key component of returning to school.
Here is an extract from the initial email from our children’s school about back to school 2020 plans:
in spite of everything that is happening, we continue to work with hope instead of fear of the unknown because we know that far beyond the security of certainties, human beings need the security of a community, of belonging to a group linked by bonds of commitment and affection (especially during moments of uncertainty and adversity). This is how we have evolved as a species over time and this is how, this year too, we will give the best of ourselves and create learning conditions in which our children feel that, whatever happens, they will never walk alone.
As a parent, I do value the social interaction going to school provides our children. Mixing with and learning in the presence of children of their age is an integral part of growing up. It is part of what helps them develop. However, we also need to weigh up risks and rewards. It is easier for me to say this as our children are now 13 and almost 16 years old. I do feel that parents of younger children are dealing with a much bigger challenge. How do you cope? What do you feel?
During the initial lockdown in Spain, our children received a minimum of 3 to 4 hours, online classes in the morning each day of the week. Classes were taught by their usual teachers, all students were present and joint tasks and projects were set for later in the day. Despite the expected initial hiccups and technical challenges (by some students and a couple of teachers!) classes ran smoothly and the sense of routine made the whole experience a lot more bearable for us all.
Based on this, I am preparing us for the possibility of returning to online classes. Even if this does not happen initially, I expect it may happen at some point. Some parts of Spain are already preparing for a mix of presential and online classes.
This is our school’s comment on online vs presential classes:
With regards to “Technophobia and Technophilia” which divides, sometimes excessively the state of opinion between those who advocate the advantages of classroom-based and online education, the truth is that during the last months of the previous academic year it became clear that there is good and bad online education, as there is also good and bad classroom-based education. We have been and are, without the slightest doubt, in the first group of both and we firmly believe that the two complement each other and offer advantages.
However, in the current situation it is not a question of arguing in favour or against, but rather being aware that in the circumstance of uncertainty both are necessary as part of a routine or habit that allows a transition to one extreme or the other in the event that the health authorities consider it necessary.
No matter what, a decision needs to be made and soon. Tension is rising in many parts of Spain. Both teachers and parents need to be reassured that the education, health and safety of the children are the priority. Articles like this one published in El Pais in English is not what we all need right now.
Like many times during this pandemic, fingers are pointed, people search for blame. We are all fighting this together. Surely, cohesion and teamwork is better than fragmentation and fighting … or am I still living in my bubble?
UPDATE: At 10 pm we finally received the 29-page document from the school. I am disappointed to say that they are still insisting on taking around 200 children to an activity camp from August 29th. How crazy is that? Or am I crazy for not agreeing with it?
For years I have said that choosing the best kind of education in Spain for your children is one of the most important decisions you will make whether you are moving abroad or you are already living abroad. Should you opt for local state schools, private international schools or bilingual schools in Spain?
We all do what we believe is best for our children, yet how do we make the right choice regarding the best schools and types of education? Rules and regulations differ from our home country. In Spain, there are no league tables to advise us which are the best performing schools, although there are many regulatory bodies that can be consulted to conduct basic checks.
In our “education in Spain” articles you can read lots of advice and experiences that may help you to make up your own mind on what is best for your own child.
I am a firm believer that enrolling children in local Spanish school from an early age is a good option for most if not all young (ie. up to age 5 or 6) children. However, from experience, I know that once they are five or six years older, the process may not be as smooth. That said, older children have taken this path and have done so very successfully. Every child is different and our role as parents is to decide what we believe to be best for them.
Before sharing my findings and thoughts on bilingual schools in Spain, I’d like to share our Spanish education story so far with you …
Our Story:
From the year they turned three, both our children attended local state-run schools in Spain. I stand corrected, Joshua actually spent a year in a local French school, age three!
Our children never fail to amaze me. They are so resilient and adaptable.
Joshua & Francesca January 2019
Their Spanish school experience, however, was very different during their first years. Joshua fitted in and adapted from day one. He spent one year at a local village school in Arenas near Velez Malaga and then stayed at CEIP San Sebastián in Mijas Pueblo from age five to twelve. During my final meeting with his tutor, when I shared my thought about the local secondary school or a private bilingual school, I was told Joshua will do well, whatever school you decide to send him to”. She knew him well!
