Spain’s education system is experiencing one of its most challenging periods in recent decades. The latest data from international studies such as PISA, PIRLS, and TIMSS indicate that Spanish students are showing some of the lowest results in the country’s history. The problem is especially acute in reading and mathematics: a significant proportion of students are unable to complete basic assignments, and the number of high achievers remains minimal.
Parents, teachers, and education experts are expressing serious concern. Many point out that children are not only struggling to master the curriculum, but also facing basic difficulties—for example, some 12-year-old students cannot correctly write their own names. Parents are increasingly choosing to transfer their children from so-called innovative schools to more traditional institutions, hoping to improve the quality of education.
Catalan authorities have acknowledged the existence of systemic problems and have already sought assistance from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to analyze and develop recommendations for improving the situation. The region plans to review its teaching approaches and introduce new methods to boost students’ knowledge levels.
Educators note that the current educational reform, known as Lomloe, has shifted the focus from acquiring knowledge to developing personal qualities and social skills. This has led to more subjective assessments and lowered requirements for students. As a result, many schoolchildren do not acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for further studies.
Experts also cite the influence of digital technologies as another problem. Constant use of gadgets and social media negatively affects attention and motivation to study. Moreover, many families are not sufficiently involved in the educational process, which exacerbates the situation.
The crisis has also affected higher education. University professors report that students often show indifference to their studies and lack ambition to achieve high results. This is due both to insufficient preparation in school and to changing attitudes toward education in society.
Specialists emphasize that in recent years, the very profile of teachers has changed. The profession is increasingly attracting people focused on psychological support rather than knowledge transfer. According to experts, this also contributes to the overall decline in the quality of education.
In international comparisons, Spain significantly lags behind Asian countries, where the emphasis is on discipline and diligence. There, significant progress has been achieved through strict requirements and a high level of responsibility from both students and parents.
Overall, the situation in Spanish schools requires urgent action. Authorities and experts agree that without comprehensive changes in teaching methods and assessment, it will be difficult to reverse the negative trend. In the coming years, Spain plans to implement new educational standards and to more actively draw on international experience to overcome the crisis.
