When moving to Valencia with children, one of the biggest challenges is understanding how the local school system works—especially when it comes to timing, procedures, and documents. School Admissions in Valencia can feel complex, not only because of the deadlines, but also because the system includes different types of schools: public, concertado (partially state-funded), and private or international schools, each with its own rules and calendar.

Here’s what you need to know, based on the latest updates for the 2025–2026 school year.

Admission Timelines for Public and Concertado Schools (partially state-funded)

If your child will attend a public or concertado school in the Comunidad Valenciana, the process is centrally managed by the regional education department. Applications must be submitted online through adminova.gva.es, and timing is essential—submitting late can mean being left with very few options.

For children starting infant or primary school (ages 3–12), applications must be completed between May 6 and May 14, 2025. The provisional admission list will be published on June 4, and final results will be out on June 18. Enrollment then takes place from June 18 to July 2, either online or in person, depending on the case.

For secondary education (ESO, ages 12–16), the window is slightly later: May 15 to May 23. The first list comes out July 7, and final placement is confirmed on July 16, with enrollment through July 22.

The same deadlines apply for Bachillerato (ages 16–18), though their lists will be released a few days later, with final registration open until July 28.

These deadlines are strict. Families who miss them may have to wait until the end of summer to apply during the “late enrollment” period, when most schools are already full.

What About Private and International Schools?

Private and international schools manage their own admissions and operate on independent timelines. Most start accepting applications early in the year—some even from autumn of the previous year. Flexibility is possible, especially for expat families moving mid-year, but places can be limited, particularly in the early years or secondary levels.

Each school has its own rhythm and philosophy. For instance, some are bilingual or multilingual, while others follow foreign curricula. Here are a few examples of schools often chosen by international families relocating to Valencia:

• Cambridge House Community College (Rocafort): A British curriculum school popular among both locals and expats.
• Caxton College (Puçol): A long-established British-Spanish school offering education from early years to Bachillerato.
• Los Olivos School (Godella): A private Christian school offering education in both Spanish and English.
• The American School of Valencia (Puçol): Offers an American-style curriculum and the International Baccalaureate.
• British School of Valencia (Valencia city): Located in central Valencia, with a clear British curriculum structure.
• Valencia Montessori School: Focused on child-centered learning with a strong emphasis on independence.
• Lycée Français de Valence: For French-speaking families or those looking for a French academic environment.
• Colegio Alemán de Valencia: A longstanding German school with a strong reputation among European families.

Each of these institutions requires a separate application process. Typically, you’ll need to attend a visit or orientation, meet with the admissions team, and submit academic records and health documents.

What Documents Are Required?

While each school may ask for slightly different documents, the basics remain the same:

• Identification: Passports or ID cards of both the child and parents.
• Proof of residence: Often a rental contract or utility bill, especially important for public and concertado school placement.
• Previous school records: Transcripts or report cards, sometimes with certified translations.
• Health and vaccination records: Spanish schools usually request full vaccination history.
• Photographs: Small passport-style photos of the child.

It’s important to have these documents prepared well in advance—translations can take time, and some schools may require notarized versions.

Language, Integration, and Other Considerations

The language of instruction is another key point to understand. In public and concertado schools, both Spanish and Valencian are used in most cases. Some offer more instruction in one than the other, but bilingualism is common across the system.

Private and international schools vary: some teach mainly in English, French, or German, while others integrate Spanish more progressively. This has a real impact on how easily your child may adapt, especially if they are not fluent in the language of instruction.

Families often visit several schools before applying. It helps to observe the environment, ask how newcomers are supported, and get a feel for the school culture. Some schools offer special programs for international students, while others expect full immersion from day one.

Our Role: How We Help Families Navigate This Process

At Livin’Valencia, helping families settle in is at the heart of what we do. School admissions are more than just paperwork—they’re a crucial step in building a new life here. We support our clients throughout the entire process: from choosing the right type of school to understanding the implications of language choice, neighborhoods, and admission calendars.

We also liaise with schools on your behalf, guide you through the online application platforms like adminova.gva.es, and assist in collecting and translating the required documents. If you’re arriving outside the regular enrollment periods, we help you identify schools that may still have availability and organize appointments to speed things up.

You can find more about how we support families in this journey on our dedicated page:
👉 Relocation Services for Families

By planning ahead and knowing what to expect, families can approach school admissions with more confidence—and far less stress. We’re here to make sure your child’s new start in Valencia is as smooth and successful as possible. Let’s get started.