INCA Education around the world
Spain : Education Structure (ages 3-19)
- 3.2 Educational phases (ages 3 - 19)
- 3.2.1 First phase: Pre-compulsory, age 0 - 6
- 3.2.1.1 Admissions criteria
- 3.2.1.2 Length of school year (in days) and day (in hours)
- 3.2.2 Second phase: Compulsory primary, age 6 - 12
- 3.2.2.1 Admissions criteria
- 3.2.2.2 Length of school year (in days) and day (in hours)
- 3.2.3 Third phase: Post-reform compulsory lower secondary, age 12 - 16
- 3.2.3.1 Admissions criteria
- 3.2.3.2 Length of school year (in days) and day (in hours)
- 3.2.4 Fourth phase: Post-reform post-compulsory upper secondary, age 16 - 18
- 3.2.4.1 Admissions criteria
- 3.2.4.2 Length of school year (in days) and day (in hours).
3.2 Educational phases (ages 3 - 19)
An educational phase is a stage in the child's education which is normally defined by legislation or regulation and is characterised by the age of students, school type and curriculum and assessment arrangements. The curriculum and assessment framework in this Archive is related to these phases.
The four phases in the current system of education in Spain are as follows:
- Phase 1: Pre-compulsory education, which is sub-divided into cycles known as pre-school education (educación pre-escolar) for 0- to 3-year-olds, and infant education (educación infantil) for children aged 3-6 years.
- Phase 2: Compulsory primary education, 6- to 12-year-olds.
- Phase 3: Compulsory lower secondary education (educación secundaria obligatoria - ESO), age 12-16.
- Phase 4: Upper secondary education: Post-compulsory general education (bachillerato), age 16-18; or post-compulsory intermediate level specific vocational training , age 16+. 57
3.2.1 First phase: Pre-compulsory, age 0 - 6
In Spain, pre-compulsory education is regarded as an integral part of the education system, although it remains optional for children.16
Public sector establishments providing pre-compulsory education are generally called infant schools (escuelas de educación infantil). They may offer either the first cycle (0-3 years) known as educación pre-escolar, the second cycle - educación infantil (for 3- to 6-year-olds) or both cycles of pre-compulsory education and often form part of a primary school.29
State-funded pre-compulsory provision has recently been extended to include all 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds whose parents request it.28 In most cases, parents are, however, expected to pay for textbooks and materials used in schools, and also for catering (when available). Only children attending private (non state-funded) schools are expected to pay for their transport to and from school.45
Private sector establishments were previously divided into those providing educación infantil under the competent education authorities - called pre-school establishments (centros de educación infantil), and those not authorised by the authorities as pre-school establishments - called nursery schools (guarderias). By the year 2000, however, all nursery schools had to comply with legal requirements to become official establishments (centros de educación infantil).29
In the 1999-2000 school year, participation rates in pre-compulsory education in Spain were as follows:
| Age of children | Participation rate in % |
| Under 1 year | 1.5 |
| 1 year | 6.8 |
| 2 years | 15.9 |
| 3 years | 84.0 |
| 4 years | 99.1 |
| 5 years | 100 |
Source: Ministry of Education Statistics Office. 57
The above figures compare with 61.2 per cent of 3-year-olds attending some form of pre-school institution in the 1995-96 school year.28
Public sector pre-compulsory institutions are mixed. Private schools may, exceptionally, be single-sex.16
For most children, the nursery/infant school is part of the primary school they will go on to attend, which allows a smooth transition to primary education at the age of 6.23 In addition, mechanisms of cooperation between educación infantil and primary education, and tools to ease communication between pre-school settings and parents have been introduced. These decrees also set out ways to offer remedial education to children with special educational needs especially the children of immigrants and migrants. 74
3.2.1.1 Admissions criteria
Legislation guarantees the provision of pre-compulsory education places for all children of the required age whose parents request it, and state-funded provision for all 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds whose parents request it. The key criterion for admission to state-funded provision in this phase is the child's age. If the demand for places in individual public (and subsidised private) establishments providing pre-compulsory education exceeds supply, admissions criteria may be applied. Priority criteria include: families in greater need of social services, distance from home (or from the parents' place of work), and the presence of siblings at the school. Further supplementary criteria are: to belong to a large family or to have some type of handicap. No child may be discriminated against for the intents and purposes of admission on ideologicial, religious, moral, social or racial grounds. Non-state subsidised, private pre-school establishments can set their own admissions requirements and procedures.16,15,
Normally, students are automatically allocated a place in a particular school by the local administration/authority, but parents are at liberty to choose a different school. Admission will then be subject to the availability of places and to the application of admissions criteria in cases of over-subscription. 15
3.2.1.2 Length of school year (in days) and day (in hours)
In pre-compulsory infant education for 3- to 6-year-olds, the school year usually runs from the second fortnight of September to the end of June and comprises 180 days or 36 weeks of five days. 29 The overall weekly timetable usually covers 25 hours, with each school day lasting five around hours. This is usually divided into morning and afternoon sessions of three and two hours respectively, with a two-hour interval between the two (9.00/10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m./1.00 p.m. and 2.30/3.00 p.m. to 4.30/5.00 p.m.). This provision is known as the "double session". Some schools have also introduced what is known as the "continuous session". This remains a five-hour session, but starts at 8.00/9.00 a.m. and finishes at 1.00/2.00 p.m. The above figures vary slightly from one Autonomous Community to the next.45
For 0- to 3-year-olds, there may be a more flexible timetable to allow the establishment to fulfil its social function.16
3.2.2 Second phase: Compulsory primary, age 6 - 12
General
Primary education lasts six years, catering for children aged 6 to 12 years, and is the first compulsory stage in the education system.29
One of the main aspects of the 1990 LOGSE legislation5 was the introduction of a non-selective model of compulsory education (6- to 16-year-olds).31
State primary institutions are mixed; private schools are sometimes single sex.16
The vast majority of primary schools are directly, physically linked to a secondary school.22
Compulsory primary level education in publicly-funded schools is free of charge, although parents are usually expected to contribute towards the costs of textbooks (see 5.2.6).
