Andorra – Education and Schools

How good is the education system in Andorra?

Andorra’s education system is of an exceptionally high standard. Smaller nations are sometimes assumed to offer inferior schooling, but the principality defies this assumption entirely. It maintains a 100% literacy rate, even though it ranks 187th out of 201 countries in terms of GDP allocated to education — just 1.9% in 2023. Achieving outstanding educational outcomes while committing relatively modest public funds points to a system that is both well-designed and efficiently run.

Tucked between France and Spain within the Pyrenean mountain range, Andorra has cultivated one of the globe’s most distinctive approaches to schooling: three entirely separate public education systems operating simultaneously, each in a different primary language. Because of its small size, Andorra does not feature in PISA rankings — the OECD does not include the principality in its international assessment programme — which limits direct cross-country comparisons. Nevertheless, its near-universal literacy and multilingual outcomes place it favourably alongside the strongest educational performers in Europe. The Andorran Ministry of Education publishes any current quality assessments or inspection findings on its website.

With a compact population distributed across seven parishes, Andorran schools routinely maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. This allows for more personalised instruction and greater responsiveness to each pupil’s needs — a hallmark of quality that parents in larger countries typically pay considerable private school fees to access. In Andorra, it is simply standard practice within the public system.

Recent legislative reforms have deepened provision for pupils with diverse learning requirements. A national Digital Education Plan has also driven the incorporation of technology into everyday classroom life, encompassing infrastructure upgrades, professional development for teachers, and curriculum revisions designed to build students’ digital skills from an early age.

At what age is education compulsory in Andorra, and how is schooling structured by age?

Schooling in Andorra is both free and compulsory between the ages of 6 and 16, and the educational framework reflects the principality’s singular geographic setting and trilingual cultural character. Homeschooling is not a legal option in Andorra; every resident child must attend an accredited school from ages 6 to 16. Families who prefer not to enrol their child within Andorra must arrange schooling in another country — a weighty practical consideration for anyone planning a move to the principality.

Pre-primary education, known locally as “maternal” schooling, is available from age 3 but is not legally required. Post-compulsory options — including the baccalaureate, vocational training programmes, and university study — are similarly voluntary. Despite being non-compulsory, the maternal stage covering ages 3 to 6 is widely taken up by families across the country.

Compulsory education is divided into two principal stages within all three public systems:

• Primary school: compulsory for children between 6 and 12 years old. This six-year stage lays the groundwork for literacy, numeracy, and multilingual learning.
• Secondary school: compulsory for children between 12 and 16 years old. This four-year stage corresponds broadly to lower secondary education and marks the conclusion of compulsory schooling.
• Upper secondary (Baccalaureate): students seeking university admission through the selectivity examination can complete the two-year baccalaureate within their chosen system in Andorra and sit the entrance exam locally. This stage is voluntary and generally spans ages 16 to 18.

Early childhood provision in Andorra is of a high standard, with both public and private options available for the youngest children. The Bressol Schools — publicly run nursery schools — accept children from birth to age 3, providing an affordable and high-quality entry point into education for families with very young children.

One charming feature unique to Andorran schooling is the ski school component, which forms a compulsory part of the physical education curriculum in first grade and becomes optional thereafter. The Andorran government formalised skiing within the public school curriculum in 2003, with subsequent amendments in 2012. This element reflects the country’s deep-rooted mountain culture and represents a delightful practical distinction from most other European school systems.

What types of schools are available in Andorra?

Andorra holds the distinction of being the only country on earth that simultaneously runs three separate, free public education systems — a direct reflection of its position at the cultural meeting point of Catalan, French, and Spanish influences. Beyond these, two private international schools provide English-medium alternatives. The following breakdown explains each option in detail.

The Andorran Public System (Escola Andorrana)

Established in 1982, the Andorran system uses Catalan as its primary language of instruction, with French, Spanish, and English taught as complementary languages. The pedagogical approach is constructivist, placing strong emphasis on Andorran cultural identity. Around 39% of pupils attend schools within this system. Given the diversity of Andorra’s expatriate community, this is a popular route for many non-Spanish and non-French families — the majority of expats do in fact choose the Andorran system for their children.

