The
Spanish education system has changed dramatically over the last 10
years. Previously the system was elitist and secondary education was
mostly private. University was out of the question for the majority of
young people.
Today the
story is very different. School attendance is now free and compulsory
for all children between the ages of six and 15. Ninety- five per cent
of children aged four to five are now in pre-school education and more
than 55 per cent of children stay on at school until the age of 18. The
student body at universities now numbers over a million. It is
interesting to note that female students now outnumber the males in
secondary education and in the first years at university.
Spain has
29 state and two private universities. The oldest university is
Salamanca, founded in 1230. Catholic education still represents
approximately 20 per cent of the whole system, up to university level.
For
families intending to make their home in Spain, state education is free
but it is conducted only in Spanish. However, this does not seem to
present much of a problem to young children who tend to pick up
languages very quickly. Attending a Spanish school is definitely one of
the best ways of ensuring that both the child and, in most cases, the
family become integrated into the local Spanish community.
In order
to enrol a child in a Spanish school it is necessary to apply to the
provincial governor's office to validate the schooling from abroad. This
can also be done in your home country before you leave. Most schools
will accept the student on a provisional basis until all the paperwork
is issued.
If the
child is older and in the middle of a GCSE or A level course it may be
advisable to consider an International School. The majority of these are
day schools but some do have boarding facilities. These schools tend to
offer qualifications better known to UK universities. Some schools offer
a system of English and Spanish curricula which enables students to be
qualified for either Spain or the UK. Many International Schools are
changing over to the International Baccalaureate which is fast becoming
the internationally recognised qualification for Europe. It is now
becoming acceptable to UK universities and other higher education
institutions.
When
choosing an international school there are many things to consider, not
least of all the costs for school fees and materials as well, as the
location of the school and the amount of travelling that needs to be
done to and from the school. Within expatriate areas there all many such
schools to choose from. All schools will welcome you 01 an inspection
visit and tour of the school. Most produce a brochure outlining the
school facilities and costs, etc. The Costa del Sol is particularly
lucky to have a good selection of schools.
The
National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABSS) was founded in
1978 and represents the interests of some 40 schools, dotted around
Spain, mainly in the areas where there are a high number of expatriates.
The main aim of the association is to protect the interests of the
member schools and those of the parents and children. The association
uses well qualified staff and up-to-date teaching methods. The schools
are also popular with Spanish parents for the quality they offer.
Further details can be obtained by visiting their website at
National
Association of British Schools in Spain.
An extract from
BlevinsFranks excellent book, "Living in Spain", sixth edition.
