Updated ranking of the best schools in Spain 2024: selection criteria and admission features.

Why School Rankings Matter and What "Pains" They Solve

Every year, parents and education professionals await the publication of the latest ranking of the best schools in Spain. For many families, especially foreign ones, the main "pain" is finding the optimal balance between quality of education, safety, and prospects for admission to leading universities. The ranking, compiled by Forbes magazine, helps determine which educational institutions best meet these criteria and provide children with a solid educational foundation. In 2024, the list has been expanded and includes both private and public schools, making it easier for anyone who wants to give their child a better future to choose.

How the Forbes Ranking is Compiled and What to Look For

The Forbes ranking of schools in Spain is considered one of the most authoritative. Experts in pedagogy, psychology, and education evaluate schools according to 36 criteria, grouped into seven blocks. The overall score is formed based on the weighted contribution of each of these blocks. For parents, this means that not only academic results are taken into account, but also infrastructure, accessibility for children with special needs, and prospects for further development of students.

Main Evaluation Blocks

• First block (30%): number of students per class, proportion of special educational needs, additional subjects, number of teaching assistants, percentage of successful graduates.
• Second block (23%): average student grades in each academic year.
• Third block (18%): number of foreign languages, virtual platforms, distance learning, bachelor's degree programs, extracurricular activities.
• Fourth block (12%): infrastructure, transportation, and medical services.
• Fifth block (10%): work of tutors, learning environment, psychological services, cybersecurity.
• Sixth block (5%): monthly fees, waiting list for enrollment, alumni loyalty, notable alumni.
• Seventh block (2%): teaching of financial disciplines, secular nature of education, availability of school uniforms.

Thanks to this comprehensive approach, families see the full picture: the school is evaluated not only on the basis of student performance, but also on the quality of organization, multicultural atmosphere, and potential for the all-round development of children.

Schools Included in the Forbes Ranking in 2024

The updated list of leaders highlights both private and public institutions. International schools in Madrid, Barcelona, and the Valencian Community traditionally hold high positions due to their modern facilities and bilingual programs. Below are some educational institutions that deserve special attention.

Best Schools in the Valencian Community

• Agora Lledó International School (Castellón) — the first school to implement the International Baccalaureate (ІВ) in Castellón, renowned for its intensive language study.
• British College La Cañada (Valencia) — combines British and Spanish programs, teachers are native English speakers, actively supports charity.
• Caxton College (Puçol, Valencia) — has British School Overseas (BSO) status, 80% of teachers are English-speaking, extensive extracurricular activities.
• Colegio Guadalaviar (Valencia) — the first in the region to receive Premium Member status from the Exams Partnership Programme, a wide range of foreign languages.
• Newton College (Elche, Alicante) — combines international programs (ІВ and Spanish), works closely with leading universities.

Schools in Barcelona and Girona

• Agora Sant Cugat International School
• American School of Barcelona
• CCE Montessori-Palau (Girona)
• Colegio Internacional Sek Catalunya (Barcelona)
• Oak House School (Barcelona)

Schools in Madrid

• British Council School
• Casvi International American School
• Colegio Base International School
• King’s College
• Liceo Europeo

Schools in Málaga

• British School of Málaga
• Colegio Los Olivos
• Laude San Pedro International College

Some schools offer several educational systems simultaneously. For children who wish to obtain two diplomas (British and Spanish) or even more international certificates, this format provides a significant advantage when entering foreign universities.

How a Foreigner Can Enroll a Child in a Spanish School

Spain is considered one of the most lenient countries in Europe in terms of education of foreigners. Even without a formalized residence permit, a child can study in a free public school if there are places available. Parents with a residence permit often choose paid private institutions or semi-private schools (concertados) due to the possibility of in-depth language study and international programs.

Three Types of Schools and Admission Features

• Public schools — free, education is in Spanish. The child is enrolled according to the place of residence, and it is necessary to provide a registration certificate (padrón).
• Semi-private (concertados) — partially funded by the state, often have religious roots, but offer a more flexible program. The fee is lower than in private schools, but much depends on the age of the child and the specific school.
• Private — chosen by parents according to the desired program (Spanish, British, or American). Admission is possible throughout the year, but often requires an entrance test and language proficiency.

For enrollment, you will need a birth certificate with a translation, a medical card (SIP), documents on previous education (if the child has already studied), and for English-speaking or bilingual schools, proof of language proficiency may be required (for example, TOEFL for English or DELE for Spanish).

Spanish Secondary Education System

The system is focused on the gradual development of students' skills and flexibly responds to their interests. Children can start with kindergarten (from 1 to 3 years old) and pre-school courses (4-6 years old), which is not mandatory but simplifies adaptation. Then follows compulsory primary school (6-12 years old) with an emphasis on basic subjects and languages. The secondary stage (ESO, 12-16 years old) is the final part of compulsory education. After 16, a student can go to college (get a specialty) or continue studying in Bachillerato (16-18 years old) to prepare for university and take the EBAU exam.

Cost and Practical Aspects

In addition to the price of tuition, it is important for parents to consider the schedule. In public schools, classes are usually from 9:00 to 16:00, sometimes with a long lunch break. Private institutions often offer extended day programs and extracurricular activities, but this requires additional expenses. Also, schools may be located in different areas, and not always near home, so it is important to plan logistics and transportation costs.

What to Keep in Mind When Choosing a School

The main "pain" for foreign families is to determine where the child will receive a quality and comfortable education. The Forbes ranking for 2024 reflects both infrastructure and academic results, and emphasizes international programs. When choosing a specific school, consider:

• Language programs and the availability of bilingual education.
• Convenience of the schedule and the availability of extended day programs.
• Expenses for tuition, meals, uniforms, and educational materials.
• Documents for admission: translations, registration certificate, SIP card.
• Cultural and religious specifics (especially in concertados schools).

To avoid unnecessary formalities, it is recommended to prepare all basic documents before starting the admission process and make an appointment with the management of the chosen school in advance. This way you will save time, nerves, and be sure that the child has been admitted to a truly suitable educational institution.