Moving to Spain and taking you children away from their normal environment, friends and schooling is a very daunting decision for any parent to make.When it comes to continuing education in Spain for older foreign children, there is one problem to be overcome – language! However, in recognising that education in Spain cannot continue unless the language is spoken, most schools have effective language courses which ensure that foreign children are soon speaking Spanish.
The academic year in Spain runs from September to June. School times can vary depending on which area you are in. The more traditional areas stop between the hours of 1-3.30 for the siesta period and then return to school at 5.30pm.
There are two schooling systems in Spain state and private. The state system is similar to the way the English system works. At the age of 16, pupils are awarded “titulo de graduado escolar” certificate which can enable them to stay on to obtain their baccalaureate so they can enter university.
The private system follows the national curriculum that included GSCE’s and ‘A’ levels. After this they can go onto university with the right grades. Spanish universities accept British ‘A’ levels as an entrance qualification.