Education systems face enrollment and access shifts in Spain, Mexico, and Venezuela

Educational systems in Spain and Mexico are undergoing significant shifts as the new school year approaches. In Galicia, Spain, the regional government reports a decline in student enrollment across nearly all levels, including a first-time drop in Bachillerato. This trend, attributed to falling birth rates, has left one-third of available places in three-year-old preschool classes unfilled. Meanwhile, families in the region are calling for more specialists in diversity and attention services to address previous shortages.

In Mexico, the Ministry of Public Education is implementing reforms to improve access to high school (bachillerato). By eliminating certain entrance exams for public schools, the government aims to treat education as a right and reduce the feeling of rejection among students, reporting high efficiency in school assignments.

In Venezuela, the Ministry of University Education reported that over 136,000 applicants did not secure spots during the first phase of the National Income System (SNI) through the OPSU. The ministry has suggested alternative paths, including various experimental universities and private institutions, to ensure students can continue their studies.