Education department confirms shortage of school places in South Tenerife

The Canary Islands Education Department has confirmed a shortage of places at a primary school in South Tenerife, raising concerns about whether education provision is keeping pace with demand in the area.

The problem has come to light following the case of an 11-year-old girl living in Amarilla Golf, in San Miguel de Abona, who has been unable to secure a place at her local primary school.

Her mother, Paola André Muñoz, moved with her daughter from Puerto de la Cruz to the south of the island and applied for a place at CEIP Llano de las Naciones, the school serving their residential area.

However, she was informed that there were no places available.

The Education Department has since confirmed that the school is experiencing a shortage of places.

Alternative schools create difficulties for families

Although alternative places have been offered at schools in Las Zocas and Los Abrigos, the girl's mother says travelling to these locations using public transport would be extremely difficult alongside her working hours.

The situation highlights the practical problems families can face when children are allocated places at schools some distance from their homes.

For working parents without access to suitable private transport, getting children to and from school can become a major daily challenge.

The Education Department is now examining whether existing school transport services could accommodate pupils who have been offered places at alternative schools.

Concerns over school capacity in South Tenerife

The case raises questions about whether school facilities in some of Tenerife's growing southern residential areas are keeping pace with demand.

San Miguel de Abona is among the municipalities in the south where residential development and population changes have increased pressure on local infrastructure and public services.

However, the Education Department's confirmation relates specifically to the shortage at CEIP Llano de las Naciones, and does not establish that all schools across South Tenerife are experiencing the same problem.

Family still waiting for a practical solution

For the family involved, the immediate priority is finding a school place that allows the 11-year-old to attend classes without creating an unmanageable daily journey.

Officials are considering whether school transport arrangements could help children who have been allocated places away from their local area.

The situation highlights the importance of ensuring that school capacity and transport provision meet the needs of families living in South Tenerife, particularly those balancing work commitments with getting their children to school.