The school system in Spain

The education system in Spain is structured in the following way:

Children are grouped together based solely on their year of birth. This means that all children born in the same year, regardless of whether they were born in January or December, will be placed in the same grade level for the next academic year (2023-2024).

The first stage, called EDUCACIÓN INFANTIL (from 4 months to 5 years old), is not mandatory. It is divided into two phases: from 4 months to 3 years old, which is called “bressol,” “llar de infants,” or “guardería” (also known as the “primer ciclo infantil”), and from 3 years old to 5 years old, which is called “parvulario” or “segundo ciclo infantil” (people already call it school – colegio), with grade levels P3, P4, and P5. Whether or not a child attends nursery or school at this age is up to the parents, but it is believed that attending school at least from ages 3 to 5 will make it easier for a child to adapt to classes at age 6. Additionally, it will be easier for a child to get into their chosen school if they have already graduated from infantil there.

The second stage is EDUCACIÓN PRIMARIA OBLIGATORIA (EPO) and is mandatory for children from ages 6 to 11 years old. It is divided into three phases of two years each (1 ciclo EPO, 2 ciclo EPO, 3 ciclo EPO). Even if a family comes to Spain for a year of work, they are required to enroll their child in school and show a supporting document when obtaining a visa/residence. If a child of this age is not enrolled in school, social services will intervene.

The third stage is EDUCACIÓN SECUNDARIA OBLIGATORIA (ESO) and is mandatory for children from ages 12 to 15 years old (four years). At this age, children begin to be challenged more academically.

After completing the required program, children have a few options:

1. If they have an ESO graduation certificate, they can pursue a BACHILLERATO (bachelor’s degree, from 16 to 18 years old, 2 years) or GRADO MEDIO (preparing for simple professions, 2 years).
2. If they do not receive a certificate, they can enroll in a GES (Graduado en Educación Secundaria) – ESO Exam Preparation Course (2 years) or a PFI (Programas de Formación e Inserción), which prepares students for the initial stages of various professions.

In summary, everyone has the opportunity to receive a good education regardless of their academic path.