Schooling is a top priority for families looking to relocate to Spain and the education system here has a lot to offer.
Below is a guide to the national and international education options on the Costa del Sol and inland Andalucia provided by Andalucian Dream Homes. for the Costa del Sol, or Ideal Country Property for properties in towns such as Alhaurin, Coin, Mijas or Monda.
Types of School
1. Public (state) schools
Spain's public or state schools are non-fee paying, though parents pay for books, supplies and extra curricular activities. Qualifications gained are valid if your child wants to study at a UK university.
2. Spanish private schools
There are many varieties of Spanish private schools, some teach entirely in Spanish and are subsidised by the state providing they have 25 per cent Spanish students. Others are bilingual schools with a strong emphasis on English. Most are day Catholic schools and co-educational with classes from Monday to Friday. Fees vary, though they are generally lower than private schools in the UK.
3. Foreign schools
This term includes schools solely for expatriates and schools which encourage a mix of Spanish and foreign children. Classes are small and the atmosphere more relaxed than in Spanish schools. There is also a wider choice of academic subjects on offer and examination pass rates are high - as is the number of pupils going on to university. Fees vary from around 1.500 - 6.000€ a year.
Stages of Education
1. Nursery education 3-6 years (Educación Infantil, EI)
Children develop physical and mental skills and learn to read and write. Emphasis is placed on learning about cultures, the environment and road awareness skills.
2. Primary education 6-12 years (Educación Primaria, EP)
Primary education is split into three two-year periods. Pupils learn Spanish, maths, conocimiento del medio (history, geography and biology), PE, art and a second language. They will also learn about religion, focusing on Catholicism.
Classes are mixed ability and parents see teachers regularly to discuss progress. Children take exams from the third year of primary school, but there are no national level testing exams. Parents buy textbooks and materials, but few state schools have uniforms.
School hours are 9am to 4pm with an hour break for lunch. Some schools work until 1.30pm without a break and then finish for the day.
3. Secondary education 12-16/18 years (Educación Secundaria)
The Spanish secondary school system is similar to the British comprehensive system. Pupils begin four years of compulsory education at 12 and teaching is geared towards project work and continuous assessment.
Pupils staying on after 16 can study for the two-year 'Bachillerato' academic course (either arts, humanities, sciences or technology) or enroll on practical training courses called 'modulos'. Those who pass the Bachillerato and want to go on to university take an entrance exam in June
Enrolment
The first thing you need to do is go to the town hall in the area you're moving to and see what paperwork you need to complete. Take your child's birth certificate or passport with an official translation of the parents' passports. You'll also need proof of the child's immunisation, residence and two passport photographs.
To enrol your child in a Spanish state secondary school, you need proof of convalidation - the official record of your child's education. You should get the forms from the Department of Education in Madrid (Tel: 0034 91 701 8000) and do this before you move to Spain. Send the completed form together with your child's school record book and/or examination qualifications, plus birth certificate. Expect the process to take between three and six months.
Foreign pupils attending Spanish state schools also need a document called the 'empadronamiento'. You need to register at the local town hall for this. Take originals and photocopies of your passport, proof of address and your Spanish bank account details.
Thursday, 1 November 2007
Saturday, 16 June 2007
Just Property Spain
Just Property Spain are the property management and rental professionals with an in-depth local knowledge of the Costa del Sol property rental market.
Sharon who set up Just Property Spain 2 years ago says "We care about our clients and our properties and pride ourselves on ensuring our rental properties are maintained to an excellent standard and that our rental clients have a positive and enjoyable stay in Spain. "
Rental Accommodation available on the Costa del Sol include Apartments, Townhouses, Villas, and Fincas. They have short term holiday lets, and long term rentals to suit every taste and requirement.
They specialise in rental accommodation in Alhaurin Golf, Lauro Golf and resorts along the Costa del Sol.
The beautiful white village of Alhaurin el Grande and the surrounding areas within the Guadalhorce valley. Close to the beach in the fishing village of La Cala de Mijas and near by resorts.
