Studying in Spain is the dream of many and the first step in making it true is to learn everything about the Spanish school system. Grades, subjects, exams, holidays… How does school work in Spain?
The Spanish way of life is similar to ours: people are very amicable, we eat late, the streets are full of typical shops and bars and there always seems to be a party atmosphere! This is what we feel when we are in Spain for holiday but will living there be the same? For example, spending a school year abroad is an opportunity to immerse yourself in everyday Spanish life and live like a local student.
Spain offers many opportunities, both academic and professional, and allows you to meet people from all over the world. In this article, you will find all the information to take the first step: getting to know the Spanish school system and deciding if it is the right path for you.
The strengths of the Spanish school system
The Spanish school system differs from its Italian counterpart in several ways such as:
Accessible education
Most Spanish schools are public and have unlimited access. One particular aspect is how failing classes is dealt with. In Spain, students who fail two or three subjects can decide to repeat the courses during the following year or repeat the year.
More informed choice
With middle school, compulsory schooling ends at the age of 16. The study path that follows can be created by the students. Spanish students choose a secondary school based on their interests, there are only a few compulsory subjects.
Personalized study plan
Taking into account the compulsory subjects, students can customize their study plan by choosing from the wide options offered by Spanish schools. Thanks to agreements between institutes, it is possible to deepen one’s interests by taking exams even in schools other than the one to which one belongs. One more opportunity to discover your passions!
Education in Spain
Compulsory schooling in Spain begins at age 6 with primary school and ends at age 16, upon completion of middle school. Afterward, it is possible to attend a high school lasting 2 or 3 years or a vocational school. Let’s see in detail how the Spanish school system is structured.
01
Nurseries
The Spanish kindergartens or Guarderías deal with children who are a few months to 3 years of age and are a paid and non-obligatory service for the education of children.
02
Pre-K
The Spanish preschool, or Colegios infantiles, welcomes children aged 3 to 6. Institutes can be both public and private and are not part of compulsory schooling.
03
Primary School
Spanish primary school, or Educación primaria, welcomes children aged 6 to 12. It is compulsory and is divided into three cycles. Generally, it is a single teacher who deals with all subjects, except for foreign languages.
1st cycle: 6-8 years
2nd cycle: 8-10 years
3rd cycle: 10-12 years
At the end of the last year, an exam is held to evaluate the skills acquired by the students.
04
High School (Compulsory secondary school)
The Spanish high school (ESO) is divided into two paths, the first is compulsory and corresponds to our middle school. The compulsory Secundaria envisages the placement of students aged 12 to 16, divided into two cycles. Children can personalize their study plans and have a different teacher for each subject. At the end of the course, the middle school or graduato en educacíon secundaria license is obtained, which allows access to high school or a professional institute.
05
Secondary school (Bachillerato)
The non-compulsory Spanish secondary school consists of two years plus an additional third as preparation for university. Depending on their abilities and aspirations, students can choose a specific course for their Bachillerato, among the following:
- artistic
- technological
- scientific
- humanistic
At the end of the two years of study, students receive the Diploma de Bachillerato which allows access to university.
06
Vocational training in Spain
Spanish vocational training is divided into two cycles: the first at a medium level and the second at a higher level.
- Middle-level training cycle: welcomes students aged 16 to 18 and an ESO middle school license is required to access it. 25% of the hours are devoted to in-company training.
- Higher level training cycle: allows the qualification of técnico and welcomes students aged 18 to 20. To access it you must have the Diploma de Bachillerato.
07
University
Spanish universities are renowned for their excellent educational level and low cost. All students aged 18 and over who have finished high school and passed an entrance test called selectividad to have access. At the end of the three years of study, the diplomado is obtained and it is possible to access a second-level degree or master’s.
08
Master’s degree
Masters in Spain usually last 1 or 2 years and require 60 to 120 credits. To access it, it is necessary to have completed the first-degree university course. At the end of the master, the title of Licenciado is obtained.
09
Doctorate
Doctoral programs in Spain, or Ph.D., can last approximately 3 years and require a minimum of 32 credits. The aim is to specialize in a scientific, technical, or artistic field. Upon completion, the title of Doctor is obtained.
The Spanish school calendar
The Spanish school calendar is similar to the Italian one, with a long summer break and Christmas and Easter holidays. The school year is divided into three periods of approximately 11/12 weeks, separated by school breaks.
Some important holidays are October 12, National Spanish Day, and December 6, the Day of the Constitution.
Spanish school schedule
Classes for Spanish students generally start around 8.30 am and finish around 2.00 pm. There is no school on Saturdays and the lunch break is not included in the timetable; students usually eat their meals at the end of the lessons or directly at home. From lesson to lesson you change classrooms and meet new classmates.
Subjects and curriculum
The Spanish school system allows you to choose some subjects to personalize your study plan. There are four core subjects which are Spanish language and literature, physical education, history and philosophy, and a foreign language. For each curriculum, students must indicate six subjects of their choice that they will have to follow during their two years of high school (three in the 1st year and three in the 2nd year). This method allows a personalized training path.
In most Spanish schools, especially in areas of Spain where the climate is warmer, some lessons are held outdoors and students are encouraged to spend time outside during recess.
Extracurricular activities
Spanish schools generally do not offer extracurricular activities and students who wish to practice a sport do it outside of school. Free time is often dedicated to homework and going out with friends.
School grades in Spain
Grades follow a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 being the lowest grade and 10 being the highest grade. A passing mark is reached with a mark of 5 and written tests are preferred to oral questions.
Spanish high school Diploma
The Spanish high school final exam, as in Italy, provides for an exam called selectividad to obtain the Diploma de Bachiller. It is a test that evaluates students’ skills in Spanish, foreign languages, history, and philosophy. This exam is held twice a year and is a prerequisite for entering university.
Now that you know the Spanish education system, go!
Living like a Spanish student is an opportunity that can change your life, thanks to a school year abroad.
Even though at times the Spanish culture may seem similar to the Italian one, you will be amazed at the richness and beauty it can give you. Take flight, get out of your comfort zone, and let yourself be surprised… adelante!
Credi di essere pronto per studiare all’estero? Ecco una sfida per conoscere la risposta.