The French Public System

In operation since 1900, the French system follows the curriculum set by French National Education under the supervision of the Academy of Montpellier. Instruction takes place primarily in French, with Catalan, Spanish, and English also taught. Approximately 33% of pupils are enrolled here. The system operates under a bilateral agreement between the Government of Andorra and the Government of France signed in 2004, and is fully funded by the French state. Families familiar with France’s national curriculum will find this system immediately recognisable.

The Spanish Public System

Dating back to 1930, the Spanish system delivers education primarily in Spanish and Catalan, following the programmes of the Spanish Ministry of Education while incorporating Catalan language instruction and Andorran history. Around 28% of students are enrolled in this system. Based in Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany, the Catholic Spanish schools — Mare Janer, Sant Ermengol, and Sacred Family — are locally funded, while the secular Maria Moliner school receives subsidies from the Spanish government.

Faith Schools within the Spanish System

Three confessional schools subsidised by the Government of Andorra operate within the Spanish educational framework, using Catalan as the main language of instruction. These institutions offer a Catholic ethos alongside the broader Spanish curriculum and receive partial public funding from the Andorran authorities.

Private International Schools

Beyond the three public systems, two fee-paying international schools serve families seeking English-language education or a curriculum aligned with another country’s national framework. While not free, many parents consider the long-term academic benefits and substantial use of English in teaching to justify the investment. These schools — Agora International School Andorra and the British College of Andorra — are covered in detail in the international schools section below.

Every parish has its own primary school, and most communities are served by a secondary school. Crèche facilities for younger children and private nurseries are also available throughout the country.

What curriculum and qualifications do schools in Andorra follow?

Responsibility for all three educational systems falls under the Andorran Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. The legal framework governing education is set out in the qualified education law published in BOPA 51 (1993) and the law on the organisation of the Andorran educational system promulgated in BOPA 48 (1994). Each public system follows its own national curriculum and awards distinct — though mutually respected — qualifications.

The Andorran system prepares pupils for the National Baccalaureate and, following a significant reform introduced in 2019, the International Baccalaureate (IB) at upper secondary level. The introduction of the IB has substantially enhanced the international portability of Andorran qualifications and opened pathways to universities across the world. The IB Diploma, alongside the French Baccalauréat and the Spanish Bachillerato, is accepted by universities across Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

The Spanish system delivers a broad education combining academic rigour with technical preparation. As in Spain itself, the curriculum leads to the Bachillerato, which is the standard gateway to Spanish university entry. Students completing the French system sit the French Baccalauréat — the identical qualification awarded throughout France — ensuring seamless progression into French higher education.

In Andorra, the Baccalaureate is offered at only four institutions: the Andorran school, the Lycée Français, the Spanish Institute, and Sant Ermengol secondary school. Families should confirm in advance which schools provide the post-16 qualification track corresponding to their chosen system. At the private international schools, the British College of Andorra prepares students for IGCSEs and A-levels — qualifications equivalent to those taken in England and Wales — while Agora International School offers routes to both the Spanish Bachillerato and the American high school diploma.

All schools within all three public systems teach four languages: Catalan, Spanish, English, and French — though the time allocated to each varies by system. This extensive multilingual exposure means that students completing secondary school commonly emerge with strong fluency in two to four languages.

What are typical school hours and holidays in Andorra?

School timetables in Andorra differ slightly between systems and year groups but generally follow the continental European pattern. Primary schools typically operate from approximately 9:00 to 12:00 in the morning and 14:00 to 16:30 in the afternoon, with a midday break between sessions. Most schools have a canteen on site, and some organise supervised lunchtime activities. Secondary schools run a slightly extended timetable to accommodate a fuller range of subjects. Parents should confirm precise hours directly with their chosen school, as there are variations between the Andorran, French, and Spanish systems.

The academic year generally begins in early September and concludes in late June, broadly mirroring both the French and Spanish national school calendars. Official holiday dates are published by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and families should check regularly for updates. Approved school calendars for current and future academic years are available at educacio.ad.

The principal holiday periods across all systems are broadly as follows:

• Christmas holidays: roughly two weeks spanning late December and early January
• Winter/Carnival break: a brief mid-term break in February; exact timing varies by system
• Easter holidays: approximately two weeks in spring
• Summer holidays: from late June to early September — approximately ten weeks

The French system tends to align with the French national school calendar, while the Spanish system follows the Spanish Ministry of Education’s scheduling more closely. Private international schools set their own academic calendars, which may differ from those of the state schools. Families relocating from countries with markedly different term structures — such as a three-term system versus the continental two-semester model — should factor this into their planning.

