Infant and Primary School (Aged 3 to 14)

Starting age for children at infant and primary school varies from town to town. If there is an infant section at the school then children can start school when they are three, but full-time education is not compulsory until they are five.

For under-fives there are usually fees to pay but these are very reasonable. From five years, state schooling is free.

To register your child you will need to have the child registered on the ‘padron’ (town hall register) and provide some or all of the documentation as listed for Nursery Schools.

These days, for state schools in many towns/cities, there is a means tested entry system.

You will also be asked to list three schools in your order of preference, with admission being based on your means tested ‘points’ and classroom availability, with no guarantee of getting into one of your chosen schools (you will of course be offered a different school though). Points are awarded for some or all of the following, for which proof is required:

 Living in the catchment area
 Low income family
 Unemployed mother or father or both
 Having a sibling in a chosen school
 Many children family
 Disabled child or siblings

The above claim(s) for points appear on the application form.
Spanish schools are more relaxed than their English counterparts, there is no uniform requirement and teachers are usually called by their Christian names. School hours are usually 09.00 to 17.00 but there will be a two to three hour break in the middle of the day when the child can either stay and eat in the dining room or go home. School recommences at 15.00.

There is frequently one day a week when school is closed in the afternoon. School holidays are taken at Easter and Christmas and there is a long summer break. From June 1 children attend half days and break up for the whole of July and August, with half days again in September.