Not signed in (Sign In)

Back to the main site

  • Welcome

      Welcome to the MumAbroad Spain forum, an interactive site for mums who have relocated to Spain. Here you can chat with others on any subject you wish, post recommendations, advertize a job or business or use our buy and sell message board. Don´t forget to tell your friends about us too!

  • How to navigate the forum

      You can navigate the forum by using the tabs Discussions, Categories and Search visible at the top of the board.

      Discussions will display ALL threads chronologically
      Categories       divides the threads into different topics
      Search allows you to search for specific messages, users or comments.

  • Create an account

      If you would like to take part in our discussions you will need to create an account. We check each account manually so it may take some time. The reason we do this is to avoid spammers to the forum and to protect our users.
      Click here to apply for an account.

  • How to post a message

      You will need to become member to post a new message or to answer a message. Once your membership is approved, log in and either click on a message to answer a post or click on the link start a new discussion which will appear on the top left hand side.

Welcome Guest!
Want to take part in these discussions? If you have an account, sign in now.
If you don't have an account, apply for one now.

General Discussion / Ask Our Members A Question (Catalunya): Education/Location in Barcelona

Bottom of Page

1 to 3 of 3

  1.  
  1.  
    Hi,
    I am currently in the process of trying to re-locate to the Barcelona area, but I am unsure as to what type of school/nursery would be best for my kids. I have 2 daughters, one who is coming 6 over the summer and the other who will be 2 in October. My understanding is that the Private Schools have quite hefty fees - can anyone shed anymore light on this for me? Do they cater for nursery age kids? And also does anyone have any experience with the Spanish state schools? My eldest daughter is currently in the UK education system and is doing really well, so I don't want to set her back by having to start from scratch learning a new language if English is not spoken at all in the State schools, but would like her to experience the cultural side of the local schools - Any opinions on this? My younger daughter goes to a private nursery here, which through the Tax Credit system I get assistance with - again my understanding is that no such Tax Credit system operates in Spain - would this be correct?
    Also I have been doing a bit of research about areas live in outside of the city centre such as Gava, Badalona, Sant Cugat, Castelldelfels and Stiges. With regard to these can anyone offer any advice about cost of living and how it varies from each region if at all? Also my understanding is that transport links via the trains is pretty efficient from wach of these areas - would that be correct?

    I know I am asking a million questions but I am planning to make a trip in the next month or so to suss alot of schools/areas out and just wanted to have a bit of inside info in advance!

    Thank you!
  2.  
    Hi Kathy,
    Finding the right school is a very difficult task and I´m not sure that the perfect option exists !!
    You are right that private International school are quite expensive and some have a waiting list. Some, like Escaan,St.Peter´s and Oak House do have nursery units.
    Nursery schools or guarderias on the other hand are quite cheap compared to England and although quite carefully controlled by the Government some people are put off by the high child/teacher ratios. All state guarderias and most private ones use Catalan.
    Regarding the State school system - this is also in Catalan with no Spanish being taught until 6 years old. Some schools offer a few hours of english a week right from P3 ( 3 years old) others start english classes a bit later. In my opinion, despite a lot of changes in Primary schools during the last decade, Spanish state primaries are still quite old fashioned and un creative compared to UK primaries. I also think secondary schools have got a long way to go to solve their problems of poor results and high pupil drop out rate.However, sending your child to a local state school is the best way to become fully integrated into the community. You have missed the 2 week application period for state education, but once you have decided where you are going to live, the local educ. authority will be able to tell you which schools still have places available.

    You are right that trains to BCN are very good and also many of the private schools have a school bus service.
    Let me know if I can help with any other info, good luck,
    Bridget
  3.  
    Hi Bridget,

    I really appreciate the feedback you provided, it is very helpful. All information is much appreciated as it is such a big step to make I want to make sure I have all areas covered!

    Thanks again,

    Kathy

1 to 3 of 3

  1.