One of the first things you'll need to organise when moving to Mallorca with children is their schooling. Whether you choose a local public school, a Spanish private school, or an international school, here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the system and prepare the correct documentation.

1. Registering for Local (Public) Schools

If you want your child to attend a local state school (Colegio Público or Instituto Público), here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Register your address (Empadronamiento)

Before anything, you must register at your local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) for your Empadronamiento Certificate, which proves your address in the municipality - equivalent to your local Council back home.

To do this, you'll need:

• Passport/s
• A rental contract, proof of payments, or property deeds (escritura), and some town halls may require an IBI receipt (council rates).

Step 2: Apply during the enrolment period (Proceso de Escolarización)

• School enrollment typically opens around April/May for the upcoming academic year, which begins in September. Please find the link for official calendar registration dates. click here

• Applications are made online via the Balearic government education portal or by visiting the school you are applying to for guidance.

• If you are applying outside of the enrollment period, you must visit the “Escolarizacion” office for your area (School Registration Office). They will allocate a place based on availability within local schools. Once you have a placement, they will direct you to the allocated school to formalise the placement. Alternatively, you can contact the school directly to check if they have space, although the final allocation is often still made via the registration office in your area.

Here you have the school registration offices available by area: view list

Step 3: Required documentation

When applying for a local school, you typically need:

• Child's passport
• Parents' passports and Residency if applicable
• Empadronamiento certificate (proof of address)
• Child's birth certificate
• Child's vaccination records
• Previous school reports or academic transcripts if transferring from abroad

Most schools and registration offices do not require you to have a NIE number; however, if you need one for any reason, we can assist you with obtaining it.

2. Registering for Spanish private schools

Spanish private schools operate outside the state system but teach the Spanish curriculum.

Step 1: Contact the School Directly

• You can apply at any time of year, subject to availability.
• Arrange a visit, speak with admissions, and submit the application form.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

Each private school's requirements vary, but generally include:

• Child's passport
• NIE (some schools may enrol without an NIE initially, but you will need one for official registration later)
• Birth certificate
• Vaccination records
• Previous school reports
• Application form and fee payment, where applicable

3. Registering for International Schools

International schools offer UK, IB, or other international curricula and are popular among expatriate families.

Step 1: Research and Enquire

• Contact your chosen international school directly to arrange a visit and discuss availability for your child's year group.

Step 2: Submit Application

• Complete the school's application form.
• Many international schools accept enrollments year-round if spaces are available.

Step 3: Documentation Required

Typically includes:

• Child's passport
• Parents' passports
• Birth certificate
• Previous school reports
• Vaccination records
• Some schools may request a letter of recommendation or a reference from a previous teacher.

Step 4: Secure Your Place

• Upon acceptance, you will be required to pay a registration fee to secure your place before starting.

When moving to Mallorca, it's essential to understand that if you do not have an address at the time of registration, it can be difficult to register your child or secure their school placement. This is because local schools require proof of your residency in the catchment area before they can accept your child. For this reason, most families moving to Mallorca choose to enrol their children in an international school before arriving. International schools allow you to secure a place in advance, providing peace of mind and making the transition smoother upon arrival.

Links to International Schools in Mallorca:
Agora Portals International School
Baleares International College and School
Bellver International College
Escola Global International School
Green Valley School
King Richard III College
Montessori School
Myschool - Mallorca International School
Queens College
Rafa Nadal International College
Raoul Wallenberg International School
The Academy International

Links to Spanish Private Schools in Mallorca:
Colegio La Salle
Colegio Luis Vives
Colegio Madre Alberta
Colegio San Cayetano