How do parent-teacher meetings (tutorías) work in Spain?

Key rules

• Tutor: The class tutor is your first contact for learning, behaviour, classmates and wellbeing.
• Booking: Individual tutorías are arranged in advance in the tutor's weekly family hour, not on the spot.
• Length: An individual tutoría usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes.
• Paperwork: Documents and certificates go through the secretaría, not the tutor.

The tutor is your main contact

Your child's tutor is the teacher in charge of their class group. In primary this is usually the main class teacher. In secondary it is one of the subject teachers, appointed as tutor. The tutor coordinates the other teachers, follows your child's learning and wellbeing, deals with absences and keeps in touch with families.

Start with the tutor for anything about learning, behaviour, classmates or how your child is doing. A tutoría is the scheduled meeting where you talk with them.

How to ask for an individual tutoría

Ask the tutor directly. The usual ways are:

• a note in your child's agenda (the school diary);
• the school's digital platform or app;
• email;
• a call or visit to the secretaría, the school office.

The school then proposes a day and time. Teachers must keep one weekly hour for families, and the tutor fixes it in their timetable. In primary it is often an afternoon hour. In secondary it may be morning or afternoon, depending on the region. You normally can't just turn up, so book ahead. Tutors can also call you in.

What to expect in the meeting

An individual tutoría usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes. It is normally in person, but phone or video meetings are common too. Bring a short list of questions. If you are still learning Spanish, the checklist below helps you prepare.

Group meetings and reports

Most schools hold a general meeting for all families of the class at the start of the year, and often once or twice more. It lasts about an hour. The tutor explains the curriculum, rules and calendar. It is not the place for private matters, so book an individual tutoría for those.

Most schools send written reports (boletines de notas) three times a year. Delivery is mostly through the online platform or app, and some schools hand out paper copies. Some schools use two terms or add interim reports. Read the report first, then book a tutoría if you have questions.

If the tutor can't solve it

Go to the head of studies (jefatura de estudios) or the head teacher (director). After that come the school council, the education inspector and the regional education department. For paperwork such as certificates or enrolment documents, go to the secretaría instead of the tutor. The decision block below sums up who to contact first.

Choosing between options

Who should you contact first with a school matter?

• The class tutor: Your concern is about learning, behaviour, classmates or your child's wellbeing. Ask for an individual tutoría through the agenda, the school platform, email or the secretaría.

• The secretaría: You need something administrative, such as documents, enrolment, certificates or credentials.

Start with the tutor for anything about your child at school, go to the secretaría for paperwork, and move up to the head only if the tutor cannot resolve it.

Timeline and deadlines

• Go to the group meeting for all families of the class: at the start of the school year, with one or two more during the year

• Ask the tutor for an individual tutoría through the agenda, the school platform or email: whenever you want to talk, as meetings are by appointment

• Wait for the school to propose a day and time in the tutor's weekly family hour: after you ask

• Attend the meeting, which usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes: on the day agreed, often an afternoon hour in primary

• Read the written progress report and book a tutoría if you have questions: three times a year, usually in December, March and June

How to prepare for a tutoría in a language you are learning

Prepare for a tutoría in a language you are learning

• Ask the tutor in advance what the meeting is about.

• Ask the school, by email, through the school app or at the secretaría, for any help you want: a longer time slot, the main points in advance, plain Spanish, or a video or phone call instead of coming in.

• Ask whether the school or regional education authority has an interpreter or cultural mediator. It is not guaranteed everywhere.

• Tell the school beforehand if you will bring an adult friend, relative or your own interpreter, and be ready to give your consent for them to hear about your child.

• Write a short list of questions and concerns in Spanish, or in your language with a translation.

• Gather your child's latest report (boletín de notas), homework and any notes on difficulties.

• Write down key facts the tutor should know: health, allergies, learning needs and past schooling abroad.

• Learn basic school words: nota (grade), deberes (homework), evaluación (assessment), comportamiento (behaviour) and refuerzo (extra support).

• Keep a translation app ready as a back-up, and bring written notes the tutor can read.

• Plan the time: an individual tutoría usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes, so put your most important question first.

• Write down the agreed actions at the end, or ask the tutor to send them to you in writing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have a tutoría by phone or video call?

Yes, many schools offer phone or video tutorías, although the usual format is a meeting in person at the school. Ask the tutor which option the school allows when you request the appointment.

What happens at the group meeting at the start of the year?

The group meeting (reunión general de padres) is held for all families of the class, usually at the start of the year, and lasts about an hour. The tutor explains the curriculum, the rules and the calendar. Schools often hold one or two more during the year.

What can I do if the tutor cannot solve my concern?

Take it to the head teacher (director) or the head of studies (jefatura de estudios). If that does not solve it, the next steps are the school council, the education inspector (inspección educativa) and the regional education department.

Should I ask the tutor for a certificate or an enrolment document?

No, ask the school secretaría for certificates, enrolment papers and other documents, because the tutor deals with your child's learning, behaviour and wellbeing. You can call or visit the secretaría directly.