Spain faces demographic crisis and declining school enrollment

Spain is facing a severe demographic crisis characterized by a sustained negative vegetative balance and a significant decline in fertility rates, which have fallen to approximately 1.1 children per woman. This trend is driving an aging population, with those aged 65 and older projected to reach 30.9% in the coming years.

The demographic shift is having direct consequences on the educational sector across various regions. In Castilla y León, authorities are maintaining 30 rural schools with fewer than five students to ensure local access. In León, despite an increase in early childhood enrollment, the overall student population continues to decline. Similarly, Navarra is navigating a paradox where the population grows through migration while the number of students decreases.

Regional projections highlight the scale of the impact: Córdoba is expected to lose over 16,000 students by 2035, particularly in secondary education. In Andalusia, new regulations have been introduced to manage the workforce, including teleworking models for teachers and reduced classroom hours for those over 55. While immigration has helped offset population decline, experts note it does not resolve the underlying structural issues of low birth rates and increasing poverty among minors.