British people with homes in Spain may be interested to learn that the government is planning to increase the level of English language teaching in the country’s schools.

Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has revealed that, under new education proposals, 15 per cent of all classes will be taught in English within four years’ time, according to Typically Spanish.

Recognising that the language often referred to in Iberia as “the language of Shakespeare” is becoming increasingly important in the global economy, the prime minister said that the development of English lessons would enable Spanish students to compete on the world stage.

Unveiling his plans at an event in Madrid, Mr Zapatero stated that 12,000 native English teachers will be employed in Spain under the new system, while 20,000 Spanish people who currently teach the language will take courses in an English-speaking country to improve their knowledge.

He added that the extra teaching would benefit children from modest backgrounds who cannot afford to develop their language skills in other ways.

“There are families who can easily pay for their children to travel or study abroad, but our priority is for those who cannot,” Mr Zapatero explained.

According to figures released by the Junta de Andalucia last year, 22.8 per cent of children attending school in Marbella are of non-Spanish nationality.

Tags: overseas property, Spain, Spanish Education System