Summary
- Torrevieja starts the 2025 school year with 14,488 students-the highest enrollment in its history.
- Student distribution: 2,231 in Infant Education, 5,738 in Primary, 4,113 in Secondary, and 2,406 in Bachillerato and Vocational Training.
- Important influx of new students between July and August required last-minute allocations of school places.
- City faces pressure on infrastructure and teacher staffing amid a 50% increase in the student population over five years.
- Key infrastructure projects include the new CEIP No. 16 school opening in January 2026 and a €9 million renovation of IES Las Lagunas.
- Continuation of programs addressing absenteeism, bullying prevention, sustainability education, and family involvement.
- Local non-school days: October 10, February 16, and March 20; academic year ends june 19.
The 2025 School Year Kicks Off in Torrevieja with Record Enrollment
Torrevieja, one of Spain’s fastest-growing cities on the Costa Blanca, is starting the new school year on September 9, 2025, with a record-breaking total of 14,488 students enrolled across all educational levels. This surge reflects the city’s ongoing population growth and increasing demand for quality education.
Student Population breakdown
According to Ricardo Recuero, Torrevieja’s Councilor for Education, the student body is distributed as follows:
| Educational Stage | Number of Students | Number of Units (Classes) |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Education | 2,231 | 100 |
| Primary Education | 5,738 | 231 |
| Secondary Education (ESO) | 4,113 | 138 |
| Bachillerato & Vocational Training (FP) | 2,406 | 120 |
Unexpected Student Influx and last-Minute Placements
Between July and August, Torrevieja saw an additional 705 new students registering at Infant and Primary levels alone – with 200 resolved in July and 257 places confirmed just before the school year during a special enrollment commitee meeting held on Friday. This influx highlights the challenge of adapting the city’s educational infrastructure to rapid population growth.
Teacher Staffing and Infrastructure Challenges
One of the biggest challenges this year is addressing the shortage of teachers. Recuero acknowledged that many schools still await the arrival of new staff, but anticipates that the total number of teachers in Torrevieja will grow to 1,500 in the coming days, as the Regional Ministry of Education continues allocating personnel.
The rapid growth in student numbers has necessitated the use of temporary classrooms and provisional school buildings.Over the last five years,the school population in Torrevieja has increased by more than 50%,leading to the use of temporary centers such as:
- CEIP No. 14 and CEIP No. 15 (provisional infant and primary centers)
- IES 6 Eras de la Sal (secondary education center with modular classrooms)
These centers are mainly located along los Nenúfares Avenue, near the CV-905 highway and Las Torretas neighborhood.
Major Infrastructure Projects Underway
To address the growing demand, Torrevieja is actively pushing several infrastructure projects:
- New CEIP No. 16 School: Scheduled to open in January 2026, this three-line school will be equipped with double-story prefabricated classrooms, a dining hall, and full services. It will be built on the land next to Ferrís, the site of the former Amanecer school, which operated for 17 years in temporary barracks.
- Renovation of IES Las Lagunas: An upcoming €9 million project funded by the Regional Ministry of Education aims to carry out a complete upgrade of this large secondary school, known for operating in a double shift (morning and afternoon).
- expansion of IES 6 Eras de la Sal: This school will double its capacity with eight additional ESO classrooms and possibly offer a Bachillerato program. new prefabricated buildings are currently being installed to accommodate the growth.
- Rehabilitation of CEIP Virgen del Carmen: Awaiting economic requirement approvals to launch bidding for renovations, this project will modernize the existing infrastructure.
Key Dates for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
- Local non-school days: October 10, 2025, February 16, 2026, and March 20, 2026
- School year ends: June 19, 2026
Continued Commitment to Student Welfare and Innovative Programs
The Torrevieja City council will continue supporting vital programs initiated four years ago that focus on absenteeism prevention, bullying detection, and student support. Key initiatives include:
- Patrulla Escolar: A local police initiative designed to enhance school safety and nurture a secure learning habitat.
- El Cole en el Mar: Primary students receive practical nautical sports lessons through collaboration with maritime facilities.
- El tiempo en el Cole: Meteorology, astronomy, and sustainability classes organized in partnership with Proyecto Mastral, offering unique opportunities to observe stars and planets at night.
- Agenda 2030 and Sustainability Projects: In partnership with Agamed,students engage in enduring development projects aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.
- Torrevieja, City of Children: Activities organized by the Children’s Council help incorporate children’s voices into local governance.
- Academic Excellence Awards and Education Congress: Outstanding students will be recognized again this year, and the upcoming “Reinventar la Educación” congress on March 7, 2026, will promote innovative educational approaches under the motto “Educate for Life.”
- Escuela de Familia Municipal: A new family school program will offer workshops and talks to support parents in their children’s education.
Looking Ahead
Torrevieja’s educational landscape is adapting rapidly to growing demands with aspiring infrastructure projects, increased staffing, and innovative programming.These efforts aim not just to accommodate the rising number of students but also to enhance the overall quality and safety of education in the city. As enrollment numbers continue to rise, the municipality’s proactive approach is key to ensuring a accomplished academic year for the thousands of students starting this september.
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