INCA Education around the world
Spain : Education Structure (ages 3-19)
3.1 Compulsory education
The 1990 LOGSE legislation 5 extended compulsory education by two years so that it began at age 6 and ended at 16. Previously, compulsory education had ended at age 14. LOGSE also distinguished between compulsory primary education (children aged 6 to 12) and compulsory (lower) secondary education (for students aged 12 to 16).16
In certain circumstances, compulsory education can extend to a maximum age of 18. Specific Social Guarantee ("Garantía Social") programmes are designed for those students who have difficulty in obtaining the secondary education leaving certificate on completion of compulsory lower secondary education at age 16. Local administrations may collaborate in such programmes, by offering students basic vocational training to prepare them for employment or for further studies.16 Since the 2003/04 academic year, Social Guarantee programmes have been replaced by programas de iniciación profesional (programmes of initial vocational training). See section 6.3.7 for further information.
Distance education
The LOGSE further specifies that suitable distance education should be made available for those students who are unable to attend school regularly. Consequently, there are national and regional centres for the innovation and development of distance education.25
Home education
Spanish legislation establishes that basic education is compulsory for all children aged between 6 and 16, and that parents are responsible for making sure that their children take part in compulsory education and attend class regularly. Children are only allowed to receive education in their own homes - provided by a teacher - in exceptional cases, authorised by the relevant education authority. Such cases can include, for example, students who are suffering from severe developmental disorders and who are consequently unable to attend school on a regular basis. 95
| Phase | Type of institution, education or course | Year/cycle | Typical age | |
| Higher and further education |
University (following successful completion of the university entrance test) Advanced level specific vocational training Work |
18+ | ||
| Upper secondary education |
Bachillerato Students select an area of study from the arts; natural science and health; humanities and social science; or technology for the titulode bachillerato |
Formacion Profesional de Grado Medio (specific vocational training) Leading to the titulode tecnico |
16-18 | |
| Compulsory secondary education(Educacion secundaria obligatoria - ESO) | Leading to the Certificate of Secondary Education (Graduado en Educacion Secundaria) ** | Second cycle | 14-16 | |
| First cycle | 12-14 | |||
| Compulsory primary education | Educacion primaria | Third cycle | 10-12 | |
| Second cycle | 8-10 | |||
| First cycle | 6-8 | |||
| Pre-primary/ pre-school education | Educacion infantil | Second cycle* | 3-6 | |
| First cycle* | 0-3 |
* Pre-primary education is provided free of charge by the state for children aged 3 to 6 years whose parents request it. Nursery schools may offer the first cycle (0- to 3-year-olds), the second cycle (3- to 6-year-olds), or both cycles of infant education, and often form part of a primary school
** Students who do not attain the Graduado en Educación Secundaria (Certificate of Secondary Education) receive a 'leaving certificate'. This states where and for how long the student has been at school.
