Schools in Spain for Expat Families
Schools usually decide everything else when families relocate to Spain — the region you can realistically live in, the budget you need, and how quickly your children settle. This guide compares the four main school options for expat families, where they cluster, what they cost, and how to sequence the school decision against the town decision.
For related context, see moving to Spain with kids, best places to live in Spain with family, best areas in Spain for families, and the cost of living in Spain for families.
School types in Spain compared
Most expat families end up choosing between four school types. Each has a different language profile, fee level and family fit.
| Type | Language | Indicative cost | Best fit |
|---|
| International (British / IB / American) | English-medium, Spanish as a subject | Mid four to low five figures per year | Families needing curriculum continuity or expecting to move again |
| Bilingual / private | Mix of Spanish and English | Lower than international, still meaningful | Families wanting real Spanish acquisition with English support |
| Concertado (semi-private) | Mostly Spanish, sometimes bilingual streams | Low formal fees plus monthly contributions and extras | Long-stay families comfortable with Spanish-language schooling |
| Public | Spanish (plus co-official language by region) | Free; budget for materials, lunches and activities | Younger children and families committed long-term |
Best regions in Spain for schools: a quick fit guide
School density and budget pressure vary heavily by region. The list below gives a realistic read for relocating families rather than a ranking.
- Madrid: deepest international-school choice, highest competition for places, highest overall cost of living.
- Barcelona: strong international and bilingual offer, plus Catalan in public and concertado schools — relevant if you're choosing public.
- Costa del Sol (Marbella, San Pedro, Estepona, Mijas): unusually high concentration of international schools for a coastal area. See our international schools on the Costa del Sol guide.
- Valencia and Costa Blanca: growing international offer, generally better value than Madrid or Barcelona.
- Mallorca: small but well-regarded cluster around Palma; works well if you accept island logistics.
- Northern Spain (Bilbao, San Sebastián): fewer international schools; bilingual and concertado options are more common.
School costs in Spain: what families should budget for
Quoted school fees rarely tell the full story. Beyond the headline tuition, families typically budget for registration, uniforms, lunches, school transport, books and extracurriculars. International school totals can land well above the basic fee once these are added. Concertado schools often look very cheap on paper but include monthly contributions. Public schools are free but still carry annual material and activity costs. Always ask each school for a written, full-year cost breakdown before committing.
For a wider family budget view see the cost of living in Spain for families and our practical relocation checklist.
Should you choose the school or the town first?
With teenagers, choose the school first. Curriculum continuity and exam pathways matter far more than the postcard view of a town. With younger children, you have more flexibility, but the language transition still needs a plan. If you're using international schools, map the realistic commute radius before choosing housing — in Madrid, Barcelona and the Costa del Sol, traffic often matters more than distance on a map. Take the family quiz to see which areas fit your school priorities, budget and lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions about schools in Spain
What types of schools are available in Spain for expat families?
Most relocating families choose between four types: international schools (English-medium, British or IB curriculums), bilingual or private schools (mix of Spanish and English), concertado schools (semi-private, partly state-funded) and Spanish public schools (free, taught in Spanish and the regional co-official language where applicable). The right fit depends on your children's ages, language plans, budget and how long you expect to stay in Spain.
Where are international schools in Spain concentrated?
The deepest international-school clusters are around Madrid, Barcelona and the Costa del Sol (Marbella, San Pedro, Estepona and Mijas). Valencia and the Costa Blanca have a growing offer, and Mallorca has a smaller but well-regarded set around Palma. Northern Spain (Bilbao, San Sebastián) has fewer international schools, so families there often use bilingual or concertado options.
How much do schools in Spain cost for expat families?
International school fees vary heavily by region, age and curriculum and often sit in the mid-four to low-five figures per year. Bilingual and private schools are usually lower but still a meaningful monthly cost. Concertado schools may have low formal fees but typically include monthly contributions and extras. Public schools are free. Families should always check directly with each school and factor in registration, uniforms, lunches, buses, books and extracurriculars.
Should we choose the school or the town first when moving to Spain with kids?
With teenagers, choose the school first — curriculum continuity and exam pathways matter more than the postcard. With younger children, you have more flexibility, but language transition still matters. If you're using international schools, map the realistic commute radius before choosing housing; in Madrid, Barcelona and the Costa del Sol, traffic often matters as much as distance.
When should we apply to schools in Spain?
Popular international and bilingual schools fill six to twelve months ahead. If you're targeting a September start, begin enquiries the previous autumn. Waitlists for popular year groups are common, especially primary entry points. Public school enrolment follows regional admissions windows in spring.
Which regions in Spain are best for schools?
Madrid and Barcelona usually offer the deepest international-school choice but with higher costs and more competition for places. The Costa del Sol has an unusually high concentration of international schools for a coastal area, especially around Marbella. Valencia and the Costa Blanca often offer a better balance of choice and price, but availability varies heavily by town. Mallorca works well in key areas if you accept island logistics.