Schools in Andorra

Schools in Andorra at a glance

Andorra has three public school systems and a small number of international schools. Class sizes are small by European standards, multilingual learning is the norm, and the overall quality is high. School choice is one of the most important practical decisions for families moving to Andorra - it affects where you live, your move-in date and your children's social integration. Factor it in early.

• Three public systems: Andorran (Catalan-led), French, Spanish - all free
• International schools: English-led, fee-paying, strong multilingual outcomes
• Languages: Catalan, Spanish, French and English feature across the systems, but teaching languages and support vary by school and stage.
• School calendar: September to June, with Christmas, Easter and summer breaks broadly aligned to European norms
• Key practical point: school enrolment requires a confirmed Andorran address - align with your housing and residency timeline

The three public school systems in Andorra

Andorran system (Sistema Andorrà)

The Andorran public system is the national curriculum, taught primarily in Catalan with strong Spanish and French taught as core subjects throughout. It is free for residents. Children integrate quickly into the local community through this route and it is the most common choice for families intending to settle long-term in Andorra.

• Language of instruction: Catalan primary, Spanish and French as core subjects
• Ages: early-years education from 3; compulsory education from 6 to 16, followed by post-16 academic or vocational options.
• Fees: free for resident families
• Integration: ask about language support, class placement and communication with parents during the first term.
• Best for: families committed to Andorra long-term who want deep local integration

French system (Sistema Francès)

The French public school system in Andorra runs the official French curriculum, overseen by the French government. It is well established and highly regarded. Children in the French system graduate with the French Baccalaureate, giving access to French higher education and the wider French-language university network.

• Language of instruction: French primary, with Catalan and Spanish taught
• Age range: 3 to 18 (through to Baccalaureate)
• Fees: free for resident families
• Qualification: French Baccalaureate
• Best for: French-speaking families and those targeting French university pathways

Spanish education system

The Spanish system includes the state-run Colegio Español María Moliner and other recognised schools, including Mare Janer, Sagrada Família and Sant Ermengol. It is not a system run by a single foundation. Compare the individual centre’s educational approach, language provision, age range and progression to Spanish qualifications before choosing.

• Language of instruction: Spanish primary, with Catalan and French taught
• Ages and stages: check the provision at each centre, including where pupils continue after secondary school.
• Fees: Spanish state education is free; ask other centres separately about fees and optional services.
• Qualification: Spanish Bachillerato / Selectividad
• Best for: Spanish-speaking families and those targeting Spanish university pathways

International schools in Andorra

British College of Andorra

British College of Andorra provides an English-medium educational route in Andorra. Its secondary pathway includes International GCSE/GCSE examinations, and it is authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Families seeking continuity with British schooling should discuss subject choices, entry requirements and university plans directly with admissions.

• Language of instruction: English primary, with Catalan, Spanish and French taught
• Stages: confirm the available year group and its entry requirements with the school.
• Fees: request the current year-group tariff, registration charges and optional extras directly from admissions.
• Qualifications: International GCSE/GCSE and the IB Diploma Programme.
• Best for: English-speaking families, families targeting UK or international university entry, and families wanting continuity with a British educational environment

Agora Andorra International School

Agora Andorra International School is a private school in L’Aldosa, La Massana, with education from early years to upper secondary. Its offer includes national and International Baccalaureate pathways. Ask how languages are used in your child’s stage, which subjects are available and how a transfer from their present curriculum would work.

• Languages: multilingual provision; confirm the teaching language of each subject and stage with the school.
• Stages: early years through upper secondary; confirm the appropriate entry year.
• Fees: fee-paying - confirm directly with the school for current year group fees
• Qualifications: national Bachillerato and International Baccalaureate options; check subject and university-entry requirements.
• Best for: multilingual families and those wanting international qualifications with deep local integration

School fees in Andorra - what to budget

• Public education: tuition is free in the Andorran, French and Spanish state systems; check separately for meals, transport and materials.
• Other Spanish-system schools: ask the chosen centre for any contributions, service charges and optional activities.
• British College of Andorra: request a complete annual quotation for your child’s year group.
• Agora Andorra: fee-paying - confirm directly for current fees
• Additional costs: ask about meals, transport, uniforms where used, materials, examinations, trips and extracurricular activities.

Always confirm fees directly with the school - fees change annually and depend on year group and sibling discounts.

Languages - what to expect for your children

Multilingual learning is an important part of education in Andorra, but progress varies with age, previous schooling, language exposure and individual needs. Ask each school how it supports new arrivals and how subject learning continues while a child acquires the teaching language. Local friendships and activities can help, but no school choice guarantees fluency within a fixed number of months.

