Education department capitalizes on falling pupil numbers to reduce class sizes

The number of pupils in Catalan schools is falling. Catalonia's Ministry of Education has published its expected enrolment figures for the 2025-2026 academic year, predicting that there will be a total of 3,004 I3 classes (Infantil 3, for children aged 3), 25 fewer than this year. 

There will be 23 fewer classes in public schools and two fewer in 'concertada' schools – semi-private schools that receive public funding.  

In the first year of ESO (secondary school), the department predicts there will be 2,844 classes, 58 fewer than this year, all in public schools. 

The number of classes takes into account the fall in student numbers due to the drop in the birth rate, the minister Esther Niubó explained, adding that the department is also trying to take advantage of this situation to reduce class sizes. 

Another factor they have taken into account is 'live enrollment,' – students who arrive at a school after the school year has started. 

In total, the education department expects 55,955 pupils to begin I3, which is 1,252 fewer than this year, and 76,973 students to begin their 1st year of ESO, which is 5,194 fewer than this year. 

Despite falling numbers, "no public school is closing in Catalonia," the minister emphasized. 

Reduced class sizes 

The ministry is taking advantage of the decline in student enrolments to reduce class sizes. As such, 93.2% of the I3 classes in public schools will begin the year with 20 pupils or fewer. That is 2.5% more classes than the current year.  

Almost half of I3 classes – 47.6% – will start with 19 pupils or fewer 

In concertada schools, 55.4% of I3 classes will have 20 or fewer pupils, which is 5 percentage points more than the current year. 

In municipalities where it is known that there is significant live enrollment, classes will have 17 pupils in I3. 

For the first time, the city of Barcelona will have no I3 groups in public schools with more than 22 pupils. 

Over the past three years, a concerted effort has been made to reduce class sizes, providing the dual benefits of granting pupils more attention from teachers and helping to keep schools and classes open. 

Pre-enrolment for preschool, primary and secondary school for the 2025-2026 school year will run from March 12 to 26.