SCHOOLS ON THE COSTA BLANCA

At Altea Moraira Villas we are aware that moving to Spain does not only mean finding and acquiring a new home, especially for families with children. Since most of us in the office have children, we know that finding a good school for them is just as important as finding the right home. The education of our children is essential and something that matters to us.

As one of the leading real estate agencies in Altea, on the Costa Blanca North, we go far beyond just selling properties. We believe that guiding our clients through every step of the process of moving to Spain is important. We will never sell a property and disappear, because that way you don't serve an international client. Let's start with this guide to schools on the Costa Blanca and the education system in Spain.

DOES SPAIN HAVE A GOOD EDUCATION SYSTEM?

This question is very common among people who are looking for the right school or who want to make the right choice for their children.

There is no simple "yes or no" answer because this is very subjective and everyone can have their own opinion. However, according to the European Commission, Spain is currently among the top 11 education systems in Europe.

I have personally studied all my life in Spain and in recent years the Spanish education system has improved tremendously in terms of educational quality, innovation, infrastructure and even the curriculum to suit Spanish and foreign students who wish to continue their studies abroad.

WHAT ARE THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THE SPANISH EDUCATION SYSTEM?

In Spain, the education system is managed entirely by each autonomous community and offers a wide range of high-quality public and private schools.

Education in Spain is free for all children between the ages of 6 and 16. After this age, education is no longer compulsory and students can choose to continue their studies (Baccalaureate, 2 years), pursue vocational training or start working.

WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT SCHOOL IN SPAIN?

It is very important to consider the region you plan to move to. The autonomous communities have full control over their education system, which means that there are differences in educational procedures, school schedules and enrolment periods.

In this guide we will focus on the Costa Blanca, which belongs to the Valencian Community. The regional government of Valencia sets the rules here.

In Spain we have three types of schools: public schools, private schools and semi-private schools (subsidized) that are subsidized by the government but managed privately.

IMPORTANT POINTS WHEN LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT SCHOOL ON THE COSTA BLANCA:

Spanish (Castilian) is the main language of education in Spain, but on the Costa Blanca it is compulsory to learn Valencian at school, and some subjects are taught in this language.
Make a list of your expectations before you start looking. Write down everything from curriculum to language to extracurricular activities. Schedule visits to each school on your list and ask all your questions.
Please note that the first application process normally takes place in May. You can apply outside of this period, but your options may be limited. Check the registration times and follow them.
If your Spanish isn't good enough and you want to go to a public school, bring a Spanish-speaking friend to translate for you.

WHAT IS THE PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM LIKE IN SPAIN?

Education is free and all children are guaranteed a place in a public school. Registering with the town hall (Ayuntamiento) with a "Padrón" is sufficient for registration.

Education is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 16 and is divided into primary and secondary. Primary school (primary) goes from 6 to 12 years old, and secondary school (ESO) goes from 12 to 16 years old.

WHAT OPTIONS DO STUDENTS HAVE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?

Bachillerato: Two years of higher education that gives access to university or higher vocational training.
Medium Level Professional Training: Two years of vocational training, followed by two years of "higher degree" for access to specific professional fields or university.
Work: Working full-time at age 16 is possible but not common.

LANGUAGES IN THE SPANISH EDUCATION SYSTEM

Depending on the region, in addition to Spanish, regional languages are taught, such as Valencian on the Costa Blanca. Private schools tend to focus more on international languages such as English.

BEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS ON THE COSTA BLANCA

King's College – The British School of Alicante: British school for children from 3 to 18 years old in Alicante.
Laude Newton College: School in Elche, Alicante, offering both British and Spanish curriculum.
The Lady Elizabeth School: Located in Benitachell, it offers educational programs in English and Spanish.
Xabia International College: School in Javea offering both British and Spanish curriculum.
Elian's British School: Located in La Nucia, it offers the British national curriculum.
El Limonar International School: Located in Villamartin and Murcia, it offers British and American university preparation.

COSTS OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS ON THE COSTA BLANCA

Costs vary between €2,000 and €10,000 per year, excluding additional costs such as lunches, excursions and transport. For detailed information, it is recommended to contact the schools directly.

LIST OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS ON THE COSTA BLANCA

King's College – The British School of Alicante
Laude Newton College
The Lady Elizabeth School
Xabia International College
Elian's British School
El Limonar International School
Phoenix International School
Sierra Bernia School
Altea International School (AIS)
Skandinaviska Skolan Costa Blanca – Scandinavian School
Den Norske Skole Costa Blanca – Costa Blanca Norwegian School
The French Lycée – Lycée Français Alicante

SPANISH PRIVATE SCHOOLS ON THE COSTA BLANCA

In addition to international schools, there are several private Spanish schools that offer high-quality bilingual education.

Colegio El Valle Alicante
San Alberto Magno School
Schola Europea – European School of Alicante

MOVING TO THE COSTA BLANCA

If you are considering moving to the Costa Blanca, at Altea Moraira Villas we are ready to help you. We offer a wide range of properties to suit your needs and budget, from family homes to luxury villas. Our expertise extends to finding the perfect environment for your family, including proximity to high-quality schools. Contact us today for more information and to start your new life on the beautiful Costa Blanca.