Schools in Tenerife

One of the most frequently asked questions we hear is about schools in Tenerife. What are your options and how do you go about enrolling your child in a school in Tenerife?

State or International

You have the option to send your child to a Spanish state school or to one of several international schools here in Tenerife. Which to choose depends somewhat on the age and personality of your child. The two main differences to take into account are that State schools are taught in Spanish while an international school will teach in English and that state schools are free (though you must pay for books and materials) while international schools are fee based.

State Schools

If you decide upon a state school your child will be thrown in at the deep end as far as language is concerned. She will be in a totally Spanish environment, the advantage being of course that this immersion will encourage your child to learn the language quickly.

State schools often have a pre-school section which infants can attend from the age of three. If you have a young family and are intending to stay in Tenerife for several years this could be the way to go. With a solid grounding in another language, even if you return to the UK after five years or so, you have given your child the gift of another language. Something that may benefit her both socially and economically in years to come.

With my own three year old presently attending pre-school in a state school I can tell you from experience that the first month is harrowing - for the child, for the parents and for the professora. In my daughter´s case she was heartbroken every morning. She was so upset that not only did I have tears in my eyes but so did half the other mothers long after their own chicks were trotting happily into the class.

After a few days, my daughter settled a bit but became a little too attached to her teacher. The poor woman had to control her class of three-year olds with my daughter constantly clinging to her hand or her skirt.

After a month, school became less of a threat and my daughter started to enjoy herself. Spying on her at playtime, she still clung to one or other of the adult helpers, but little by little she gained more confidence. Now peeking at her through the school fence, you can hardly tell which child she is as she races round the playground in the thick of all the rough and tumble.

Best of all is how confidently she is picking up the language. She prattles away in Spanish now and easily swaps tongue depending on who she is speaking too. English at home, Spanish in the shops or to our Spanish neighbours.

For older children, entering a State school may be a little overwhelming unless they have had some Spanish classes beforehand. Again it does depend on your child´s personality. For some, the move to Tenerife and entering a new school will be traumatic whichever school you choose while others seem to sail through making new friends and settling in as if they had been here all their lives.

If you wish to enrol your child in a state school you will need to provide certain documentation. Go here for a list of documents necessary to enrol your child in a state school in Tenerife.

International Schools

There are Spanish, German and English international schools here in Tenerife and the enrolment application procedure and fees vary for each of them. For the lower years fees will be less but you should be prepared to pay between €850 to €2000 per term.

The international schools in Tenerife have good solid reputations and you can expect your child to receive an education as good as or better than he would receive in the UK.

Private schools are usualy stricter than the state schools. A school uniform will be required attire, hairstyle will be expected to be neat and tidy and more or less natural in colour - no green stripes or wild cuts please. Jewelery must be minimal and the child must be respectful and well behaved. The private schools can reserve the right to ask you to remove an unruly child, in which case your payment is forfeit.

They are not all work and no play however. International schools do provide a lot of extra-curricular activities and encourage the students to participate in the community. As an example one twelve year old girl has recently been involved in creating a newsletter for her school which she sells to interested parents. Proceeds go to K9, the local stray dog home. Her next project is likely to be a website so watch this space.

The best way to judge if an international school is right for your child is to contact the schools themselves. Wingate School is closest to Los Cristianos and you may find their website of interest.

To apply for enrollment in an international school you should prepare:

Photocopy of the child´s birth certificate

School reports

Medical certificate

Photocopy of parents passport.