Francesca, on the other hand, had a rather more disruptive and emotional start. It was painful for many. Painful for us as we saw our quiet, “angelic” daughter scream and cry at the start of every term for the first few years. Painful for whichever school patio monitor who was punched and kicked by this fragile looking small child who transformed into a maniac as soon as she was sent through the school gates. We soon learnt that this performance ended as soon as she entered the school building. She was calm in the classroom, well most of the time.
As much as it tore me apart to see her like that, I knew in my heart that we were doing the right thing.
Jump forward eight years and aged eleven, our strong-willed, independent, caring and intelligent daughter had developed strong roots and was ready to spread her wings. She was ready to make a big change in her life and follow in her brother’s footsteps … in her own individual way, of course!
We are extremely happy with our decision to put both children into Spanish state education, in local a village school, from an early age.
We can confidently say that as a result of our decision to put the children in the local village school:
they are fully bilingual in English and Spanish
they are open-minded and caring individuals
they are knowledgeable about the importance of community values
they can switch speaking between the local Andaluz dialect and clear Castellano
they are fully integrated into the local community
they have a good knowledge of Spanish geography
they have a profound ability to effectively communicate with people of all ages, backgrounds and social status
they display creativity and a passion for learning
However, as happy as we were with our children’s Spanish state education, we decided it was time for a change. We wanted our children to be educated in their mother tongue, in English, as well as their adopted Spanish. We were looking for bilingual education.
The Truth about Bilingual Schools in Spain (in our opinion)
Before sharing my thoughts and findings with you, I’d like to clarify what I understand as “bilingual education”.
“I believe that a school that advertises itself as “bilingual” should offer an equal number of subjects in each language.ie. In our case, half of the subjects in English, and the other half in Spanish. I think the teachers, if not native, should demonstrate an advanced level of the language, both written and spoken.”
When researching secondary options for our children, I struggled to find schools offering what I believed to be “bilingual” education. Most “bilingual” schools simply offered a couple of subjects that were taught in English. The majority of schools seemed to offer a British curriculum which was not what we wanted.
In order to research the matter further, I invited parents to answer a simple questionnaire about their experiences with “bilingual schools in Spain”:
This is what I said …
“Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience of bilingual (English/Spanish) education in Spain. My aim is to provide an accurate image of the current state of “bilingual” schools in Spain.
I do not intend to make any school look good or bad. I simply plan to give a true picture, based on experiences from parents and teachers.
I have just made the decision to pay for my son to attend fully bilingual private secondary education as I do not feel the state schools offer an acceptable level.
I am of the belief that the teachers providing classes, in English, in state schools, need more training and a higher level of English to better carry out their roles.
Hence this research … My current beliefs may not reflect the true picture. So, before writing the post on our family blog www.familylifeinspain.com , I’d like input from others.”
Here are a few comments and suggestions made by the parents, in response to my open questions:
Q1. How happy are you with the level of English of the teachers giving the classes?
“We’ve been really lucky, the level of English of the teachers at my daughters’ school is fantastic, (almost) native. And they are really good at teaching! And I’m not talking about learning hundreds of (useless) vocabulary lists. My daughters (7 and 9) can have short conversations in English, enjoy watching English TV and have also started reading in English. However, we know it’s not the same in other schools in the same town.”
“Only Catalans can teach English in public schools, the level is really low, not one child in 5 or 6 form can say a word of English to me. My kids are appalled by the mistakes the teachers make in class.”
“I was one of two teachers at the school who had formally studied bilingual education. The rest had studied English and primary teaching.”
“My kids attend a semi-private school (colegio concertado) but they follow the Comunidad de Madrid curriculum. I think the schools shouldn’t be called bilingual because the percentage of classes is not 50/50 and also they don’t actually produce bilingual children. Some children do acquire good language skills but usually because of the support they receive outside the school”
“Based on 2 different schools that we left! The first in Torremolinos is supposedly a completely bilingual school at ESO level, however we were told they were not sufficiently qualified to do the Bachillerato classes in English – if that’s the case then I don’t believe they would be capable of doing any classes adequately in English. The second was our last school in Benalmadena, it was ordered to offer bilingual education at which point all the teachers signed a petition saying they wouldn’t/couldn’t do it – the town hall backed down and allowed them to start with just 25% in English and made the appropriate allowances. The repeat-rate is sky high, so clearly something is going badly wrong!”
