Almoradí’s new Infant and Primary School Number Four is due to open in September 2026, but it will not initially offer Islamic Religious Studies. The issue was discussed at the Municipal School Council on Tuesday 17 March. The local government, led by the People’s Party mayor María Gómez, has confirmed that the decision falls under the responsibility of the regional Education Department, which has so far declined to comment.

Islamic Religious Studies has been available in Almoradí’s three existing public primary schools since the 2018–2019 academic year, introduced in towns with a significant Maghrebi population. In Almoradí, all schools have more than 30% pupils of Maghrebi origin, rising to 40% in one centre. Enrolment in Islamic Religious Studies typically exceeds that for Catholic Religious Education.

Parents, teachers and union representatives have warned that excluding the subject from the new school could increase segregation. They fear families of Maghrebi origin may avoid the new centre, leading to an imbalance in pupil distribution. Some argue the move could hinder integration and restrict religious freedom.

The new school is being built on a 17,378 square metre site on Avenida de Algorfa, with an investment of 8.1 million euros. It will include 12 Infant classrooms and a dining hall for 588 pupils. Regional Education Secretary Daniel McEvoy is expected to visit the site next week.