Spain's "Concertado" schools are the best-kept secret in European education — state-subsidised private schools with smaller classes, bilingual streams, and a fraction of the cost of international schools.
Concertado schools are private, often church-founded or community-led schools that receive state subsidies in exchange for following the national curriculum and keeping fees low. The result: private-level facilities, smaller class sizes, and a more engaged parent community — for a "voluntary contribution" of €100–€300 per month.
Voluntary contribution only — no tuition fees. State subsidises the rest.
Typically 20–25 students vs. 30+ in state schools.
30–50% of lessons in English in Madrid's Programa Bilingüe.
Strong parent associations and local integration.
Full tuition fees. No state subsidy.
Globally portable but expensive and often in an 'expat bubble'.
Less local integration — your child may not learn Spanish fluently.
No fixed window — but waitlists at top schools are 1–2 years.
While international schools in Madrid or Barcelona cost €12,000–€25,000+ per year, a Concertado school typically requires only a "voluntary contribution" of €100–€300 per month (€1,200–€3,600/year). For a family with two children, that's a saving of €20,000–€40,000 per year.
Most regions — especially Madrid's Programa Bilingüe — ensure 30–50% of the curriculum is taught in English. Your child will become genuinely bilingual in Spanish and English, not just "English-medium" in an expat bubble.
Concertado schools are the fastest way for your children (and you) to integrate into the local expat and Spanish community. The parent associations are active, the social networks are real, and your child will have Spanish friends within weeks.
Spain's Concertado admission is not first-come-first-served. It's a points-based system. Understanding this before you choose your neighbourhood can be the difference between getting your first-choice school and being waitlisted.
The key insight: Living in the catchment zone is worth 10 points — more than any other factor. Choose your rental address before you choose your school, not the other way around.
Everything you need to navigate the Concertado system in 2026 — from choosing your neighbourhood to submitting your application.
The Admission Points Hack — full breakdown of the points system with worked examples for Madrid and Barcelona
Regional Specifics — Catalan vs. Spanish language requirements, and which regions are most expat-friendly
The 2026 Calendar — exact dates for the April/May Admisión window with day-by-day action plan
School Shortlist Tool — our top 20 Concertado schools for expat families, with fees, bilingual status, and catchment maps
The Points Calculator — enter your situation and see your estimated points score before you apply
The Neighbourhood Guide — which areas of Madrid and Barcelona give you the best catchment advantage
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