Specialist music and dance schools
The "conservatorio elemental" offers around four years' full- or part-time music and dance education to students aged 8 to 12 years. Some institutions combine music and dance education with general schooling. Admissions criteria are established by individual education authorities. Dance students follow a common 'dance' curriculum, while music students may specialise in a specific instrument. The curriculum is offered in a single (four-year) cycle. Students are awarded a certificate in their specialist area in preparation for progressing to the next (intermediate) level of study in that area. The Ministry of Education has overall responsibility for the "conservatorio elemental", which is a publicly-funded, co-educational and secular institution.25 See section 1.2.2 in addition.
3.2.2.1 Admissions criteria
All students of the relevant age (students must be 6 years old) are accepted for primary education (educación primaria); prior pre-compulsory education is not a requirement for admission. If the demand in individual public (and private, subsidised) primary establishments exceeds supply, admissions criteria may be applied. Priority criteria include distance from home (or the parents' place of work), annual family income and the presence of siblings at the school. Further supplementary criteria are: to belong to a large family or to have some type of handicap. No child may be discriminated against for the intents and purposes of admission on ideologicial, religious, moral, social or racial grounds. Non-state subsidised, private pre-school establishments can set their own admissions requirements and procedures.16,15,
Normally, students are automatically allocated a place in a particular school by the local administration/authority, but parents are at liberty to choose a different school. Admission will then be subject to the availability of places and to the application of admissions criteria in cases of over-subscription. 15
3.2.2.2 Length of school year (in days) and day (in hours)
The total number of school days is usually around 180, distributed over 36 five-day weeks. These figures vary slightly from one Autonomous Community to the next.29
Primary education is full-time, usually comprising around 25 one-hour periods in a five-hour day five-day week. Recreation may account for a maximum of 30 minutes per day. The school day is usually divided into morning and afternoon sessions of three and two hours respectively, with a two-hour recreational interval between the two (9.00/10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m./1.00 p.m. and 2.30/3.00 p.m. to 4.30/5.00 p.m.). The minimum number of annual teaching hours is 810 at primary level.29
3.2.3 Third phase: Post-reform compulsory lower secondary, age 12 - 16
This section describes current lower secondary education following the implementation of the 1990 LOGSE legislation. Details of provisions prior to the introduction of LOGSE are provided in Appendix 1.
Compulsory lower secondary education for students aged 12-16 is provided in secondary schools, which have to accommodate a minimum of one class for each school year, but which may also offer (post-compulsory) bachillerato and specific vocational training courses. Its purpose is to complete compulsory education and to prepare students for access to employment or for continuing education.16
The 1990 LOGSE legislation extended compulsory education to the age of 16 (previously education had been compulsory for children aged 6 to 14 years) and introduced a non-selective (comprehensive) school structure. 31
The vast majority of secondary schools are directly, physically linked to a primary school.22
Specialist music and dance schools
The "conservatorio profesional" offers full- or part-time music and dance education to students aged 12+ years. Some institutions combine music and dance education with general schooling. Admissions criteria are established by individual education authorities. Dance students follow a common 'dance' curriculum, while music students may specialise in a specific instrument. The curriculum is offered in a single cycle. Students are awarded a certificate in their specialist area in preparation for progressing to the next (advanced) level of study in that area. The Ministry of Education has overall responsibility for the "conservatorio profesional", which is a publicly-funded, co-educational and secular institution.25 See section 1.2.2 in addition.
