What are the parents' association (AMPA) and the school council?

Terms used

• AMPA — The AMPA is the school's voluntary, non-profit association of parents, which runs activities and represents families.
• Consejo escolar — The consejo escolar is the school council, the formal governing body where parents, teachers and others take part in school decisions.
• Cuota — The cuota is the annual family fee some AMPAs charge for membership.
• Junta electoral — The junta electoral is the school's electoral board, which runs the consejo escolar election.
• NIE — The NIE is the foreigner's identification number given to non-Spanish residents.

Key rules

• AMPA: Joining the AMPA and paying its annual fee is voluntary, and a school cannot make enrolment or attendance depend on it.
• Consejo escolar: Parents elect their representatives on the consejo escolar by secret ballot, one vote per parent or guardian.
• Foreign parents: Nationality and residency status do not matter: any parent or guardian of a pupil can vote and stand.
• Election timing: The election is usually in October or November, so ask the school office for the exact dates.

Two different things

The AMPA is a voluntary parents' association. The consejo escolar is the school's formal governing body, and parents elect some of its members. You can take part in one, both or neither.

The AMPA

The AMPA is a non-profit association run by parents. Its members elect a board. It usually organises after-school clubs, early-morning care, parties, trips and workshops. In many schools it also keeps an eye on school meals. It speaks for families on the consejo escolar.

Joining is voluntary, and a school cannot make enrolment or attendance depend on it. That includes the annual fee.

How to join. Ask the AMPA through the school, its noticeboard, website or email. You fill in a membership form with your details and your child's. Many schools offer this at enrolment or at the start of the school year. Most AMPAs charge an annual family fee (cuota), paid by bank transfer or direct debit. Fees and the process vary by AMPA, so ask what yours charges.

If you don't join. Your child still goes to lessons and school-run activities as normal. AMPA activities, such as extraescolares or aula matinal, are often open to non-members. Non-members commonly pay more, or come after members when places are limited. Ask the AMPA about this before you decide.

Other names. In Catalonia it is often the AFA. In Galicia it is the ANPA. In the Basque Country it is the Guraso Elkartea. Some schools use APA. The role is the same.

The consejo escolar

The consejo escolar is where the school community takes part in running the school. It approves the educational project, the budget and the rules of coexistence. It also takes part in choosing the head teacher.

In public schools it includes the head teacher, the head of studies, a town hall representative, teachers, parents or guardians, pupils (from secondary school) and administrative staff. Parents hold about one third of the seats. In a typical primary school that means 3 seats out of 9 to 12, with one nominated by the AMPA. Numbers depend on school size and region.

How the election works

All parents or legal guardians of pupils can vote, with one vote each, by secret ballot. The school's electoral board (junta electoral) publishes the voter lists, takes candidacies and counts the votes. You stand by putting yourself forward as a candidate.

The election is held in the first term, usually October to November. Half the council is renewed every two years, so parent seats change on a rolling basis. Vacancies go to the next candidates on the list.

Eligibility depends on being a parent or guardian of a pupil, not on your nationality or residency status. Foreign parents can vote and stand. Bring your ID, passport or NIE to identify yourself. Dates and details are set by each region, so ask the school office for the timetable.

The checklist, documents and questions below cover the practical steps.

Documents you need

• An ID document, passport or NIE to identify yourself when you vote or stand in the consejo escolar election. Any one of these is usually accepted.

Checklist

• Pay the annual family fee (cuota) by bank transfer or direct debit once you have joined.

• Ask the AMPA what non-members pay for its activities if you choose not to join.

• Watch for the consejo escolar election notice in October or November and check you are on the voter list.

Frequently asked questions

Can my child still use school activities if I don't join the AMPA?

Yes, your child can still attend lessons and any activity the school itself organises, even if you don't join the AMPA. Activities run by the AMPA, such as after-school clubs or early-morning care, are often open to non-members too. Non-members commonly pay a higher price or wait behind members when places are limited.

What is the AMPA called in Catalonia, Galicia or the Basque Country?

In Catalonia it is usually the AFA, in Galicia the ANPA and in the Basque Country the Guraso Elkartea. Some schools elsewhere use APA, and some Catalan schools still say AMPA. The role is the same in every region.

Can foreign parents vote in the consejo escolar elections?

Yes, foreign parents can vote and stand as candidates, because the right depends on being a parent or legal guardian of a pupil, not on nationality or residency status. This includes parents in an irregular situation.

How many parent seats are there on the consejo escolar?

Parents hold about one third of the seats on the consejo escolar. In a typical primary school that is 3 seats out of 9 to 12, with one nominated by the AMPA. Numbers change with school size and region.