Choosing Among the Different Types of High Schools in Spain It is one of the most important educational decisions a family will make. The official national system (LOMLOE) currently coexists with a wide range of international high school programs—the IB, American Dual, British, French, and German programs—as well as specialized tracks such as the “high school of excellence,” the sports program, and the research program. This choice determines not only the academic experience over the next two years, but also the admission to certain universities, the method of evaluation, and the actual course load.
This guide brings together all the types of high school programs available in Spain in 2026, including selection criteria, recommended student profiles, estimated costs, and actual college admission outcomes. This is not a ranking: it is a comprehensive guide designed to help families and students make informed decisions based on real criteria, rather than out of habit or marketing hype.
“The best high school isn’t the most prestigious or the most expensive. It’s the one that best fits each student’s academic profile, college aspirations, and stage of life.”
What Is High School in Spain?
High school is a post-compulsory stage of the Spanish educational system that lasts two years (1st and 2nd years of high school), typically between the ages of 16 and 18. Its goal is to prepare students for higher education—university or Advanced Vocational Training—and to consolidate their intellectual, personal, and civic development. It is regulated by the LOMLOE (Organic Law 3/2020), with specific implementing regulations by autonomous community.
In 2026, the offerings will be organized into two main categories: official high school programs within the national system (including LOMLOE tracks) and international high school programs offered at schools accredited by foreign institutions. In addition to these, there are specialized and organizational tracks (excellence, research, sports, blended learning, and evening programs). Each type has its own framework, requirements, and advantages.
The Major Categories of High Schools in Spain
Before we get into the details, here’s a quick overview to help you get your bearings. There are three main types of high school programs in Spain, plus a fourth cross-cutting category depending on how the courses are taken.
01 · National High School Programs (LOMLOE)
02 · International High School Programs
03 · Specialized High School Programs
04 · Organizational Structures
National High School Programs: The 4 LOMLOE Tracks
National · LOMLOE
Science and Technology High School Program
The most popular track in Spain. It covers core subjects such as Mathematics I and II, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Technical Drawing, and Technology and Engineering. It is the direct path to STEM majors: Engineering, Medicine, Science, Architecture, Pharmacy, Biotechnology.
2 years | Standard University Entrance Exam | STEM | High Demand
Ideal Profile: A student with an interest in science, engineering, or healthcare, strong math skills, and a consistent study ethic.
National · LOMLOE
High School Program in Humanities and Social Sciences
Second most popular track. It is divided into two tracks: Humanities (Latin, Greek, History, Philosophy, World Literature) and Social Sciences (Applied Mathematics, Economics, Contemporary World History). It prepares students for studies in Law, History, Philosophy, Philology, Translation, Business Administration, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, and Education.
2 years | Two tracks | Standard college entrance exam | Wide range of career options
Ideal Profile: a student with an interest in the humanities, social sciences, communication, or business, and strong analytical and written argumentation skills.
National · LOMLOE
Arts Track High School
Specialized program with two tracks: Visual Arts, Image, and Design (Artistic Drawing, Form, Design, Audiovisual Culture, Fundamentals of Art) and Music and Performing Arts (Music Analysis, History of Music, Performing Arts). Direct pathway to Fine Arts, Design, Architecture, Conservatories, Audiovisual Communication, and ESAD.
2 years | Two tracks | Art portfolio | Vocational
Ideal Profile: a student with a clear creative, artistic, or musical calling, expressive ability, and a willingness to work continuously on their portfolio.
National · LOMLOE
General High School
A track introduced by the LOMLOE for students who are undecided or have multidisciplinary interests. It combines courses in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences without committing to a specific academic path. It is less common and less widely implemented at this time; its value for gaining admission to certain college majors is still a subject of debate in some regions.
2 years | Multidisciplinary | Not widely adopted | Check the community
Ideal Profile: a student with diverse interests who has not yet decided on a college major and who prioritizes a broad education over specialization.