Specialist language schools
The "Escuela Oficial de Idiomas" offers part-time language education to students from the age of 14 upwards (there is no maximum age limit) who are in other secondary level education. To qualify for admission, students must have completed the first cycle of compulsory secondary education (ESO) (see section 4.3.2). The schools can offer up to 22 languages (including Arabic, Basque, Catalan, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, English, French, Galician, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish as a foreign language, and Portuguese). Some schools are experimenting by also offering Finnish, Irish, Korean and Swedish. In the school year 1998/99, just over 60 per cent of students in such schools studied English, almost 19 per cent French, and just over three per cent studied Italian.25
The Ministry of Education has overall responsibility for the "Escuela Oficial de Idiomas", which is a publicly-funded, co-educational and secular institution.25
3.2.3.1 Admissions criteria
Access to compulsory lower secondary education (age 12) is automatic upon completion of primary education.16
Normally, students are automatically allocated a place in a particular school by the local administration/authority, but parents are at liberty to choose a different school. Admission will then be subject to the availability of places and to the application of admissions criteria in cases of over-subscription. 15 Such criteria include distance from home (or the parents' place of work), annual family income and the presence of siblings at the school. Further supplementary criteria are: to belong to a large family or to have some type of handicap. No child may be discriminated against for the intents and purposes of admission on ideologicial, religious, moral, social or racial grounds. Non-state subsidised, private pre-school establishments can set their own admissions requirements and procedures.16,15,
Students in primary schools which are associated with a specific secondary education establishment may register in this school without having to undergo a new admissions process. Indeed, when demand exceeds the number of places available in a secondary school, priority is given to students from primary schools associated with the secondary establishment in question. 57
3.2.3.2 Length of school year (in days) and day (in hours)
The academic year for compulsory lower secondary education usually begins in the second half of September and ends in the last week of June. The total number of school days is around 175, divided into 36 five-day weeks. These figures vary slightly from one Autonomous Community to the next.29
The weekly timetable for (compulsory lower and post-compulsory upper) secondary school consists of around 30 55-minute class periods, over five days from Monday to Friday. The minimum number of annual teaching hours at lower secondary level is 898.29
The school day usually comprises a single session running throughout the morning and early afternoon, with two short breaks. There is no part-time schooling during the compulsory phase.29
3.2.4 Fourth phase: Post-reform post-compulsory upper secondary, age 16 - 18
Post-compulsory upper secondary education is generally divided into bachillerato education and intermediate and advanced level specific vocational training. It is often offered in the same location as lower secondary education (with a view to encouraging students to continue their studies).67
Bachillerato
The current bachillerato course was introduced in the 1998/9 academic year. It caters for students aged 16 to 18 years and is available in secondary schools providing compulsory secondary education (for students aged 12-16) or, exceptionally, in schools exclusively for the bachillerato, providing a minimum of four classes. Schools need to offer at least two of the four bachillerato option streams (modalidades) and facilities and premises vary according to the option streams available.16 (Further information on the bachillerato option streams can be found in sections 5.4.2 and 5.4.3.)
Specific vocational training
Specific vocational training is divided into two educational levels or tiers: intermediate and advanced. Students usually enrol in intermediate level specific vocational training courses immediately after completing compulsory lower secondary (ESO) education (aged 16+), and in advanced level courses on completion of the bachillerato (18+).16
The length of intermediate level specific vocational training courses varies depending on the specific training cycle - from 1000 to 2000 hours, distributed over one-and-a-half or two school years; the one-and-a-half-year cycle is the more common of the two. Intermediate level courses may be offered by ordinary secondary schools called institutos de educación secundaria (usually alongside the bachillerato).29
The duration of advanced level (post-bachillerato) specific vocational training courses ranges from 1300 to 2000 hours, over one-and-a-half or two academic years. Advanced level specific vocational training courses may be taught in institutions devoted exclusively to vocational training.29
Specialist art school
The "escuela de arte" offers full-time education to students aged 16 to 18 and 18 to 20 years. To enter, students must usually hold a secondary school leaving qualification (the Graduado en Educación Secundaria - Certificate of Secondary Education) and take a test. The curriculum is offered in a single cycle and specialist art qualifications are awarded. Students who complete this level can move on to higher education in the arts. The Ministry of Education has overall responsibility for the "escuela de arte", which is a publicly-funded, co-educational and secular institution.25
See 3.2.3 also - specialist language schools.
3.2.4.1 Admissions criteria
Bachillerato
The Graduado en Educación Secundaria (Certificate of Secondary Education), (a secondary school leaving certificate) awarded to those who have met the objectives of compulsory lower secondary education (age 16), grants access to bachillerato courses16.
Intermediate level specific vocational training
Access to intermediate level specific vocational training courses is also granted to holders of the Certificate of Secondary Education (Graduado en Educación Secundaria) and to those who pass an aptitude (knowledge and skills) test, regulated by the education authorities.16
Advanced level specific vocational training, age 18+
Access to advanced level specific vocational training courses, is normally limited to holders of the bachillerato certificate. Admissions requirements may also include having studied specific related subjects in the bachillerato. However, candidates aged 20 years and over may also gain admission through a test, regulated by the education authorities, to confirm that they are sufficiently mature in relation to the objectives of the bachillerato and have the vocational skills required for the relevant occupational field (those with relevant work experience may be exempt from the latter).16
Non-subsidised private establishments determine their own admissions procedures.26
3.2.4.2 Length of school year (in days) and day (in hours).
The academic year for upper secondary education usuallyb begins in the second half of September and ends in the last week of June. The total number of school days is around 175, divided into 36 five-day weeks. These figures vary slightly from one Autonomous Community to the next.29
The weekly timetable for (lower and) upper secondary school consists of around 30 55-minute class periods, over five days from Monday to Friday.29
The school day usually comprises a single session running throughout the morning and early afternoon, with two short breaks.29
