Madrid, February 10, 2026 — We at CICAE (Association of Private and Independent Schools) had the opportunity to hold an institutional meeting with Milagros Tolón, Minister of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports. The meeting served as an initial introduction to present the association’s perspective on the current challenges facing the education system, as well as to explore avenues for collaboration in the areas of innovation and training.
The meeting was led by its president, José Antonio Rois; the vice president, Ángel de la Vega; the president of SEK Education Group, Nieves Segovia; and the general director, Elena Cid.
Constructive Dialogue and Shared Challenges
Milagros Tolón, Minister of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports, alongside Mr. José Antonio Rois, president of CICAE; Mr. Ángel de la Vega, vice president; Nieves Segovia, president of SEK Education Group; and Elena Cid, general director of CICAE.
During the meeting, CICAE conveyed a proposal for a public-private partnership aimed at creating learning opportunities and fostering continuous improvement in the education system, highlighting the role of independent private education as a strategic sector that not only ensures a diverse range of educational options but also actively contributes to the sustainability of the public system.
In this regard, the association has emphasized the need to strengthen schools’ pedagogical and organizational autonomy so they can continue to promote innovative educational projects. CICAE representatives have called for a reduction in bureaucratic burdens to allow schools to continue serving as drivers of educational innovation, adapting nimbly to the demands of society.
During the meeting, the current situation of publicly subsidized private schools was discussed. CICAE expressed its concern about the entry of for-profit entities into the publicly funded sector. The association has defended the need to clearly differentiate between traditional social initiatives and new commercial management models, advocating for maximum transparency in funding and in the fees paid by families.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to maintain an open dialogue to address issues of mutual interest, such as the challenges of managing teaching talent and promoting vocational education.
