Alternative Education
The law in Spain states that children between the ages of 6 and 16 must have access to education and follow a learning study program. Most families chose public or private schools to educate their children. When parents opt for homeschooling, they must follow a study program and provide evidence of the learning made if required by the law.
ISLA is not a school, we are much more than that!
By being an Academy, ISLA has the freedom to create what we believe is an enriching learning experience for all our students; combining values, academic knowledge and lifelong skills.
ISLA Academy and MTA provide personalised education within a small scale, nature based, and outdoor learning environment in Mallorca. They combine daily support, project based learning, and sports with a British curriculum delivered through Wolsey Hall Oxford, a recognised UK based online school.
- Curriculum: Cambridge and Edexcel (IGCSEs and A Levels)
- International Recognition: Pathways to universities worldwide
- Support: Personalised attention and structured learning
- Outdoor learning: Academics, nature and sports
- Flexibility: Ideal for travelling or internationally minded families
Legal Context
In Spain, education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 16 under the Organic Law of Education (Ley Orgánica 2/2006), updated by LOMLOE 2020. However, homeschooling is not explicitly regulated, placing it in a legal grey area. Courts have ruled that education must be structured, assessed, and aligned with the principles of Spanish educational policy, even if it occurs outside of conventional schools
(Tribunal Constitucional 133/2010).
Spain’s autonomous communities interpret this framework with some variation. For example, Catalonia and the Basque Country have allowed certain individualised education plans, provided the child’s well-being and learning needs are clearly met.
ISLA Academy operates in the intermediate space between homeschooling and a traditional school, offering a British curriculum in a structured, daily learning environment. Although not a recognised colegio autorizado under Spanish law, ISLA Academy ensures students follow a validated academic programme, with internal evaluations and opportunities to sit IGCSE exams at certified centres such as the British Council or accredited Cambridge International venues.
We offer structured teaching and tutoring in a professionally organised, small class setting, in collaboration with a UK accredited education provider. We use British educational materials, employ qualified teachers, follow the convenio colectivo for standard schools, and employ a pedagogue and work with a remedial teacher and psychologist to support pupils with additional needs.
Our locations meet all the technical and functional requirements to operate as educational centres under the local framework for academies. This includes compliance with safety standards such as ventilation, natural lighting, certified electrical installations, emergency exits, and accessibility for people with physical disabilities, as outlined in municipal planning and safety regulations
The town hall has officially approved the activity licence, confirming that ISLA Academy meets the required standards for its category of operation.
Legal Risks
While home education and full time foreign online schooling are not formally recognised in Spain, families who invest in well structured, accountable, and socially engaging education can often avoid complications. The key is to demonstrate that the child receives a coherent, high quality education aligned with the spirit of Spanish law.
Possible risks include:
- Fines or administrative sanctions, particularly if the child is a Spanish resident
- Interventions by social services if reported as not enrolled
- Issues with residency or visa applications, which require evidence of school attendance for minors (BOE-A-2022-21926)
Support and Information
These organisations provide advice and legal information about home education and alternative learning models in Spain:
- LAHIE – La Asociación por la Libre Educación
www.educacionlibre.org - ALE – Asociación para la Libre Educación
www.educacionenfamilia.org - Projecte Lliure (Catalonia)
www.projectellliure.cat
