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The Spanish education system is obligatory for children between the ages of 6 to 16 and who's parents are residents in Spain. There are two standard state schools which are Primary for children between the ages of 6 and 12, and Secondary for children between the ages of 12 and 16. However, schooling is available for children from the age of three.
Primary School:
- Standard School hours are from 9am to 5pm from October to May with a three hour lunch break when children can either go home or stay for lunch at school which consists of a three course hot meal.
- In June and September the summer period school hours are from 9am to 1pm.
- Transport is available should you live more than 3km from your catchment school and is subsidised, along with lunches.
From commencement at school all children will learn Castellano, Valenciano and English. All children are tested every year through the education process, to ensure each child is at an adequate level to move up to the next year.
Secondary School:
Once students reach year 6 they are tested to ensure adequate understanding in all subject to move up to secondary education where the hours are normally 8am until 2pm all year. Students are frequently tested and will be given homework.
Special Needs - Should you have a child with special needs, it is advisable to have any written documentation from the education authority in the UK translated into Spanish to be given to the new school. Special needs education is just as good as in Britain, although your child's requirements will need to be understood before they start school, as it may be some time before the school can use their own testing methods.
Books and equipment for school
These have to be provided for by each family and the cost per year varies between €175 to €350. If you have more than two children you are classed as a 'familia numerosa' and can obtain help with paying for books from social services.
Applying for a place in a Spanish School
Firstly you will need register at the town hall on the 'Padron'. Documentation you will need:
- a copy off all family members passports
- copy of a rental agreement or escritura of your residence
Once you have a copy of the 'Padron' you will then need to go to the local town hall to apply for a school place, you will need; a passport photo of each child, photocopies of birth certificates, passports and also a copy of their inoculations to date. This can be obtained from your GP before you travel to Spain. Also please note that generally anyone applying after April for a school place will have to wait until the following September before starting school.
A list of books and equipment will be given to you before your child starts school, it is advisable to go into the school and ask which books are necessary to begin with.
British Schools in Spain
The British Council have a list of schools in Spain which offer an English education a full list can be found at:
British Council
Paseo General Martínez Campos 31
28010 Madrid
Tel.: 91 337 35 66/00
Fax: 91 337 35 73
www.britishcouncil.es
Below are links to British private schools on the Costa Blanca:
- The Lady Elizabeth School
For Students 3-18 years, the Primary school is based in Javea, secondary school is in the Jalon Valley this is an Independent Coeducation school.
- Xabia International College
Based in Javea for students from 3 to 18 years, Xàbia International College is an international Coeducational school. The college is recognised by Cambridge and London (Edexcel) Examination Boards.
- Sierra Bernia School
Apartado 121, San Rafael S/N,
Alfaz del Pi, 03580,
Alicante, Spain
Tel: (+34) 966 875149
Email: duncan@ctv.es
Situated near Alfaz Del Pi for students aged 3 to 18 years is open to pupils of all nationalities, the school is fully authorised by the relevant ministries for both foreign & Spanish nationals.
- Newton College
Camino Viejo Elche-Alicante, Km. 3,
Elche-Alicante, 03295,
Spain
Tel: (+34) 965 451428
Email: info@newtoncollege.es
Situated in Elche for English and Spanish students 3 to 18 years, both languages are taught together with valenciano.
- English School Los Olivos
Situated in Oliva, for students 3 to 16 years, this school is a member of the National Association of British Schools in Spain.
- Caxton College
Situated 19kms from Valencia in Pucol this school offers education to students from 2 to 18 years with emphasis on Information Technology.
- El Plantio International School
Urbanización. El Plantio,
Calle 233, Nº 36,
La Cañada, 46182,
Paterna, Valencia,
Spain
Tel: (+34) 961 321410
Email: plantiointernational@retemail.es
Situated near Valencia near El Plantio, for students from 3 to 18 years, this school is a member of the National Association of British Schools in Spain.
Credit to:
Sra. Marta Colechá Smiles
Abogados Colecha & Monserrat
C/Calderón, 10 - 3º - 11
03700 Dénia (Alicante)
Tel & Fax: 0034 96 642 4431 |