International High School Programs Available in Spain
These are the most common international high school programs among international and private schools in Spain. All of them offer dual diplomas or international recognition. The choice depends on the student’s intended university and the school’s educational mission.
International · IB
International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma Program)
The most widely recognized program globally. Offered by more than 5,000 schools in 160 countries and by more than 130 schools in Spain. The curriculum includes six areas of knowledge, international external assessment, and required components such as Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). It is widely recognized by universities around the world, although admission and recognition requirements may vary by country and university. Very demanding. More info at the IBO’s official website.
2 years | 6 subject areas + TdC + CAS + EE | External assessment | Global universities | High standards
Ideal Profile: a student with strong academic performance, aspirations to attend universities abroad (including the Ivy League, Oxbridge, and universities in Europe), and good time management skills.
International · Dual Degree
American Dual High School Program
A program that allows students to earn both the Spanish Bachillerato and the U.S. High School Diploma simultaneously. It is taken online alongside the national high school program and includes American courses, activities, and a final project. It offers significant advantages for gaining admission to U.S. universities and for developing academic English skills. The leading provider in Spain is Academica Corporation.
Compatible with LOMLOE | Online + in-person | Dual degree | Admission to U.S. universities
Ideal Profile: A student with a good command of English who wants to earn a dual degree without changing schools, with an eye toward possibly attending an American university or pursuing an international career.
International · British System
British High School Diploma (A-Levels)
British education system taught at British schools accredited by Cambridge International, Pearson Edexcel, or Oxford AQA. A-Levels are the natural pathway to universities in the United Kingdom, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, and the London School of Economics. Students choose 3–4 specialized subjects and take externally administered exams. They are widely recognized in Europe and North America.
2 years (Sixth Form) | 3–4 subjects | External assessment | Admission to UK universities
Ideal Profile: A student with an advanced level of English and clear aspirations to attend universities in the United Kingdom, with the ability to specialize early on.
International · French System
French High School Diploma (Baccalauréat)
French educational system taught at French schools accredited by the Agence pour l’Enseignement Français à l’Étranger (AEFE). The diploma is fully recognized in France, the European Union, and many other countries. It provides a natural pathway to French universities—including the grandes écoles via preparatory classes (prépas)—and Sciences Po. In Spain, there is a network of Lycées in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, and other cities.
Terminale (equivalent to 12th grade) | French System | Admission in France and the EU | Lycée Network
Ideal Profile: a student with prior French-language education (preschool, elementary school, and middle school in French) or with a clear plan to attend a French university.
International · German System
German High School Diploma (Abitur)
The German educational system taught at German schools in Spain (Deutsche Schulen). The Abitur is the qualification required for admission to German universities and is widely recognized throughout Europe. In Spain, there are accredited German schools in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, Málaga, Seville, and Palma. They offer a bilingual German-Spanish education and a curriculum approved by Germany.
German System | Bilingual | Access to Germany and the EU | Deutsche Schulen Network
Ideal Profile: A student who has previously attended a German school or plans to attend a German university (Berlin, Munich, Heidelberg, TU Munich).
Specialized High Schools and Organizational Models
In addition to the major categories, there are specialized programs within the national system that are tailored to specific profiles or needs.
Specialized · High Performance
High School Program for Academic Excellence
A program offered in some autonomous communities (notably Madrid, with its “Bachillerato de Excelencia”) for students with outstanding academic records. It features an enriched curriculum, a heavier course load, and, in some cases, research training or projects in collaboration with universities. Selective: requires a high grade point average in ESO.
Admission Requirements | Enriched Curriculum | High Standards | Select Schools
Specialized · Research
Research-Based High School Program
A program offered in several autonomous communities that integrates academic research projects into the curriculum. Students conduct a supervised research project similar to the IB Monograph. It provides particularly strong preparation for research-oriented degree programs and for universities that value scientific methodology.
