French lycée, British school, state or concertado: how to choose a school in Valencia

To get your child into school in Valencia, you have four realistic options: the Lycée Français International de Valencia (French curriculum, fee-paying), the British School of Valencia (British National Curriculum, fee-paying, right inside the city), the Spanish state school (free, taught in Spanish and Valencian) and the concertado, a state-subsidised private school (often religious, modest fees). What decides between them is simple enough: how long you plan to stay, how old your children are, your budget, and the language you want them growing up in. Here is how to make the call, concretely.

The Lycée Français International de Valencia

It sits in Paterna, on the outskirts, with a school bus service that actually works, and it gives you continuity with the French system from kindergarten all the way to the baccalauréat. That matters if moving back to France is still on the table. French children get priority up to age 6. The flip side: it is fee-paying, places are expensive and contested, so plan well ahead. Contact: lfval.net, +34 961 36 40 31.

The British School of Valencia

The British National Curriculum from ages 2 to 18, on two campuses in Ruzafa, in the heart of the city: Calle Filipinas 37 for Early Years, Primary and Secondary, and Avenida Peris y Valero 99 for the Sixth Form campus, "BSV Nexus". Pupils leave with British A-Levels alongside the Spanish Bachillerato certification, which keeps both university systems open. Budget-wise, tuition runs from roughly €760 per month in Early Years up to €995 per month in Sixth Form, plus a one-off €3,250 admission fee (reduced to €1,600 for siblings of current pupils, or for entry from Year 7 to Year 13) and a €445 annual renewal fee. Demand is high, so apply early. Contact: bsvalencia.com, +34 678 006 034.

The Spanish state school

Free, and by far the fastest route to full immersion and local integration. One thing to know: Valencian is taught alongside Castilian Spanish. For younger children the language is rarely a lasting obstacle, plenty of them end up trilingual without really trying. The downside: less flexibility if you expect to move back home within a few years.

The concertado (semi-private)

The middle ground: private schools under contract with the state, so they stay cheap (usually under €100 per month), with a structured environment and a solid standard. Some of them, like the Maristas network or Colegio Marni, teach French from an early age. A good compromise for families who want local integration without going fully state-school.

How to decide, concretely

Four questions settle it almost every time: how old your children are (the younger they are, the easier Spanish immersion gets), how long you plan to stay (a likely return home argues for the French track), your budget (anything from free to close to €1,000 a month), and the language you speak at home. Whatever you choose, start early: the good places, French and international alike, go fast.

Fees and admission terms change: check directly with each school.

Sources

• Lycée Français International de Valencia
• British School of Valencia, fees and admissions
• Conselleria d'Educació (Generalitat Valenciana), state and concertado schooling

Frequently asked questions

Is there a French school in Valencia?

Yes. The Lycée Français International de Valencia, in Paterna, follows the French curriculum from kindergarten to the baccalauréat. It is an accredited, fee-paying school, and French children get priority up to age 6.

Is Spanish state school free?

Yes. State education is free and compulsory from age 6 to 16. Families still pay for meals, materials and some activities. Lessons are taught in Spanish and Valencian.

Do you need to speak Spanish to enrol in a state school?

It is not required to enrol, but language support is often useful at the start, especially for older children. Younger ones tend to pick it up remarkably fast.

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