Registering a child for school in Spain is an important and mandatory process for families moving to the country. The Spanish education system offers free primary and secondary education in public schools, and there are also many private and semi-private institutions. In this article, let’s look at the main stages of registering a child for school in Spain.
1. Preparation of documents
First, you need to prepare all the necessary documents. These include:
1. *Child’s birth certificate* – required for proof of age.
2. *Passport or Child ID* – used for identification purposes.
3. *NIE number* (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a foreigner identification number that is mandatory for all non-residents of Spain.
4. *Medical card or immunization certificate* – proof of the child’s health status and immunizations received.
5. *Registration of residence* (Empadronamiento) – a document confirming the address of residence, which is issued by the local municipal authorities.
6. *Statement of previous education* – if the child has previously attended school in another country or in Spain.
2. School choice
There are three types of schools in Spain:
– *Public schools* (Escuelas Públicas): free for all children, including foreigners.
– *Semi-private schools* (Escuelas Concertadas): private schools that receive subsidies from the state and charge parents a partial fee.
– *Private schools* (Escuelas Privadas): are fully funded by parents and offer a variety of programs, including international programs.
When choosing a school, you should consider the location of the institution, the rating, the availability of additional services (e.g. after-school care, sports) and the language offer. Many public schools offer bilingual education, which may be important for foreign families.
3. Submitting an application
The application process for registering a child for school usually begins in the spring, a few months before the start of the school year (September). The procedure may vary depending on the Autonomous Community, but in general it includes the following steps:
1. *School Application: Parents apply via the online platform or in person at the chosen school. It is important to keep an eye on application deadlines as there may be competition for places at popular schools.
2. *Application review*: Depending on space availability and priorities (e.g., living close to the school, having siblings already in school), the committee reviews applications and assigns children to schools.
3. *Confirmation of enrollment*: If a child has been allocated a school place, parents must confirm their child’s registration. To do this, all required documents must be provided and the appropriate forms signed.
4. Entrance exams and adaptation
Some schools, especially private schools, may require an entrance exam that determines the child’s level of knowledge and helps to find a suitable program of study. There may also be an interview with the parents and the child.
Once enrolled in school, it is important to pay attention to the child’s adjustment. The Spanish education system can be very different from other countries’ education systems, especially in terms of language environment and teaching methods. Schools usually offer adjustment programs for foreign students, including additional language lessons.
5. Features for foreign families
Foreign families must consider some additional aspects when registering their child for school:
– *Language barrier*: If the child does not speak Spanish, it is worth considering schools with a bilingual program or private schools that offer instruction in English.
– *Accreditation of previous education*: If the child has already studied in another country, accreditation of previous education may be required.
– *Legalization of Documents*: All documents issued outside of Spain must be legalized or apostilled and translated into Spanish.
Conclusion
Registering a child for school in Spain requires careful preparation and compliance with all formal requirements. Despite possible difficulties, the education system in Spain is open to foreign students and offers many opportunities for quality education. It is important to start the registration process early, research school options and prepare all the necessary documents.