Supervised Project | Research Methodology | Consult the Community
Specialized · Sports
Sports High School Program
A program tailored to students with certified competitive sports status (elite or high-performance athletes). Flexible schedules and exams, and accommodations to accommodate training and competitions. In Spain, this program is offered by schools such as the CTDs and some private schools with agreements with sports federations.
Sports Certification | Flexible Schedule | Specific Schools
Organizational Structure
Blended, Distance, and Evening High School Programs
The same official degrees as those offered by the national system, but in an adapted format. Blended and distance learning programs combine online and in-person classes; evening programs are held in the late afternoon and evening. Designed for adults, working professionals, athletes, or students whose circumstances prevent them from attending traditional classes. A wide range of public and private options is available.
Adults and Workers | Online and In-Person | Same Official Degree
A Quick Comparison of the Main Types of High Schools
To make your choice easier, this table summarizes the five most popular types in Spain in 2026.
Type | Duration | Acknowledgment | Cost |
National LOMLOE | 2 years | Spain + EU | Free (public) · 4–8k€ per year (private) |
the International Baccalaureate (IB) | 2 years | Global (Top Universities) | 15,000–30,000€ per year |
American Dual High School Program | Compatible with domestic models | U.S. + double title | +1–3k€/year additional |
British (A-Levels) | 2 years (Sixth Form) | UK + global | 15,000–30,000€ per year |
French (Bac) | 2 years (Senior Year) | France + EU | 6–12k€ per year |
Prices are approximate and vary by city, school, and type of school (public-private partnership or private). Check with each center for exact details.
6 Criteria for Choosing Among the Different Types of High Schools
Before deciding “which” one, it’s a good idea to apply these six filters to make the right choice.
01. Likely College Choice
02. Vocation and Academic Path
03. Actual English proficiency level
04. Demands and Workload
05. Actual Economic Cost
06. The School's Educational Plan
6 Common Mistakes When Choosing a High School Program
Most of them aren’t factual errors. They’re errors in projection or trends.
Choose based on the brand’s reputation “IB because it sounds good”—without assessing the actual demands or whether it fits the student’s profile—leads to burnout. The label doesn’t make up for a mismatch. | Don’t Focus on Which College You’ll Attend Choosing the International Baccalaureate program just to end up at the local university makes sense if it adds real value; otherwise, it’s an excessive investment. |
Ignoring one’s actual English proficiency level Placing a student with a B2 level in an IB or A-Levels program is a recipe for unnecessary suffering. The student’s actual academic level in English is assessed before a decision is made. | Do not consult with the student Making decisions for your child without hearing their opinion—especially when they are 15 or 16 years old—leads to resistance, poor performance, and unnecessary family conflict. |
Copy what others have done Just because something worked for a friend’s child doesn’t mean it will work for yours. Every child is different, and every decision should be your own. | Changing Too Late It is possible to switch tracks in the 2nd year of Bachillerato, but it is very challenging academically. Major decisions are made before or during the 4th year of ESO. |
How to Make Good Choices (and How to Make Bad Ones)
Two ways of thinking about high school lead to radically different decisions. These are the most common contrasts in family counseling.
✗ Weak decision
“Let’s choose the one that sounds more international.”
“Let him do what his cousin did.”
“We’ll decide later whether or not he goes to college.”
“With the IB, all doors are open—for sure.”
✓ Judicious decision-making
“What do you want to study? In which country?”
“Can he handle the workload of an IB program? Let’s take a look at his ESO.”
“Does this school prepare students well for college?”
“What does he/she think of the itinerary?”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Types of High Schools in Spain
How many types of high schools are there in Spain?
What is the difference between the national and international high school diplomas?
How long does high school last in Spain?
Which high school track is best for going to college?
Can I earn an International Baccalaureate diploma in Spain?
Is it possible to change your high school track?
Yes, especially between the 1st and 2nd years of Bachillerato in the national system. Switching between LOMLOE tracks (for example, from Sciences to Humanities) is possible, although it may require retaking certain courses. Switching from an international high school program to the national one—or vice versa—is more complex and usually involves course recognition and curriculum adaptation.