Where should I buy? Schools in Spain? Healthcare? Legal fees? Please browse through this section for helpful
hints and answers to all your questions on buying property in Spain.
Spanish Schools
Attending a Spanish school, whether state or private, is probably the best way for your children to
integrate into Spanish society. State schools have improved tremendously in recent decades and in
general, are of a comparable quality with those in other EU countries, although the teaching methods
used may differ.
School in Spain is not compulsory until the age of 6, but children generally start school in the autumn
of the year in which they turn 3. The legal maximum class size in primary schools is 25, with one
teacher and a classroom assistant who helps out with several classes. There is special provision for
children over the age of 6 who dont speak Spanish as a first language. The children will be taught in
Castilian Spanish or the local dialect (ie Valencian), as parents you will be able to learn the Spanish
language from your children! A common practice when your child first starts, is to pair them up with
another child who can speak both English and Spanish to help with translation, but you will be
surprised at just how quickly your child picks up Spanish.
To register your children within the schooling system they have to be on the Padron (Town Hall Register).
A list of schools will also be provided by the Town Hall. You will also have to provide a copy of the
childs birth certificate, proof of immunisation and proof of residency.
Spanish schools take a more relaxed approach to uniforms there is no uniform requirement!! The
schooling hours during term time are longer than the UK, usually from 9am to 5pm with a 2 or 3 hour
break during the day, the children can either go home during this lunch period or eat in the school
dining room. In summer months the children will be delighted, as in June they generally finish at
around 1.00pm with all of July and August being off and then back to half days again for the month of
September. In Spain the State education is free but parents will need to pay for books and extra
curricular activities such as art and sports equipment.
An alternative to the State system is private international school. These are fee paying schools and
offer a good choice in both the Alicante and Valencia regions. Please click here for a full listing.
Making the right investment is key and if you pick the right investment,
you could be in for a handsome return.
Where should I buy? Schools in Spain? Healthcare? Legal fees? Please browse through this section for helpful
hints and answers to all your questions on buying property in Spain.