Find schools
in Spain
Spain offers an excellent network of free bilingual state schools alongside world-class private and international campuses. Browse every option — from subsidised public schools to top IB programmes in Madrid and Barcelona.
Oversubscription is the #1 challenge in Madrid & Barcelona right now
In 2026, Madrid and Barcelona schools are reporting the highest application volumes in a decade. Competition for places — especially in bilingual public schools — has never been tougher. Getting your timing wrong can cost you a full academic year.
"In Spain, knowing when to apply is just as important as knowing where." I help families navigate the regional puntos (points) system for public schools and the early-bird deadlines for top private campuses — so you don't miss your window.
Talk to a Spain school advisorMadrid Admissions Calendar
Key windows and current status for families applying in 2026
The main application window has closed. Families must now wait for Provisional Lists — typically published in late April 2026. If not assigned a place, you can appeal or join the Extraordinary Period.
Admissions are technically open, but high-demand schools like ASM and Hastings are already moving to waitlists for September 2026. Apply now — don't wait until summer.
For families arriving late or who missed the March window. Only remaining unfilled places are available — choice is very limited. Bilingual programme spots are rarely available at this stage.
Madrid only: The calendar above applies to the Community of Madrid. Barcelona (Generalitat de Catalunya), Valencia and Málaga each run on different regional timetables.Talk to an advisor for your specific city →
Madrid Schools by Category
98 verified schools across 4 categories — with fees, neighbourhoods, language tracks and insider context
| School Name | Curriculum | Neighbourhood | Language | 2026/27 Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International College Spain (ICS) | IB (Full) | La Moraleja | ES/EN | €12,500 – €26,300 per year |
| American School of Madrid (ASM) | American / IB | Pozuelo | ES/EN | €14,000 – €26,000 per year |
| British Council School | British / Spanish | Pozuelo | ES/EN | €8,500 – €16,000 per year |
King's College | British | Tres Cantos | ES/EN | €9,500 – €20,000 per year |
| Hastings School | British | Chamartín | ES/EN | €8,000 – €16,500 per year |
| St. George's British School | British | Hortaleza | ES/EN | €10,000 – €19,500 per year |
| Runnymede College | British | La Moraleja | ES/EN | €10,000 – €21,000 per year |
| Kensington School | British | Pozuelo | ES/EN | €8,000 – €15,000 per year |
The English Montessori School | British / Montessori | Aravaca | ES/EN | €11,400 – €12,000 per year |
| Brewster Madrid | American | Chamberí | ES/EN | €15,000 – €25,000 per year |
| Lycée Français de Madrid | French | Conde Orgaz | ES/FR | €6,000 – €10,500 per year |
Thames British School | British | Majadahonda | ES/EN | €7,500 – €15,000 per year |
Aquinas American School | American / Catholic | Pozuelo | ES/EN | €9,000 – €18,000 per year |
International School of Madrid | British | Chamartín | ES/EN | €7,000 – €14,500 per year |
Holy Mary British Catholic School | British / Catholic | Chamartín | ES/EN | €8,000 – €15,500 per year |
2026 Insider Notes for Madrid
Aulas de Enlace (Bridge Classes)
Schools in Centro, Chamberí, and Chamartín often have "Link Classrooms" to help non-Spanish-speaking children integrate over the first 6–12 months. Ask specifically about this when visiting.
The "Plazo" Deadline — Don't Miss It
For Public and Concertado, you must apply in the March/April window — no exceptions. For International, a last-minute cancellation spot may open in June/July, but don't count on it.
The Pozuelo Hub
Pozuelo de Alarcón has the highest density of top-tier international schools — ASM, British Council, Kensington, Aquinas. If your family wants to avoid a long commute, living in the West makes sense.
Not sure which category is right for your family?
I help families shortlist the right schools based on budget, location and language goals.
Browse by school type
From free bilingual state schools to elite international campuses — find the right fit
Browse by City
Each city guide includes school types, fee ranges, neighbourhood breakdowns and insider enrollment tips.
Madrid
Spain's capital has the largest concentration of international schools in the country — from elite British campuses to the BEDA free bilingual network. The March puntos window is critical.
