In recent years, the gap in basic knowledge levels between young generations in Spain and their peers in other developed countries has increased significantly. A new study conducted in 2025 revealed that, while Spanish graduates previously maintained about the same level as those in other OECD countries, the gap is now three times greater than that of their parents’ generation.
This is particularly evident in mathematics and language literacy. People currently aged 55–65 lag just six points behind their counterparts from other countries in mathematics. However, among younger people, the difference has grown to nearly 19 points. This means Spanish students today fall three times further behind their parents’ generation compared to international standards.
The analysis covered data from the adult population aged 16 to 65. Spain was among the countries where progress in educational skills has been minimal over the past decades. In reading comprehension, mathematics, and problem-solving, Spaniards consistently rank among the lowest of the OECD countries. For example, the average reading score in Spain is 247, compared to the OECD average of 260. In mathematics, it’s 250 versus 263. In problem-solving, 241 versus 251.
Interestingly, baby boomers in Spain, when compared to their peers in other countries with the same level of education, actually performed slightly better in mathematics. However, among young Spaniards, the situation is reversed: despite having the same years of schooling, they show worse results than their counterparts in other OECD countries. This suggests that the quality of education in Spain has not only failed to improve over the past decades, but has actually fallen behind international standards.
Experts attribute the widening gap to the quality of education rather than the number of years spent in school. While access to education is nearly universal in the country, a significant portion of young people do not progress beyond the basic level. Spain leads Europe in the share of young people without secondary education. At the same time, the number of students in universities and colleges has increased several times, but this has not translated into higher competency levels.
The report notes that the situation is influenced by teacher training as well as the lack of a unified educational policy. In recent decades, Spain has seen numerous reforms, but none have delivered lasting results. In other countries, such as Finland, consistent education policies have led to better outcomes.
Another pressing issue is the low interest in mathematics and reading among future teachers. Many choose the teaching profession without having strong results in core subjects. This affects the overall academic level of students. In addition, Spanish schools often face discipline problems, which further disrupt the learning process.
The authors of the study believe that overcoming this crisis requires not only modernizing vocational education, but also raising standards for future teachers. It is also important to reduce the rate of early school leaving, which in Spain is still higher than the EU average. Only a comprehensive approach can help Spain close the gap and restore the global competitiveness of its graduates.
