When planning your child’s education in Spain, understanding the types of schools in Spain is essential. Steps into Spain is here to guide you through the options so you can make confident choices for your family.
Parents can choose between three main options: public (colegios públicos), semi-private (colegios concertados), and private schools (colegios privados). Knowing the differences will help you make an informed decision about the best fit for your family.
Public Schools in Spain (Colegios Públicos)
Public schools are part of the Spanish school system and are free up to university level. However, parents must pay for school supplies, textbooks, and other materials.
Admission is usually based on a points system tied to your local catchment area, so where you live may determine which school your child attends. The curriculum is regulated nationwide, but because Spain has autonomous regions, languages, school holiday dates, and timetables can vary. For example, in Catalonia, most classes are taught in Catalan.
School hours may be a continuous block (9:00–14:00) or split (9:00–13:00 and 15:00–17:00). Public schools are secular, co-educational, and uniforms are generally optional.
Semi-Private Schools in Spain (Colegios Concertados)
Semi-private or concertado schools combine aspects of both public and private education. Concertados could be compared to charter schools in the US and the UK. While partially funded by the government, they also charge a monthly fee. Around 26% of Spanish pupils attend concertados.
These schools have more flexibility in their teaching methods and organization but must follow certain state regulations. The curriculum is primarily in Spanish, and the admission process is similar to public schools. Most use the split timetable (9:00–13:00, 15:00–17:00).
Concertados can be religious or secular, co-educational or single-sex, and in most cases, uniforms are compulsory.
Private Schools in Spain (Colegios Privados)
Private schools in Spain charge full fees, which can be monthly, termly, or yearly. Unless designated bilingual or international, the teaching language is typically Spanish or the local regional language.
Private schools come in many forms, including religious, secular, bilingual, and foreign schools. Roughly a third of children in Spain attend a private school. Like concertados, most require uniforms. International schools follow global curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the national curriculum of another country. Spain actually has the highest number of international schools in Europe.
While fees are higher than many other private schools, international schools offer bilingual or multilingual environments and globally recognized qualifications. Because demand is high, parents should start applications as early as possible.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the types of schools in Spain depends on your family’s priorities, budget, and location. Whether you prefer the affordability of public schools, the balance of semi-private options, or the global focus of international schools, understanding the Spanish school system will help you make the right decision for your child’s future. Steps into Spain can help you navigate the Spanish education system and connect you with the best schooling options for your child’s needs.
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.
Not sure which type of school suits your child? That’s exactly where I come in. A quick 20-minute call is usually enough to point you in the right direction. Reserva tu llamada gratuita
I’m Sinéad Galvin, and at Steps into Spain, I help families cut through the confusion of Madrid’s school system and focus on what really matters for their child. As both a parent and former teacher who has visited more than 150 schools, I know that every family’s story is unique — and every school is too.