Sharon who set up Just Property Spain 2 years ago says "We care about our clients and our properties and pride ourselves on ensuring our rental properties are maintained to an excellent standard and that our rental clients have a positive and enjoyable stay in Spain. "
Rental Accommodation available on the Costa del Sol include Apartments, Townhouses, Villas, and Fincas. They have short term holiday lets, and long term rentals to suit every taste and requirement.
They specialise in rental accommodation in Alhaurin Golf, Lauro Golf and resorts along the Costa del Sol.
Thursday, 26 April 2007
BARGAINS IN THE SPANISH SUN
If you are thinking of buying property in Spain, you should read an article in the Daily Telegraph today.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/26/wspain26.xml
The Spanish housing market is on the verge of collapse and it will soon become a buyers market so now is the time to get in there and make your dream come true.
10 TIPS ON BUYING PROPERTY IN SPAIN
1. If you're buying because you like the Spanish lifestyle, then it won't go away just because of a market wobble. However, it might be safer to rent instead.
2. If you're buying purely for investment, ask yourself if this is truly the right time to do so.
3. Consider shared or fractional ownership. Don't pay for a Spanish home all year round if you don't need it all the time.
4. Prices away from the major resorts are much lower.
5. Make the most of a buyer's market. Many owners will want to offload their properties soon.
6. Consult an independent English-speaking lawyer.
7. Ask for a bank guarantee when buying off-plan, otherwise you could lose your shirt if the project goes under.
8. Plan your budget with the worst-case scenario in mind. If you can't afford to hold on to your home until the market recovers, then don't buy.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/26/wspain26.xml
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/26/wspain26.xml
The Spanish housing market is on the verge of collapse and it will soon become a buyers market so now is the time to get in there and make your dream come true.
10 TIPS ON BUYING PROPERTY IN SPAIN
1. If you're buying because you like the Spanish lifestyle, then it won't go away just because of a market wobble. However, it might be safer to rent instead.
2. If you're buying purely for investment, ask yourself if this is truly the right time to do so.
3. Consider shared or fractional ownership. Don't pay for a Spanish home all year round if you don't need it all the time.
4. Prices away from the major resorts are much lower.
5. Make the most of a buyer's market. Many owners will want to offload their properties soon.
6. Consult an independent English-speaking lawyer.
7. Ask for a bank guarantee when buying off-plan, otherwise you could lose your shirt if the project goes under.
8. Plan your budget with the worst-case scenario in mind. If you can't afford to hold on to your home until the market recovers, then don't buy.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/26/wspain26.xml
Friday, 16 March 2007
New Real Estate Agency in Alhaurin el Grande
Ideal Country Property has just opened in Alhaurin el Grande, only 20 minutes from Malaga airport. They cover an area slightly inland from the Costa del Sol, and offer a personalised service to match your requirements to one of the many types of property available - apartment, townhouse, finca or villa - to suit every budget.
The owners have many years of experience in the property market in this lovely area of Andalucia which has given them the knowledge and expertise to help make your purchase a trouble free and pleasant experience.
Ideal Country Property
The owners have many years of experience in the property market in this lovely area of Andalucia which has given them the knowledge and expertise to help make your purchase a trouble free and pleasant experience.
Ideal Country Property
Foreign Exchange - fixing the best deal
If you buy a property in Spain for every £100,000 you could pay as much as £6525 in extra fees by getting the wrong deal.
Using a bank to exchange £100,000 could cost you £4000 on a poor exchange rate, another £2000 in commission charges, a transfer fee of £25 and a receiving fee to a Spanish bank of £500.
Banks tend to have a poor foreign exchange rates as well as charging transfer fees and commissions. Foreign exchange companies are much cheaper and user friendly. They also offer you a chance to fix your exchange rate for up to two years which is useful if you are buying off plan and have to make staged payments. It is possible the fixed rate may not turn out to be the best rate but at least you will be certain how much you will have to pay.
Currencies Direct and HiFX are two of the foreign exchange companies to look out for. They do not charge transfer fees and once you have registered with them they will send you an alert when rates are favourable. So it’s a good idea to register as soon as you have agreed to purchase a property.
Examples: (Exchange rate on February 26th)
Using a bank to exchange £100,000 could cost you £4000 on a poor exchange rate, another £2000 in commission charges, a transfer fee of £25 and a receiving fee to a Spanish bank of £500.
