About this guide
Learn about schools in Javea and what education options are available in Spain, including compulsory and non-compulsory education, higher education and universities.
What’s covered in this guide?
- What age do children start school in Spain?
- Is school free in Spain?
- What months does school start & finish in Spain?
- When are Spanish school holidays?
- About international schools
- About Spanish schools
- Pre-school education 0-6 years
- Compulsory education 6-16 years
- Non-compulsory education 16-18 years
- Higher education in Spain
- Names & telephone numbers of pre-schools in Javea
- Names & telephone numbers of secondary schools in Javea
- International schools in Javea & Benitachell
- Useful websites about education in Spain
What age do children start school in Spain?
Infantil or pre-school starts September of the year the child is 3 years old.
Children whose birthday’s are after September will start at 2 years and turn 3 during the scholar year.
Education is compulsory in Spain from 6 to 16 years, and schools in Spain are increasingly considered to be of a better standard than those in many other European countries (including the UK) with fewer discipline problems.
Is school free in Spain?
Yes. Local public Spanish schools are free in Spain. The Law of Education makes it compulsory and free for pupils to attend school between ages 6 and 16 years old.
Although education in Spain is free, it’s actually quite good and more so if a child is willing to learn.
International schools are not free.
What months does school start and end in Spain?
The school year in the Javea area, runs from the beginning of September to the middle of June, with 3 school terms of approximately 11 weeks.
Schools close on public holidays and national fiesta days and these days can vary from each autonomous community.
The International schools in the Javea area start back at school after the summer holiday’s, at the beginning of September and break up for the summer holidays early July – a bit later than Spanish schools.
When are Spanish school holidays?
Christmas holidays are usually around 23rd December to 6th January
Easter holidays lasts for one to two weeks around the 4th April to 21st April, depending on Easter itself
Summer holidays kick off around mid-June, usually around the 18th, until early to mid-September.
International schools in & around Javea
International school in and around Javea are the most popular choice for expats, with several in the area to choose from.
Some teach exclusively in English, others in English and Spanish.
Most are members of the National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABSS).
British schools usually follow the UK curriculum and offer GCSEs, A/S and A levels. Many also now offer the internationally- recognised International Baccalaureate diploma as an alternative to A levels.
Class sizes are small and the atmosphere is relaxed.
All international schools are fee paying. Fees vary from school to school.
Spanish schools in & around Javea
Spanish state education in and around Javea, is open to all EU citizens and is free from pre-school to 18.
You’ll be expected to pay for books, stationary and extra-curricular activities.
Villages and suburbs have their own nursery and primary schools, but secondary schools have a larger catchment area.
The catchment area is all-important – if you’re set on a particular school, make sure you look for a home in the right area.
Around 30% of Spain’s school children go to a private school. These are fee paying and offer a lower student/teacher ratio than state schools.
The Spanish education system is well structured and balanced and provides an excellent educational base for children.
Pre-school Education (0-6 years) in Javea
A good way to integrate your children (and yourself into the Spanish-speaking community). Pre-school education (Educación Infantil) is divided into two 3-year stages (0-3 years and 3-6 years). Pre-school education is not compulsory but is free during the second stage (3-6 years) in state-funded schools. There is also a range of nurseries, both state-funded and private, some run by expats.
Compulsory Education (6-16 years)
Consists of two stages:
- Primary education (Educación Primaria) from the age of 6 to 12
- Lower Secondary education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria – ESO) from the age of 12 to 16.
Unlike UK schools, if children fail their end of year exams in at either primary or secondary levels, they risk having to repeat the entire academic year – a definite motivator!
Non-Compulsory Education (16-18 years)
Students can go down one of two routes; as long as they have their certificate to show they have completed their ESO:
- Upper level of secondary education (Bachillerato)
- Intermediate vocational training
The upper level of secondary education prepares students for university.
Alternatively, they can opt for vocational training which begins with general training for the workplace and the moves into specialist areas and work experience placements.
Higher Education in Spain
If you reside in or around Javea, or are in your home country and are thinking about going onto further education in Spain, applicants for Spanish universities are expected to complete the "Selectividad" entrance exam in their final year of secondary school.
Once accepted at a university students study for three years and gain either a licencia (in academic subjects) or a diploma in vocational or technical subjects. University graduates can then go on to do further study for the the equivalent of an MA or PhD.
In Spain, it’s usual for students to go to the nearest university and live at home. There are several good universities in the area, including in Valencia, Alicante and Murcia.
Is university education free in Spain?
Although higher education or university is not completely free in Spain, it’s definitely one of the more economical choices within Europe.
List of schools and telephone numbers in Javea
There are 10 schools to choose from in Javea, varying from all different age groups, all full of different nationality children.
Some of the schools teach all classes in the Valencian language, with some classes in Castellano (mainstream Spanish), but most conduct classes in Castellano with some subjects taught in Valencian.
Either way, kids become bilingual in both languages with ease.
Pre-school and primary schools in Javea
- Graull: +34 965791703
- L’Arenal: +34 965796814
- Maria Inmaculada: +34 965791170
- Trenc D’Alba: +34 965793343
- Vicente Tena: +34 965790737
- Port de Xabia: +34 9664288 60
- Waldorf El Montgo: +34 647 16 25 53
- Xabia International College: +34 966471785
Secondary schools in Javea
- IES Antoni Llidó: +34 965792720
- IES Port: +34 965791268
- Maria Inmaculada: +34 965791170
- Xabia International College: +34 966471785
IES is abbreviation of: Instituto de educación secundaria (Institute of secondary education)
International schools in Javea and Benitachell
![Laude Lady Elizabeth School]()
The Lady Elizabeth School
The Lady Elizabeth SchoolLES has a proud tradition of offering amazing learning opportunities to children from over 50 nationalities over two decades.
Each child is truly valued and respected as an individual. Aiming to empower each student, giving each opportunities to lead, to serve and pursue their passions throughout the learning curve.
Lady Elizabeth faculty and staff are experienced, caring and passionate educators, which creates warm and genuine relationships between teachers and students.
Parents are the most valued partners, as we lean on them for ideas and encouragement and work together to support the students.
- Laude Lady Elizabeth School: +34 965790252 – new centre now at Cumbre del Sol, Benitachell
![XIC - Xabia International College in Javea]()
Xabia International College
Xabia International CollegeThe absolute priority in Xabia International College is to provide a welcoming environment where students and staff can be happy. And achieve outstanding things!
Wonderful energy exists from pre-nursery to the sixth form; enthusiasm for an individual learning experience and synergy between the students and the teachers is key.
The aim of Xabia International College is to develop life-long learners with a spirit of resourcefulness and self-reliance within a warm and purposeful community.
- Xabia International College: +34 966471785