Schools in Cantabria: Guide for Families Moving to Spain
If you’re planning a move to Spain with children, one of the first questions you’ll have is about education. Choosing the right school is a key part of settling into a new life abroad. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at schools in Cantabria, explain how the Spanish education system works, and share what international families need to know about enrolment and school options in the region.
When Does School Start in Cantabria?
Unlike in many countries where the school year begins at the end of August or on September 1st, Spanish schools start later. Each region sets its own calendar, and in Cantabria, the new school year begins around September 8th.
For the first month, public primary schools in Cantabria usually follow a reduced timetable until 1pm, giving children time to adjust after the long summer holidays.
Understanding the Spanish School System
When moving to Cantabria with kids, it’s important to know the structure of the Spanish education system:
Infantil (ages 3–5): Pre-school stage. Children start the year they turn 3. Cantabria also offers early schooling for 2-year-olds with shorter days.
Primaria (ages 6–11): Six years of primary education, focusing on core subjects like Spanish language, maths, and natural/social sciences.
ESO – Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ages 12–16): Compulsory secondary education. Students complete this stage at 16, when they can choose between continuing with academic studies or starting vocational training.
Post-16 Options: Students may either take Bachillerato (the academic route leading to university) or Formación Profesional (FP), vocational courses designed to prepare them for the workplace.
This flexibility allows families moving to Cantabria to choose a pathway that fits their child’s strengths and future goals.
Types of Schools in Cantabria
Families relocating to Spain will find three main types of schools in Cantabria:
Public schools (Colegios públicos): Free to attend, funded by the government, though families cover costs like books, meals, and transport.
Semi-private schools (Concertados): Run privately but partly state-funded. They require modest fees and often offer bilingual or Catholic education.
Private schools (Privados): Fully paid by families, including some international schools offering bilingual or English-language curricula.
Each option has pros and cons depending on your priorities — affordability, location, class sizes, or language of instruction.
School Enrolment in Cantabria
The school enrolment process in Cantabria is something families should prepare for in advance:
Main enrolment period: March is the official time to apply for schools.
Points system: Places are allocated using a points-based system, with criteria such as home address, siblings already enrolled, and parents’ work locations.
Late arrivals: Families moving mid-year can still apply under exceptional enrolment, though availability depends on the school and area.
This means your choice of location in Cantabria will directly impact which schools are available to your children — something to keep in mind when choosing where to live.
Moving to Cantabria with Kids: How We Can Help
Finding the right school is one of the biggest concerns for families relocating abroad. At Move to Cantabria, we help international families navigate the Spanish school system, understand their options, and secure places that suit their children’s needs.
We know how important it is to feel confident about your child’s education when starting a new life in Spain. That’s why we offer personalised packages on Cantabria schools for expats, tailored to your family.
👉 Book a free 20-minute consultation with us today and let us give you an overview of the process. Together, we’ll make your move to Cantabria stress-free and ensure your children thrive in their new school.
