Spain

Since the Spanish Constitution of 1978, the Spanish education system has undergone a process of transformation, with the central authorities gradually transferring functions, services and resources to the various regional authorities (the autonomous communities).

All the regions have now taken over the functions, services, and resources of university and non university education.

Under this decentralized model, the administration of the Spanish education system is divided into:

- The state authority (Ministerio de Educación, Política Social y Deporte).

- The regional authority (Consejería de Educación de la Junta de Andalucía).

- The local authorities (Municipalities), and

- The teaching centres (C.E.I.P., I.E.S., E.O.I., etc.)

The state keeps exclusive powers:

- To safeguard the standardisation and unity of the education system and

- to guarantee the basic equality of all the Spaniards with regards to their fundamental education rights.

THE SPANISH EDUCATION IS DIVIDED INTO:

A) INFANT EDUCATION:

0-3 Years old: It has an educational and assistance nature.

3-6 Years old: It is the first stage in the education system.

B) PRIMARY EDUCATION:

6-12 Years old: The first compulsory stage in the system. Divided into 3 periods of 2 years each one.

C) SECONDARY EDUCATION: (12-16 Years old).

a. Compulsory Secondary Education: 4 School Years divided into 2 periods of 2 years each one. The pupils who reach the standards get a certificate. Pupils who do not reach the basic objectives get another chance with a basic vocational training (Program PCPI).

b. Intermediate Vocational Training: Two year courses for students who has passed Compulsory Secondary Education and want to do an specific job.

D) UPPER SECONDARY EDUCATION: (16-18 Years old).

  • Three Options: ARTS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; HUMANITIES; AND SOCIAL SCIENCES.
  • Students get a ‘BACHILLER DIPLOMA’ that enables them to continue their studies, either at University. (After passing a general exam) or in advanced Vocational Training.

E) UPPER VOCATIONAL TRAINING: (More than 18 Years old).
  • For students who have passed Upper Secondary Education.
  • When they finish, they can also go to University and study in fields related to their studies.

F) UNIVERSITY EDUCATION: (More than 18 Years old).
  • Students need to pass a general exam called “Selectividad”.

This is the graphic of the educative system in Andalusia: