Worrying statistics in Spain: around 25% of fifteen-year-olds do not reach the minimum level in math, reading, or science. Despite slight improvements in recent years, the country still lags significantly behind the European average in the number of high-achieving students.
Experts note that weak basic skills among young people directly affect the country’s competitiveness and limit the influx of new professionals in science, technology, and engineering. This is already impacting the labor market: demand for qualified workers in these fields exceeds supply.
Early school leaving and the digital divide
Another major issue is the high rate of early school leavers. In Spain, this rate is 13%, noticeably higher than the European average and almost twice the 2030 target. Boys are especially likely to leave school early, and the gender gap continues to widen.
The country is discussing measures to counter this trend: raising the compulsory education age to 18, expanding the scholarship system, and increasing education funding to 5.5% of GDP. However, these initiatives have yet to produce tangible results.
The question of digital skills is just as urgent. Nearly half of Spanish students are not confident using a computer for basic tasks, further widening the gap with other EU countries. In the digital age, this is becoming a critical barrier to future careers.
Lack of interest in science and an oversupply of degrees
Young people are slow to choose technical and scientific fields: only a quarter of students enroll in such programs, which is below the European average. Meanwhile, employers complain about a shortage of specialists, while graduates from humanities and social faculties face an oversaturated job market.
Paradoxically, more than 50% of young people in Spain have a higher education degree—one of the highest rates in Europe. However, a third of them are forced to take jobs that do not require their qualifications. This leads to frustration and lower motivation among graduates.
Preschools, poverty, and screen time restrictions
There are positive aspects, too: almost all three-year-olds in Spain attend preschool, and enrollment for children under two is also high. At the same time, a third of children under six live in families at risk of poverty or social exclusion—almost 10% higher than the EU average.
Interestingly, Spanish parents are much more likely to monitor the amount of time their children spend on smartphones and tablets. In some regions, strict bans on mobile phones in schools have been introduced, while in others, the rules are more relaxed.
Overall, Spain’s education system faces serious challenges: it needs not only to improve students’ basic knowledge but also to make learning more practical and relevant to the job market. Without these changes, the country will struggle to compete with its neighbors and retain young professionals.
