ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Starting school on the Costa Blanca is more than just a new timetable - for many families, it means entering an unfamiliar education system with different languages, structures and administrative channels. The Comunidad Valenciana manages the public school system regionally and teaching is bilingual: in Spanish and Valencian. The system is clearly organised: Voluntary pre-school (Infantil, 3-6 years), primary school (Primaria, 6-12 years), secondary school (ESO, 12-16 years) and voluntary upper secondary school (Bachillerato, 16-18 years).
Parents can choose between state schools, semi-state institutions (concertados), public schools and international programmes. Anyone wishing to apply for a school place must do so digitally via the education authority's central online portal (https://portal.edu.gva.es/adminova/es/inicio/). Confirmation of places already allocated is also done exclusively online.
There are specific deadlines for children starting pre-school, primary school or secondary school - from application to enrolment to the catch-up phase. The deadlines differ depending on the type of school. Missed online enrolments can be made up in person within set periods.
The following are required for enrolment: a current registration certificate (empadronamiento), proof of identity (NIE/DNI or passport), the SIP card, possibly the vaccination certificate and previous certificates, if available. Important to know: In public schools, some lessons are also held in Valencian. There are support programmes for children without language skills, but they are not always available everywhere.
In many cases, parents have to purchase learning materials and school books themselves. Some municipalities provide support through the „Xarxa de Llibres“ programme, where used books can be returned and reused.
If you need support, you can contact the education departments of the city councils. The education authority of the Comunidad Valenciana provides an overview of all dates and documents at www.ceice.gva.es.
Conclusion: Early information, digital preparation and a little patience help to make your start in Spanish school life structured and stress-free.
REGULAR REGISTRATION PHASE (electronic)
▶ Preschool & primary school 06.05. - 14.05.
▶ Secondary level I & II (ESO/Bachillerato) 15.05 - 23.05.
▶ Special schools (CEE/UECO) 06.05. - 14.05.
ENROLLMENT (for confirmed places from the regular phase)
▶ Preschool & primary school 18.07. - 27.07.
▶ Secondary level I (ESO) 16.07. - 21.07.
▶ Secondary level II (Bachillerato) 22.07. - 25.07.
EXTRAORDINARY REGISTRATION (electronic)
▶ Preschool & primary school 17.07. - 22.07.
▶ Secondary level I (ESO) 23.07. - 24.07.
▶ Secondary level II (Bachillerato) 25.07. - 28.07.
REGISTRATION after extraordinary phase (on site)
▶ Preschool & Primary School 29.07. - 31.07.
▶ ESO 01.09. - 03.09.
▶ Bachillerato: 03.09. - 05.09.