How do you enrol a child in school in Andorra?

Families are free to select whichever system best aligns with their priorities, linguistic background, and long-term aspirations. Enrolment in Andorra’s public schools is administered through the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and coordinated locally. Since every parish has its own primary school, placement is generally tied to a family’s place of residence.

The following step-by-step guide outlines the process for enrolling a child in a public school in Andorra:

1. Secure your residency: Children must hold resident status in Andorra to be entitled to free public education. Ensure your residency is confirmed or your application is actively in progress before approaching any school.
2. Choose an education system: Weigh up the Andorran (Catalan-medium), French, or Spanish public systems — or explore the private international alternatives. Consider your child’s linguistic background, your family’s long-term plans, and the location of schools relative to your home.
3. Contact the relevant school or authority: For the Andorran system, reach out to the Ministry of Education directly or to the school serving your parish. For the French system, get in touch with the French educational delegation based in Andorra. For the Spanish system, contact the appropriate Spanish-managed school in your area.
4. Gather your documentation: Documents typically required include proof of residence in Andorra, your child’s birth certificate, an up-to-date vaccination record, a valid passport or national identity document, and any previous school reports or academic transcripts. Requirements differ between systems, so always verify what is needed with the school directly.
5. Submit your application: Complete the enrolment paperwork provided by the school or the ministry. Public schools allocate places based on age and catchment area rather than competitive criteria, so demand rarely exceeds capacity in most parishes — though schools in Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany tend to be more heavily subscribed.
6. Confirm your place and prepare: Once a place has been allocated, ask the school about any required stationery or equipment, whether a uniform is worn, canteen registration procedures, and available transport arrangements.

The admissions process is generally straightforward once residency arrangements are in order. For private international schools, families should make contact as early as possible — places can be scarce, especially in higher year groups. Always verify current requirements and procedures with the Ministry of Education at educacio.ad, as documentation requirements may be updated.

What international schools are available in Andorra?

In addition to the three public systems, Andorra is home to two private international schools — Agora International School Andorra and the British College of Andorra — which serve primarily expatriate families and those seeking education through the medium of English. Both are fee-paying institutions offering internationally recognised qualifications, making them a natural consideration for families who may relocate again or whose children need continuity with a curriculum from another country.

Agora International School Andorra

Agora International School is the more long-established of Andorra’s two international schools. Located in l’Aldosa, La Massana, it forms part of a global network of premium bilingual and international schools. The school offers a four-language curriculum encompassing Catalan, English, French, and Spanish — and given the diverse nationalities of its student body, the institution has developed considerable expertise in bringing pupils to fluency across multiple languages. Students aiming for American university entry may graduate with an American high school diploma; those preferring a European route can instead complete the Spanish Bachillerato. For students who do not live nearby, the school maintains boarding facilities opposite the main building, accommodating around 50 boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 18. Visit agoraandorra.com for current fee schedules and admissions details.

The British College of Andorra

The British College of Andorra follows the National Curriculum used in England and Wales, catering to students from age 3 to 18. Its focus is the delivery of a high-quality international education leading to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and Advanced Level (A-level) examinations — qualifications recognised for university entry around the world. The British College of Andorra also holds IB World School status for the Diploma Programme, and its green, wooded campus is situated just minutes above the capital. Visit britishcollegeandorra.com for current fees and enrolment information.

Fees at both schools vary by year group and are revised annually — always request a current fee schedule directly from the school before committing. International school tuition in Andorra is generally more affordable than at comparable institutions in major European capitals, but still represents a substantial annual outlay. Families are strongly encouraged to obtain up-to-date figures directly from each school.

To locate accredited international schools more broadly, directories such as the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the International Schools Consultancy (ISC) maintain searchable databases of internationally accredited institutions worldwide.

What higher education options are available in Andorra?

The University of Andorra (UdA) is the principality’s public university. Higher education in Andorra traces its origins to 1988, when the School of Nursing and the School of Computer Science were founded — institutions that eventually coalesced into the university itself. The campus has been situated in the centre of Sant Julià de Lòria since 2004.

