Catalina Espinosa
Research expert covering society, economy, and politics for Europe and the EU
Education in Spain - statistics & facts
The Spanish education system is a well-structured and comprehensive system that spans from early childhood education to higher education and vocational training, guaranteeing equality for all. In 2022, the expenditure on education in Spain amounted to 4.7 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The compulsory education in the Iberian country starts at age six, when the pupils begin primary education, and finishes at 16, when the mandatory secondary education is completed. The latest PISA results indicate that the students integrated into this system are on par with the average of OECD results, with science being the highest scoring category.
