Age-Wise Education System in Spain (2025 Guide for Parents & Students)

Spain’s education system is nationally regulated but implemented regionally, allowing for adaptation to local cultural and linguistic contexts. It offers mostly free public education from ages 3 to 18 and is structured into clear stages: non-compulsory early childhood education (0–6 years), compulsory primary (6–12) and secondary education (12–16), followed by optional academic (Bachillerato) or vocational (FPB) paths for ages 16–18.

Students can then pursue university degrees or advanced vocational training (FP de Grado Superior), with options for postgraduate and doctoral studies thereafter. The system accommodates Spain’s linguistic diversity, features a clear grading scale (0–10), and follows a school year from September to June, aiming to balance academic rigor with inclusivity and flexibility.

Understanding the Spanish Education System: A Comprehensive Guide

Spain’s education system, while nationally structured and regulated, boasts a unique decentralized implementation, with significant autonomy granted to its regional communities. This blend of national oversight and regional adaptation ensures a system that caters to both overarching educational goals and specific cultural and linguistic nuances across the country. Predominantly public and free for ages 3 to 18, Spanish education is meticulously divided into distinct age-wise and educational stages, guiding students from early childhood through to higher education and professional development.

The journey through the Spanish education system is segmented into several key stages, each with its own objectives and characteristics:

1. Early Childhood Education (Educación Infantil)

Ages: 0 to 6 years old

Duration: This stage is divided into two voluntary cycles:

• First Cycle: 0 to 2 years of age (ISCED level 010)
• Second Cycle: 3 to 5 years of age (ISCED level 020)

Nature: While participation is voluntary, the second cycle (3-5 years) is widely accessible and free of charge in public schools and government-assisted private schools. Practically 100% of children aged 3-5 years attend ECEC settings.

Focus: Emphasizes social skills, emotional development, and basic learning, laying a strong foundation for future education. Royal Decree 95/2022 regulates and establishes the educational nature of the first cycle.

Statistics/Data: The second cycle has become widespread, with nearly 100% attendance for children aged 3-5. Spanish legislation (Organic Law 2/2006, amended by Organic Law 3/2020) guarantees every child over 3 years old a legal right to a place in an Early Childhood Education institution. Free education is extending to the first cycle, prioritizing access for students at risk of poverty and social exclusion.

2. Primary Education (Educación Primaria)

Ages: 6 to 12 years old

Duration: 6 academic years, grouped into three cycles of two years each. Students begin the first year in the calendar year they turn 6.

Nature: Compulsory and free in public schools.

Curriculum: Covers essential subjects such as Spanish language and literature (or co-official language), mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, arts, and physical education. It aims to develop a well-rounded education with special attention to educational inclusion, individualized attention, and prevention of learning difficulties.

Assessment: An individual assessment is made at the end of the sixth year to test the level of acquisition of competences in linguistic communication, mathematics, science, and technology.

3. Compulsory Secondary Education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria – ESO)

Ages: 12 to 16 years old

Duration: 4 academic years.

Nature: Compulsory and free.

Curriculum: Students engage with core subjects while having the option to choose electives. The curriculum emphasizes common education and attention to diversity, with a focus on educational and professional guidance.

Qualification: Upon successful completion, students are awarded the Secondary Education Diploma (Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria), which provides access to any post-compulsory education provided by law or the labor market.

4. Post-Compulsory Education (Non-Tertiary)

After ESO, students have several options, generally for ages 16 to 18:

a) Bachillerato (Upper Secondary Education)

Ages: Generally 16 to 18 years old

Duration: 2 academic years.

Nature: Non-compulsory but free in public institutions. Designed for students aiming for higher education.

Curriculum: Prepares students for university with specialized tracks in:

Arts and Humanities

Science and Technology

General

Focus: Fosters independent learning, teamwork, and research methods. Special attention is given to educational and career guidance.

Qualification: Upon completion, students receive the Bachiller’s diploma, which is a prerequisite for university entrance exams.

b) Vocational Training (Formación Profesional – FP)

Vocational training offers practical and theoretical training for specific careers, providing a direct pathway into the workforce. It is divided into different levels:

Basic Vocational Training (Formación Profesional Básica):

• Ages: Typically 15 to 17 years old.
• Access: Students who have completed the third year of compulsory secondary education or, exceptionally, the second year, and have been proposed by the teaching team.
• Qualification: Students receive a diploma as Graduate in Compulsory Secondary Education and the qualification of Basic Technician in the corresponding specialization.

