Lately, I’ve seen more and more posts on the forums about children’s schooling, especially regarding private schools. My eldest just went through the application process last year, and we ran into our fair share of pitfalls. Having gained some experience, I’ve put together this guide to share with everyone. I hope it can help all the parents out there who are stressing over choosing a school for their child.
Step 1: School Selection and Open Days
Spain has a vast selection of private schools, including British, American, French, German, and local ‘Concertado’ (semi-private)
schools. The first step is to decide which educational system you want for your child. I recommend closely monitoring the websites of your preferred schools from around September to November each year. This is when they usually announce their Open Day dates. You must attend! It’s the best opportunity to visit the campus, check out the facilities, feel the academic atmosphere, and speak directly with teachers and the principal. This direct observation is critical, similar to the due diligence involved in [acquiring a Spanish school]. Don’t be lazy—visit several schools, as the differences are striking in person.
Step 2: Preparing Application Materials
After attending the open days and finalizing your target schools, it’s time to start preparing the application materials. This stage is very tedious, so be extremely careful. Most school websites will have a detailed checklist, but the core documents are generally the same. It’s important to note that many documents require an official translation. You should find a translator in advance and allow plenty of time for this. Leaving it to the last minute will put you at a disadvantage.
Core Documents Checklist
| Document Type | Description |
|---|
| Application Form | Download from the school’s official website and fill it out accurately. |
| Student’s ID | Copy of passport and NIE. |
| Parents’ ID | Copy of passport and NIE. |
| Birth Certificate | Requires double legalization (apostille) and an official translation. |
| Vaccination Record | Spanish or English translation. |
| School reports from the last two years | Must be stamped by the school and include an official translation. |
| Letter of Recommendation | Not required, but a strong letter is a plus. It’s best to get it from the previous school’s principal or head teacher. |
Step 3: Submitting the Application and Interview
Once all your documents are ready, submit them within the school’s application window. This can be done online or in person. After submission, the school will review your materials and notify you of the interview date. The interview usually has two parts: one for the child and one for the parents. The child’s interview format varies by age; for younger children, it might involve playing games or drawing—a very different process than applying for a private university PhD in Spain. Older children may have a written test and an oral interview. The parent interview is mainly to see if your family’s educational philosophy aligns with that of the [Spanish private schools]. Just relax and be sincere; they’re looking for families who are a good fit, not trying to test you.
The entire process, from start to finish, can take the better part of six months. From initial research to receiving an offer, it’s a long haul, so plan ahead! Plan ahead! Plan ahead
! I can’t stress this enough. I hope my experience can be of some help to you all, and I wish everyone success in getting their children into their desired schools! If you have any questions, feel free to discuss them in the replies below!
