Scouting Spain with children: school visits and family fit

Key rules

• Term time: Visit in term time if you want to see classes running, and ask each school before you book travel.
• Visits: Public schools mostly allow visits only on open days or by arrangement with the head teacher; concertada and private schools often offer appointments.
• Pace: Plan no more than one major appointment a day with children.
• Region: Calendar, admission dates and teaching language all depend on the region.

Time the trip to term time, and ask schools first

If you want to see a school working, go in term time. Spanish schools are closed over the summer, so a visit then shows you only an empty building. Visits are possible but never guaranteed. Write to each school well before you travel and ask what it offers.

The school year runs from the first half of September to the second half of June. Each region sets its own calendar, with about two weeks off at Christmas and a week at Easter. Some regions add a short autumn or February break. The regional education department publishes the exact dates each year.

How visits work

• Public schools are the least flexible. They usually accept visitors only on set open days or by arrangement with the head teacher (director/a). Visits during term are limited.
• Concertada schools are privately run but publicly funded. Many offer individual guided tours by appointment all year.
• Private and international schools usually book visits through their admissions office. International schools may follow their own calendars.

Many schools hold open days (jornadas de puertas abiertas) in the months before admission, usually January to March for the next school year. If you can time the trip for these, you see several schools in a short space. Each school sets its own policy, so contact it directly and book ahead.

Your region shapes what you can see

Education is run by each region. The language of teaching is Spanish in regions with only Castilian, often with bilingual English programmes. In Catalonia, Valencia, the Balearics, Galicia, the Basque Country and part of Navarre, the regional language is also used, to varying degrees. Catalonia largely teaches in Catalan. Check the rules with the regional education department, because they change.

On a visit, ask about:

• the language mix, and support for children who arrive speaking neither language
• the admission points system
• fees and extras such as uniform, canteen and transport

When the application happens

The ordinary admission period for public and concertada schools usually runs in spring, often March to April. Lists of admitted pupils follow in May and June, then enrolment (matrícula) in June and July. Dates differ by region. You do not need to be in Spain to apply, as most applications are online or by proxy. You will usually need proof of address, which feeds the points system. Your trip need not match the window, but seeing schools before it helps you choose.

A child who arrives mid-year is placed through late enrolment. The regional authority assigns an available place, often not your first choice. Private schools admit year-round if they have space.

Keep the trip easy on the children

• Missing school: if you travel in term, agree the absence with the current school and tell it in advance. Policies differ.
• Holidays instead: Easter week, the Christmas break or summer avoid missed classes, but schools will be closed or quiet.
• Split the trip: one adult can go first, and the family joins for a shorter second visit.
• Pace: plan no more than one major appointment a day, such as a school visit or a viewing. Add parks or beaches.
• Timing: allow for jet lag. Many offices close at lunchtime and during the siesta, so book morning slots.

The decision, timeline, documents and FAQ below cover the choices in more detail.

Choosing between options

When should you travel to scout with school-age children?

• Travel in school holidays: Choose this if you want no missed school, for example the Easter week, the Christmas break of about two weeks, or summer. Spanish schools are closed then, so you will not see classes running.

• Travel in term time: Choose this if you want the children to see a real school day. Agree the absence with their current school first and ask the Spanish schools for a visit in advance.

• One adult goes first, the family joins later: Choose this if you want to limit disruption. One adult makes a short exploratory trip, then the family comes for a second, shorter visit.

If seeing a school in action matters most, travel in term time and book visits ahead; if keeping the children in class matters most, go in holidays or send one adult first. Whichever you pick, keep to one major appointment a day.

Timeline and deadlines

• Go to school open days for the next school year: usually from January to March

• Submit the admission application for public and concertada schools: usually March to April, sometimes from late February or until May

• Wait for the lists of admitted pupils: May to June

• Complete enrolment (matrícula) at the school you were given: June to July

• Visit schools in term time if you want to see classes running: between early September and late June

• Avoid planning school visits during the summer break: about 10 weeks from late June to early September

Documents you need

• Proof of address for the school admission application: either empadronamiento (registration at your town hall) or proof of residence. It counts towards the points system that ranks applicants.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be in Spain when I apply for a school place?

No, you do not need to be in Spain during the admission period, because most applications are made online or by proxy. You usually do need an address, such as empadronamiento (registration at your town hall) or proof of residence, since it counts towards the points system.

What happens if my child arrives in the middle of the school year?

A child who arrives mid-year is placed through late enrolment, where the regional education authority assigns an available place. It is often not your first choice, so visiting schools beforehand helps you know what to ask for.

Can I visit a private or international school at any time of year?

Yes, private and international schools usually book visits through their admissions office, and concertada schools often offer guided tours by appointment all year. Public schools are stricter and mostly accept visits on set open days or by arranging with the head teacher.

What should I ask a school about language?

Ask which language is used in class and how much, because it differs by region. In regions with a co-official language such as Catalonia, Valencia or Galicia, the regional language is used to varying degrees. Also ask whether the school supports children who arrive speaking neither language.