Q2: How do you think Spain can improve its Bilingual Education?
Teaching English at school with (almost) native teachers is important. – Methodology plays an important role too. Some methodologies are obsolete and yet still used by many (most?) teachers. Too many kids are unable to say or write a simple sentence after 6 years of English…
By having native English teachers teaching the language.
Having teachers of both nationalities speaking their own language only!
Lower the prices in the private schools or raise the level of English spoken by Spanish teachers in the state schools.
By bringing in native-speaking teachers, begin at infant level and not enforce it on a school that is not appropriately equipped. Good education 100% in Spanish is far better than shoddy teaching because the teacher only speaks intermediate English.
Giving more support and better qualification and training to their teachers,.
Start in pre-school. Native English speaking assistants and teachers.
Parents who want bilingual education are obliged to go to a private school
As you can see from the sample answers above, my own research into local schools, in the Malaga area, highlighted what I had already been lead to believe by other parents and friends working in the education sector:
the level of English of teachers in the many “bilingual” schools in Spain leaves a lot to be desired
there is a need for more qualified and/or native teachers
the term “bilingual school” is used too loosely, more control is required
it is pretty much pot luck as to what level of English is offered, based on the teacher you have
Needless to say, this does not make our role as a parent any easier when choosing the best school for our children!
This article from El Pais in English highlights some interesting facts that may explain some of these differences and nuances. Some of the statements and facts are quite frankly shocking …
“The boom in public bilingual centres in Spain has been remarkable. In the 2010-2011 period, 240,154 students were studying in a bilingual program in one of Spain’s regions (except Catalonia, which does not provide data). In the 2016-2017 period, that figure had jumped 360% to 1.1 million, according to an EL PAÍS study of data from the Education Ministry. Some 95% of Spanish students at bilingual schools have chosen to be taught in English.”
Regional differences in bilingual education “There are notable differences between bilingual education in each of Spain’s regions, especially when it comes to the English skills required of teachers. In Asturias, where more students study in English than any other region (52.3% in elementary school and 33.7% in high school), teachers only need to have an intermediate level (B2). The same is true in Andalusia, where 30.5% of elementary school students and 28.6% of high school students study in English. In Madrid however, where 43.8% of primary school students and 27.6% of secondary students take classes in English, teachers must have an advanced level of English (C1).
The popularity of bilingual schools has risen so dramatically that many regions have been unable to keep up with demand. In Andalusia, for instance, “there are not enough teachers qualified to speak well,” says Christian Abello, professor of English studies at the University of Seville. After the bilingual program was launched in 2004, the Andalusian regional government allowed teachers with a low intermediate level of English (B1) to teach classes in the first few years, says José Antonio Romero, coordinator of the bilingual program at the public school Miguel Servert in Seville. “We began without qualified teachers, and CLIL training – the European methodology to learn a new language through other subjects such as mathematics – is voluntary. The regional government did not supervise the teachers’ progress,” he adds.”
The British Council have been involved in attempting to improve the level of education in Spain offered in English …
“We have been working since 1996 with the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training to support the implementation, development and evaluation of bilingual and bicultural education throughout Spain. This “Bilingual Project” has been pioneering for both Spain and Europe, and has inspired other governments and education authorities to develop multilingual education and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) projects in their schools. The British Council is proud of our legacy in Spain promoting, developing and supporting bilingual education. Our priorities are to work with National and Regional Authorities in Spain to establish best practice in teaching and learning in bilingual schools.”
Sadly, as I write this article, February 2019, I am afraid to say that a lot more work is still required and true bilingual schools in Spain are few and far between!
What is your experience with bilingual schools in Spain? How can the situation be improved? Share your story with us …
Further Education in Spain: How To Decide What Options are Right for Your Child
Parents on the Costa del Sol, as in other parts of Spain, are constantly having to make decisions on their child’s future based on language, suitability for their personality and where you think they will want to live and work when they get older. When you’re considering what further education in Spain path is right for your child, it starts to become more complicated, as the world is their oyster and options are almost endless, however, they are still young and need your support and assistance.
