As September approaches, families across Spain begin preparing for the new academic year. The question of exactly when classes start becomes particularly relevant for parents, students, and teachers. In different autonomous communities, the starting dates for the school year vary, requiring careful planning.
2025-2026 Academic Calendar: Regional Differences
In 2025, the school year begins in the first half of September, but the exact dates depend on the region. In Navarra, secondary and high school students return to school as early as September 5. For younger students and preschoolers in this region, classes will begin between September 5 and 9, depending on the specific educational institution.
In Andalucía, students will start classes later. The school year for primary and preschool students begins on September 10, while older students and those in vocational programs return on September 16.
Start Dates for the Academic Year in Other Autonomous Communities
In Aragón, the start of the school year is staggered: September 9 for primary and middle school students, September 12 for older students, and September 13 for vocational students. In Asturias, all students except those in vocational training return to school on September 10, while vocational students start classes on September 16.
In the Balearic Islands (Islas Baleares), most students return to school on September 11, while vocational students start on September 20. In the Canary Islands (Canarias), younger and middle school students begin on September 9, and upper grades and vocational students start on September 10.
In Cantabria (Cantabria), primary school starts on September 9, all other levels on September 10. In Castilla-La Mancha (Castilla-La Mancha), all educational levels begin simultaneously on September 10. In Castilla y León (Castilla y León), younger students return on September 6, while upper grades and vocational students start on September 12.
In Catalonia (Catalunya), after the Diada holiday (September 11), classes for most schoolchildren start on September 9, while upper grades and vocational students return on September 12. In the Valencian Community (Comunidad Valenciana), all levels begin on September 9.
In Extremadura (Extremadura), the school year for most students begins on September 11, upper grades start on September 12, and certain vocational programs on September 18. In Galicia (Galicia), all students return on September 11. In La Rioja (La Rioja), younger and middle school students start on September 10, while upper grades and vocational students begin on September 16.
In Madrid (Madrid), primary classes begin on September 9, all other students on September 10. In Murcia (Murcia), the dates follow the national average: September 9 for younger students and September 10 for upper grades and vocational programs.
In the Basque Country (País Vasco), all educational levels start on September 6. In Ceuta (Ceuta) and Melilla (Melilla), primary and middle school students begin on September 9, and vocational programs on September 11.
Holidays and breaks in the 2025–2026 academic year
In addition to the start date of classes, it is important to take vacation periods into account. Winter holidays in most regions begin on December 20, 2025. In some autonomous communities, such as the Valencian Community, Extremadura, and La Rioja, the break will start on December 22, while in Cantabria, the Basque Country, and Murcia, holidays begin on December 23. Students are scheduled to return to classes on January 7 or 8, 2026, depending on the region.
In addition to national holidays, each region has its own public holidays. For example, in Catalonia, Diada is celebrated on September 11, in the Valencian Community on March 19, and in Madrid on May 2. These dates also impact the academic calendar.