Over the years, the University of Andorra has expanded considerably in both teaching and research, and now confers academic degrees at all three university levels: bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral. The majority of qualifications are three-year bachelor’s degrees worth 180 European credits, delivered both on-campus and via online platforms, principally in the fields of technology, business, health, and education. All programmes conform to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) framework and are recognised by the participating member states.

The UdA operates within the Bologna Process and the wider EHEA, ensuring that its qualifications are recognised throughout Europe. Most teaching takes place in Catalan, but many programmes include modules or elective courses in Spanish, French, and English to serve the needs of international students. This model is broadly comparable to that of small European nations such as Luxembourg, which maintain a compact home university for accessible local study while cultivating close academic ties with institutions in neighbouring countries.

The University of Andorra reports an impressive graduate employment rate of 90%. Applications from international candidates are welcome. The university runs a Buddy Programme specifically designed to help overseas students settle into Andorran life and campus culture, as well as to encourage multilingual and multicultural exchange between local and international students.

In addition to the UdA, many Andorran students pursue higher education in Spain, France, or other European countries, often supported by the national scholarship system. Andorra has been a member of the European Higher Education Area since 2003, which means that a degree obtained in Andorra is formally recognised by all 49 other member states.

Beyond the University of Andorra, the principality hosts several other tertiary institutions, including a professional training centre, an Adult Training Centre at Aixovall, the Andorra Aviation Academy, and a VATEL subsidiary — the prestigious international hotel and tourism management school — offering a bachelor’s degree and an MBA in International Hospitality.

Tuition fees at the UdA vary according to the programme chosen and the student’s residency status — always consult the official university website at uda.ad for the most current figures, as fees are subject to periodic revision. The Tech Global University, a new institution originating in Tenerife with international branches, was also announced as a planned addition to Andorra’s higher education landscape — consult current sources to verify its operational status.

What should expat parents know about language of instruction in Andorra?

All three public education systems teach four languages — Catalan, Spanish, English, and French — though the primary language of instruction varies between systems. For expat families, this is arguably the single most important factor when selecting a school, since it will shape both day-to-day experience and long-term academic development for their children.

Within the Andorran (Escola Andorrana) system, Catalan serves as the core language of instruction, with French as the second language; each classroom is supported by both a Catalan-speaking and a French-speaking tutor. English language activities are led by a specialist English teacher during the second and third cycles, and Spanish is introduced in the third cycle under the supervision of a dedicated Spanish teacher.

Children from abroad frequently attain strong fluency in Catalan, Spanish, French, and English as a result of continuous daily exposure to multiple languages throughout their schooling. Language acquisition through immersion tends to be swift, and younger children especially tend to integrate linguistically within one to two years. For a child entering the Andorran public system without any prior knowledge of Catalan, the initial adjustment can feel challenging — but the combination of small class sizes and dual-teacher support provides robust assistance through the transition period.

To put this in perspective, a typical Andorran classroom may be staffed by two full-time teachers — one primarily Catalan-speaking and one primarily French-speaking — along with a classroom assistant, serving a group of around 20 pupils. This level of staffing is unusually generous by most international standards and means that newly arrived children receive substantial individual attention while they find their linguistic footing.

Older children — particularly those entering secondary school with no background in any Romance language — may find the adjustment considerably more demanding. For these students, a private international school offering English-medium instruction may represent a more appropriate short-term placement. Students in the upper secondary stage of the Andorran system can now choose between the IB Diploma and the IB Career-related Programme, giving graduates from Andorra’s school system strong preparation for entry into an increasingly international world.

For adult newcomers, the Andorran government and various private language schools provide Catalan courses tailored to new residents. Even a basic level of conversational Catalan is warmly appreciated and genuinely useful in day-to-day life throughout the principality.

What financial support or subsidies are available for education in Andorra?

Public education is provided free of charge to all resident children between the ages of 6 and 16. This entitlement applies equally to Andorran nationals and foreign residents — there is no distinction based on nationality when it comes to access to free state schooling. As of 2025, this remains one of the most tangible financial advantages of bringing up a family in Andorra.

Tuition is free for resident families in both the Andorran and French public networks, with families covering the costs of materials, canteen meals, transport, and extracurricular activities. These ancillary costs are modest in comparison with private school fees but should nonetheless be factored into family budgets. The Spanish system is similarly free for resident children under the bilateral arrangements between Andorra and Spain.

