Schools in Tarragona
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The single, largest problem facing most international families when relocating to Catalonia is where to educate our children. Whether to follow the Catalan system or whether to opt for one of the numerous international schools is hotly debated amongst Expats. The Catalan language proves to be the deciding point for most parents, many of whom are unaware before moving to Catalonia that this is the language in which their child will be educated. Many are also unaware that all correspondence between parent and school will be conducted purely in Catalan. Whatever your choice, the following sections aim to give an insight into the options available to parents here in Catalonia and the complex lottery of applying for a state placement.
State Education in Catalonia is co-educational, free and conducted in Catalan rather than Spanish. Places are allocated according to where you live and although education doesn’t begin until the age of six many babies start at nurseries (guarderias) at the age of four months and almost all are at school (preescolar) full-time from the age of three. All children have the right to free education, however in many schools the demand simply outweighs the number of places resulting in a point system at the initial stages and then often a lottery is drawn with many parents unable to secure a place at the first school of their choice. Unlike in many European countries, there is limited job mobility within Catalonia, meaning that children normally remain at one school for the duration of their education and therefore it is not as common for places to open at a later stage. Please see below for a brief explanation of each of the stages of schooling for children and school listings in/around Tarragona.
Bridget Nelson, founder of Sitges Playgroup and Planet English in Sitges, has kindly given us her time to share her experiences of education in Catalunya, the options available to parents, how to apply for schools and how to prepare for that first day. -
Nurseries - Tarragona
There are state funded guarderias (Escola Bressol/Guarderias) for babies from the age of four months but the demand for these is exceptionally high and places are normally allocated on a social need with a minimum number of hours per day to ensure that places are really taken by those in need. It is estimated that 57% of applicants are turned down from the nursery of their choice each year and more and more private nurseries are opening across Catalonia in order to fuel the demand. It is not only working mums that use nurseries but as mother and toddler groups/ playgroups do not really exist in Spain (aside from expat groups) many opt for nurseries as a means of social interaction for their children. Many expats (even those wishing to pursue an international education) use local nurseries for their children as a means to learn the Catalan language at a young age and for a child to become bilingual with relative ease.
For those who wish for their children to start an education in English from a young age or who simply decide not to opt for the local system there are a number of international (English speaking) nurseries.
Parents hoping for a place in a state nursery will need to “pre-inscribe” in April or May either directly at the school or via the local town hall if they wish their child to start in the following September. -
Primary Schools - Tarragona
Preprimary schools are normally attached to the main primary school and are for children from the age of three until six. Attendence at preprimary guarantees a place at the primary school at the age of six. Compulsory education in Spain begins at the age of six and pupils will follow the Catalan curriculum. Although the schools are state funded, parents will normally have to buy books and materials
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Secondary Schools - Tarragona
Students start secondary school at the age of twelve and begin preparation for their baccalaureate or vocational training. After four years pupils receive the Certificate of Secondary Education (ESO). After obtaining the ESO students are legally entitled to leave school or those wishing to continue further, go on to study for the baccalaureate.
Click here for a list of state secondary schools in Tarragona
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International Schools - Tarragona
There are two types of International Schools: Schools that follow their country´s curriculum with or without Spanish and/or Catalan as second languages and schools that teach in their native language and follow the Spanish curriculum. In the latter scenario, secondary education is from 12 to 16 and is obligatory and students can then study the Bachillerato from 16-18 years which enables then to enter University in Europe and the US. Although these schools are classified as 'international' most of the children are Catalan/Spanish so your child will be exposed to both the Spanish and Catalan language through their classmates.
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State schools - application process
Applying for a state-funded (public) school in Catalunya can be quite a daunting process for any foreign parent. Demand often outstrips supply so it can become something of a lottery as to whether your child goes to the school of your choice. The paperwork and documentation can be confusing given it is in Catalan
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Language Schools - Tarragona
For many parents relocating to Catalunya it is key that both them and their children need to learn Spanish or even better Catalan as soon as possible.