The children start school at approximately 3 years of age here in Castril and will remain here until they go to Huescar at 14 years of age. The school is Spanish and all teachers are Spanish. It is therefore imperative you are comfortable with your children going to an all Spanish school.
At the moment there are approximately 12 English children in the schools in Castril, ages ranging from 3 - 14 years. All children have adapted well and generally enjoy going to school. They are not given any special treatment and are expected to settle into school picking up the language as quickly as possible. The children are offered additional Spanish classes wherever possible, but there is not a requirement of the school to do this.
The school is split in two. The younger children from 3 - 9 years will remain at the top school, whilst 10 - 14 year olds go to the school nearer the bottom of Castril.
Secondary school starts at the same time as the UK, e.g. approaching their 12th birthday but they remain in Castril.
Education is very strict here and if the children do not perform well at school they are "held back" which means they can end up being in classes with children younger than themselves. This is not always a problem but can upset the children if they are suddenly taken out of a class of children they have been with for sometimes years, to go into another class.
Educational Books have to be paid for here. Certain age groups are given a cheque to help towards the cost but generally you are looking at around 200 euros per child per year for books and stationary.
Click here to see separate article and school and the buying of "the books"!