Having recently moved to Spain, I’ve been researching schooling options for my child, focusing particularly on international schools, and have found the information to be quite scattered. I often see parents in online groups asking when international schools in Spain start, what the holiday schedule is like, and how it differs from the system back home. I’ve taken the time to compile the information I’ve gathered about international school enrollment as a reference. I hope it helps other parents navigating the school selection process.
Academic Year and Start Dates
Similar to the academic calendar in many countries, international schools in Spain generally start in September and conclude a full academic year in June. The exact start date may vary slightly each year but is typically within the first or second week of September. For instance, the schools we looked at in Madrid this year are mostly scheduled to start between September 5th and September 10th. Therefore, if you plan for your child to start in the fall, you’ll need to have all preparations completed before the summer.
Main Holiday Schedule
Besides the summer break, international schools in Spain have quite a few holidays, which is a major difference from the school system in many other countries. In addition to public holidays, there are generally three main long breaks:
- Christmas Break: Typically starts around December 20th and lasts until around January 7th, totaling about two and a half weeks.
- Easter Break (Semana Santa): The timing varies each year depending on the date of Easter, but it usually falls in late March or April and lasts for about a week.
- Summer Break: This is the longest holiday, starting from mid-to-late June and running until the new school year begins in September—a full two and a half months! You’ll really need to plan ahead for how to keep the little ones busy during this long break.
The Application Timeline is Crucial
This is a key aspect of [international school admissions]! Places in international schools are often very limited, and it’s definitely not a case of being able to enroll whenever you want. For most top schools, the application window opens in the fall of the preceding year. The peak period for applications and interviews is from January to March of the enrollment year. By April and May, most of the places are already filled. Therefore, when considering [application deadlines], if you want your child to start in September 2025, it’s best to start preparing materials and submitting applications by the end of 2024.
I’ve created a simple timeline table below for your reference. Following this schedule will make the process smoother:
| Timeline | Recommended Actions |
|---|
| September - November (Year before entry) | Shortlist target schools, attend open days, prepare application materials |
| December (Year before entry) - February (Year of entry) | Submit online applications, schedule and attend entrance tests or interviews |
| March - May (Year of entry) | Receive offer letters, confirm acceptance, and pay the deposit |
| June - August (Year of entry) | Complete registration, purchase uniforms, and prepare for the start of school |
Planning ahead is essential! This is especially true for popular British and American schools, as spots can fill up quickly if you’re late. I hope this helps, and I welcome experienced parents to add their own insights and join the discussion!
