School System

In Spain, state-run schools coexist with private and semi-private schools. Although the majority are state-run, the number of semi-private schools (Sp. Centros Concertados), which are normally maintained by the Church, should not be underestimated.

The school structure is composed of a six-year primary level (Educación Primaria), a four-year lower secondary level (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria) which is organised in the form of a comprehensive school, and a two-year upper school (Bachillerato). The Spanish conference of arts and education ministers has reached agreement on only very vague nationwide standards. It is therefore left to the various Comunidades Autónomas to work out the details of the curriculum and develop it. As regards music as a school subject there are no significant regional differences.