Banks tend to have a poor foreign exchange rates as well as charging transfer fees and commissions. Foreign exchange companies are much cheaper and user friendly. They also offer you a chance to fix your exchange rate for up to two years which is useful if you are buying off plan and have to make staged payments. It is possible the fixed rate may not turn out to be the best rate but at least you will be certain how much you will have to pay.
Currencies Direct and HiFX are two of the foreign exchange companies to look out for. They do not charge transfer fees and once you have registered with them they will send you an alert when rates are favourable. So it’s a good idea to register as soon as you have agreed to purchase a property.
Examples: (Exchange rate on February 26th)
- Currencies Direct - rate 1.4861 = Euros 148,610 Transfer fee - None
- HiFX - rate 1.48 = Euros 148,000 Transfer fee - None
- Natwest - rate 1.42 = Euros 142,000 Transfer fee - £20
- Halifax - rate 1.4836 = Euros 148,360 Transfer fee £17.50
Thursday, 15 February 2007
Tapas - Spanish Omelette
Ingredients :
8 eggs
2 large potatoes
Salt & pepper
Olive oil
Salt & pepper
Olive oil
Recipe :
Peel, wash and chop the potatoes into small chunks. Season.
Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Sauté the potatoes until golden.
Beat the eggs, lightly salt and add potatoes.
Mix and leave to settle for a couple of minutes.
Pour the mixture into the frying pan and cook for 5 minutes.
Cook for 3 minutes on the other side, turning with the help of a plate over the frying pan.
Serve hot or cold, as tapas.
Advice :Experiment with spanish omelette - add chopped green pepper, onion, chorizo or cheese
Peel, wash and chop the potatoes into small chunks. Season.
Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Sauté the potatoes until golden.
Beat the eggs, lightly salt and add potatoes.
Mix and leave to settle for a couple of minutes.
Pour the mixture into the frying pan and cook for 5 minutes.
Cook for 3 minutes on the other side, turning with the help of a plate over the frying pan.
Serve hot or cold, as tapas.
Advice :Experiment with spanish omelette - add chopped green pepper, onion, chorizo or cheese
Friday, 9 February 2007
Alhaurín el Grande and the Guadalhorce Valley
Situated close to the northern face of Sierra de Mijas, looking out over the spectacular Guadalhorce Valley, with stunning views of numerous citrus trees and vegetable gardens – Alhaurín el Grande is a wonderful place to experience ‘real Spain’. Neolithic, Phoenician, Greek, Roman and Arabic settlers have all left their mark on the area and there are some interesting monuments remaining - Our Lady’s Church, the Town Hall and Montellano Palace. In the small plaza in front of the town hall, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, are three Roman columns which were discovered close by at Fuente del Sol. Also worthy of mention is Los Corchos Mill, which is still in excellent condition and works exactly as it did in Moslem times.
Alhaurín el Grande is a prosperous and bustling village with many local amenities. On the one hand, excellent restaurants, lively bars, modern supermarkets, even English newspapers, and on the other hand idyllic tree lined plazas with the older generation chatting and playing dominos, small hidden local bars serving traditional tapas and the feel of a real community. Alhaurín el Grande makes the ideal base for exploring the real Spain .
The Alhaurín el Grande gastronomy is ample and varied with typical plates such as: 'migas' breadcrumbs fried with garlic and 'gachas cachorreñas' porridge with spices, 'allullas', 'dolcas', patties, sauce, broths, garlic soup, and many desserts such as sponge cakes, oil buns, fritters, macaroons, date bread, egg rusks, fried rusks, french toast and oil cakes.
Alhaurín Golf Resort
Nestled in the hills of the Mijas Mountain range, the Alhaurin Golf Resort is in a stunning location - just 15 minutes from the coast road to all destinations and attractions. The Alhaurín Golf resort is a unique sports and tourist development. Visiting golfers find themselves spoilt for choice, for there are 45 holes in all, 27 of which were designed by Seve Ballesteros. There is an 18 hole full-length course, a 9 hole short course and also the only 18 hole par 3 course in Andalucia. On the main course the fairways are long and narrow with greens protected by a fierce array of bunkers, lakes and gardens, but the fact that there are up to 6 different teeing areas at each hole means that the course can be adapted to any level of skill.
