Shortage of 72 secondary school places reported in central Tarragona

Public high schools in the city center face a deficit as enrollment demand exceeds the initial official offer.

Generic image of a public high school facade during the school enrollment period.
IA

Generic image of a public high school facade during the school enrollment period.

Families in Tarragona reported on March 3rd that the initial public school offer for the first year of ESO in the city center leaves 72 students without a guaranteed place.

Data from the Municipal Schooling Office shows that Institut Pons d'Icart, Institut Tarragona, and Institut Martí i Franquès are unable to accommodate all students from their assigned primary schools. This deficit contrasts with suburban areas like Torreforta, where vacancies remain available.
The controversy is fueled by the difference in classroom ratios: public schools have dropped to 25 students per class, while semi-private (concertada) schools maintain 30. Critics argue this policy pushes families toward private education, as these centers currently offer 75 surplus places across the city.

"The administration rounds down public places and rounds up private ones, turning quality measures into a gateway to private schooling."

Montse Tarifa Llorens · Teacher and mother
The Department of Education clarified that these figures represent an initial proposal and may be adjusted based on actual demand during the enrollment process.