Newcomer support and exemptions

It is written for people considering, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. You will know what help your child can get on arrival, how exemptions work and what they cost, and how to push when support does not appear.

Start with "How does Spain support a child who lacks the school language?". It explains what a reception classroom is and how newcomer help works day to day, and the other pages build on it.

Key rules

• Support length: Newcomer language support is time-limited, usually one school year, and in many regions it can be extended to a second year.
• Exemption and graduation: A regional-language exemption removes the grade in that subject, not the right to get the ESO title if the other requirements are met.
• Regional programmes: Each region runs its own newcomer programme, with different names, hours and models.
• Mixed support: Expect a mix of extra lessons and in-class support, with your child placed in an ordinary group.
• Not everywhere: Only some co-official language regions allow a temporary exemption, so check your own region first.
• Temporary: An exemption is not permanent and commonly lasts one to two school years.

Newcomer support and exemptions: the whole process, step by step

• Find out whether your child qualifies for newcomer language support: As soon as your child is enrolled. Support is for recently arrived pupils in primary and ESO who lack the school language. Read the article on who gets support and for how long.

• Ask the school which reception programme your region runs and what it offers: In the first weeks at school. Programme names and weekly hours differ by region.

• Plan for support to last one school year, with a possible second year: One school year, and in many regions it can be extended to a second year. The article on who gets support explains how it ends.

• If you live in a region with a co-official language, decide whether to ask for an exemption: Early in your child's first year, before the regional language is assessed. Read the article on exemption from the regional language, region by region.

• Make the exemption request in writing at the school: When you have decided. The school director adds a report and sends it to the regional education inspectorate or delegation. See Can my child be exempted from the regional language?.

• Check how long the exemption lasts and whether you must renew it: Usually one to two school years, depending on the region. Renewal rules differ.

• Weigh what an exemption means for grades and the ESO title: Before you apply. The article on what a language exemption costs your child later covers this.

• Learn how your child will be graded while still learning the language: During the first year of support. See the article on grading while learning the language.

• If the school offers no support, escalate: If the school gives no help after you ask. Go to the director first, then the education inspectorate, then the regional department. See the article on what to do if the school offers no language support.

Arrival windows, durations, forms and deadlines differ by region, so confirm them with your child's school or the regional education department.

Newcomer support and exemptions: questions that cross several articles

Does newcomer language support and a regional-language exemption mean the same thing?

No, newcomer support teaches your child the school language, while an exemption only removes the regional language from assessment. Support is for recently arrived pupils in primary and ESO. An exemption exists only in regions with a co-official language. Read the articles on who gets support and on exemption from the regional language.

How long do support and an exemption each last?

Support usually lasts one school year, and in many regions it can be extended to a second year. An exemption is also temporary, commonly one to two school years depending on the region. The article on who gets support covers support, and the exemption article covers the rest.

Which regions allow an exemption from the regional language?

Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Valencia, Galicia and the Basque Country allow a temporary exemption or reduced assessment for late arrivals, and Navarre handles it through its linguistic models. Conditions typically require recent arrival and no knowledge of the regional language. See the article on exemption by region.

Does an exemption affect getting the ESO title later?

An exemption removes the grade in that subject, not the right to get the ESO title if the other requirements are met. Read the article on what a language exemption costs your child later before you apply.

Who do you ask if the school offers no newcomer support?

Start with the school director, then the education inspectorate, then the regional education department. Programme names and hours differ by region, so name your region's programme when you ask.