If your children are arriving mid-year, most schools offer language support for new arrivals. The French system is particularly strong on structured French-language support for non-native speakers.

Admissions - documents and timing

Admissions are straightforward but require a confirmed Andorran address, which is why school enrolment must align with your housing and residency plan.

• Child and parent passports
• Current school records from previous school (reports, references, any special educational needs documentation)
• Vaccination/health records if requested by the school
• Proof of Andorran address (rental contract or property deed)
• Residency permit (once issued) - some schools accept residency application confirmation pending the permit

The September intake is the cleanest entry point. Mid-year entry is possible at most schools but availability depends on year group and school. Plan to contact schools 2-3 months before your target start date.

School timeline for families moving to Andorra

• 3-4 months before move: shortlist schools, contact admissions, confirm year group availability
• 2-3 months before: visit schools if possible (can often be combined with a property viewing trip)
• 1-2 months before: submit application, provide documents, confirm place
• Move week: address confirmed, address supplied to school, enrolment finalised
• First weeks: school orientation, language support if needed, extracurricular settling-in

School calendar drives many family moves. If your target is September, work backwards from the September start date to set your residency, property and move-in milestones. We build this into the plan from the first call. See move to Andorra for the full sequence.

Choosing a school by parish - align school with home

School locations differ by system and educational stage. There are public schools beyond the capital and La Massana, so do not assume every child needs the same commute. Confirm the actual campus, catchment or admission arrangements and available transport. Visit the route at school-run time, allowing for winter conditions, before choosing a home.

For a parish-by-parish breakdown of lifestyle, altitude and commute, see our Andorra parish real estate guide. For overall family life context see living in Andorra.

Comparing Andorra's school systems - which is right for your family?

• Committed to settling in Andorra long-term + want deep local community integration: Andorran system
• French-speaking + targeting French university: French system
• Spanish curriculum and university planning: compare María Moliner and other recognised Spanish-system centres.
• English-speaking + targeting UK or international university: British College of Andorra
• Multilingual family + want international qualifications with local integration: Agora Andorra
• Undecided or mixed-language family: visit both international options and the Andorran system - all three accept international families

Frequently asked questions

What schools are in Andorra? Andorra has Andorran, French and Spanish education systems, as well as private international options including British College of Andorra and Agora Andorra International School. Check each school’s age range and stages. Compulsory education runs from 6 to 16.

Is there a British school in Andorra? Yes. British College of Andorra offers an English-medium route, International GCSE/GCSE examinations and the IB Diploma Programme. Ask the school for current admissions requirements, subject choices and fees.

Are schools in Andorra free? Public tuition is free in the Andorran, French and Spanish state systems. Private schools charge fees. Meals, transport, materials and optional activities can add costs in either setting.

What language are schools taught in Andorra? Languages depend on the system, school and stage. Compare the language of instruction, additional languages and support for new arrivals rather than assuming that every school teaches in the same way.

Can my child attend school in Andorra without speaking Catalan? A lack of Catalan need not prevent you exploring school options. Ask admissions about assessment, language support and year-group placement. Progress varies by child; there is no guaranteed fluency timetable.

What qualifications do Andorran schools offer? Routes include the Andorran batxillerat, French baccalauréat and Spanish Bachillerato. British College offers International GCSE/GCSE and the IB Diploma; Agora offers national and IB pathways. Check recognition and subject requirements with the intended university.

When is the school year in Andorra? September to June, with Christmas, Easter and summer breaks broadly aligned to European norms. September is the main intake point. Mid-year entry is possible at most schools subject to year group availability.

How do I enrol my child in school in Andorra? Contact the school directly with child and parent passports, current school records, vaccination documents and proof of Andorran address. An Andorran address is required for enrolment - align school contact with your property and residency timeline. Plan 2-3 months ahead of your target start date.

Do I need to be a resident to send my child to school in Andorra? Residency (or active residency application) is required for enrolment in public schools. International schools may have slightly more flexibility - confirm directly. In practice, school enrolment and residency run in parallel as part of the family move.

Which school is best for English-speaking families moving to Andorra? British College is worth considering for continuity with English-medium education. Compare it with Agora and the public systems against your child’s age, language needs, subjects, qualifications and preferred school environment.

How does school choice affect where I should live in Andorra? Confirm the actual campus and transport for your child’s stage before shortlisting homes. School-run traffic and winter access matter more than a general national commute estimate. Use our parish guide to compare locations.

How INVICO helps families with school planning

• Align school shortlist with parish and property choices so home and school work together
• Build school admissions timeline into your residency and move-in plan so nothing blocks September entry
• Coordinate school visits with property viewing trips for efficient use of your time in Andorra
• Keep school calendar coherent with your residency route and move-in date