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Madrid will allow state-subsidised private-school teachers to take partial retirement earlier
The Community of Madrid is introducing a significant change to state-subsidised private education. From September, around 600 teachers will be able to reduce their working hours in the two years before retirement, a measure intended to ease strain and improve working conditions in the sector.
The agreement, promoted by the Consejería de Educación and led by Mercedes Zarzalejo, will allow a reduction from 25 to 7 working hours per week without losing social security contribution rights, as the administration will cover 100% of the contributions to the Seguridad Social.
To be eligible, teachers must be two years away from retirement and have at least six years of service at the same centre. The measure is voluntary and will initially be in effect until the 2026-2027 academic year.
The impact is not limited to those taking partial retirement. The agreement also includes the hiring of new permanent teaching staff, creating job opportunities and supporting generational renewal in the centres.
An important change is also being introduced in the management of sick leave: teachers can now be replaced from the first day, preventing the extra workload that teaching teams have previously had to bear.
The agreement comes after years of negotiation between the administration, unions, and employers, and responds to a long-standing demand in the sector. Although some issues remain unresolved, it represents progress towards aligning conditions with those in public education.
In a city where concerted education plays a significant role, this type of measure has a direct impact on the daily lives of centres, teachers, and families. The Madrid education system is thus adjusting its operations to adapt to new labour and social needs.