How old is too old for Spanish state school?

[barneysmum]

We are moving over to Javea before September and our eldest daughter (11) is going to Lady Elizabeth school. Our youngest (9) was going to go too but financial issues have made us rethink.

I'm now thinking about a local Spanish school but have read so many conflicting opinions about this. I personally think that if she does 2 years at a Spanish school and then goes to Lady Elizabeth that she will be ok, and more advanced in Spanish and Spanish culture.

I have read that over the age of 7 is hard to make the change from English to Spanish school, but have also heard of 14 year olds who have made the transition and are doing well.

I'm sure a lot comes down to the child but does anybody have experience of this themselves, or indeed of local Spanish schools in Javea or Benitachell?

I don't want to be a Brit abroad, and I want the kids to settle into Spanish life, but at the same time I want them to have the option of returning to the UK for University, if that is what they want to do.

Thank you.

[MichelleAlison]

I placed both my children (12 and 15) in a private Spanish only school when we arrived in Argentina. My 15 year did great, but my 12 year didn't. After three months, we moved the 12 year old to the International school here where he has flourished. His Spanish language skills are good, but not as good as my 15 year old daughter who studied totally in Spanish.

It just goes to show that it depends on the individual child and not the age.

Sorry I can't help you with Spain, but there is lots of information on the Spanish country forum.

Good luck with your plans and don't let the language barrier be a problem. My kids love it here and don't want to think about London.

Michelle

[nikkiwinter]

Hi

We moved to Moraira, costa blanca, last July and my daughter went to spanish state school. She was 9yrs old and has settled in very quickly and absolutely loves her new school.
Her Spanish is doing great, if a little slower than I'd expected, but this is due to the high amount of British and Dutch kids at the school and they all chat in English.
I would say go for it!