Andorra Pupil Numbers Drop Below 11,000 Amid Low Birth Rates and Migration Curbs

Andorra's school enrolment for the 2026-27 academic year stands at 10,940 pupils, down 374 from last year's 11,314 and marking the lowest provisional figure since 2021-22.

The total drops below 11,000 for the first time in four years, returning to early-decade levels after peaks of 11,000 in 2022-23 and 11,352 in 2024-25. Education Minister Ladislau Baró described the decline as modest in percentage terms but significant, given the country's population growth. He noted fewer infants entering maternal education, attributing this to one of Europe's lowest birth rates—creating an "entry problem" for new pupils—and restrictive migration policies, including family reunification rules that limit school-age arrivals.

By language system, the Andorran network leads with 4,334 pupils, followed by 3,149 in French and 3,161 in Spanish. The Andorran and French systems saw slight drops, while Spanish enrolments rose, driven partly by transfers from French schools. The smaller British system also grew. Overall, the distribution holds steady at about 40% Andorran and 30% each for French and Spanish.

Baró highlighted more pupils in intermediate primary and secondary stages. During his visits to an Andorran primary school and the Spanish-language Maria Moliner school in Escaldes-Engordany, he expressed openness to public debate on these challenges.

On persistent classroom heat issues during peak summer temperatures, the ministry is undertaking a diagnostic assessment of facilities. This will pinpoint needs for structural improvements in some buildings and basic interventions elsewhere. Baró anticipates initial measures in priority zones by year-end, though a comprehensive upgrade remains unfeasible.

An audit of over 300 primary-school tablets, paused amid safety concerns, is due to conclude by month's end. Safe devices will resume classroom use; others will remain sidelined.