Madrid includes the ‘nasciturus’ in the school admission process: a change that makes a difference

A new approach in Madrid's education

The Community of Madrid has taken a significant step in its educational system by including the nasciturus as part of the family unit in the school admission process. This innovative criterion will be applied starting next Wednesday, when the period for applying for places in Early Childhood, Special Education, Primary, Secondary, and Baccalaureate for the 2026-2027 school year opens.

Between 11 and 25 March, families will be able to submit their applications to secure a place in one of the more than 2,000 educational centres available in the region. This year, the inclusion of the nasciturus will allow large families to gain significant advantages in the admission criteria, which could translate into between two and three additional points depending on the category.

Mercedes Zarzalejo, Minister of Education, Science and Universities, highlighted during a recent visit to a school that this new measure is particularly relevant for those households planning to welcome a new member during the upcoming school year. The consideration of the unborn conceived had already been a common practice at other educational levels such as Special Education, but it is now extended to children aged 0 to 3 years.

Interested families should pay attention to important dates: after the admission period closes, a provisional list will be published on 27 May, while for the First Cycle of Early Childhood, it will be available from 5 June. The final enrolment phase is scheduled between 11 and 25 June.

This decision is also aligned with the recent approval of a regional law that officially recognises the nasciturus within the family context. This will allow families to count it not only for educational purposes but also to access financial aid and benefits.

Approximately 150,000 new students will join Madrid's classrooms during this school year. With this new measure, Madrid aims not only to facilitate entry into the educational system but also to provide additional support to growing families.