Hello everyone,
I’ve noticed a lot of discussion on the forum lately about moving to Spain with children, and the most common question is about applying to international schools. My own child just completed the enrollment process, and I’ve gained some valuable experience along the way. Today, I’m sharing a breakdown of what I learned to help other parents who might be feeling anxious about it.
Core Requirements: Legal Status and Financial Proof
First and foremost, the most critical requirement is your child’s legal residency status. Regardless of the type of residency permit, schools will require a valid residence card upon registration. While in theory, all children legally residing in Spain have the right to education, international schools, as private institutions, are stricter with their verification. Additionally, proof of sufficient funds is essential. International school tuition is not cheap, and schools need assurance that you can cover at least one academic year’s fees and other expenses. Tuition can range from €7,000-€8,000 to over €20,000-€30,000 per year, so it’s crucial to budget accordingly.
Application Document Checklist
Specific requirements will vary slightly from school to school, but they are generally quite similar. Here is a list of the documents we prepared, which you can use as a reference. I highly recommend checking the ‘Admissions’ page on your target school’s official website for the most up-to-date checklist once you’ve made your choice.
| Document Category | Specific Files |
|---|
| Identification | Copies of passports and residence cards for the student and parents |
| Academic Records | School transcripts/report cards from the last 2-3 years |
| School Documents | Recommendation letter(s) from teachers at the previous school |
| Personal Documents | Student’s personal statement or essay, vaccination records |
| Family Documents | Proof of residence in Spain (e.g., Empadronamiento) |
Language Proficiency and Entrance Exams
Don’t assume language isn’t a priority for international schools! While most well-known British or American international schools primarily teach in English, they also include Spanish as a compulsory subject. During the application process, schools typically conduct an entrance exam to assess a child’s English proficiency and mathematical reasoning skills. If English is not your child’s native language, this test score becomes crucial. While some Spanish international schools have more lenient language requirements for younger students, by secondary school, they are expected to be fluent enough for full English immersion. If language proficiency is an issue, they might be recommended for a language prep year or be rejected, a potential outcome to weigh against the international school fees. Therefore, start language preparation as early as possible
!
Applying to international schools in Spain is a process that requires advance planning, with every step—from selecting a school and preparing documents to taking entrance exams—being interconnected. It’s advisable to start the process at least six months to a year in advance. I hope this brief guide provides you with some clear direction. Best of luck to every family in finding the perfect school for their child! Feel free to post any questions you have in the comments below.