Barcelona
Catalonia's capital runs its own admissions system (Generalitat). Strong IB and British school options alongside a competitive free bilingual network. Apply early — demand is at record highs.
Valencia
The Mediterranean coast's fastest-growing expat hub. Valencia has a growing international school market with Montessori, IB and British options at lower fees than Madrid or Barcelona.
Málaga
The Costa del Sol's main city is a magnet for British expat families. Strong British curriculum schools, a relaxed lifestyle and lower fees than the major cities.
Seville
Andalucía's capital has a small but growing international school scene. Excellent for families wanting an authentic Spanish experience with access to English-medium education.
Marbella
The Costa del Sol's most international enclave. Marbella has a cluster of British and IB schools serving the large expat community — popular with families seeking a coastal lifestyle.
Spain resources
Everything an expat family needs to navigate school life in Spain
Spanish Bilingual Public School Guide
How Spain's free bilingual state school system works — regional programmes, the puntos (points) admissions system, and how to apply.
British Curriculum Schools in Spain
The full official BSO register of 142+ British curriculum schools across every province in Spain — updated June 2025.
Private & International Schools Guide
Compare British, IB, American and French international schools across Spain. Fees, curricula, admissions timelines and waitlist tips.
City Guide
Neighbourhoods, cost of living, transport links and expat communities in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga and beyond.
Family Activities
Parks, beaches, museums, sports clubs and weekend activities for kids of all ages across Spain.
The Matrícula Guide
Spain's non-refundable enrolment fees range from €1,500 to €6,000. Know what you'll pay before you commit.
How to Educate Your Child for Free in Spain
The complete 2026 guide to free bilingual state schools — the puntos system, how to apply, and what families save vs international schools.
Schools in Spain for Expat Families
If you are moving to Spain with children, it helps to understand the main school options available before you apply. The most common choices are public schools, publicly funded private schools, private schools, and international schools. Each type works differently, so families should think about their child's needs, language level, budget, and how long they plan to stay.
Public & publicly funded schools
Spain has public schools and private schools subsidised with public funds, often called concertados. Admissions to publicly funded schools are regulated by the education authorities, and families can apply within the system set by their local autonomous community.
The admissions process uses a puntos (points) system — siblings already enrolled, proximity to the school, and family income all count. The main application window is typically in March each year.
Bilingual programmes in Spain
Spain also offers state-backed bilingual education programmes in parts of the school system. One of the best-known examples is the British Council / Ministry of Education bilingual programme, which operates across a number of autonomous regions.
Availability varies by programme, school, and region, so families should always check what is available locally. In Madrid, the bilingual programme (BEDA) is one of Europe's largest — but places are highly competitive.
Private schools
Private schools in Spain charge fees and are independently run. Some families choose them for smaller class sizes, different educational approaches, or additional language and curriculum options.
Admissions processes vary by school and may include interviews, assessments, or school reports. It is always important to check each school's process carefully before applying.
International schools
International schools are a popular choice for families moving to Spain from abroad. These schools may offer the International Baccalaureate, British, American, French, or other international curricula.
They can be a good fit for families who may move again or who want a more internationally portable school pathway. Spain has one of Europe's largest international school networks — particularly in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and the Costa del Sol.
Help choosing a school in Spain
Every school is different, so it is important to check the admissions rules, deadlines, language of instruction, and support on offer before applying. For families moving from abroad, this can feel overwhelming — especially when school decisions are happening at the same time as housing, paperwork, and relocation planning.
That is where ExpatSchoolFinder can help. We help families explore public schools, publicly funded schools, bilingual options, private schools, and international schools in Spain, so you can better understand what may suit your child and your plans.
Free resources
We share free guides on school systems, family-friendly areas, children's activities, and everyday life after the move to Spain.
Join our WhatsApp group
Connect with other families, ask practical questions, and get support from parents going through a similar move to Spain.
Join the groupWhether you want to do everything yourself with our resources, or you'd like more hands-on support with schools, relocation, and settling in — ExpatSchoolFinder is here to help make your move to Spain simpler.
Spain's school system explained
Every school type, what it costs, who it's for — and how to get in. Pick a category to explore.
