Can I Get a Spot in a Spanish Public School After the March Enrollment Period?

Moving to Spain outside of the official school enrollment window can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to secure a spot at a good public school for your child. As both a parent and education consultant living in Málaga, I’ve been there—and I’ve helped many families through it.

The good news? Yes, you can still get a spot in a Spanish public school after the March enrollment period. But the process works differently, and there are some important things to know before you dive in.

📅 Understanding the March Enrollment Period

Each year, Spain’s public and concertado schools follow a centralized enrollment calendar. In Andalucía, the main enrollment period runs through the month of March, with placements announced in May for the following academic year (which begins in September).

This process is ideal for families who are already living in Spain or planning their move well in advance.

But if you’re arriving later in the year—or just missed the March window—you’re not out of options.

🧾 What Happens After March? The “Off-Cycle” Enrollment Process

Once the regular enrollment period closes, school admissions shift to a continuous or exceptional admissions process, which is handled differently in each autonomous community.

In Andalucía, including Málaga and the Costa del Sol, late enrollments go through a process managed by the Delegación de Educación. This involves:

Completing the Anexo IX form
Submitting it in person to your local education office
Waiting for placement based on availability in nearby schools

This process is used when you’re moving into a new area, changing addresses, or arriving from abroad.

❗Things to Keep in Mind

You will need to be flexible and patient in this off-cycle process. Your child will be offered a slot where space is available, the office should be able to provide a list of schools with openings.
Schools with strong reputations or central locations may be full—but there are often excellent under-the-radar options with space.
You’ll need a local address (empadronamiento) to apply.
You may be asked to submit translated documents, medical forms, or proof of vaccinations.

🧠 A Consultant’s Perspective: Is It Worth It?

Yes. This process can be frustrating and bureaucratic—especially in a new language. That’s why I support families one-on-one with researching school options, completing paperwork, and translation when needed.

🧭 Need Help Navigating the Anexo IX Process?

If you’re arriving in Málaga after the March enrollment period and need support with:

Understanding your local school options
Filling out and submitting the Anexo IX
Communicating with the education office

👉 I offer personalized services to guide you through each step. You can also download our step-by-step Anexo III guide (this is the form used in the March enrollment period and nearly identical to the Anexo IX form) to get started with confidence.