As a resident of an EU nation your children are entitled to a state education if living in Spain.

In general, Spain has two parallel systems of education. A state system and a Catholic Church managed grant-assisted system. Both systems are essentially free but school books must be paid for by the parents. Classes in state schools are generally smaller than grant-assisted schools, although demand for places is higher in grant-assisted schools.

Infant education starts at around three years of age and continues for three years, during which time the pupils are introduced to writing, reading, and developing social and mental skills.

Spanish primary schools

Primary education starts at around six years of age, and lasts six years. This period is divided into three cycles. During this time pupils study a variety of compulsory subjects, including a second language, which is invariably English. Failure to achieve set objectives may result in re-sitting the year.

Enrolling your children

When enrolling children in school, you will probably need to present
a copy of your children's passport, their certificate of empadronmiento
(available from your local town hall), proof of their vaccinations (the
red health book your child receives in England when they are born is
acceptable) and a couple of passport sized photos.  You may also be asked to provide a medical certificate and this can be obtained from your local family health centre. You may have to register within certain time periods (generally mid-May and the first week of September) and the local town hall should be able to inform on this point.

Spanish vs. Catalan

Certain Spanish regions emphasis their cultural heritage and local language – such as Catalan or Valenciano. Buyers with young families in Catalonia should be aware that the state and church only offer schooling in Catalan - and not Spanish. If you don't want your children to be educated exclusively in Catalan then you will have to send them to an expensive private school. The situation is far more liberal in Valencia, where state and church education is usually offered in either Spanish or Valencian.

If your children study at a school in Valencia then you may be encouraged to register them in a Valencian language stream or, if you choose a Spanish stream, you may be subsequently encouraged to buy some of the school books in Valencian and not Spanish. Remember, this is a matter of personal choice and if, like most Spanish parents, you choose to have your children study in Spanish then just stick to your guns.

Schools are not required to offer English speaking staff, although specialist psychologists help integrate foreign students. Streaming does not exist until the last years of compulsory education and schools follow a largely comprehensive system. Students are examined yearly, although an equivalent  UK ‘stats’ type exams does not exist. Uniforms are not the norm in state schools, but are usually required in grant assisted schools.

Secondary schools

Secondary education starts at around 12 and is mixed ability and sex. Years are repeated if necessary. Pupils may leave school at 16. Generally, however pupils go on to study for the ‘bachillerato’, or join practical training courses or ‘modulos’.

The two-year bachillerato culminates in an exam, which combined with continuous assessment, forms an overall finishing mark. Students wishing to attend university sit a general entrance exam which helps determine their choice of future courses.

A very limited university grant system exists and a high percentage of Spanish students study at their local university. Fees are low by UK standards.

The school year starts in September, with no half-term breaks. There is a two week break at Christmas and a ten day break at Easter. Schools break up in late June and children enjoy a very long summer holiday. Parents should note that applications to join schools in September are expected as early as May.

Homework, particularly in secondary schools, is considered to be vital, and is generally more demanding than in the UK.

For more information on state and grant-assisted schools see here. For more information about schools in the Lliria area see here.

English or international schools in Spain

Another option is to enrol at an English or international school. These are privately run schools which can be particularly useful in your child’s initial integration into Spain.

They may have the advantage of continuing your child’s current education using the British national curriculum. However, this is not always the case, so please check! The IGCSE can be taken, this being especially useful if you are not sure of the length of your stay and therefore need to maintain progress in the UK system.

However, private schools suffer some disadvantages. As with all private schools, fees can be steep and you cannot expect your children to learn Spanish without the extra expense of additional language classes. Many private schools ban the use of Spanish in order to help the Spanish children learn English.

Depending on the location, students in these schools may be predominantly English or Spanish. Many wealthy Spanish families choose to send their children to English schools to learn fluent English.

At many private schools, children can begin at three years of age and continue until university. For more information visit www.nabss.org

The effect of moving to Spain on your children should not be underestimated. The feeling of alienation for children can be a problem and staff awareness of the potential problem should be a priority when selecting a school.

Problems can be cultural as well as linguistic. Generally, the younger the child, the easier the integration. Your child’s behaviour and demeanour should be carefully monitored for changes which could indicate problems. Remember you know your child best!

For both you and your children, in education and social situations your integration into Spanish life will be greatly helped by learning Spanish. The more you can both assimilate before your arrival, the easier it will be to fit in and enjoy a life in the sun.

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For more information on Valencia and our range of property go to:

www.rawlinsholden.co.uk or in Spanish at www.rhinmobiliaria.com

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For more news and views on Valencia property visit:

http://valenciapropertymen.blogs.com

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For a personal view on one Spanish school in Lliria (in Spanish) visit:

http://www.david-estudiante.blogspot.com

Web www.rawlinsholden.com www.valenciapropertymen.blogs.com