Education in Seville: A Guide for International Families

Thinking about relocating to sunny Seville with your family? You're not alone! One of the biggest questions we get at Haven Group is: what are the schools like? Whether you're coming for a few years or planning to put down roots, we've created this guide to help international families navigate education in Seville with confidence.

The Spanish Education System: Structure and Ages
 Spain’s school system is structured and straightforward, with clear stages based on age:

Educación Infantil (Early Childhood Education)
First Cycle: 0-3 years (mostly private or daycare-style)
Second Cycle: 3-6 years (free in public schools and widely attended)
Educación Primaria (Primary Education)
Ages 6-12
Compulsory
Divided into three two-year cycles
Subjects include Spanish, math, science, language, and PE
Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO)
Ages 12-16
Compulsory four-year secondary education
Leads to a "Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria"
Post-Compulsory Education (Ages 16-18)
Bachillerato (academic path toward university)
Formación Profesional (vocational training)

School Schedule in Spain
The school year runs mid-September to mid-June, with breaks over Christmas, Easter, and local holidays. Typical school hours are 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Many schools offer extended care or extracurriculars in the afternoon.

School Types in Spain
 Not all schools are created equal — here's a breakdown of your main options:

Public Schools (Colegios Públicos)
 A popular choice for families seeking cultural immersion and zero tuition fees.

Private Schools (Colegios Privados)
 Often offering international or bilingual programs with smaller classes and more facilities.

Semi-Private Schools (Colegios Concertados)
 A hybrid of public and private — government-funded but with some tuition and often religious.

Choosing a Local Spanish School
If you're leaning toward the local system, here are some tips:

- Young kids (<8) adapt faster to Spanish
- Long-term residents benefit from full immersion
- Choose your neighborhood based on school catchment
- Consider budgeting for language support early on
 

Top-Rated Spanish Schools in Seville

Here’s a snapshot of some of Seville’s best public and semi-private schools:

Semi-Private (Concertados)
Colegio San Antonio María Claret – Nervión: Catholic values, great sports and bilingual education
Colegio Portaceli – Nervión: Jesuit tradition, strong academics in sciences and humanities
Colegio Sagrado Corazón – City Centre: Traditional, arts-focused, excellent reputation

Public (Públicos)
CEIP Macarena – Macarena: Inclusive and community-oriented with bilingual programs
CEIP Jardines del Valle – Central Seville: High standards, culturally rich environment

Top Areas for Local Schools
Nervión – Prestigious concertados
Los Remedios – Family-friendly with strong school options
Triana – Traditional feel with reputable public schools
El Porvenir – Great mix of quality and location

International Schools in Seville Top Picks
 For expat families or those preferring continuity with international curricula, Seville offers excellent international options:

International School Andalucía (ISA) – Sanlúcar la Mayor

British curriculum
Nature-surrounded campus
Strong academic and university focus

Colegio Internacional de Sevilla – San Francisco de Paula – Historic Center

IB & Spanish curriculum
Multilingual, rigorous academics
Long-standing university success
Colegio Alemán Sevilla – Montequinto

Colegio Alemán Sevilla – Montequinto

German-Spanish-English trilingual model
German curriculum with Spanish integration
Strong academic base and European university prep

Yago School – Castilleja de la Cuesta

British curriculum, multilingual
Top-notch STEM & sports facilities
Large modern campus

International College Seville – Sevilla Este

IB curriculum
Diverse, inquiry-led environment
Over 25 nationalities

Colegio Británico de Sevilla – Bormujos

British curriculum
Arts and language emphasis
Family-friendly community feel

Lycée Français de Séville – Nervión

French curriculum
Strong focus on French culture and language
Part of global French education network

What to Budget
Planning for international school fees? Keep these in mind:

Enrollment Fees: €500–€1,500 upfront
Tuition: €5,000–€10,000/year depending on school and grade
Extras: Meals (€120–€180/month), uniforms (€300–€500), transport, extracurriculars, trips

Best Neighborhoods for International Schools
Aljarafe – Spacious homes, top British schools
Zona Este – Up-and-coming, growing school options
Northern suburbs – Quiet, accessible
Nervión – Urban lifestyle near top French and concertado schools

Admissions: What to Expect
 If you're planning to apply to one of Seville’s international schools, it’s best to get started early — ideally between January and March for the following academic year. You’ll typically need to gather school reports, passports, and medical records, and in some cases, your child might be asked to complete an entrance test or attend an interview. Keep in mind that spots in popular grades can fill up fast, so applying early is always a smart move.

If you’re going the public school route, registration usually happens in March or April for a September start. Admissions work on a points-based system, giving priority based on your home address, whether siblings are already enrolled, and any special circumstances. If your child doesn’t speak Spanish yet, some schools may do a quick language assessment to make sure they get the right level of support.

What Sets Top International Schools Apart?
What really makes these international schools shine? For starters, they offer a truly multilingual environment. Most students come out fluent in both English and Spanish, and many even pick up a third language like French or German along the way — it's pretty impressive.

Then there are the facilities. Think science labs, art studios, swimming pools, sports fields — these campuses have it all. They're designed to inspire kids and support a wide range of interests and talents.

Academically, these schools also do a fantastic job preparing students for university. Whether it's the UK, US, or anywhere in Europe, their students regularly gain admission to top universities thanks to excellent counseling and a strong curriculum.

But it’s not just about academics. One of the best parts? These schools really embrace Seville. Students don't just learn here — they live here. Cultural integration is part of everyday school life, so your child gets the best of both worlds: a global education and deep roots in the local community.

Final Thoughts: How to Choose
Ask yourself:

- How long will we be in Spain?
- Does my child already speak Spanish?
- What’s our education budget?
- Do we want immersion or continuity?
- How far are we willing to commute?
 

Why Work with Haven Group?
We know that school choice often dictates where you’ll live. At Haven Group, we help you:

- Find homes near your chosen schools
- Understand catchment zones
- Coordinate property viewings with school tours
- Navigate school paperwork and registration
- Want help finding the right school and the perfect home? We’re here for you!