Spain to Lower Class Sizes & Teaching Hours: New Education Bill 2026

Tolón Highlights New Draft Law on Class Sizes to Improve Teacher Wellbeing and Educational Innovation

Spain’s Minister of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports, Milagros Tolón, has emphasized that the new draft law on class sizes aims to definitively improve working conditions for teachers and strengthen the quality of non-university education. The initiative, officials said, seeks to establish a common framework across the country to stabilize educational quality standards. Tolón underscored that this legislative effort marks a key step in prioritizing the needs of educators, facilitating individualized attention for students, and fostering innovation within the educational system.

The draft legislation, resulting from government initiative and recommendations from the School Council, proposes a maximum of 22 students per classroom in primary school, down from the current 25. For secondary education (ESO), the proposed limit is 25 students, a reduction from the existing 30. The draft also sets maximum teaching hours at 23 per week for teachers in early childhood, primary, and special education, and 18 hours for those in other educational levels.

Existing Practices Align with Proposed Changes

Tolón noted that many autonomous communities are already operating within these proposed limits, suggesting the draft law doesn’t introduce a fundamentally new model but rather consolidates existing best practices into a national standard. This approach aims to avoid disrupting regional educational systems while establishing a baseline for quality across Spain. The minister highlighted that the proposed changes are designed to support both student learning and teacher wellbeing.

The reduction in maximum teaching hours, she explained, is directly linked to reducing teacher workload and fostering a more supportive environment for innovation. “Reducing teaching hours will allow teachers to plan and coordinate actions focused on individualized attention for students and inclusive, quality education, as well as encourage collaborative perform between teachers, support staff, specialists, and families,” Tolón stated.

Lower Ratios to Reduce Stress and Support Inclusion

Regarding the reduction in class sizes, Tolón emphasized the benefits for both students and teachers. Smaller class sizes, combined with reduced teaching hours, are expected to lower stress, anxiety, and discomfort among educators. This, in turn, will facilitate the implementation of inclusive education principles and support students with diverse learning needs. Lower ratios also positively impact educational planning, program development, and the implementation of educational plans.

The draft law’s implementation will be phased in gradually, reaching full effect by the 2031/2032 academic year. Tolón clarified that the legislation allows for flexible approaches, such as co-teaching and classroom support, which don’t necessarily require structural changes to staffing levels.

€58.5 Million in Textbook Aid

In addition to the draft law on class sizes, Tolón also presented proposals to the autonomous communities regarding the distribution of €58.5 million in aid for textbooks and educational materials in 2026. This represents an increase from the €48.5 million allocated in 2018. The program aims to support families and promote equity within the education system, ensuring that financial constraints do not limit students’ access to essential learning resources.

The aid is targeted towards students enrolled in primary, secondary, and vocational training programs in publicly funded schools. Funds can be used to purchase textbooks and materials in any format, including digital resources. Tolón emphasized that the program’s objective is to ensure that all students have the resources they need to succeed, regardless of their economic background.

Background: Milagros Tolón’s Career

Milagros Tolón Jaime has held a prominent position in Spanish politics for over two decades. Currently serving as the Minister of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports since December 2025, her career includes significant roles at both the national and regional levels. According to her Wikipedia entry, Tolón is a licensed Geographer and Historian, having earned degrees from the Complutense University of Madrid and the University of Castilla-La Mancha.

Prior to her current ministerial role, Tolón served as the Delegate of the Government in Castilla-La Mancha from December 2023 to December 2025. She also served as the Mayor of Toledo from 2015 to 2023, and as a national deputy representing Toledo from August to December 2023. Her political career began with a role as a regional deputy in the Cortes of Castilla-La Mancha from 2011 to 2015, and as a city councilor in Toledo from 2003 to 2011. The Ministry of Education’s website provides a detailed overview of her professional trajectory.

Confirmed vs. Unclear

Confirmed: The Spanish government has presented a draft law to reduce class sizes to a maximum of 22 students in primary school and 25 in secondary school. The draft law also proposes limits on teaching hours. €58.5 million in aid has been proposed for textbooks and educational materials.

Unclear: The specific timeline for the phased implementation of the draft law beyond the 2031/2032 target date remains unclear. Details regarding the specific criteria for distributing the textbook aid to autonomous communities were not provided. The potential financial impact of the changes on regional budgets has not been independently confirmed.

This draft legislation represents a significant step towards addressing concerns about teacher workload and student support within the Spanish education system. The coming months will be crucial as the proposal moves through the legislative process and its potential impact on classrooms across the country becomes clearer.