Education has long been a pillar of Jesuit pastoral mission. As the new academic year begins, Jesuit education in Spain and Portugal alone serves more than 100,000 students, supported by a large network of schools and educators. We are sharing the following article, originally published by INFO SJ, the news website of the Spanish Jesuit Province, highlighting some of the priorities and initiatives shaping the new academic year.

Jesuit schools across Spain are beginning the 2026–2027 academic year, welcoming nearly 100,000 students and 8,500 educators and staff across a network of 67 schools and other educational projects in Spain, as well as two Jesuit schools in Portugal. This year, Jesuit Education in Spain will place particular emphasis on educational inclusion and digital transformation in the service of education, while continuing to strengthen the shared identity and mission of its educational network.

Pastoral formation will receive particular attention in Primary Education, with an assembly bringing together pastoral coordinators and pastoral workers from this educational stage to reflect on how to develop meaningful pastoral processes for younger children. In a world marked by war, social exclusion, intolerance and individualism, the network is seeking to reaffirm its commitment to hope. The theme for the new school year is “Rise and walk: Reconciled by God in a wounded world”, inviting students to reflect on the consequences of their choices, embrace their own vulnerability and discover in God's mercy a call to conversion, healing and service to others.

The new academic year also brings a change in the coordination of formation within the network. Pedro Valente, formerly the Education Delegate of the Portuguese Province, has taken on responsibility for coordinating formation, succeeding Miguel Poza, who concludes eight years in the role. Formation is considered a key element of Jesuit education, supporting educators in their professional development while strengthening the shared identity and educational vision of the schools. As Jaime Badiola SJ, Delegate for Education of the Society of Jesus in Spain, explained, educating children and young people means working together with families to “build lives with a meaning beyond themselves.”

Key Dates for the Year Ahead

Several major initiatives are already marked on the calendar. From 15–19 February, the annual Buen Trato y Cuidado (“Good Treatment and Care”) campaign will promote safe, respectful and caring environments throughout the educational community. The initiative forms part of the wider Safe Environment framework of the Society of Jesus, which seeks to foster environments where children, young people and adults can live, learn and participate safely.

Later in the school year, the Second Jesuit Schools Forum will bring together students in the final years of secondary education and vocational training from different schools. Following the success of the first edition in Madrid in 2025, the forum will offer young people an opportunity to live together, share what they have learned and encounter social realities that encourage them to engage with the wider world as active citizens. The first edition brought together more than 80 students from almost 60 schools, with contributions from Jesuit schools, universities and social organisations.

Finally, from 7–9 July, Bilbao and the University of Deusto will host the Jesuit Education Conference, the biennial gathering of leaders from the network's schools and educational foundations. Around 250 leaders are expected to take part, reflecting together on the direction of the educational and evangelising mission of Jesuit schools and seeking to strengthen a shared vision for the future.