The Spanish Council of Ministers has approved a bill aimed at improving teachers' working conditions and the quality of education. The document establishes new maximum class size limits: up to 22 students in primary education and up to 25 in secondary education (down from the current 25 and 30, respectively). Additionally, students with special educational needs will now count as two places when forming classes.
The legislation also mandates a reduction in teaching loads: a maximum of 23 hours per week for pre-primary and primary schools, and 18 hours for secondary and high schools. The new working hour regulations are expected to take effect in the 2026-2027 academic year, while the class size limits will be phased in gradually until 2032.
The initiative aims to reverse the 2012 education cuts and ensure uniform standards across the country. However, before coming into full effect, the bill must pass through Congress and the Senate, where several regional governments have already expressed concerns about the financial implications of these reforms.
The legislation also mandates a reduction in teaching loads: a maximum of 23 hours per week for pre-primary and primary schools, and 18 hours for secondary and high schools. The new working hour regulations are expected to take effect in the 2026-2027 academic year, while the class size limits will be phased in gradually until 2032.
The initiative aims to reverse the 2012 education cuts and ensure uniform standards across the country. However, before coming into full effect, the bill must pass through Congress and the Senate, where several regional governments have already expressed concerns about the financial implications of these reforms.
