Andorran Student Withdrawals Double as Families Leave Country

Student withdrawals from Andorran schools mid-year more than doubled when families left the country, rising from 90 cases in 2024-25 to 182 in 2025-26, according to data from Education Minister Ladislau Baró.

Overall mid-year withdrawals climbed 61%, from 177 to 285 over the same period. Of the 2025-26 total, 182 stemmed from departures from Andorra, alongside 58 full dropouts, 41 changes in study tracks, and four cases of enrollment without attendance. The minister noted that such figures, in a student body of around 11,000, reflect moderate mobility rather than widespread upheaval across education networks.

The Andorran system recorded 173 withdrawals (up from 116), with 91 tied to country exits. Spanish schools saw 63 (from 35, including 52 departures), French schools 48 (from 24, with 38 exits), and the English system one (down from two).

Baró provided the figures in response to queries from Pere Baró, acting head of the Social Democrats' parliamentary group. He emphasized that administrative records do not allow direct links to economic pressures, housing access, or living costs, as they capture only notified reasons.

Mid-year enrollments rose slightly to 159 from 146, with 78 in the Andorran system, 41 in Spanish, 38 in French, and two in English. Families can request schooling immediately upon arrival, with placements handled swiftly if space and documents are available, or redirected to other centers. Baró acknowledged that in-course arrivals can complicate management for school leaders, teachers, and support staff.

Separately, 310 students who finished 2024-25 did not continue into 2025-26, fewer than the 356 between the prior two years. The minister distinguished these from mid-year shifts, noting potential organizational strain when changes cluster by school, grade, or timing, particularly for students with specific educational, linguistic, or social needs.

No comprehensive studies exist on mobility's effects on class ratios, learning continuity, newcomer support, school climate, linguistic diversity, or staff workload and stress. Ratios remain within legal limits, Baró said, describing enrollment as a dynamic but manageable reality.

Planned steps include reserving spots for mid-year arrivals, enhancing enrollment tracking, boosting inter-network coordination, and adjusting support resources.