There are a number of “what are schools like?” threads on the site and part of this one is to ask just that. If anyone knows what the schools are like in the Murcia/ Costa calida/ Mar Menor are?

But also I’d like to know what process people went through in order to get their children in a State School. We will be moving to Spain next year when my son will be 10 and my daughter 6. We are planning on a visit next February, will it be possible to have our children’s names added to the school list at that time?

Or, have I underestimated the amount of work/ red tape required?!?!

Thanks in advance

Hi we are in the same position as you and I have asked the forum the same question but had no reply yet.
We have a 12 year old and 10 year old that I want to get into a state school.
I have done quite a bit of research and it’s not quite as easy as you think.
You need the kids to speak spanish cos all lessons are in Spanish, you need to get in touch with the Department of Education for
school history details ie reports from UK school, apparently this can take up to 6 months.
I have only got up to that bit so if you find anything else out could you let me know please.

I’ve always thought it would be a complicated move!!

If I do find any further information I’ll post it here… good luck

We will be moving to Cartajena, Murcia. in Sept/07. Three kids, 12,7,3 all needing school. We are fluent in Spanish and our kids are semi fluent. We understand there are different stories out there regarding registration, some say May, Aug. but it all depends on the individual school. We have Family both Spanish and Ecuadorian who reassure us its not that hard. Good to know we are not alone. We’ll keep in touch! Gave up looking for middle schools grades 7-8 in English unless we commute to Murcia daily.  Anyone with other helpful info please respond.
I thank and praise this amazing web site!!!
Saul,
Toronto,Ca Nada,,,,,not for long eh! 😜

It really is easy, we live 15 mins from the center of Mucia city. When we arrived nearly six years ago none of us spoke any Spanish.

We just put our 10 and 8 year old girls straight into a local Spanish school, no one spoke a word of English, yes for sure the first two months were difficult but by the end of three months they were OK. After 6 months they were fluent.

Paperwork wise it is not difficult at all. Just sign on at your local town hall and under new rules you do not even have to have a residents card.

Choose your school and that is it.

Make the move, you will never regret it.

nimbus595 - 10 April 2007 11:56 AM

Paperwork wise it is not difficult at all. Just sign on at your local town hall and under new rules you do not even have to have a residents card.

Choose your school and that is it.

 

What, exactly, does “Just sign on” involve?

You need to go to your local town hall. Show them a utility bill and you have to complete a simple form for each houshold member, once that is done you are signed on the “Padron” this means you are able to vote in local elections etc and be part of the community.

It is also important to do this as it is the only way the town hall know how many people are living in the area, re Dooctors etc.

Hi Everyone

I am looking to move by September 2007, i have 4 children but only 3 will be going to school in Spain 6/13/15 years old, my eldest will be 18 and finishing his last year at college in england.
I have no worries about my 6 and 15 year old as they are both picking up Spanish though basic quickly. My 13 year old is not doing so well. I have been advised to put him in a half and half school (not sure what they are called) where you pay about 100 euros month for the education and they get taught in Spanish and English even if it is only for 6 -12 months.
My main concern is finding a school job and home all within walking distance or on a good public transport route as i don’t drive.
If anyone has any help on this it would be greatly appreciated.
As for applying for the schools and NIE numbers i have been told that many different ways my head is spinning and some days i wonder if i am fighting a loosing battle. I am beginning to think that depending on what area you move to depends on what you need to do, so i will confirm an area first (Murcia being the choice so far) then find out what the different towns request for schools an NIE numbers.
My self and my sister are due to visit at the end of the month so if i find any definite information out then i will post it on the site at the beginning of May.

From Caroline

People just try to make it sound difficult, it really is not