Low Attendance Forces School Reorganisation

Classrooms in several educational centres across the Girona region stood nearly empty on Wednesday 11 November 2026 as a general strike drastically reduced student numbers. At the Maria Àngels Anglada school in Figueres, only around 30 of 234 enrolled pupils attended, while at the Montfalgars school in Girona, 65 out of 375 students came to class. Although teacher participation in the strike was low, just two teachers at Maria Àngels Anglada and nine staff members (including non-teaching personnel) at Montfalgars, the lack of students prompted both schools to reorganise classroom groups. Sixth and fifth graders were consolidated into single classrooms, allowing available staff to supervise and support those present.

Minimal Services Shape School Activities

The Generalitat’s minimum services decree for the strike required one teacher per six classrooms in early childhood and primary education, with no additional teachers mandated for secondary schools. Special education centres were required to maintain 50% of staff, while daycare supervision levels were set at 33%. These measures, outlined in a resolution by the Department of Business and Labor signed by Minister Miquel Sàmper, were less demanding than those during the education-sector strike on 8 September 2026, which required one teacher per three classrooms across all levels. At Maria Àngels Anglada, director Josep Fernández described the day as "more playful, more about welcoming the student," with activities focused on engagement rather than curriculum advancement. Similarly, Montfalgars prioritised review and reinforcement tasks to avoid disrupting the academic schedule.

The day was more about welcoming the student, with playful activities.

Fernández noted that teacher strike participation across Figueres schools varied between 15% and 60%, depending on the centre. Toni Alonso, director of Montfalgars, observed that while teacher turnout was limited, student absence was even more pronounced and suggested participation might rise in the next scheduled education strike, due in two weeks.

No Curriculum Progression

With normal lessons suspended, schools focused on non-instructional activities to accommodate the reduced numbers. The approach ensured student safety and engagement without altering the planned pace of the academic year. Parents were informed in advance that schools would remain open under minimum staffing, in line with the Generalitat’s published guidelines for the strike, which also covered transport, healthcare, and public services.

What it means for you

  • When: Wednesday 11th November 2026.
  • Where: Schools in the Girona region, including Figueres and Girona.

Sources: La Ciutat, gerio.cat (ACN), escolaanglada.cat.