Hi!! my husband, myself and my 4 children are seriously considering a move to Alicante late next year. Only thing concerning me are schools. I have trawled the net looking for english curriculum teaching and have came across international schools, but seems they are very expensive. I dont have a problem placing my youngest in a state school as she will only be 7. My son has a mild autistic spectrum disorder and has a statement of special needs. Second eldest will be going to college and eldest will be going to work. I am considering delaying our move until my son has completed his gcses and daughter her A levels at college over here in england. Have heard the education system in spain is far superior to the uk. Bit stuck to be honest. If anyone could give me advice on moving with kids i would really appreciate it
thanks

Hi we tried Home Schooling for our daughter with mixed results.  Send me a PM if you would like to know more!

Hi Anna

We moved to the Alicante region (in the Denia area) last September with 3 children aged 12, 13 and 16. 

I am not sure if you are moving to Alicante itself or just the Alicante region but I think that both are in the Comunidad de Valencia which means that if your children are taught in state schools they will have to learn Valenciano AND Castilliano and, in fact in most areas, will actually be taught in both.

We knew this when we came out and so did the children.  Our 16 year old came here after achieving As and A*s in her GCSE results and thought it would be a challenge and “fun” to be immersed in the language and culture.  We were warned by many that all our children would be too old to pick up the language easily but a) we did not have the luxury of choice (ie money) to put them in internationally schools and b) ALL of us including the children wanted to be part of the community meaning that learning the language is essential. So it was state schools all round!

Well, to say it was a shock as to hard it would be to do this is an understatement.  It is TREMENDOUSLY hard for the children and the parents to learn 2 languages, try to settle in to a new home and country AND keep on top of school work.  After 2 days the 16 year old wanted to go straight back to the UK, especially when she realised she would be put back a year and, effectively, wave goodbye to her hard work and academic succuss at GCSE.

2 months later we are still struggling BUT it really is getting easier.  I really do wish we did not have to do Valenciano as Castilliano (ie Spanish as you know it) is easier and is also a live language. Having said that, I do support the fact that the Valencia region are keeping their language and culture alive.  I am sure it will all work out in the end - it is just hard now!!

My advice to you would be to let your younger child go into State school but do make sure you keep up with their written and spoken English as this really is the language of commerce.  If you can afford for your child with special needs to go to International school, we have friends here in Denia who really recommend the Lady Elizabeth in Javea. Your eldest who is seeking work may have a challenge as we certainly are so I would be really glad to keep in touch with you to find out how this is going.

When I was planning this move I spent nearly every single night on this site or others that are similar trying to find out what is is REALLY like to make the move.  Lots of people were really negative, some were really helpful and a lot were really positive but at the end of the day you know your family and yourselves and you will do the right thing for you all.

If I can help you, please let me know and good luck!

Kind regards

Julie