For the Golf enthusiast, there are 5 different challenging courses within a 15 minute drive of the resort as well as the courses of Sotogrande, San Roque, Valderama and Almenara which are within a 50 minute drive and provide some of the golfing delights of the Costa del Sols 40 courses.
For the sun worshipper the beaches of La Cala de Mijas, Cabopino and Elviria are close by - or why not combine sea and snow with a visit to the beautiful Ski resort of Sierra Nevada which is just over 2 hours away. With over 320 sunny days per year in the Costa del Sol it is not surprising that it has become the 'Jewel in the Crown' within Europe – whether you are a golfer or not and whatever time of the year you visit.
There is a variety of accommodation available on the golf course from stunning private villas, luxury townhouses and two or three bedroom apartments - all with at least two bathrooms. Large lounge/dining room and fully equipped kitchen/ breakfast room. Extensive terracing with panoramic views over the magnificent golf course and the beautiful Sierra de Mijas mountains. The properties also benefit from hot and cold air conditioning, plus communal garden and pool areas.
La Cala de Mijas
Set in the heart of the Costa del Sol, midway between Fuengirola and Marbella and Puerto Banus, and just a 20 minute drive from Malaga airport, this area has retained much of its original charm, while benefiting from so many of the great new leisure activities on offer. This unique fishing village with its lovely beaches still retains a typical Spanish flavour, with it's local fairs and events throughout the Summer. Live music and dancing on an open air stage right on the beach offers free entertainment almost every weekend during the summer months. From reggae to classical flamenco, this cosmopolitan village tempts all tastes.
Great bars and restaurants, family oriented and a little bit apart from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the coast, La Cala de Mijas holds on to its origins yet offers something for everyone. Enjoy a long relaxing paella lunch on the beach, or an exciting Saturday night's racing at the all weather race track, there really is something for everyone in this part of Spain .
The Costa del Sol is, of course, also known as the "Costa del Golf" due to the many top class golf courses all along the coast. La Cala de Mijas boasts it's own beautiful golf course only 6km from the centre of the village, set in rolling hills with spectacular sea and country views. Within a twenty minute drive there are a number of other golf courses, Alhaurín Golf, Miraflores, Mijas Golf to name a few. Stunning scenery, glorious beaches, a variety of restaurants and bars, close to many leisure activities, La Cala de Mijas has it all.
Lauro Golf Course
Located on a hillside in the center of the Guadalhorce Valley , surrounded by nature, Lauro Golf is an integrated resort being developed amongst the pine and oak trees. Offering two fantastic golf courses meandering their way through the forests, (thousands more trees have been planted in order to create the perfect environment). For residents and the natural wildlife the micro climate supplied by the nine lakes located within and around the course, ensures the wonderful location is here to stay. All of this is located within a short 10km drive to the coast and Malaga airport. Set within this environment are a number of holiday properties offering the finest quality and services, the type of accommodation offered ranges from spacious two and three bedroom townhouses to wonderful one bedroom apartments.
There is a two hundred year old restored farmhouse that is being used to house the Clubhouse which offers a golf pro shop and a lovely restaurant with seating in the picturesque, tree lined courtyard.
Alhaurín el Grande is a prosperous and bustling village with many local amenities. On the one hand, excellent restaurants, lively bars, modern supermarkets, even English newspapers, and on the other hand idyllic tree lined plazas with the older generation chatting and playing dominos, small hidden local bars serving traditional tapas and the feel of a real community. Alhaurín el Grande makes the ideal base for exploring the real Spain .
The Alhaurín el Grande gastronomy is ample and varied with typical plates such as: 'migas' breadcrumbs fried with garlic and 'gachas cachorreñas' porridge with spices, 'allullas', 'dolcas', patties, sauce, broths, garlic soup, and many desserts such as sponge cakes, oil buns, fritters, macaroons, date bread, egg rusks, fried rusks, french toast and oil cakes.
