Here's How to Enrol Your Child in School.
When your family’s relocation to Barcelona happens mid-way through the academic year, finding the right school for your child can be especially challenging. Understanding the options and process is key to securing a good outcome.
In my experience helping international families, mid-year enrollment can feel daunting, especially if you're unfamiliar with the local system or don’t speak Spanish or Catalan. But rest assured, while there may be a few bureaucratic hurdles to navigate, finding a school place mid-year is absolutely possible. I’ll walk you through each step to ensure you find the best fit for your child.
Understanding Mid-Year Enrollment in Barcelona
If your family has relocated to Barcelona outside the standard enrollment window, you’ll need to go through a distinct application process to enrol your child. This process differs depending on the type of school you’re interested in: public and concertada schools have a centralised process, while private and international schools manage their own admissions. This Barcelona Schools Directory will give you a helpful overview of the private schools in Barcelona, whereas you can find the public schools and concertades listed here.
Here’s how you can tackle it step-by-step.
Public Schools and Concertades
For public schools and concertades (subsidised private schools), mid-year enrollment is managed by the Consorci d'Educació de Barcelona, the city's education authority. In the rest of Catalonia outside of Barcelona, each local area has its own Oficina Municipal d'Escolarització (Municipal Schools Office).
The first thing you'll need is the right documentation, and the most critical one is your volant de convivència (cohabitation certificate). To register on the empadronament (Barcelona city register) you need to visit the Ajuntament (local town hall) or complete the process online. This registration is essential for all residents, as it officially records where you live and is required for various administrative tasks. At the same time you can get the volant de convivència which shows everyone registered at your address (including children) and is used for school enrollment.
In addition to this, you’ll need:
Your ID (as the applicant on behalf of the child). This can be your passport.
Your child’s birth certificate or libro de familia (if they have one).
Your child’s ID (if they are over 14 years of age).
Later, when registering with the school you’ll also need:
Vaccination records
Medical insurance information or proof of registration with the public health system.
Any documents related to your child’s special educational needs and allergies (if applicable).
If your documents are in English or a Latin-based language, translations aren’t typically necessary, but for languages like Chinese or Arabic, they should be translated into Spanish.
The actual application process can be done online, but I’ve found that many families find it more helpful to make an appointment with the Consorci d’Educació and speak with an agent in person. It’s important to remember that everything will be in Catalan, so if you don’t speak Catalan or Spanish, you’ll need to bring along someone who does.
The Consorci will tell you which schools in your area have places available and will ask you if you have any particular school in mind. At this stage, it’s important to have an idea of your preferences and understand which of the available schools are the best fit for your child. This is where I can help by offering personalised advice and recommendations based on your needs.
As long as there are places available, the process usually moves quickly. Most children can start school soon after a place is assigned, though for children with special educational needs, it may take a little longer as their specific requirements are assessed before a place is assigned.
Private and International Schools
If you’re considering private or international schools, the process works differently. Private schools manage their own admissions and accept new students throughout the year if they have space. However, spaces can be limited, so it’s always a good idea to reach out as early as possible.
Some private schools have entry tests, particularly for older children. For example, if a school follows the curriculum of another country, they may assess your child’s proficiency in the language of that country.
As with public school and concertades, you'll need to provide documentation like birth certificates, school reports from your home country, and vaccination records. I always recommend gathering these documents before you leave your home country, so you have them on hand when needed.
How I Can Help You
In my years working as an Education Consultant in Barcelona, I’ve seen first-hand how stressful it can be to move mid-year and navigate the application process in an unfamiliar language. I’ve worked with hundreds of families in your position, liaising directly with schools or with the Consorci d’Educació to find the best possible fit for each child.
I help you:
Understand the Barcelona educational landscape and which type of school best suits your family’s needs.
Research and shortlist schools with available spaces.
Advise you about the necessary documentation and guide you through the enrollment process.
Liaise directly with schools or with the education authorities to help secure a place quickly.
For families who don’t speak Spanish or Catalan, the process can feel even more challenging, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be. I’m here to take that burden off your shoulders, ensuring you feel confident about your child’s educational future in Barcelona.
Private, International Public or Concertada. Which school type is the best fit for my child?
Sometimes it is not immediately obvious to you which is the most suitable educational track to follow - there are many factors to take on board. If you want to explore all the different options available, I offer an All Schools Fully Comprehensive Package. This service helps families navigate the full range of public, concertada, and private schools, identify suitable schools with available places, and provides full support throughout the application and enrolment process.
Take the Next Step
Whether you’re moving to Barcelona in the next few weeks or have already arrived, don’t let the mid-year enrolment process overwhelm you. I offer a free introductory call to discuss your family’s needs and how I can help you.
With the right guidance, enrolling your child mid-year in Barcelona doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. I’m here to make it as smooth as possible so your family can focus on enjoying this exciting new chapter in Barcelona!
