The system is known as LOE or Ley Orgánica de Educación. There are four sections of education before Higher Education: preschool, primary, compulsory secondary (to age 16) and post-compulsory secondary (16-18). In order to enter the last stage, students have to obtain a secondary education certificate. Once finishing the post-compulsory section, students can take the university entrance exam.
The core curriculum at secondary school is Spanish language and literature, a foreign language, Philiosophy, Religious Studies, PE, Spanish History and then further options in the arts and sciences.
Education in the state system is free, although parents have to buy books and materials. Private schooling is available, charging fees, often run by religious orders.
University education in Spain is usually for 4 years, although some degrees such as medicine take longer.
