Applications to state and concertado schools in Madrid are allocated based on a points system. The more points a student has, the greater chance they have of getting into their preferred school. The applications process can become a little complex, even for those of us that have been living here for a long time!
In today’s article I will explain in detail what is covered and considered eligible regarding the points system for Spanish state and concertado schools. Each point becomes extremely valuable when you are applying for a highly solicited school! The points system outlined below highlights recent changes (2025/26).
APPLICATIONS FOR:
- Segundo Ciclo Infantil (3-6 years).
- Primaria (6-12 years).
- Secundaria (12-16 years).
Siblings
- A sibling already enrolled at the school – 15 points.
- Two or more siblings already enrolled at the school – 30 points.
Proximity to the school
- Family home or workplace of one parent or legal guardian located in the same municipal (ie. Madrid capital, Las Rozas, Majadahonda etc.) – 12 points.
- Regarding Madrid capital, in addition to the score obtained in above section, if the family home or workplace of either of the parents or legal guardians is located in the same district (ie. Chamberí, Retiro, Centro etc.) as the selected school – 1 point.
- Family home or workplace of either of the parents or legal guardian is located within la Comunidad de Madrid but not within Madrid capital – 8 points.
Annual income of the family unit
If either of the parents or legal guardians of the student are receiving the state benefit Renta Mínima de Inserción (income) – 12 points.
Additional criteria
- If a parent or legal guardian work at the selected school – 10 points.
- Large families:
- General category (three children per family) – 10 points.
- Special category (up to four or more children per family) – 11 points.
- Twins/triplets – 3 points.
- Single parent families – 3 points.
- Children in foster homes – 3 points.
- Existence of a legally accredited physical, mental or sensory disability of the student, parents, siblings or, where appropriate, the legal guardians of the student – 7 points.
- Children who are victims of domestic violence or terrorism: 2 points.
- Children whose parents, legal guardians or siblings are former students – 4 points.
- Schools then have the authority to either add or replicate above criteria for additional point – 3 points.
In the event of a tie break:
If this does take place, it will be settled by applying the criteria in the order that is shown below.
- Highest score obtained in the section of siblings enrolled at the school or parents or legal guardians who work there.
- Highest score obtained in the section of proximity of the family home or place of work of one of the parents or legal guardians.
- Highest score obtained in the disability section of the applicant student, either parents, siblings or, where appropriate, the student’s legal guardians.
- Highest score obtained in the section on the accredited situation of a large family.
- Highest score obtained in the annual income section of the family unit.
- Higher score in the parents’ former student status section, legal guardians or one of the applicant’s siblings at the school.
- Higher score in the section of other circumstances agreed by the school according to objective criteria that must be made public by the school.
- Public draw carried out by the acting on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
If you do have further questions or need help with assessing the right school for your children, don’t hesitate to contact me at hello@stepsintospain.es
If you’re planning a move to Spain and trying to make sense of schools in Madrid, there are a few ways to get started — depending on where you are in the process.
Some families begin with a clear overview of how the system works. Others prefer personalised guidance or hands-on school search support.
You can see the different options here and choose what suits your situation.
I’m Sinéad Galvin, founder of Steps into Spain, a boutique education consultancy dedicated to helping families find the right school in Madrid. With more than 20 years living here and over 150 school visits, I combine personal insight with first-hand knowledge of the system.
