Class Size: What Families Can Expect in Public and Concertado Schools

Class size is one of the most common things families ask about when considering schools anywhere. In Andalucía, class size is regulated at the regional level, with caps depending on the type of school and the child’s age. Recent changes for the 2026–2027 school year reflect broader demographic shifts and are already influencing how classrooms look on the ground.

Starting next school year, the maximum class size for 3-year-olds (Infantil 3) in public and concertado schools in Andalucía will be 22 students per classroom.

This is a notable change. Historically, the cap for classrooms was 25 students, with classes in some zones surpassing 30 when demand was higher than available seats.

Due to declining birth rate, many schools, particularly outside of high-demand urban zones, are already operating well below the maximum. In practice, it is increasingly common to see classes of 16–20 children, and in some schools even fewer.

The new cap of 22 formalizes what has already been happening in many communities, while also offering families greater predictability and reassurance when enrolling younger children.

It is also important to understand that class size in public and concertado schools is still influenced by catchment areas.

Schools in:

High-demand neighborhoods
Central urban areas
Zones with fewer available schools

may be closer to, or at, the maximum, with a handful of schools still having far more applicants than slots, while schools in less saturated zones often have smaller groups. This means that two public schools following the same regional regulations can offer very different classroom environments depending on location.

The new class size cap for Infantil reflects demographic realities already shaping schools across Andalucía. While the official maximum is now 22 students, many classrooms, especially outside high-demand urban zones, are already smaller. For families, this often means a calmer, more personalized early-years experience than the numbers alone might suggest. As always, local context matters, and class size is best understood alongside the school’s teaching style, culture, and how well it fits your child’s needs.