If you’re debating this decision at the moment, here are some thoughts from the experts at the Schellhammer Business School, the first English-speaking business school in southern Spain, to help guide your thoughts.
When we speak to parents bringing their children up on the Costa del Sol about further education in Spain, they tend to be confused on whether to send them to Spanish Universities, send them abroad to keep their options open or keep them here to study. Of course, no child is the same and so there is no one solution for everyone.
So, in this blog post, we want to give you some pros and cons of these three common options.
Spanish Universities
Pros – There are options both big and small, with most bigger cities in Spain being home to one.
Cons – Teaching style may vary from students who have attended English schools all their life.
Ideal for – Young individuals who are looking to become a lawyer, doctor, dentist or other regulated profession and wanting to practice in Spain only.
UK or US Universities
Pros – The curriculum and teaching style will be familiar for students who have attended English schools all their life.
Cons – Tuition at UK universities have risen substantially over the past years and universities in the US can often cost several 100,000 USD. Moving to another country away from parents as well as starting a new chapter in their education can be too much for many young people and they can struggle without the support network.
Ideal for – Individuals looking to gain a degree in a regulated profession, such as medicine or dentistry to then practice in that country and very independent, confident youngsters with good life skills.
Local Universities teaching in English
Pros – No need to travel abroad or live in an unfamiliar environment and follow a teaching style and curriculum that pupils coming from English educated backgrounds will be familiar with.
Cons – Since they are private and not funded by government, they are fee paying institutions, but there are also scholarships, grants and financial aid that students can apply for.
Ideal for – Young individuals who wish to stay in Spain but gain academic qualifications suitable for business, hospitality and other related fields in social sciences in Spain and abroad.
About the authors
This guest post was written by Evangelos Zographos, Head of Studies at Schellhammer Business School.
Schellhammer Business School offers a range of higher education programmes including a pre-University Foundation Program, undergraduate Bachelor of Business Administration and postgraduate Master of Business Administration aligned and validated via the European Bologna Treaty Norms, as well as an Executive Program. From September, Schellhammer Business School will also be expanding its educational offer with Cambridge International AS & A Levels.
Founded in 2009 and expanding into a stunning new campus in Estepona a year ago, they are the only British accredited business school in Spain that teaches in English. In 2018 they were recognised with the prestigious British accreditation by ASIC (Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities). This is an important accreditation, recognised by the British Government’s Home Office, approved by Ofsted and leading educational bodies in the USA and Europe.
All courses are taught in English and offer a personalized approach to learning, with small class sizes and attention on developing the strength and self-knowledge of the individual. The business school is located on a secure 200-hectare estate featuring an 18-hole golf course, gym, three swimming pools and a unique natural environment.
They are currently accepting applications for the upcoming academic year.
I’d decided when was the best time to switch to bilingual education in Spain. Or so I thought …
I cannot believe that it is almost two years since I started writing this post. This is what happens when I want to write about something that is so important to me. That something is our children’s bilingual education in Spain.
March is decision time. In Spain, school enrollment starts in March for intake in September of that year (read more here).
Both our children have enjoyed Spanish state education in primary ( infantil) and junior (primaria). And I must say that we have been extremely happy with the education provided at CEIP San Sebastián in Mijas Pueblo. Francesca, in particular, has had a few inspiring teachers who have helped her grow and develop in a beautiful way ( Thank you Ruba, Marie Tere, Encarni and last but in no way least Carolina).
Our decision to switch to a private international school in secondary education (ESO) was made based, almost entirely, on language alone. Despite the fact that our children have always spoken English at home, they have only been educated in Spanish. Hence our decision to opt for a change to bilingual education in Spain.
In the year they turn twelve, in Spain, the children move from primary to secondary school. This often means a physical change of school and consequently a division of classes and school friends. An ideal time to make a change without to harsh an impact … or so we thought!
I am writing this post having just been to speak to the director at Joshua’s bilingual school. The meeting was to help me decide whether Francesca’s decision ( yep, you read that correctly!) was the best one.
