Moving to Spain with children makes the school decision an early one. The system differs from the UK and you have several options. The choice comes down mostly to language, budget and how long you intend to stay.
State education #
Spanish state education is accessible and free for residents. Lessons are in Spanish, and in some regions also in a regional language such as Valencian or Catalan. Places are allocated on the basis of your address.
This suits families who want their children fully integrated into the Spanish system. Younger children generally manage the language transition well. Teenagers arriving mid-way through secondary education find it considerably harder, which is worth being realistic about.
Private education #
Private schools often offer a broader programme and smaller classes: bilingual teaching, more individual attention, additional activities.
Fees usually run between €3,000 and €10,000 a year depending on the school, which will strike most British parents as remarkably reasonable compared with UK independent school fees.
International schools #
International schools cater to foreign families, teaching in English or another language with international curricula.
For British families this is where the coast is well served. The Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca both have a number of schools following the English National Curriculum through to A-levels, as well as IB schools. That means a child can move mid-education without losing continuity, and can return to the UK system afterwards without a gap.
Choosing #
The right choice depends on how long you will be in Spain, the language you want your children taught in, the family’s future plans and your budget.
A visit tells you more than a prospectus. So does asking how many pupils leave mid-year, which tells you something about the transience of the community.
Enrolment #
Gather documents including identification and previous school records. Contact the school, arrange a visit, and complete the enrolment.
International schools frequently operate waiting lists, particularly in the popular areas, so start earlier than feels necessary.
Practical points #
Begin looking well in advance. Budget for costs beyond the fees, which typically include registration, uniform, transport and trips. Look at travel time, because the good schools are not always near the good property. And ask what support is available for a child catching up on language.
In short #
The options are good, the fees are modest by UK standards, and the British curriculum is well represented on the coast. The main constraint is availability, which is a reason to plan early.
Last reviewed 2026-08-24
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