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How Many Grades Are There in School in Spain
21.05.2026
15 minutes to read
The school education system in Spain differs from the familiar model in CIS countries. Spanish school is divided into several stages: preschool preparation, primary education, compulsory secondary education, and upper secondary classes. On average, a child studies for about 12 years, and the education system itself is considered one of the most comfortable in Europe.
Table of contents
How the structure of secondary education in Spain is organized
Education in Spain is built in stages. Each school level has its own age groups, program, and learning characteristics.
Preschool education
Secondary school
Primary school
The first stage is called Educación Infantil. It is not compulsory, however most families in Spain still send children to school before the age of six.
The preschool stage is divided into two categories:
The preschool stage is divided into two categories:
- from birth to 3 years;
- from 3 to 6 years.
- learn to interact with each other;
- develop speech;
- get acquainted with letters and numbers;
- get used to the school atmosphere;
- master basic communication skills.
After the preschool stage, the child enters primary school — Educación Primaria.
Primary school in Spain lasts 6 years:
At this stage, schoolchildren study:
Many schools in Spain begin teaching English already from the first grades.
In Spanish school, great attention is paid to:
Primary school in Spain lasts 6 years:
- first grade;
- second grade;
- third grade;
- fourth grade;
- fifth grade;
- sixth grade.
At this stage, schoolchildren study:
- mathematics;
- Spanish language;
- literature;
- the surrounding world;
- music;
- physical education;
- foreign languages.
Many schools in Spain begin teaching English already from the first grades.
In Spanish school, great attention is paid to:
- communication;
- teamwork;
- development of independence;
- creative tasks.
The next stage is called Educación Secundaria Obligatoria or shortened ESO.
This level is considered compulsory secondary education in Spain.
Education includes 4 grades:
Approximately this corresponds to:
During studies, schoolchildren receive a more serious workload. There appear:
This level is considered compulsory secondary education in Spain.
Education includes 4 grades:
- first ESO course;
- second ESO course;
- third ESO course;
- fourth ESO course.
Approximately this corresponds to:
- 7th grade;
- 8th grade;
- 9th grade;
- 10th grade.
During studies, schoolchildren receive a more serious workload. There appear:
- specialized subjects;
- projects;
- exams;
- preparation for a future profession.
- After completing ESO, the student receives an official certificate of compulsory school completion.
Upper secondary school
After compulsory secondary education, a student may choose a further direction.
The most popular option is Bachillerato.
This is upper secondary school in Spain, which lasts 2 years.
At this stage, students choose a profile:
Besides this, after ESO one can choose:
The most popular option is Bachillerato.
This is upper secondary school in Spain, which lasts 2 years.
At this stage, students choose a profile:
- humanities;
- technical;
- economic;
- medical;
- creative.
Besides this, after ESO one can choose:
- college;
- vocational education;
- technical specialties.
There are several categories of schools in Spain. They differ in cost, program, and funding source.
Types of schools in Spain
Public
Semi-public
Private
Sports
A public school is called pública.
Education in such schools is considered free. Funding comes from the state.
However, parents usually pay for:
Education in such schools is considered free. Funding comes from the state.
However, parents usually pay for:
- meals;
- excursions;
- school materials;
- clubs;
- transport.
A private school is fully funded by the student’s family.
Such educational institutions often offer:
Such educational institutions often offer:
- small classes;
- modern equipment;
- additional languages;
- international programs;
- an individual approach.
In Spain there are schools with a sports focus.
Most often they are connected with:
Most often they are connected with:
- football;
- tennis;
- basketball;
- swimming;
- athletics.
Such schools are called concertado.
This is one of the most widespread options in Spain.
Part of the expenses is paid by the state, and part by parents.
Many semi-public schools:
This is one of the most widespread options in Spain.
Part of the expenses is paid by the state, and part by parents.
Many semi-public schools:
- belong to religious organizations;
- have strict discipline;
- offer advanced English;
- work according to modern programs.
International
An international school is aimed at foreigners and expat families.
Education may take place:
Education may take place:
- in English;
- in French;
- in German;
- in several languages at once.
- IB;
- British Curriculum;
- American Curriculum.
Boarding schools
Some schools in Spain offer a boarding school format.
Students:
Students:
- live on campus territory;
- study;
- attend clubs;
- play sports;
- participate in additional programs.
Cost of studying in Spanish schools
The price depends on the type of school, region, and additional programs.
Cost of studying in public schools
In semi-public schools
Cost of studying in private schools
Public school is considered free.
But parents still spend money on:
But parents still spend money on:
- study materials;
- meals;
- school trips;
- uniforms;
- extra classes.
- from 50 to 250 euros monthly.
A semi-public school costs more.
Average price:
Average price:
- from 100 to 500 euros per month.
- the city;
- school reputation;
- number of languages;
- program level.
A private school in Spain can cost quite a lot.
Average price:
The price usually includes:
Average price:
- from 700 to 2500 euros per month.
The price usually includes:
- meals;
- clubs;
- language programs;
- additional subjects;
- school activities.
In what language is education conducted?
The main language of education in Spain is Spanish.
However, much depends on the region.
For example:
An international school may teach subjects completely in English.
However, much depends on the region.
For example:
- in Catalonia, Catalan is actively used;
- in the Basque Country, some subjects are taught in Basque;
- in Galicia, the Galician language is used.
An international school may teach subjects completely in English.
Grading system in Spain
Spanish school uses a ten-point grading system.
To move to the next grade, it is usually necessary to receive at least 5 points.
Schools in Spain take into account:
Schools in Spain take into account:
- tests;
- homework;
- activity;
- projects;
- attendance.
Uniform in Spanish schools
School uniform does not exist everywhere.
Most often uniforms are worn by:
But the school may still establish:
Most often uniforms are worn by:
- students of private schools;
- children from concertado;
- students of religious schools.
But the school may still establish:
- appearance requirements;
- clothing restrictions;
- behavior rules.
Daily routine of a schoolchild
The daily routine in Spain differs from the familiar system in CIS countries.
Usually classes begin:
Usually classes begin:
- around 8:00–9:00 in the morning.
- around 14:00;
- or later if there is a second part of classes.
- a long lunch break;
- clubs;
- sports activities;
- additional lessons.
- Spanish school tries to maintain a balance between study and the child’s rest.
Can a foreigner enter a school in Spain?
Yes, foreigners can enter Spanish schools.
For enrollment, the following are usually required:
In many regions of Spain, foreign children have the right to study in public schools for free.
If a child does not know the language well, the school may provide:
For enrollment, the following are usually required:
- child’s documents;
- passport;
- medical insurance;
- residence registration;
- translation of documents.
In many regions of Spain, foreign children have the right to study in public schools for free.
If a child does not know the language well, the school may provide:
- adaptation classes;
- teacher support;
- additional Spanish language lessons.
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