Mis niños :-)
Our strong-willed and determined little ten year old had decided, last summer, that starting her new school one year earlier than we had planned was the best idea. Not only did she have her reasoning clear in her head, but she also informed her best friend that that was what was going to happen.
You can imagine my surprise when her best friend’s mum asked me if it was true that Francesa would be changing schools before the end of the course. I am not saying I was disappointed. I was genuinely surprised and very impressed. My little shy girl is growing … in many beautiful ways.
Factors I considered when deciding if bilingual education in Spain was the best option for our children…
“We absolutely loved the school, their ideas and philosophy but we really don’t think that “Jimmy” could deal with the fact that the secondary education totally bilingual. We feel that, it’s too much pressure to put him under. He isn’t good under pressure.”
Right then. Right there.
That was the very moment the penny dropped. The tables turned.
I knew what had to be done. And I was certain it was the right decision. The right decision about our son’s secondary education in Spain. It was time for change.
The Moment I Knew Which Option To Take Regarding Secondary Education In Spain.
I was sat having a coffee in Mijas Pueblo, with a couple of lovely families. We were discussing their plans for moving to Spain. We were talking about the best education options for their children. We were discussing the various options for secondary education options in Spain, in the Malaga region. It is a conversation I have several times a month. But this time, by discussing what was best for their son, I suddenly realised what was best for my own.
Joshua has made so many friends in the pueblo … Now it’s time for a change!
My Thoughts:
Making informed decisions about education is at the forefront of our minds when moving to Spain with children, and regularly, throughout phases whilst living here too.
As in life, there are many paths our children’s education can follow. As parents, it is our role to discover and research these paths before sending our children along them.
If you have read my book and previous posts on education in Spain you will know that I believe deciding which path is best for your own child is a very personal decision. A decision only you can make. You can research and listen to advice and opinions but only you can make the final decision.
I also recommend researching education options, both primary and secondary education in Spain, before deciding where to live, when planning your move to Spain, or any other country.
When we moved back to the Malaga region, this time with children, I did my research on schools. I spoke to as many people as I could and I researched on the internet. I decided we should live in the catchment area of CEIP San Sebastian in Mijas Pueblo.
Our little “estrella” stealing the show :-)
On June 17th 2016, as we proudly watched our son co-compare the “baile fin de curso”, in faultless Spanish and clear English, to a crowd of two to three hundred, I knew we had made and were about to make the correct decision.
Or son, a well grounded, confident, friendly, thoughtful and fully integrated 11-year-old regularly makes me pull those proud “Mumbeam” faces.
What’s A Proud “Mumbeam” face?
You know that expression you pull when a beautiful thought enters your head. You try to suppress your smile but as you purse your lips, in an attempt not to grin like a Cheshire cat, the thought causes your smile to stretch across from one ear, across to the other. And, even if you manage to keep your lips tightly pressed together, the proud “mumbeams” shine out of your eyes. Your smiling eyes. Yep. That’s what I call a proud “Mumbeam” face :-)
I hope you enjoy proud Mumbeam faces too. Do share them with us.
Oh, and what was the big decision?
All will be revealed very soon … the countdown has begun ;-)
As I sit here, deliberating what to share with you first, I am torn. Living abroad with children is a whirlwind of life experiences. Sometimes you just need to stop, take a breath and slow down. Otherwise, life simply passes you by.
It has been far too long since our last blog post but we do have an excuse. In fact, we have several fabulous excuses. We have eleven weeks worth of excuses.
I have made a promise to myself that I am going to take the time to relive our amazing summer and share our memories with you, in the form of blog posts and lots of beautiful pictures.
So much has happened and is happening. This coming year is marked by change. Lots of changes. More changes than we’ve had for many years.
The fountains in the new Plaza in Mijas Pueblo
Tomorrow is the first day of back to school for our daughter, Francesca. We were not expecting any changes for Francesca. Our daughter thrives on routine and stability. Unexpected changes can be painful.
It is important to remember that changes are inevitable when living abroad with children. Learning to adapt to change is an essential skill for living abroad.
