Max age for starting state school in Spain ?

[Robster]

A couple of years ago my neighbours came over with their 14 year old son. They put him in the local state school, but he was held back a year to allow his language skills to catch up with his academic ability. As far as I know he hasn't struggled at all and always told me that he enjoyed school. He was speaking at a good standard within 6 months and went on to do further education aswell.
I don't know too many expat kids around my way, but it wouldn't surprise me if for every 14 year old that adapted quickly and easily, there was a 9 or 10 year old that struggled. I would agree that it depends on the induvidual.

[CostaGratis]

Agreed, it varies. We brought our daughter over at 14 and she also had to stay back a year for her language to catch-up, but she then went on to pass 4 ESO (O-level equivalent) in the mainstream classes. Most schools actually have a group / class / teacher for new students who cannot speak the language.

I was told that the Spanish education system is actively discouraging students from going to university as there are already many people with degrees without jobs. They are encouraging kids to take on trades and skills instead and to leave school at 16 after 4 ESO (O levels).

[Robster]

I was told that the Spanish education system is actively discouraging students from going to university as there are already many people with degrees without jobs. They are encouraging kids to take on trades and skills instead and to leave school at 16 after 4 ESO (O levels).

As ridiculous and unbelievable as that sounds I would expect nothing more form such as short-sighted country. The students currently in Uni, those recently qualified and those professional graduates with a few years experience under their belt have either already left the country or are trying desperately to do so.
- Why on earth would Spain therefore wish to invest in it's future so it had a good stock of professional graduates coming through the system for future years to help rebuild the economy after years of recession ?