Lately, there have been more and more discussions on the forum about children’s education, and I’ve seen several friends asking about applying to international schools. Coincidentally, my eldest child just went through the whole process last year. We ran into a few snags but also gained some valuable experience, so I’m sharing it all today to hopefully help those in need.
Application Process Overview
Generally speaking, the application process for Spanish international schools is quite similar across the board. It can be broken down into these basic steps: Information Gathering -> Application Submission -> School Assessment -> Interview -> Admission. It sounds simple, but there are many details to pay attention to at each stage.
Step 1: Information Gathering and School Selection
This is the foundational and most time-consuming step. It’s advisable to start your research at least a year in advance. You can begin by looking into the following aspects:
- Educational Systems: International schools in Spain primarily follow the British, American, or International Baccalaureate (IB) systems. Your choice should depend on your child’s future university plans.
- School Websites: This is your most direct source of information. The school’s educational philosophy, curriculum, tuition fees, enrollment quotas, and open day information will all be published on their official website. Many schools offer a Virtual Tour, allowing you to get a feel for the campus online.
- On-site Visits: If possible, be sure to attend a school’s Open Day! It’s the best opportunity to speak directly with admissions officers, teachers, and even parents of current students, giving you insights you can’t get from brochures.
Step 2: Preparing Application Materials
Once you have shortlisted your target schools, you can start preparing the application documents. The requirements may vary slightly from school to school, but generally, you will need the following:
| Document Name | Notes |
|---|
| Application Form | Usually filled out online or downloaded from the school’s website |
| Child’s Passport/ID Copy | A photocopy is sufficient |
| Parents’ Passport/ID Copies | Photocopies are sufficient |
| Child’s Birth Certificate | May require an official translation |
| Academic Transcripts for the Past 2-3 Years | Also require official translation if not in Spanish or English |
| Teacher Recommendation Letter | Required by some schools; best to arrange this with the previous school’s teacher in advance |
| Vaccination Record | Must be in Spanish or English |
Step 3: Interview and Assessment
After submitting the documents and passing the initial review, the school will invite your child for an interview and entrance assessment. For younger children, this might involve playing some games while a teacher observes. Older students will likely have a written test, mainly covering English and Math. The interview is usually a relaxed chat with the principal or head of year, aimed at understanding the child’s personality and English communication skills. In our case, the principal interviewed our child personally, asking about hobbies, why they like Spain, and similar questions. There’s no need to be too nervous; just let your child be themselves. Once you receive the acceptance letter, pay the deposit to secure the spot, and you’re all set!
The whole process can seem tedious, but it’s not that complicated if you take it one step at a time. The most important thing is to plan ahead and avoid procrastination! Best of luck to all your little ones in getting into their dream schools!