Let me take time out for a second, my mind is racing ahead of me already …
Here is a taste of the stories we will be sharing with you over the coming weeks:
Our son’s education story: The end of an era and new beginnings in bilingual education
Making Memories: Summer holidays in Cadiz, Paris, The Dordogne, Archidona, Paxos and London
The Challenges of Living Abroad: I found a Lump and how it affected my relationships.
Integration and Family Time: Padel Tennis
Spanish Bureaucracy: Why we have chosen to live in a building site rather than sell our house in Spain and buy another one
The Language Show Live 2016 : Presenting Cooking With Languages.
But before all that, here we are today:
As I mentioned, tomorrow is the first day of a new school year for infant and primary, state school in Spain. Francesca is heading back to school in the morning.
It was “school as usual”, up until two days ago that is when we were advised of an unexpected change.
For the first time in six years, she is starting the school year in a new class. She is still at the same school in the village but, due to changes made by the Junta, she is now no longer with the same classmates she’s been with for the past six years.The previous three classes have been merged into two. There will be twenty-eight children in each class. Francesca, along with three others from her class have been moved. How they decided this, I have no idea. However, we are grateful that she is still going to be with one of her best friends. Her other best friend, however, has not been moved. We are hoping this will change.
When you’re moving and living abroad with children, stability is an important part of their lives and we have previously been concerned that Francesca’s lack of confidence was due to the fact she’d been moved so many times, from such an early age. The news about her being moved to another class initially shocked and upset me. I was afraid how it would affect her.
Thankfully, so far, this is proving not to be the case. Despite my fears, she does not appear to be scared and is very happy to be returning to school tomorrow, even though there’s going to be a big change in her learning environment. An environment which has been stable for her, for the past six years.
Her strength and ability to adapt just prove how strong children really are. I do believe that provided we pay attention to them and are aware of their feelings and their behaviours and we take the right steps we can help them, they can adapt to almost any environment.
One of the *main reasons we decided that our children should go to the local state school rather than the private international school, was stability. The expat community is generally a very transient community. Friends, with children in international schools, have often told us how their children struggled to maintain good friendships as many expat children, for differing reasons, come and go over the years. Enrolling our children in the local village school has resulted in them, particularly Francesca, developing beautiful bonds and friendships with Spanish children. Children who have grown up in the village and who are here to stay, although we know that nothing is guaranteed.
(*In case you were wondering, the main reason was the desire to learn the language and become bilingual.)
Francesca warming up and stretching before ballet class.
The stability and the lack of change in her class have helped Francesca gain in self-confidence over the years. It has been a slow process but we are getting there. Her school is a place where she is growing in confidence. She knows all her classmates, they go to parties and ferias together. She knows who she sits with during class time. She knows what to expect. She loves the school routine. Or she did …
This is a massive change for her, in the most constant environment. It will be interesting to see how she copes with it and what effect it has on her however in the coming months.
We are hoping that the new found confidence, thanks to her ballet classes, continues to grow and she can enjoy what lies ahead in this new school year. One day our little lady will enjoy the confidence she so deserves.
Thursday marks an even bigger change. Our son Joshua will start a new chapter in his education. A new chapter in a new school. An exciting new chapter in bilingual education.
From my own experiences, when learning Spanish as a second language, far too much emphasis is placed on learning grammatical exercises, rather that oral practice. Fortunately, this appears to be changing and more attention is being given to practical usage.
As our children attend Spanish state school, there is a requirement to study “lengua”, Spanish language. They have the fantastic opportunity to learn Spanish just like native Spanish children do. This may be more challenging at the outset but I truly believe it will be something they will thank us for in the future.
We are in the world of not only new vocabulary but also antónimos, sinónmos, refranes and trabalenguas, amongst others. Have I lost you yet?
There are actually very few questions Mr. Google (as referred to in our house) is unable to help us with.Although, as it is not our native tongue, some Spanish homework can require quite a lot of research.
The following websites are also very useful for language homework:
Recently Francesca, now aged seven, had to quote some short “refranes / dichos populares” (proverbs/sayings) and explain their meanings for her homework.
Here are a few “refranes cortos, para niños” that we liked and wanted to share with you:
“En boca cerrada no entran moscas”
Loosely translated as: Loose lips sink ships.
