When do schools return in Spain in 2026? September dates for the Costas and Mallorca

Families across Spain are preparing for the return to school, but there is no single first day of term. Start dates vary between Andalucía, the Valencian Community, Murcia and the Balearic Islands, so parents on the Costas and in Mallorca should check the calendar for their own region before making plans.

The dates above apply to state education calendars. Local holidays, staff training days and individual centre arrangements can affect the first day for a particular school, so families should confirm the timetable directly with their child’s centre.

Private and international school start dates

Unlike state-funded schools, private and international institutions set their calendars independently. While state schools open in early-to-mid September, many private (privado) and international schools – particularly those following British, Irish, or American curricula – start earlier, often during the first week of September. Additionally, they may align their term breaks and holidays with their home country’s framework rather than regional Spanish calendars, requiring parents to confirm dates directly with the school.

Why the dates are different

Spain does not have one national first day of term. Each autonomous community sets its own calendar, which is why pupils in Murcia and the Costa Blanca return before many children in Andalucía and Mallorca.

The timing can also depend on the stage of education. Younger children often return first, followed by secondary pupils and then vocational training or adult education students. Families with children in different year groups may therefore have more than one first day to remember.

What the dates mean for families

The dates in the table apply mainly to state education calendars. They cover infant education, primary school, secondary education, Bachillerato and vocational training.

They do not necessarily apply to every school on the coast. Private and international schools can follow a different timetable, particularly those teaching the British, Irish or International Baccalaureate curriculum. Their first day, holiday periods and daily hours may differ from the regional calendar.

Check the school, not just the region

Even within the same region, schools can have local non teaching days linked to municipal fiestas. Some centres also use staggered starts for different year groups.

Parents should check the school’s own message, website or parent app for the final timetable. This is especially important for families with a child starting a new school, moving into a different year group, or using school transport or meals from the first day.

The first week may look different

The opening days of term are not always a normal school week. Some infant and primary schools use shorter hours at the beginning, while others use the first days to issue books, confirm activities and explain collection arrangements.

If you have not received information from the school, contact the secretary’s office before term begins. It is far easier to check now than discover on the first morning that your child has a different start time, entrance or collection point.

Parents are also likely to notice the cost of the new term, from books and uniforms to transport and activities. EWN recently examined why Spain’s back to school bill can exceed €500 per child.