The Community of Madrid, led by President Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has announced a new policy mandating split school schedules for new public primary and secondary schools.

This decision prohibits the adoption of a continuous schedule, which condenses classes into a shorter day.

The policy aims to enhance student performance, improve eating habits, and address social issues like loneliness and addiction.

The move has sparked controversy, with unions criticizing it as a distraction from existing educational challenges, while some parent associations support it for promoting comprehensive student development.

The changes will also require new schools to offer the first two years of secondary education, integrating them into primary institutions.