Hopefully my first article may have helped you sort out some of the primary education options available for the younger members of your family. Quite often it is this age group that will settle into the new life in Spain the quickest. It is the older children who can prove to be quite awkward and it is really worthwhile spending time to reach the decision that will be most beneficial to your family.
Families relocate to Spain for a variety of reasons but sometimes they come with the hope of giving the older children a fresh start in a new environment away from the perceived bad influences of some friendship groups, large classes and the impersonal nature of many of the large UK Comprehensive schools.

In Spain you do have two main options. The Spanish state system which is free if you are registered at the local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) or one of the many private International Schools available if you are prepared to pay the fees required.

Generally speaking, the older the child the more difficult they find it to integrate into the Spanish schools unless they pick up the language fairly quickly.
The first three years of Spanish secondary school (equivalent to Year 7, 8, & 9) cover all the usual subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Moral Ethics, I.T., P.E., Spanish Literature, Music and Religion and a Foreign Language � usually English, French and German. At the age of 14 (year 10) the system is slightly different to the UK in that the level of academic achievement reached in the previous year will determine whether the student will follow a more academic curriculum for university preparation or follow a more vocational curriculum to prepare students for leaving school at 16 to take up some kind of vocational training eg. Building, Catering, Hairdressing.
The Secondary education in Spain is based on the LOGSE (Ley de Ordanacion General del Sistema Educativo) which is the equivalent of the GCSE (General Certificate of Education). Students have to achieve pass grades for their level after which they are awarded a graduation certificate. The higher pass grades will allow them to continue with their education.
However if a student fails any end of year exam they have to retake the failed exams before the start of the September term. If they continue to fail they are not allowed to move into the next academic year!
At this moment in time the Spanish schools still have sports clubs after school, play in inter - school competitions and have educational outings to places of interest.
You will need to visit the school before the start of term and enrol your child to ensure there is a place. Parents are expected to buy all the textbooks and stationery required. You will be given a complete list at enrolment and all students are expected to be fully equipped on the first day of term.
Most state Spanish schools do not have a school uniform but students will have to conform to the rules regarding dress at any particular establishment.
Many foreign students cope well in this system and they do become completely fluent in Spanish. However this does have a cost in that sometimes the child�s English grammar and reading ability may suffer. Class sizes may also be larger than those in the UK.

If you think your child would be better continuing with the UK system there are many private International Schools throughout Andalucia although there is likely to be more choice nearer to the coastal areas. Many of the schools will take children from the age of 3 to 18yrs.
These schools cater for many different nationalities (including Spanish children) who all want to have an English education and be fluent in the language. It is not uncommon for there to be more than 25 different nationalities within a school. This offers a different experience to schools in England but still has the familiarity of a similar curriculum and of course communication is in English. Experience of different cultures is common and enjoyed; there are very few instances of intolerance.
Most of the International schools have quite good I.T. and Science facilities but few have facilities for practical subjects such as Woodwork, Metalwork and Home Economics. P.E and Art are taught but in the main, the schools are more academic in their outlook.
IGCSE (International GCSE) has a similar curriculum to the examination boards in the UK. The exams are usually taken at the end of Year 11 as in the UK. However in some schools it is possible to enter a student early if he/she are particularly able in one subject � for example a student may take the Spanish IGCSE exam in Year 10. The system is usually quite flexible with exam entries only being made when the student is able to achieve his/her full potential
Families bring their children at all different ages. Which class your child will be placed in may depend on an entrance exam or possibly reports received from the previous school in the UK. In many of the schools, age is not the only criterion for deciding which class would benefit your child the most.
Class sizes are often quite small. Many of the teachers (though not all) are graduates from the UK. Students are expected to behave in a disciplined manner and should be prepared for regular homework. It is worth remembering that these schools are self - governing and will permanently exclude students if they do not adhere to the ethos of the school.
Many of the International Schools are registered with the British Council and this ensures that they are regularly inspected and they are following all curriculum guidelines. Check that schools are registered by looking at the web site www.nabss.org

Whichever system you choose, evidence of previous schooling is expected. Be prepared to show examples of work and recent end of term reports.

Finally, I cannot stress enough that it is an advantage for the family to visit the schools in your area before you make a final decision. Some schools � just like houses � feel �right� and others don�t!
Meeting the teachers and seeing the school working often makes the �dreaded first day� much easier.

In my final article I will give some information on the choices available after the official school leaving age of 16. Should it be �A�Levels, International Baccalaureate, Vocational Training, Retakes or Employment?