In order for a child to enrol in a Spanish school, an interview is required
and, occasionally, an examination which will usually test the child's knowledge
of Spanish.
New arrivals in Spain must have their children's education record
officially verified through a process known as homologation or convalidation.
This can be an expensive and lengthy process involving the confirmation
of credits and marks for each year of schooling. The price depends on the number
of years to be convalidated. In some towns there may be only one 'public
notary' authorised to carry out the necessary work and consequently he
usually
charges a considerable amount. Without the necessary paperwork a child
won't be accepted at a state school, irrespective of his qualifications (foreign
qualifications such as the British GCSE aren't recognised in Spain). If
possible,
this process should be completed before arriving in Spain as a child may
not be accepted at a school until the official papers (confirming convalidation)
have been received and stamped by the Spanish Department of Education.
In Spain, children must attend a state school within a certain distance of
their home, so if you have a preference for a particular school, it's important
to buy or rent a home within that school's catchment area. Town halls and
provincial Ministry of Education offices can provide a list of local schools
at all levels.
To enrol a child in a Spanish school you must provide your town hall with the
following documents:
- Your child's birth certificate or passport with an official Spanish translation
(if necessary)
- Proof of immunisation
- Proof of residence in the form of an electricity or telephone bill in your
name. If you don't have any bills, a rent receipt, lease or proof of ownership
is acceptable
- Proof of convalidation
Readers will be pleased to learn that the above procedure does not appear to
be followed in practice.
See the thread "getting
my children into a state school" on the general message board.
