Schools and Nurseries: The Honest Guide

Valencian education runs in three streams.

• Público — fully state, free, taught primarily in Valenciano with Castilian alongside
• Concertado — part-state, part-private, usually religious in origin (sometimes secular in practice). Small fees (€80-200/month plus uniforms, lunches, materials).
• Privado — fully fee-paying. Includes the British, French, German, American schools. €6,000-15,000/year.

When to start

• Escuela infantil (nursery) — 0-3 years. Mostly private (€350-600/month). Municipal options exist with long waitlists; apply 12 months ahead if you want one.
• Educación infantil — 3-6 years, inside the regular school system. Free in público/concertado.
• Primaria — 6-12
• ESO + Bachillerato — 12-16 + 16-18

How enrolment works

The main proceso de admisión runs in March/April for the following September. You apply by listing up to 10 schools in order of preference. Points are awarded based on:

• Sibling already enrolled — the biggest single factor
• Distance from home or work — use the postcode/work-address option that puts you closest
• Family income — lower income, more points
• Special needs
• Bonus categories — single parent, large family, etc.

You can check past years’ cut-off points for each school on the GVA website.

Don’t panic if you arrive outside the main window. Matrícula viva (rolling enrolment) runs all year. Walk directly to the school you want and ask about availability.

Language considerations

Most público/concertado schools in Valencia teach primarily in Valenciano, with Castilian taught alongside. Some schools have a "linguistic programme" — either Valenciano-dominant (PEV), Castilian-dominant (PIP), or trilingual including English.

Children pick up Valenciano fast — often faster than their parents. By the end of the first year most can follow lessons fluently.

If you’re only here for a year or two, an international school avoids the language-acquisition phase entirely. If you’re here for the long term, a state Spanish-speaking school is more useful for the child’s future and dramatically cheaper.

The conversation many parents miss

Ask each school you visit:

• What’s the family culture? Lots of parties? Lots of homework? Religious tone?
• How do you support children who arrive mid-year without Spanish/Valenciano?
• What’s the AMPA (parents’ association) like — active or absent?
• What time does the school day end, and are there extraescolares?
• How are bullying or social issues handled?

The school’s atmosphere matters as much as its academic reputation. Visit at drop-off and pick-up; you’ll learn more in those 20 minutes than from any brochure.

International schools — the realistic view

The major international schools in Valencia:

• Caxton College (British curriculum, in Bétera, ~25 mins from centre)
• British School of Valencia (Rocafort, ~15 mins)
• American School of Valencia (Puzol, ~25 mins)
• Cambridge House (Rocafort)
• Liceo Francés (centre of city)
• Deutsche Schule (centre)

Fees €6,000-15,000/year + registration + uniforms + lunches + buses. Waitlists for popular years; apply 6-12 months ahead.

When to hire help

For navigating mid-year enrolment, school choice, or visa-related school questions, a school admissions consultant charges €200-500 and saves weeks of confusion. Worth it if you’re moving with school-age children in a hurry. Ask in Valencia expat groups for current recommendations.