Madrid suspends vocational and language school enrollment as wildfires disrupt Sierra Oeste
The regional government also automatically renews unemployment claims until September 15 for residents of fire-hit municipalities, as two institutes and 17 nursery schools close.
Enrollment suspension
The Community of Madrid has temporarily suspended the second phase of enrollment for vocational training (FP) at medium and higher levels, and for Official Language Schools, while the wildfire emergency in the Sierra Oeste remains active. The measure aims to prevent students from losing access to places because of confinements, evacuations, school closures, or communication difficulties. The regional government stated the goal is to ensure no student is harmed in their access to a place as a result of the current circumstances. The second phase allows candidates to apply for vacancies left after the first allocation. Original deadlines were July 24 and 27 for medium-grade FP, July 29 and 30 for higher-grade FP, and July 29 for language schools. If the emergency continues, the Department of Education will open a new enrollment period in September and adjust the third-phase calendar accordingly. New dates will be announced once normal procedures can resume.
ensure that no student is harmed in their access to a place as a result of the current circumstances
- Nine nursery schools in eight municipalities suspend activity, affecting 205 children.
- Two FP institutes close; second phase of FP and language school enrollment suspended.
- Original deadline for language school enrollment and start of higher-grade FP enrollment.
- Original deadline for higher-grade FP enrollment.
- Automatic renewal of unemployment demands extended until this date.
- New enrollment period to be opened if emergency persists.
School closures
On Monday, two public institutes with FP programs remained closed: IES Pedro de Tolosa in San Martín de Valdeiglesias and IES Maestro Juan María Leonet in Villa del Prado. The wildfire also disrupted the network of nursery schools and children's homes. On Friday, July 24, activity was suspended in nine nursery schools across eight municipalities, affecting 205 children. By Monday, another eight centers had been added, bringing the provisional total to 17 public centers in 16 localities, with at least 309 children unable to attend classes.
Unemployment measures
The regional government also agreed to automatically renew all unemployment demands that were due for update in the affected municipalities. The renewal is effective until September 15 and will be processed ex officio, meaning residents do not need to travel or take any action to keep their registration active. The measure is designed to prevent anyone from losing rights or benefits because they could not complete the administrative step during the emergency. The decision seeks to reduce unnecessary travel and eliminate administrative burdens at a time when hundreds of families are still dealing with the flames and the aftermath of the fires that continue to threaten the Sierra Oeste.
Next steps
The suspension of enrollment is temporary and tied to the emergency status. The Department of Education will communicate new dates when conditions allow. If the situation persists, a new enrollment window in September will be opened, and the third phase schedule will be adapted. The automatic unemployment renewal covers the period until September 15, providing a buffer for those affected.
