It’s that time of year, the application process for public and concertado schools in Madrid will open on April 13th – 16th. Whilst it is not the most complicated process, I don’t think that any Spanish state website is ever user friendly and Raíces most definitely is not! For families who are entering the Spanish education system for the first time system it can be very daunting. For that reason I’ve prepared a brief guide outlining how the public and concertado school application process works including key dates and deadlines.
April onwards (exact date TBC)
All public and concertado schools publish the number of available places in each year group. This will help to give you an idea of whether or not it is possible for your child to get a place based on the number of points that your family has.
April 13th – 26th
Application process opens
- School applications are made via secretaría virtual except if a technical difficulty makes it impossible to be able to do so. In this case you must print three hard copies and hand it into the educational centre that is your top choice (most schools have not yet opened up fully to parents so it is advisable to contact the school before appearing at school secretary).
- The admission application form must be signed by both parents, or legal representatives of the student, unless it is proven that it is impossible to do so or one of them does not hold parental authority, in which case they must present a responsible declaration.
Application is online using one of the following:
- Certificado digital
- La clave
- Raices / roble log in details
There are several helpful resources provided by La Comunidad de Madrid. Another good one is this FAQ page. It can be very reassuring to see that most families struggle and have the same questions when accessing the Spanish education system for the very first time.
May 12th
The schools publish a provisional list of students who have selected this school as their first choice.
May 13th, 16th and 17th
Submission of objections.
May 18th
The draw – The application process is based on a points system and if demand exceeds places and students have same score, it is necessary to have a draw. The draw will take place at the Department of Education office.
May 24th
A provisional list is published and include all students’ points. Students with specific educational needs are prioritized and then all other students are based on number of points.
May 25 – 27th
Submission of objections regarding number of points.
June 1st
Final list published with each students’ final score.
June 7th
Schools publish definitive list of assigned places.
June 15th – 29th
Enrolment period for infants and primary education (takes place at assigned school):
- segundo infantil – three to six years old
- primaria – six to twelve years old
June 22nd – July 8th
Enrolment period for secondary education (takes place at assigned school):
- ESO (secondary education) – twelve to sixteen years old.
If you need help or guidance with the application process, please do get in touch.
Sinéad Galvin is an educational consultant and founded Steps into Spain (a boutique educational and relocation consultancy located in Madrid) to help families find the right school for their child in Madrid. She uses her professional and personal experience of Spanish schools, the Spanish education system and the Spanish way of life to ensure that parents are knowledgeable and informed about what to expect and can secure the best school for their child.
Steps into Spain will take stock of your children’s educational needs and overall family requirements (housing, paperwork and general settling in). Our trusted and expert service is provided to families who are moving to Madrid from abroad. And also, to families that already live here and need some extra guidance and support.
