I just moved to Spain and have been trying to figure out how to transfer my child to a new school, and it’s been overwhelming! The application deadlines for private and semi-private (concertado) schools, in particular, are confusing. After asking around, I realized many newcomers are unsure about the process and can easily miss the private school admission window. I’ve put together my research to help other families in the same boat. Feel free to add your own experiences and tips!
Seize the Golden Application Window: September to February
Unlike the system in many other countries, the application process for private schools in Spain starts very early. Generally, if you want your child to start in September, you need to begin the process the previous September. That’s right, a full year in advance
! This period is the prime time for applications, especially for popular international, British, or American schools where spots are highly competitive. Many schools start accepting applications for the next academic year in September or October and begin scheduling open days. I highly recommend attending several open days to get a firsthand feel for the school’s atmosphere and facilities.
Key Application Milestones
To make it clearer, I’ve created a general timeline table. Of course, specific dates will vary by school, so the safest bet is to check the official website of your preferred schools or call their admissions office for precise information.
| Timeline | Key Tasks |
|---|
| September - November (Previous Year) |
| Research and shortlist schools, attend open days, make initial inquiries |
| December (Previous Year) - February | Submit application documents, schedule and attend student interviews/assessments |
| March - May | Schools send out admission offers, parents confirm acceptance |
| June - July | Pay the registration fee to formally enroll |
What if you miss the deadline? Don’t despair just yet. Even after the main application period is over, some schools may have last-minute openings due to student transfers. So, you might still be able to snag a spot in May, June, or even over the summer, but it’s purely a matter of luck. A friend of mine only secured a school in June; she was calling schools every day and was about to tear her hair out from anxiety. When it comes to private school enrollment, procrastination is not your friend. It’s always better to prepare early for peace of mind.
One last tip: preparing the documents is a major task in itself. You’ll typically need your child’s birth certificate, vaccination records, and report cards from their previous school. If the documents for applying for private school are not in Spanish or English, they must be officially translated (traducción jurada). This also takes time, so be sure to get them ready in advance. I hope this information is helpful, and I wish everyone’s kids success in getting into their dream school! Please feel free to share your own application experiences in the comments below!
