Private schools in Spain compared to public schools

Updated: October 2026

Many families moving to Spain assume a private or international school is the safe choice. Sometimes it is, but Spain’s public and concertada schools are a good option for many expat children, and they cost far less. This guide compares the options honestly – costs, language, class sizes, qualifications and social life – so you can decide what fits your child and your plans.

The options at a glance

Spain has four kinds of school: public, concertada (privately run but publicly funded), private Spanish and international. Our guide to types of schools in Spain explains each one and the school stages. Here is how they compare:

	Public	Concertada	Private Spanish	International
Tuition	Free	Free in compulsory stages; voluntary fees common	Monthly fees	Highest fees
Curriculum	Spanish	Spanish	Spanish, sometimes plus IB	British, American, IB, etc.
Main language	Spanish (or co-official)	Spanish (or co-official)	Spanish, often bilingual	Usually English or the school’s own language
How places are given	Regional points system	Regional points system	School decides	School decides
Religious ethos	None	Often Catholic	Varies	Usually none

What families gain with public and concertada schools

• Cost: tuition is free. You pay for books in some regions, materials, trips, the canteen and after-school activities.
• Language and integration: children usually become fluent in Spanish quickly and make local friends in their own neighbourhood.
• Qualified teachers: public school teachers have passed competitive state exams, and the curriculum and inspection are the same across the region.
• Bilingual programmes: many public schools teach some subjects in English, especially in Andalucía and Madrid.

The downsides: you cannot always choose your school, because places go by points and catchment area. Classes can be large, and support for children who arrive with no Spanish varies from school to school. Facilities in older buildings can also be basic.

What private and international schools offer

• Continuity: an international school can keep a child in the same curriculum and exam system, such as GCSEs, A levels or the IB Diploma. This matters most for teenagers and families who may move again.
• Teaching in English: useful when a child arrives at 12 or older with no Spanish.
• Smaller classes and more facilities: many offer sports grounds, pools, music and a long list of clubs, though this varies a lot.
• Choice: you apply directly, often at any time of year if places are free.

The downsides: fees, plus extras such as enrolment fees, a joining fee or deposit, uniforms, transport and lunches. Children in an English-speaking bubble may learn less Spanish and mix less with local families. Quality also varies, so “private” does not automatically mean “better”.

Checks before you choose a private or international school

1. Official authorisation: foreign-curriculum schools must be authorised by the Spanish education authorities. Ask to see it, and ask whether Spanish pupils or other nationalities can be enrolled.
2. Accreditation and inspection: for British schools, check membership of the National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABSS) and recent inspection reports. For the IB, check the school is an authorised IB World School.
3. Recognition of qualifications: ask how pupils get into Spanish universities if they wish – for example through a UNEDasiss accreditation.
4. Full cost: ask for a complete fee list for all years, including annual increases, bus, meals and exam fees.
5. Spanish lessons: how many hours of Spanish and Spanish culture are taught each week?

Which option suits which family?

Young children planning to stay

For children under eight or nine who will grow up in Spain, a good local public or concertada school is often the best choice. It gives fluent Spanish, local friends and no fees. Starting at nursery makes it even easier – see our guide to nurseries and kindergartens in Spain.

Teenagers and mobile families

A teenager arriving at 13 or 14 with no Spanish may struggle in ESO, the compulsory secondary stage. An international school keeps their exams on track. The same applies if you are posted to Spain for two or three years and expect to move on.

The middle road

Bilingual private Spanish schools and public bilingual schools combine the Spanish curriculum with a lot of English. They suit families who want integration but worry about the language jump. Thinking about university later? Our guide to universities in Spain explains the routes for students from Spanish and foreign schools.

Tips from the school gate

• Visit more than one school and ask to see a class in action.
• Talk to other parents in local Facebook or WhatsApp groups, but remember every family’s experience is different.
• Whatever school you choose, learn Spanish yourself: it helps with homework, teacher meetings and parent groups. Our guide to learning the Spanish language has ideas.

Useful links

• NABSS – find British schools in Spain
• Ministry of Education – the Spanish education system
• BOE – rules for foreign schools in Spain (RD 806/1993)
• Types of schools in Spain
• Nurseries and kindergartens in Spain

FAQ: private vs public schools

Are private schools in Spain better than public schools?

Not automatically. Quality varies within every type. Many public and concertada schools have excellent results, while private schools mainly offer choice, smaller classes and other curricula.

Can a child switch from an international school to a Spanish school later?

Yes, but older children may need their studies recognised (convalidación or homologación) and good Spanish to keep up. Switching is easiest at primary age.

Do concertada schools charge fees?

Teaching in the compulsory stages is free, but many ask for a monthly voluntary contribution and charge for extras. The contribution cannot be a condition of your child’s place.

Is it hard for a non-Spanish speaker to start at a public school?

Young children usually adapt within months. Teenagers find it harder, and support differs by region and school, so ask what language help is offered.

Disclaimer: This article is general information only. Fees, admission rules and school authorisations change – always check directly with the school and the regional education department before you decide.