Intermediate Level Vocational Training (Ciclos Formativos de Grado Medio):

• Access: Requires a Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO) certificate, a Basic Technician diploma, or passing an entrance exam (minimum age 17).
• Qualification: Leads to a Technician qualification in various fields (e.g., administrative management, microcomputer systems, nursing care).

Higher Level Vocational Training (Ciclos Formativos de Grado Superior):

• Access: Requires a Bachillerato diploma, an Intermediate Vocational Training degree, or passing an entrance exam (minimum age 19).
• Qualification: Leads to a Senior Technician qualification, providing access to higher education.

5. Higher Education (Educación Superior)

Access: Primarily for students aged 18 and above, though there are no explicit age restrictions for university admission in Spain. Many students start later in life.

Structure: Follows the Bologna Process, offering Bachelor’s (Grado), Master’s (Máster), and Doctoral (Doctorado) degrees.

• Bachelor’s (Grado): Typically lasts 4 years (except for fields like medicine and some engineering).
• Master’s (Máster): 1-2 years.
• Doctoral (Doctorado): Varies in duration.

Admission: Based on the “nota de corte” (cutoff grade), which is a combination of the Bachillerato exam grade and the university selection exam (formerly “Selectividad,” now “Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad”). Private universities and business schools may have their own admission processes.

Funding: Public university tuition fees are generally affordable, starting from around €8,000 per year, with variations across autonomous communities.

Statistics/Data: Spain has a strong presence of both public and private universities and higher technical schools.

6. Adult Education (Educación de Personas Adultas – EPA)

Ages: Primarily for people over 18 years of age, or those turning 18 in the year the course begins.

Exceptions: Access can be exceptionally authorized for individuals over 16 years old with a work contract that prevents them from attending mainstream institutions, or high-performance athletes, or those in duly accredited circumstances preventing ordinary school attendance.

Purpose: Offers opportunities to acquire, update, complete, or expand knowledge and skills for personal and professional development. This ranges from basic literacy to vocational training and leisure activities.

Provision: Provided by both mainstream and specific institutions for adult education, as well as associations, foundations, companies, and trade unions. Local administrations often play a role in non-formal and formal education through agreements with educational administrations.

Funding: Each Autonomous Community decides on the cost of public fees, with grants and financial support available, including basic grants, fixed amounts linked to income or residence, and performance-based incentives. Fee waivers are also in place for certain groups like victims of gender violence, unemployed individuals, or those with disabilities.

7. Special Education (Educación Especial)

Ages: Generally caters to students aged 3 to 21 years old with functional diversity resulting from intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who require specific educational support.

Provision: Offered through specialized schools that provide tailored curricula and support services, as well as integrated support systems within mainstream schools.

Support Services: Include speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral support, and individualized education plans (IEPs) that outline academic goals, behavioral strategies, therapy requirements, and classroom modifications.

Organizations: Various foundations and organizations like FUNDACIÓN ASPACE and Plena Inclusión advocate for and support individuals with disabilities in their educational journey.

Key Aspects of the Spanish Education System:

Compulsory Education: The mandatory period of schooling in Spain spans from age 6 to 16, encompassing Educación Primaria and Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO). This ensures a foundational education for all citizens.

Linguistic Diversity: While Spanish (Castilian) is the primary language of instruction across the country, Spain’s rich linguistic heritage is reflected in its education system. In autonomous communities with co-official regional languages, such as Catalonia (Catalan), the Basque Country (Basque), and Galicia (Galician), these languages are also taught and often used as the primary medium of instruction, alongside Spanish. This bilingual or even trilingual education fosters cultural identity and linguistic proficiency.

School Year Structure: The academic year in Spain typically commences in mid-September and concludes in June. The calendar includes significant breaks for summer, Christmas, and Easter holidays, allowing for periods of rest and family time.

Grading System: The standard grading system in Spain is usually on a scale of 0 to 10. A score of 5 is generally considered the minimum passing mark for most subjects and evaluations. This clear and consistent system provides a straightforward measure of academic performance.

