Moving to Spain with Kids? Here’s What You Need to Know About Schools! 🇪🇸🎒

Education is one of the biggest concerns for families relocating to Spain, and this week,  Ríona Kelly, co-founder of Move to Cantabria, offered some expert insights on Move to Spain: The Podcast, 🎙️✨

Here are some key takeaways about the Spanish school system:

📚 Education is mandatory from age 6, and homeschooling is not currently legal. If you live in Spain with school-age kids, they must be enrolled in a school.

🏫 Public vs. Private Schools: Spain has both public (free) and private (fee-paying) schools. All are regulated by the same education authority and follow the national school calendar.

📍 School placement: Public school admission is usually based on proximity and sibling attendance. Unlike the UK and Ireland, competition for places isn’t as intense, and most children can secure a spot in a local school.

⏰ School hours: Primary schools: 9AM–2/2:30PM, with optional after-school programs until 4–6PM.Secondary schools: 8AM–2PM, with a short mid-morning break.

🙏 Religious vs. Non-religious Schools: Public schools are secular, while many private schools (often Catholic) integrate religious values and require uniforms. Schools can vary widely in curriculum, teaching style, and extracurricular options, so finding the right fit is crucial!

That’s where we, Move to Cantabria, come in—we offer expert local guidance to help you choose the best school for your child.

🎧 You can find the full podcast episode here for more details!