Ask most Spanish parents what they think of Spanish schools and the answer is invariably "not much"! Fortunately this opinion is based more on "what was" as opposed to "what is" and whilst Spanish schools still do lag behind most countries of the EU, the system is dramatically and rapidly being improved. Perhaps more so than in other countries, Spanish parents take the education of their children very seriously, recognizing the profound effect it can have on their adult lives.
Spanish schools have annual quotas for their pupils and places are allocated quite simply on the basis of "first come, first served". The school enrollment period usually takes place early in the year and lasts for two months. Enrollment varies between regions but you will be able to ascertain the exact dates by contacting any of the schools in the region you intend to live.
To Enrol Your Child:
To enrol your child in a Spanish school you will require the following:
1. Child's birth certificate or passport together with a photocopy, official translation (which may not be required) parent's passports together with a photocopy.
2. Proof of child's immunization.
3. Proof of residence. Obtain this from the town hall in your locality.
4. If your child is over 12, proof of convalidation.
5. Two passport-size photographs. One for student Identification card, the other for records.
Homologation/Convalidation
If you have a child over the age of 12 whom you wish to place in a Spanish secondary school you will also require proof of homologation or convalidation, which is the official verification of your child's education record.
The forms to do this can be obtained from:
Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia C/Alcala,34 28014 Madrid Telephone 0034 917 018 000
Send the completed form together with your child's school record book and/or examination qualifications, plus his birth certificate. If possible the process should be completed before arrival in Spain because in theory, a child will not be accepted at school until the official papers have been received and stamped by the Department of Education.
Expect the process to take between 3 - 6 months although a receipt from the Ministry for the homologation documents for your child should be acceptable.
Whilst understanding that their children are going to have to attend school in Spain, many parents are concerned as to how their child will cope with the language problem.
The opinion of many and supported by the writer, is that children under the age of nine, and preferably younger, are better off going to a State school. They settle quickly and learn the language at a speed which borders on the incomprehensible for their struggling parents.
