How does Spain support a child who lacks the school language?

Key rules

• 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.
• Private schools: Fully private schools are outside the public programmes and usually charge for language support.

What to expect: extra language help, not isolation

Every region runs its own programme for newly arrived pupils with little Spanish. Expect a mix of extra language lessons outside the main class and support inside it. Your child should not be cut off from classmates for the whole day. The general trend is to place children in their ordinary group and add limited extra hours.

The programme names by region

The name you hear depends on where you live:

• Madrid: aulas de enlace. These are separate classes for pupils who do not know Spanish, in primary and ESO (compulsory secondary school).
• Andalusia: ATAL. A language-support teacher works with your child for a few hours a week.
• Catalonia: aules d'acollida, with a language reception plan.
• Valencia: PASE and PALE.
• Basque Country: Hizkuntza Atzerapen Gelak and Harrera-Gelak.
• Galicia: language adaptation classrooms and a reception protocol.
• Murcia: aulas de acogida.
• Castilla y León: a reception programme and aulas ALISO.
• Aragón: a Spanish-for-foreigners programme (PIPE).
• Canarias: language adaptation classrooms, similar to ATAL.

Hours and settings differ between regions, and the names and hours change over time. Ask your regional education department what is running now.

How the support works day to day

• Andalusia and Catalonia: mainly part-time. Your child stays in their ordinary group and leaves for limited hours to work on Spanish (or Catalan).
• Madrid: a separate class, with your child joining their ordinary group for some subjects.
• Valencia: a mix of support in the classroom and time outside it.

Each region sets its own rules and time limits for how long a child can stay in a programme. Ask the school how many hours your child will get and when they will move fully into the ordinary group.

Concertada and private schools

Concertada schools are publicly funded but privately run. They are generally covered by the regional programmes and can receive support teachers or resources. Coverage differs by region and school, so ask the school directly.

Fully private schools are not covered by public programmes. They set their own help, which is usually paid language support. Ask what is offered and what it costs before you enrol.

What to do

1. Tell the school at enrolment that your child has little Spanish.
2. Ask which programme applies, how many hours of support your child gets, and which lessons they will join with their class.
3. Ask the regional education department if the school cannot say.

The questions below cover part-time versus full-time classes, exemptions from a regional-language subject, and exam adaptations.

Quick answers about newcomer classes and exemptions

Is newcomer support part-time or a full-time separate class?

It depends on the region, but most regions use part-time support while your child stays in an ordinary group. Andalusia and Catalonia mainly pull children out for a few hours a week. Madrid's Aulas de Enlace are separate classes, with pupils joining their ordinary group for some subjects. Valencia mixes in-class and pull-out help.

How does an exempted regional-language subject show on the report card?

It is normally marked with a note such as EX or exento instead of a numerical grade, and it is not counted in the average. The exact notation differs by region. Ask the tutor how your region writes it.

Can my child take exams with extra time or simpler wording?

Yes, teachers can adapt internal school exams for newcomers still learning the language, but it is not an automatic right. Adaptations include extra time, simplified wording, oral or visual formats, bilingual dictionaries and fewer written items. The teacher and tutor decide with the guidance department (orientación), so ask the tutor early.

Do the same exam adaptations apply to the PAU university entrance exam?

No, the external PAU allows far more limited accommodations than school exams. The adaptations above apply to internal school exams. If your child is heading to the PAU, ask the guidance department what is possible well ahead of the exam.