The Spanish education system, with its blend of centralized regulation and regional implementation, diverse pathways, and a strong emphasis on both academic and vocational development, strives to provide a comprehensive and inclusive learning experience for all its students.

FAQs on Age-wise Education System in Spain

What is the structure of the Spanish education system?
The Spanish education system is divided into several stages based on age and educational level: early childhood education (0–6 years), primary education (6–12), secondary education (12–16), and post-compulsory education options like Bachillerato or vocational training (16–18), followed by higher education and postgraduate studies.

Is education in Spain free?
Yes, public education in Spain is free and accessible for children from ages 3 to 18, although the early years (0–3) may involve private or semi-private costs. Higher education may include tuition fees depending on the institution and program.

At what age is education compulsory in Spain?
Education is compulsory from age 6 to 16. This includes primary education and secondary education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria or ESO).

What are the early childhood education stages in Spain?
Early childhood education consists of two cycles: the first cycle (0–3 years) and the second cycle (3–6 years). Both are non-compulsory, but the second cycle is widely attended and often provided through public schools.

What is Educación Primaria?
Educación Primaria is the primary education stage for children aged 6 to 12. It is compulsory and free, focusing on foundational skills in language, math, science, and social development.

What is Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO)?
ESO is the compulsory secondary education stage for students aged 12 to 16. It offers a broad curriculum and ends with a certificate (Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria) if successfully completed.

What choices do students have after ESO?
After ESO, students can choose between Bachillerato, a two-year academic program preparing for university, or Formación Profesional Básica (FPB), which provides practical vocational training.

What is Bachillerato?
Bachillerato is a two-year academic course for students aged 16–18 who wish to pursue higher education. It offers different study tracks like Sciences, Humanities, or Arts and ends with a certificate required for university entrance exams.

What is Formación Profesional Básica (FPB)?
FPB is a vocational training path for students who prefer practical learning. It provides skills for specific trades and may lead to further vocational education or employment.

What is the university admission process in Spain?
To enter university, students must complete Bachillerato and pass the university entrance exams (EBAU or EvAU), which evaluate knowledge in core subjects.

How long are university degrees in Spain?
University degrees (Grado) typically take three to four years to complete, depending on the field of study.

What are the options for vocational training after age 18?
Students can pursue Formación Profesional de Grado Superior, which is advanced vocational training focused on specific professions and often includes internships.

Are postgraduate studies available in Spain?
Yes, Spain offers postgraduate education including Master’s degrees (1–2 years) and Doctoral programs (usually 3+ years), often for career advancement or academic research.

How does Spain handle linguistic diversity in schools?
In regions with co-official languages like Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia, both the regional language and Spanish are used in instruction, promoting bilingual or trilingual education.

When does the school year start and end in Spain?
The academic year usually starts in mid-September and ends in June, with breaks for summer, Christmas, and Easter.

What grading system is used in Spanish schools?
Spain uses a 0–10 grading scale, with 5 being the minimum passing grade for most subjects.

Is early childhood education mandatory in Spain?
No, early childhood education (0–6 years) is non-compulsory, though the second cycle (3–6 years) is widely attended and often supported by public funding.

What subjects are taught in primary and secondary education?
Core subjects include Spanish language, mathematics, natural and social sciences, physical education, arts, and often a foreign language, with additional options in secondary education.

Can students switch between academic and vocational paths?
Yes, students can move from vocational training to academic paths and vice versa, especially between FPB and advanced vocational or university studies.

Are private and international schools available in Spain?
Yes, Spain has a variety of private and international schools, many of which follow foreign curricula or offer bilingual instruction, though they often charge tuition.

What support exists for students with special needs?
Spain provides educational support services, including specialized staff and adapted materials, to ensure inclusive education for students with disabilities or learning difficulties.

What is the role of regional governments in education?
While the national government sets broad educational standards, regional governments have significant control over implementation, including language of instruction and curricula adaptations.

What certificate do students receive after ESO?
Students receive the Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria upon successful completion of ESO, which is required to progress to Bachillerato or vocational education.

Are internships part of the education system?
Yes, especially in vocational training programs like FPB and Grado Superior, internships are often integrated to provide hands-on professional experience.

What options are available after completing a university degree?
Graduates can pursue a Master’s degree for further specialization or enter the job market, and those interested in research or academia can continue with a doctoral program.