Españaula Blog: Your Guide to Schools & Education in Málaga & the Costa del Sol

When I first moved to Málaga with my daughter, one of my biggest challenges was finding the right school for her. After many years working with families in an education setting, I knew the importance of researching options carefully—but even with my experience, navigating the Spanish education system was overwhelming. Between public, concertado, private, and international schools, the choices were vast, each with its own admissions process and requirements. Now that I’ve successfully gone through it twice, I want to share what I’ve learned to help other families make informed decisions.

1️⃣ Understanding the School Options

✅ Public Schools (Colegios Públicos) – Free and run by the Spanish government, public school entrance is based on a points system, with the largest points awarded for your home address (catchment area). They follow the Spanish national curriculum and offer the chance for full immersion in Spanish. Some schools have bilingual programs, though these programs are not bilingual education in a true sense, though most schools operate fully in Spanish. If your child is young, they will likely adapt quickly, but older children may need additional support.

✅ Concertado Schools – A mix between public and private, these semi-private schools receive government funding but can require a monthly contribution, and of course have fees related to books, uniforms, dining, extracurriculars, and transportation. They usually follow the Spanish curriculum but may offer more extracurriculars and language options. Admission is based on a points system, similar to public schools. I found that these schools can be a great middle ground for families looking for smaller class sizes and more structured learning environments without the full cost of private education.

✅ Private & International Schools – These schools operate independently and charge tuition. They often offer British, IB, French, or other international curricula, with bilingual or English-based instruction. They have rolling admissions, but the most popular schools can fill up quickly, so early applications are recommended. If your child has been in an international system, this might be the best choice to ensure continuity in their education.

2️⃣ Key Factors to Consider

💡Language: If your child doesn’t speak Spanish and is further into elementary school, it might be worth it to consider bilingual schools or international programs. The younger a child, the quicker language acquisition usually happens, though there are many other factors as well, including personality and temperament.

💡Catchment Areas: Public and concertado schools assign spots based on where you live, so choosing the right area can be crucial if you plan to go the public/concertado route. I considered areas I knew to be very family-centered as this is typically a strong indicator of the quality of the surrounding schools.

💡 School Hours: Most public schools run from 9 AM – 2 PM, while many concertado and private schools offer extended schedules and after-school programs. If you need longer hours due to work, look for schools with comedor (lunch programs) and extracurricular activities.

💡 Extracurricular Activities: Not all schools offer sports, arts, or language clubs, so check if these are important for your child. I found that many public schools rely on external academies for activities, whereas private schools tend to have more built-in options.

3️⃣ Enrollment Timelines & Process

🔹 Public & Concertado Schools: The application period is from March 1-31 for a September start. You’ll need to provide your NIE, padrón (residency certificate), birth certificate, and any additional documents to prove you qualify for certain points (single-parent family, work contract, etc). The points system determines admissions, so factors like siblings already enrolled, proximity to the school, and family circumstances play a role.

🔹 Private & International Schools: Most accept applications year-round but may have waitlists, especially for popular grades. Some require interviews or entrance exams. My advice? Start early—some schools fill up a year in advance.

4️⃣ Applying Outside the Standard Enrollment Period

If you are moving to Málaga outside the regular March-April enrollment window, you can still apply for a public school spot. Here’s what you need to know:

🔹 Late Enrollment (Escolarización Fuera de Plazo): After the standard application period, families who move to the area or have a valid reason for changing schools can request placement. This is done through the Delegación de Educación (Education Department) in your province.

🔹 Availability Depends on Open Seats: You won’t have the same flexibility as in the standard period, but you’ll be assigned a school with available spots. Some schools in high-demand areas may have long waitlists, while others may have more openings.

🔹 Process: Visit the local Delegación de Educación, submit your residency documents (NIE, padrón, child’s birth certificate), and list your school preferences. If no preferred schools have space, the government will assign you one with availability.

🔹 Tips for Success: If your preferred schools are full, check back frequently, as spots can open up during the summer or even after the school year starts. Persistence and flexibility are key!

5️⃣ Tips for a Smooth Transition

🔹 Visit Schools if Possible – Open houses and tours help you get a feel for the environment. Seeing my child’s potential school in person helped us make our final decision.

🔹 Connect with Other Parents – Join our Facebook group to hear real experiences. This was a lifesaver for me when trying to understand the differences between schools.

🔹 Prepare Your Child – If they’re new to Spanish, consider language classes or tutoring before the school year starts. I also recommend children’s books and Spanish cartoons to help with the transition.

Need Personalized Help? Españaula Has You Covered!

Having gone through this process myself, I know how complicated and stressful it can be. That’s why I created Españaula—to help families like yours navigate the Spanish education system with confidence. Whether you need school recommendations, enrollment support, or expert guidance, I’m here to make the process easier.

📩 Get in touch today to simplify the process & find the best school for your child! 🚀

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👉 Need help with the Anexo III form? This essential document is required for school enrollment, and mistakes can delay your application. Check out our step-by-step guide to filling it out correctly, or let us handle it for you!