As an educational consultant based in Madrid and founder of Steps into Spain, I often hear from parents curious about the difference between state (público), charter (concertado), and private (privado) schools. Of the three options available to children aged 3–16, concertado schools in Spain are often the least familiar to non-Spanish parents.
With school application deadlines approaching, this guide will help you understand the concertado route and what it could mean for your child, starting as early as six months old.
Talking About Spanish Charter Schools Without Controversy
That Spanish charter schools exist is a fact. That they are a source of pride for some and envy for others is also something no parent with school-aged children can ignore. As someone who advises families on education in Spain, I am not impervious to the debates surrounding classism, segregation, and social engineering linked to concertado education.
However, in my experience, semi-private schools in Spain can be just as enriching as public or private options. There are as many valid reasons to choose a concertado as there are to go public or private.
Why Concertado Schools Exist
Concertado schools are semi-private: they are run and staffed by private entities but financed largely by the state, with families contributing an affordable monthly fee.
They date back to the 1980s, when Felipe González’s government wanted to offer universal access to education but lacked the infrastructure to build enough public schools. Partnering with private providers offered a practical solution—and it worked.
Today, you’ll find concertado schools across Spain, including newbuild neighbourhoods like Las Tablas or El Ensanche in Madrid, often managed by educational cooperatives with either lay or religious philosophies.
Applying to a Concertado School
Applications for concertado schools are managed by the local education authority and run alongside public school applications. Parents can list both public and concertado options on their application form.
Some schools are so oversubscribed that families choose to enroll their children in the linked private nursery from as early as six months, as this often provides an additional admissions point. For many, this small step can tip the balance in their favour.
Different Styles of Concertado Schools
Like public schools, concertados must follow the national curriculum, undergo the same inspections, and respect education standards. Where they differ is in ethos—be it faith, philosophy, or language.
Faith
In Madrid there are 467 concertado schools, 313 of which are Catholic and two Protestant. Spain’s Catholic tradition still influences parental choices, with many families appreciating a faith-permeated curriculum. Yet the fact that these schools are state-funded is a recurring topic of political debate.
Philosophy
Non-religious concertado schools are typically run by not-for-profit education cooperatives. Their focus often reflects the founders’ interests, whether in technology, languages, sciences, or sports.
Language
Language is a particularly important factor in regions like Catalunya, where Catalan is the main language of instruction. In Madrid, differences exist between bilingual schools, which teach about one third of the curriculum in English, and non-bilingual schools, which offer English as a subject. Parents seeking more intensive English may still look to private or international schools.
Choosing the Right Path
At the end of the day, the decision between public, private, and concertado schools in Spain comes down to what matters most for your family—be it ethos, language, cost, facilities, or logistics.
From my perspective at Steps into Spain, semi-private schools in Spain offer a balanced and affordable alternative worth considering. If you’d like personalised guidance for your child, don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’d be delighted to help you take your next steps into Spain.
Planning a move to Madrid and unsure where to start with schools?
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I’m Sinéad Galvin, an educational consultant and founder of Steps into Spain— a boutique education consultancy that helps families find the right school for their child in Madrid. I’ve lived in Madrid for over 20 years and combine personal experience with deep, first-hand knowledge of the school system.