Spanish State Schools (Colegios Públicos)
Spain's state school system is free for all residents. Teaching is in Spanish (and regional languages like Catalan or Basque depending on location). The admissions system uses a points-based (puntos) system.
- Free for all residents — no fees
- Teaching in Spanish (+ regional language in Catalonia, Basque Country, Valencia)
- Puntos (points) system for admissions — siblings, proximity, income all count
- Application window: typically March each year — missing it is costly
- Strong academic results, especially in sciences and languages
- Ideal for families planning a long-term stay in Spain
Our advisors know every school type in Spain — from free state schools to elite boarding. We'll map the right options for your child's age and your timeline.
Spain School Holidays 2026/2027
Core framework plus regional variations across all Autonomous Communities
Regional Breakdown
Strategic 2027 Bank Holidays — Plan Your Puentes
A Tip for Expat Families: Watch the "Día No Lectivo"
In Spain, if a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, schools almost always grant the Monday or Friday as a "Día no lectivo" (non-teaching day). This creates those coveted 4-day "Puentes" that Spanish families plan their travel around.
For 2026/2027, keep a close eye on December 8 (Tuesday) — this will likely create a 4-day weekend for most families (Dec 6–8), which is a prime time for local travel. Book camps and activities early for this period.
Dates are set independently by each of Spain's 17 Comunidades Autónomas (autonomous communities) plus the cities of Ceuta and Melilla. While the core framework is standard, exact start dates, Easter breaks and end-of-year dates vary by region. International and private schools set their own calendars entirely — always confirm directly with your child's school before booking travel or camps. Official "Bridge Days" (Puentes) are typically published between May and July each year.
Holiday camps in Spain
Summer camps, sports camps, language camps and multi-activity programmes for expat kids during school holidays.
Madrid English Summer Camp
Language + SportsThe most popular English-language summer camp in Madrid. Morning English classes, afternoon sports and activities. Run by qualified native English teachers.
Barcelona Beach & Language Camp
Beach + LanguageCombine beach activities with Spanish and English language classes in Barcelona. Surfing, paddleboarding, beach volleyball and cultural visits to the city.
Costa del Sol Multi-Activity Camp
Multi-activityWeek-long multi-activity camps on the Costa del Sol. Swimming, tennis, football, arts and crafts in a safe, English-speaking environment popular with expat families.
Valencia Football Academy Camp
FootballIntensive football training in Valencia, run by UEFA-qualified coaches. Morning training, afternoon matches and team activities. English and Spanish spoken.
Pyrenees Adventure Camp
Adventure & OutdoorResidential adventure camp in the Spanish Pyrenees. Hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and team challenges. English-speaking instructors.
Seville Arts & Culture Camp
Arts & CultureCreative arts and Spanish culture camps in beautiful Seville. Flamenco, painting, ceramics, cooking and city exploration. A unique cultural experience for expat kids.
Free guide — or go deeper with the Intelligence Pack
Start with our free country guide, or get the full Intelligence Pack with school databases, letter templates, and direct admin contacts.
🇪🇸 Spain Free School Guide
Our free country guide covers the school system overview, key school types, and how to get started. A great first step for families beginning their research.
- School system overview
- Key school types explained
- How to get started
- Free resources & links
🇪🇸 Spain Intelligence Pack
The complete insider guide — school databases, direct admin contacts, proven letter templates, and step-by-step strategies. Everything you need to navigate the Spain school system without the 40-hour research phase.
- School system overview & key deadlines
- Direct admin contact list
- Letter templates (proven & translated)
- School database with catchment data
- Late-arrival strategy guide
- 14-day money-back guarantee
Our advisors offer personalised school reports, guided applications, and full concierge service — from £49 to £500.
All prices are per family, not per child. Compare all services →
Join the Spain Expat Families WhatsApp Group
Connect with other expat families navigating schools in Spain — share tips, ask questions, get advice on the puntos system.
Navigating Spain's school system?
Between the regional puntos system, bilingual school applications and private campus waitlists — our advisors help families get it right the first time.
Talk to a Spain School Advisor →Spain — Complete Guide
Everything you need to find the right school in Spain
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