Schools & Families in Begur

Education in Catalonia is organised by the Generalitat de Catalunya, the regional government. State schools are free, and the system is divided into:

• Educació Infantil (0–6 years): split into two cycles – 0–3 (nursery) and 3–6 (pre-primary, free and part of the state system).
• Educació Primària (6–12 years): primary school.
• Educació Secundària Obligatòria (ESO) (12–16 years): compulsory secondary education.
• Batxillerat (16–18 years): post-compulsory, leading to university.

In Begur, the state primary school is CEIP Els Pins, and the secondary school is INS Begur. Both are part of the public network and follow the Catalan curriculum.

Catalan is the main language of instruction in all state schools in Catalonia, including in Begur. Spanish is taught as a subject, and English is introduced as a foreign language, typically from primary school onwards. For British children, this means they will be immersed in Catalan from day one. Many expat families find that children adapt quickly, especially in primary years, but it is worth considering a language immersion course for yourself and your children before or shortly after arrival.

CEIP Els Pins (Primary, 3–12 years) is located in the town centre. It offers the full primary cycle and has a good reputation locally. INS Begur (Secondary, 12–16 years) is also in the town, offering ESO and Batxillerat. Both schools are well-established and serve the local community.

For families living in the surrounding hamlets, such as Sa Riera or Aiguablava, the same schools serve the whole municipality. There are no other state schools in Begur itself.

There are no international or private schools in Begur. The nearest British-curriculum school is in Barcelona, approximately 130 km away, which is not practical for a daily commute. Some families choose to live in Begur and send their children to international schools in Girona (about 50 km away), but this also involves a long journey. For most, the state schools in Begur are the realistic option.

Enrolment for state schools in Catalonia follows a standard process each year:

1. Pre-enrolment (preinscripció) usually opens in March for the following September. Exact dates are published by the Generalitat de Catalunya.
2. You must apply online or at the school, listing your preferred schools in order.
3. Places are allocated based on criteria such as proximity, siblings at the school, and family income.
4. You must be registered on the padrón (municipal census) in Begur to apply. This is a simple process at the town hall (Ajuntament de Begur).

Documents you will need include your passport or NIE, the child's birth certificate, and proof of address (such as a rental contract or property deed). For secondary school, the process is the same, but you may also need to provide previous school records.

For children under 3, Begur has a municipal nursery, Llar d'Infants Municipal, which offers places for children from 4 months to 3 years. Fees are income-based, and places are allocated through a similar application process. Demand can be high, so it is advisable to apply early. There are also private nurseries in the area, but the municipal one is the main option in the town.

For adults, the nearest adult education centre is the Escola d'Adults in Palafrugell, about 8 km away. It offers courses in Catalan and Spanish for foreigners, as well as basic skills and qualifications. The Consell Comarcal del Baix Empordà also runs courses in the area. For professional development, the University of Girona (about 50 km away) offers a range of programmes.

The key points for British families are:

• Language: Your children will learn in Catalan. This is a unique advantage for bilingualism, but it can be challenging at first. Consider enrolling them in a Catalan language summer camp before starting school.
• Enrolment: Register on the padrón as soon as you arrive. This is essential for school enrolment and also for accessing healthcare and other services.
• School hours: State schools typically run from 9:00 to 12:30 and then 15:00 to 16:30, with a long lunch break. Many schools offer a 'menjador' (lunch service) for a fee.
• School calendar: The school year runs from September to June, with holidays at Christmas, Easter, and summer.

Begur's state schools are a solid choice for families who are committed to integrating into Catalan life. The language immersion is a real commitment, but children often thrive. The lack of a nearby international school is a significant trade-off for families who want a British-style education. If you are planning a permanent move, the local schools are a good option; if you are only staying for a few years, you may need to consider alternatives in Girona or further afield. Overall, Begur suits families who are open to a bilingual future for their children.

• CEIP Els Pins - Projecte Educatiu de Centre (Generalitat de Catalunya)
• INS Begur - Projecte Educatiu de Centre (Generalitat de Catalunya)
• Living in Begur: an expat guide (Kyero)
• Educació - Ajuntament de Begur (Ajuntament de Begur)
• Escola d'Adults de Palafrugell (Ajuntament de Palafrugell)
• Preinscripció i matriculació - Generalitat de Catalunya (Generalitat de Catalunya)