The state-funded school system – co-educational, highly structured, lengthy and free – has been overhauled in the last decade bringing it in line with European educational standards. The state educational system runs alongside private, foreign and international schools. It is compulsory between ages 6 to 16 (see Figure 6). Learning is a serious matter with both students and parents committed to education as a gateway to a good career. The levels are:

PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION

Pre-school education is divided into two parts. The first part is for ages 1 to 3 and the second part for ages 4 to 6. Attendance is both voluntary and free with nearly all children aged between 4 and 6 attending for some time before starting primary education. The free state pre-schools are supplemented by private fee-paying nursery schools. Introducing children to the school environment, coordination skills and developing self-awareness and group activities are the objectives of pre-school education.

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Compulsory primary education begins at 6 years of age, for a period of six years, ending at age 12. There are three cycles each of two years during which the student is continuously evaluated. In addition to standard subjects the curriculum includes, where appropriate, an autonomous local language, music, physical education and a foreign language, which is usually English. Students who pass this stage go onto secondary education, but those who do not have to repeat the final year.

SECONDARY SCHOOL

Compulsory secondary education runs from age 12 to 16 years. It completes the compulsory part of education, successful pupils entering bachillerato or vocational training. The four years of secondary school are divided into two, two-year cycles, with the curriculum containing both compulsory and optional subjects. The curriculum is not all academic and technical subjects, part of the vocational training, are introduced.

A pupil who does not pass the first cycle is required to repeat a year. Successful students at the end of the second cycle are awarded a ‘Graduate in Secondary Education’. Those not successful receive a Certificate stating the school years completed and the qualifications obtained in each subject. About 50% of pupils drop out of the full-time educational system at this point.

BACHILLERATO

Bachillerato unificado y polivalente or BUP simply means ‘a pupil who has passed his graduation exam’. It is a non-compulsory part of secondary education providing pupils with two, free, academic courses, each of one year’s duration. It is a gateway to the university entrance exam or advanced vocational training and a bridge between school and the mature world outside. In addition to the core subjects four modes exist in the arts, health and environment, technology and social sciences. Some modes are obligatory in order to follow certain university courses. The bachillerato is recognised as an entrance qualification by universities worldwide.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

The first part of free vocational training provides a general introduction to a practical, technical career such as clerical work, electronics, graphics, design or hair-dressing. The second part provides specialised training with pupils dividing their time between studies and on-the-job training.

Given a choice between bachillerato and vocational training the trend is towards vocational training. Why? A job and earnings are close to hand. The thought of a long education through university is daunting. It is also easier for the less academically gifted. However, there is flexibility between educational establishments, the labour market, and vocational training, which enables successful pupils to take additional specialist bachillerato courses and then proceed to higher education.

UNIVERSITIES

There are four different types of university establishment:

• university schools where a three-year vocational diploma is offered in a subject like teaching or nursing;
• university colleges where a three-year course of study leading to a licenciado is completed;
• faculties where five-year courses are offered in all academic disciplines leading to the equivalent of an MSc and with further studies the equivalent of a PhD;
• advanced technical engineering or architecture where five-year technical courses are undertaken.

About a quarter of all pupils go to university. The education standards are comparable with the best in Europe. Foreign universities, where courses are shorter and more flexible, attract wealthy Spanish students.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Around a quarter of all Spain’s schoolchildren attend private schools. They have smaller classes, are more relaxed and have a less rigid regime than state schools.

This wide range of private, co-educational schooling embraces Spanish, bilingual and international schools following a variety of syllabi including the British and Spanish examination systems (see Figure 7). However, most Spanish private schools teach wholly in Spanish, are state-subsidised and follow the Spanish state-school curriculum. Some international schools follow the Spanish curriculum but bilingually in English and Spanish. This provides language skills to the pupils and attracts a state subsidy.

English-speaking parents with young children will be aware that the sooner a child is exposed to a multilingual situation the better. Conversely an older child will find more problems adjusting. Foreign parents often prefer to educate younger children in Spanish nursery and primary schools, where they quickly learn Spanish, and then send children of secondary school age to a private school.

The British Council, mentioned earlier, has details of many English-speaking schools.

SUMMARY

• Education in Spain is compatible with European standards, but lengthy.
• There is a strong emphasis on pre-school education, bachillerato and vocational training.
• Many private schools exist, some English-speaking.
• For a young child it is important to get immersed in the Spanish language as quickly as possible.
• Spain’s universities are excellent.
• A social class structure exists.