Calpe and Benissa School Strikes: Dates, Closures, and What Local Parents Need to Know

The Teachers’ Strike Hitting Home in Calpe & Benissa, and Marina Alta

Hola Terrace Crew,

It’s been a tough few weeks for a lot of families here on the north coast. The teachers’ strike across the Valencian Community has been running since mid-May, and it’s starting to affect daily life in places like Calpe and Benissa more than we first expected.

My son James has been checking the Familia app almost every day, hoping for some clarity on what’s happening with his classes. Like a lot of kids, he’s worried about falling behind, even though we keep telling him it’s not his fault.

How It All Began

The indefinite strike started on Monday, 11th May 2026. Teachers across the region, including here in the Marina Alta, walked out over pay, class sizes, and resources. Participation has been high, and there have been regular protests in Alicante and Valencia.

What Teachers Are Asking For

Teachers are pushing for better pay that reflects the rising cost of living, smaller class sizes, more support staff, and fairer conditions for teaching both Valencian and Spanish. A lot of them have said they don’t want to strike, but they feel the system has been stretched too thin for too long.

Where Talks Stand Right Now (Early June Update)

By early June, negotiations between the unions and the regional education department were still ongoing. The latest offers were rejected as not going far enough. Some schools have been running with minimum services, especially around exam periods, but it’s been patchy. There’s growing concern that if nothing is resolved before summer, the strike could roll into the new school year.

Latest Update – Mid June

As of mid-June, there hasn’t been a major breakthrough. Talks are still happening, but unions have said they’re not seeing enough movement on the key issues. Some schools have managed to keep a bit more normality than others, but many parents are reporting that their children are still missing lessons or having work sent home inconsistently.

There’s also talk among unions about what action might look like after the summer if no agreement is reached. For now, most schools are trying to finish the term as best they can, but a lot of families are already thinking ahead to September and what that might bring.

Locally, parent groups and AMPAs in Calpe and Benissa have been sharing information and trying to support each other. It’s been helpful, even if it doesn’t fix the bigger problems.

The Real Impact on Families Like Ours

For many of us, the biggest issue isn’t just the missed lessons — it’s the uncertainty. Kids like James are anxious about whether they’ll be ready for the next year. Parents are stuck trying to fill in the gaps while also dealing with their own work and stress.

It’s been hard on teachers too. Most of them don’t want to cause disruption, but they’re fighting for better conditions.

What’s Likely for September?

If there’s no deal over the summer, the strike may resume or affect the start of the new term. Some schools may try to adjust timetables or catch-up plans, but it’s still unclear how that would work in practice.

For now, the best thing many of us can do is stay in touch with our children’s schools and local parent networks. They often have the most up-to-date information for each specific school.

A Bit of North Coast Perspective

Around Calpe and Benissa, people have been trying to keep things as normal as possible. Some parents have been organising small study groups or sharing resources. Others have been using the extra time at home to do more practical things with their kids — trips to the market, walks along the coast, or just slowing down a bit.

Sun Sea Sangria Advice from One Parent to Another

If your child is feeling anxious about school right now, try to keep conversations open but light. Limit how often you check the Familia app in front of them, and focus on what they have managed to do rather than what’s been missed.

This extra time at home can also be used for real-world learning. A trip to the beach or a local hike can sometimes teach more than a missed lesson.

Teachers are fighting for better education for our kids. It’s not an easy situation for anyone, but keeping perspective and supporting each other locally helps.

I’ll keep sharing updates here as things develop. In the meantime, look after yourselves and each other.

¡Fuerza, sol, mar y una educación pública de calidad para todos! 🍹🏖️📚

— Joanne