The government also supports the ski school component of the curriculum, contributing towards supervision, subsidised lift passes for ski school participants, and equipment assistance for children receiving social support. This reflects Andorra’s broader commitment to ensuring that all aspects of public education — including its distinctive mountain sports element — remain genuinely accessible to every resident family regardless of financial means.

Andorran students who go on to pursue higher education in Spain, France, or elsewhere in Europe may be eligible for support through the national scholarship scheme. Families and students should contact the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports directly to enquire about current scholarship and financial assistance programmes, since eligibility criteria and award values are subject to change.

No government subsidies are available for tuition fees at private or international schools, and these costs must be met entirely by families. Some employers — particularly international businesses with operations in Andorra — may include education allowances within their relocation packages. The faith-based schools within the Spanish system receive partial subsidy from the Andorran government and consequently charge lower or no fees compared with fully private international schools. Always verify current entitlements directly with the relevant school or the Ministry of Education before making any financial commitments.

Frequently asked questions about education in Andorra

Can my child attend an Andorran public school if we have just moved and do not yet have residency?

Resident status in Andorra is a prerequisite for accessing free public schooling. You will ordinarily need to present evidence of residency or an active residency application at the point of enrolment. If your residency is still being processed, contact the Ministry of Education at educacio.ad as soon as possible to clarify which documents are acceptable at each stage of the application.

My child does not speak Catalan or French. Will they be able to cope in the Andorran public system?

Children new to Andorra typically develop strong fluency in Catalan, Spanish, French, and English through sustained daily contact with all four languages at school. Younger pupils adapt particularly quickly through immersion. Andorran classrooms generally have two full-time teachers — one Catalan-speaking and one French-speaking — alongside a classroom assistant, providing considerable individual support during the language transition. For older pupils arriving without any background in a Romance language, a private international school offering English-medium instruction may be a more comfortable initial placement.

Are there waiting lists for schools in Andorra?

State schools allocate places by age and catchment area, so waiting lists are not common. Schools in Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany can attract greater demand, however. At the private international schools, places — especially in the upper year groups — are limited, so families should contact Agora International School Andorra and the British College of Andorra as early as possible, ideally six to twelve months before the intended start date.

Will qualifications my child earns in Andorra be recognised abroad?

Andorra joined the European Higher Education Area in 2003, ensuring that university degrees conferred in Andorra are recognised by all 49 other member states. At school level, the French Baccalauréat, the Spanish Bachillerato, the IB Diploma, IGCSEs, and A-levels are all internationally portable credentials accepted by universities around the world. Graduates of the Andorran National Baccalaureate may also sit university entrance examinations to gain admission to institutions in neighbouring countries.

What childcare options exist for children under 3?

The Bressol Schools — publicly run nursery schools — welcome children from birth to age 3 and represent an excellent, affordable entry point into early education for families with very young children. Private crèches and nurseries are also available across the parishes. Contact your local commune or the Ministry of Education for a list of registered nursery providers in your area.

Can adult expats study at the University of Andorra?

International applicants are eligible to enrol at the University of Andorra. Each year the UdA admits more than 500 students onto official degree programmes and over 1,200 onto continuing education courses. Many programmes are available through distance learning, making the university accessible even for those working full-time. Visit uda.ad for a full list of current programmes and entry requirements.

Are there special education or additional learning support services in Andorra?

Recent policy reforms have enhanced the support available to students with diverse learning needs. The principality’s small class sizes and favourable teacher-to-pupil ratios mean that individual requirements can generally be addressed more effectively than in larger, more pressured school systems. Zebra4, an association dedicated to gifted children and those with exceptional talents, also operates in Andorra. Parents of children with additional needs should speak directly with their chosen school and consult the Ministry of Education for further information about the Inclusive Education Framework.

Can my child switch from one public system to another mid-education?

Moving between the Andorran, French, and Spanish public systems is possible but demands careful preparation, as the curricula, languages of instruction, and progression pathways differ considerably. A transition during primary school is generally more manageable than one at secondary level, where accumulated subject knowledge in a specific language becomes increasingly significant. Consult both schools and the Ministry of Education before proceeding with any switch, to ensure that prior credits and year-group placement are formally agreed in advance.