The Number Twenty school in Orihuela commenced classes on Monday after much uncertainty surrounding its opening. Despite several delays, parents received a last-minute email on Friday notifying them that their children would start school in prefabricated classrooms the following Monday. Many parents voiced frustration over the timing of the announcement, highlighting their children had no chance to say goodbye to friends. Moreover, students find themselves in a diverse class with few Spanish speakers, raising concerns about integration and language learning.

The school opened with thirty-three students across first, second, and third grades, with additional classes for older students set to begin later in the week. As the education authorities promise full operation soon, questions remain about transport services and whether a dining facility will be available. Parents have expressed the need for more clarity from the education department, particularly concerning student transitions from other schools and faculty availability.

While all these developments unfold, there is growing discontent among the community who feel misled regarding the nature and operation of the school. Some parents perceive the new establishment as an insufficient solution to the overcrowding crisis in existing local schools. The narrative of having a third institution has shifted from hopes of a full-fledged school to merely extending services from the already strained CEIP Playas de Orihuela.

In response to frustrations about facility allocation and personnel shortages, a protest has been planned for later this month to demand urgent action from local authorities. The ambitious outlook for the Number Twenty school includes future brick construction plans and adequate staffing provisions, but for now, parents remain sceptical as the school begins its journey at half capacity.