Alhaurín Golf Resort
Nestled in the hills of the Mijas Mountain range, the Alhaurin Golf Resort is in a stunning location - just 15 minutes from the coast road to all destinations and attractions. The Alhaurín Golf resort is a unique sports and tourist development. Visiting golfers find themselves spoilt for choice, for there are 45 holes in all, 27 of which were designed by Seve Ballesteros. There is an 18 hole full-length course, a 9 hole short course and also the only 18 hole par 3 course in Andalucia. On the main course the fairways are long and narrow with greens protected by a fierce array of bunkers, lakes and gardens, but the fact that there are up to 6 different teeing areas at each hole means that the course can be adapted to any level of skill.
For the Golf enthusiast, there are 5 different challenging courses within a 15 minute drive of the resort as well as the courses of Sotogrande, San Roque, Valderama and Almenara which are within a 50 minute drive and provide some of the golfing delights of the Costa del Sols 40 courses.
For the sun worshipper the beaches of La Cala de Mijas, Cabopino and Elviria are close by - or why not combine sea and snow with a visit to the beautiful Ski resort of Sierra Nevada which is just over 2 hours away. With over 320 sunny days per year in the Costa del Sol it is not surprising that it has become the 'Jewel in the Crown' within Europe – whether you are a golfer or not and whatever time of the year you visit.
There is a variety of accommodation available on the golf course from stunning private villas, luxury townhouses and two or three bedroom apartments - all with at least two bathrooms. Large lounge/dining room and fully equipped kitchen/ breakfast room. Extensive terracing with panoramic views over the magnificent golf course and the beautiful Sierra de Mijas mountains. The properties also benefit from hot and cold air conditioning, plus communal garden and pool areas.
La Cala de Mijas Set in the heart of the Costa del Sol, midway between Fuengirola and Marbella and Puerto Banus, and just a 20 minute drive from Malaga airport, this area has retained much of its original charm, while benefiting from so many of the great new leisure activities on offer. This unique fishing village with its lovely beaches still retains a typical Spanish flavour, with it's local fairs and events throughout the Summer. Live music and dancing on an open air stage right on the beach offers free entertainment almost every weekend during the summer months. From reggae to classical flamenco, this cosmopolitan village tempts all tastes.
Great bars and restaurants, family oriented and a little bit apart from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the coast, La Cala de Mijas holds on to its origins yet offers something for everyone. Enjoy a long relaxing paella lunch on the beach, or an exciting Saturday night's racing at the all weather race track, there really is something for everyone in this part of Spain .
The Costa del Sol is, of course, also known as the "Costa del Golf" due to the many top class golf courses all along the coast. La Cala de Mijas boasts it's own beautiful golf course only 6km from the centre of the village, set in rolling hills with spectacular sea and country views. Within a twenty minute drive there are a number of other golf courses, Alhaurín Golf, Miraflores, Mijas Golf to name a few. Stunning scenery, glorious beaches, a variety of restaurants and bars, close to many leisure activities, La Cala de Mijas has it all.
Lauro Golf Course
Located on a hillside in the center of the Guadalhorce Valley , surrounded by nature, Lauro Golf is an integrated resort being developed amongst the pine and oak trees. Offering two fantastic golf courses meandering their way through the forests, (thousands more trees have been planted in order to create the perfect environment). For residents and the natural wildlife the micro climate supplied by the nine lakes located within and around the course, ensures the wonderful location is here to stay. All of this is located within a short 10km drive to the coast and Malaga airport. Set within this environment are a number of holiday properties offering the finest quality and services, the type of accommodation offered ranges from spacious two and three bedroom townhouses to wonderful one bedroom apartments.
There is a two hundred year old restored farmhouse that is being used to house the Clubhouse which offers a golf pro shop and a lovely restaurant with seating in the picturesque, tree lined courtyard.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Just Property Spain
Just Property Spain are the property management and rental professionals with an in-depth local knowledge of the Costa del Sol property rental market. Manager Sharon said:
"We care about our clients and our properties and pride ourselves on ensuring our rental properties are maintained to an excellent standard and that our rental clients have a positive and enjoyable stay in Spain. "
They specialise in rental accommodation in Alhaurin Golf, Lauro Golf and resorts along the Costa del Sol.
Just Property Spain
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