Meaning: At times it is better to be silent than putting your foot in it.
“Zapatero a tus zapatos”
Loosely translated as: Cobbler, stick to your shoes.
Meaning: Do not go where you don’t not belong or you’re not invited / Mind your own business.
“El que tiene boca se equivoca”
Loosely translated as: Anyone with a mouth makes mistakes.
Meaning: Do not be afraid to say something wrong / Everyone makes mistakes.
“De tal palo tal astilla”
Loosely translated as: A chip off the old block.
Meaning: Children tend to resemble their parents.
“Quien tiene un amigo tiene un tesoro”
Loosely translated as: He who has a friend has a treasure.
Meaning: Friendship is very important and we must learn to care and value it.
“El que calla otorga”
Loosely translated as: Silence is consent.
Meaning: By remaining silent you are assumed to agree.
“No dejes para mañana lo que puedas hacer hoy”
Loosely translated as: Do not leave for tomorrow what you can do today.
Meaning: Laziness is not the best companion in life.
“Más vale maña que fuerza”
Loosely translated as: Better skill than strength:
Meaning: In life’s it’s more important to be skilful than strong.
So there you have come of our favourite “refranes” from recent Spanish homework activities. Do you have any favourites to share?
Next, we’ll share some “trabalenguas”. We may even add a few videos to give you a giggle…
¡Hasta pronto!
If you are thinking about Moving to Spain, our book will answer a lot of your questions …
To BUY on Amazon.es Click Here!
To Buy on Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk Click the corresponding image below
PS: Thanks to the Facebook Group Spanish Mums London for helping m out with the translations!
How many of you have positive memories of learning a foreign language when you were growing up?
I’m guessing that, like me, most of you have memories of uninspiring lessons and textbooks you could literally blow the dust off as you were in no hurry to pick them up for fear of being put to sleep rather than being inspired and motivated to learn from them.
As Brits, perhaps we suffer from the fact that English is so widely spoken in so many countries around the world. However, thankfully, we’re becoming more and more aware of the incredible benefits learning another language has. The UK government, for example, has made language learning compulsory for children at Key Stage 2. One of the main issues though is that it hasn’t provided adequate resources to do so.
You may think we, as a country, a community, we aren’t that keen to learn another language, but a study published late last year showed that 58% of adults regret not knowing another language.
We live in an ever growing global society where we are constantly communicating with people from so many different backgrounds and nationalities. It is natural that we desire to understand and communicate with other cultures. For those of you who travel or move abroad this desire will, or should be, much greater.
As in previous posts, we’d like to highlight the importance of learning Spanish, or any language, before you travel or move, especially when you have children. Language knowledge facilitates integration and makes the transition to a new country a lot easier and allows children to communicate with their peers.
Our Cooking With Languages project
I recently came across One Third Stories, which, like our Cooking With languages project, looks to help parents and children learn Spanish and other languages, together. The reason it caught my eye is because they also support language learning at home, as well as schools, and engage parents and their kids using stories.
One Third Stories was founded by two young guys with contrasting language learning experiences. Jonny, part of the 58% and very much the product of a British language learning system, and Alex who grew up bilingual Spanish and English in Paraguay.
They create stories that start in English and end in a different lengua, by gradually introducing foreign words. The way they do this is through their innovative Clockwork Methodology ®. The first story, app, and hardback will be available on Kickstarter on the 17th of May where they will look for people passionate about learning languages to help bring the project to life.
So far they have produced an audiobook of The Three Little Pigs to learn Spanish using this methodology and also a puppet show (see video below)! The beauty is that the contexts are so clear that children learn without realising it, and adults become involved too.
You can follow their progress on social media (Facebook and Twitter) or download a free audiobook HERE to check it out.
It’s a great idea, don’t you agree? Here’s to finding more innovative ideas for Making Language Learning Fun For Children!
How many of you have positive memories of learning a foreign language when you were growing up?
One Third Stories was founded by two young guys with contrasting language learning experiences. Jonny, part of the 58% and very much the product of a British language learning system, and Alex who grew up bilingual Spanish and English in Paraguay. 
