As a newcomer to Spain, I’ve noticed the holiday schedule here is quite different from what I was used to back home. With my child attending an international school, figuring out their vacation pattern is crucial for someone like me who loves to plan trips in advance. I’ve recently looked into the calendars of several major international schools and put together a summary. I hope it helps other parents with the same need.
Academic Year Structure of International Schools in Spain
First, it’s important to understand that international schools in Spain mainly follow the British, American, or IB systems. Their academic calendars are largely similar but have some minor differences. Generally, the school year runs from early September to mid-to-late June of the following year, divided into three terms by major holidays.
- Autumn Term: September to December, ending with the Christmas holiday.
- Spring Term: January to March or April, ending with the Easter (Semana Santa) break.
- Summer Term: April to June, ending with the long summer vacation.
Detailed Breakdown of Major Holidays
Besides the long breaks between these three major terms, which you might be thinking about during the international school enrollment process, there’s usually a mid-term break of about a week. The specific dates can vary by school, but the timing is generally consistent. I’ve put together a rough schedule for reference, but for the most accurate information, you must check your school’s official calendar on their website.
| Holiday Name | Approximate Dates | Duration |
|---|
| Mid-Term Break | Late October | 1 week |
| Christmas | Late Dec - Early Jan | 2 weeks |
| Mid-Term Break | Mid-to-late February | 1 week |
| Semana Santa / Easter | Late March or Early April | 1-2 weeks |
| Summer Vacation | Mid-to-late June - Early Sept | 10-11 weeks |
It’s also important to note that besides these fixed holidays, which are a key consideration during the [international school admissions] period, schools will also observe local public holidays for an extra day or two, depending on the autonomous community (e.g., Madrid, Barcelona). For instance, our school in Madrid is closed for San Isidro Day. Therefore, when considering [application deadlines], you must cross-reference the school calendar with local public holidays. I just print out the school calendar and stick it on my fridge, so it’s always easy to see. What are your tips for planning holidays? Feel free to share in the comments!
