Alicante
Schools & Families
State schools, international schools, nurseries, extracurricular
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Quick facts
- Alicante's public education system is free for all students, covering primary and secondary education.
- The main enrolment period for schools in Alicante occurs in spring, with early registration recommended due to high demand.
- State nurseries for children aged 0-3 are subsidised but often have waiting lists.
- International schools in Alicante offer various curricula, including British and bilingual options.
- Adult education courses in languages are available at the Escuela Oficial de Idiomas in Alicante.
Schools in Alicante: A Comprehensive Guide for British Families
Alicante, located on the beautiful Costa Blanca, offers a diverse educational landscape for families considering relocation or already residing in the area. Understanding the local school system, enrolment processes, and available options is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition for your children.
Alicante's education system is structured into several key stages:
Educación Infantil (3-6 years): This is a non-compulsory stage, but nearly all children attend. Public education is free.
Educación Primaria (6-12 years): This stage is compulsory and lasts for six years.
Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) (12-16 years): This is also compulsory and lasts for four years.
Bachillerato (16-18 years): This is pre-university education and is not compulsory, lasting two years.
From people who live there
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More about Alicante
Healthcare
Health centres, hospitals, pharmacies, how to register, English-speaking doctors
Admin & Documents
Town hall, NIE office, empadronamiento, police station, gestoría recommendations
Housing
Rental market, buying, neighbourhoods, estate agents, typical prices
Cost of Living
Monthly budget, rent, utilities, groceries, eating out, IBI
British Community
Expat groups, social clubs, Facebook groups, where to meet other Brits
Integrating Locally
Spanish classes, markets, fiestas, sports clubs, how locals socialise
Daily Life
Supermarkets, transport, parking, broadband, banks, post office
Things to Do
Beaches, restaurants, hiking, day trips, seasonal events
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