Early childhood education
Two cycles. It is voluntary; the second cycle (3–6) is free.
Essential guide · Spain · 2026–27
One national framework.
Seventeen ways of bringing it to life.
The State establishes the common framework. Spain’s autonomous communities develop curricula, manage schools and shape much of everyday education—so location matters as much as stage.
0–16 compulsory route17 regional administrations3 main school models
01 · The journey
From early development to a profession.
Primary and ESO make up compulsory basic education.Primary education
Six compulsory years focused on communication, reasoning, coexistence and autonomy.
Compulsory secondary education · ESO
Four compulsory years leading to Baccalaureate, VET and other recognised pathways.
Baccalaureate · IB · VET
Academic, international and professional routes with bridges between them.
Higher education
University, Higher VET and higher artistic education support specialisation and progression.
After compulsory secondary
The path opens—without becoming a dead end.
Spain’s system permits progression and movement between academic and professional routes. The best choice is the one that fits the learner, not the route with the loudest reputation.
Spanish Baccalaureate
Two years organised by modality, usually preparing for university entry or higher studies.
Vocational education & training
Applied learning with company-based training and progression between Basic, Intermediate and Higher VET.
IB Diploma Programme
An authorised 16–19 programme with six subject groups and a core of TOK, CAS and the Extended Essay.
02 · Curricula
The name of the curriculum is only the beginning.
Families should ask how the curriculum is taught, assessed and connected to recognised qualifications.Spanish curriculum
The LOMLOE framework defines basic teaching requirements; autonomous communities develop their own curriculum and schools complete it through their educational project.
International Baccalaureate
PYP, MYP and DP are distinct programmes. Verify the school’s authorisation for the exact programme and whether upper-secondary students also obtain the Spanish qualification.
British, American & other systems
Check official recognition, teaching language, assessment route and how qualifications support access to Spanish and international universities.
Governance
Educational law is not read only in the national gazette.
Common framework
Basic teaching, qualification structure and the general legal architecture.
Territorial rules
Curriculum development, admissions, inspection, calendars, coexistence and protection.
Educational project
Organisation, teaching approach, tutoring, assessment practices and family relationship.
03 · Whole-child education
Protect the mind. Move the body. Nourish development.
Wellbeing is not an extracurricular activity; it runs through curriculum, relationships, spaces, food and family partnership.Mental health
Belonging, emotional literacy, trusted adults, confidential channels and early referral—not diagnosis by the school.
Physical activity
Physical education, active breaks and safe, inclusive sport that promote participation and long-term adherence.
Healthy food environment
Free drinking water, professionally supervised menus and healthy, sustainable food choices under Spain’s current framework.
Safeguarding
A visible wellbeing and protection coordinator, prevention, reporting routes, coordinated intervention and follow-up.
What should a school be able to demonstrate? A named lead, a needs diagnosis, action, measurable indicators, review and a safe route for seeking help.
Choosing a school
Good choices begin with good questions.
Public, publicly funded private (“concertado”) and fully private schools can all contain very different educational realities.
- How do students learn—not just what curriculum is named?
- How is progress, wellbeing and additional need identified?
- How are safeguarding concerns reported and followed up?
- What role do languages, technology, art, sport and nutrition play?
- Does the daily experience fit the child and family?