How does Valencia decide the language of teaching at each school?

Key rules

• Family choice: Families do not choose the language programme; the school's programme is fixed by the school.
• Approval: The school council and the Conselleria approve each school's programme.
• Changes: A school can change programme only at set review points, and the Conselleria decides.

The language law was partly amended after 2023 and review rules may have changed, so confirm current details with the school and the Conselleria.

The school sets the programme, not you

In the Valencian Community, each school has its own language programme for teaching. Families cannot pick a programme for their child within a school. Your choice is the school itself, so look at the programme before you apply.

How a school gets its programme

Valencia's language law assigns plurilingual programmes school by school. Each school writes its programme into its language project, using a framework from the regional education department, the Conselleria.

The programme is called a Plurilingual Linguistic Educational Programme (PLEP). It sets minimum shares of teaching time in three languages: Valencian, Spanish and a foreign language. The school council and the Conselleria must approve the choice.

Can a school change its programme?

Yes, but not freely. A school can ask for a change at set review points. The school council backs the proposal, and the Conselleria decides. Ask the school when its next review point is, in case a change is planned during your child's years there.

How to find out which programme applies

Ask each school you are considering. The checklist below gives the questions to ask. If a programme does not suit you, compare other schools in your area, since you cannot change the programme from inside the school.

The rules were partly challenged and amended after 2023, so ask the school for its current approved programme rather than relying on older descriptions.

Checklist

• Ask each school which plurilingual programme it has in its language project.

• Ask what minimum shares of Valencian, Spanish and a foreign language the programme sets.

• Ask whether the school council and the Conselleria have approved that programme.

• Ask when the school's next review point is, in case it plans to change programme.

• Compare schools in your area if the programme does not suit you, since families cannot pick a programme within one school.

Frequently asked questions

Can I choose the language programme for my child in Valencia?

No, families do not choose a programme individually, because each school sets its own programme. The school writes it into its language project, and the school council and the Conselleria (the regional education department) approve it. To get a different programme, look at other schools.

Can a Valencian school change its language programme later?

Yes, a school can ask to change its programme at set review points, but the change is not automatic. The school proposes it through its school council, based on its language project. The Conselleria then decides, so ask the school when its next review is.