Madrid · Schools
International schools
in Madrid
Madrid has one of the largest and most diverse international school ecosystems in Europe — British, American, IB, French and German curricula, plus bilingual Spanish options. With over 30 international schools in the Madrid area, choosing the right one for your family is one of the most important decisions of your relocation.
✓ Updated 2025 — fees and admission info
The Spanish school system — an overview
Understanding the Spanish system helps you navigate equivalencies and make informed choices, even if you ultimately choose an international school.
| Stage | Spanish name | Ages | Compulsory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early childhood education | Educación Infantil (0-3) | 0–3 | No | Nursery. State places very limited for 0-2. |
| Pre-primary | Educación Infantil (3-6) | 3–6 | No (but near-universal) | Free in state schools. Most children attend. |
| Primary | Educación Primaria | 6–12 | Yes | 6 years. State schools teach mostly in Spanish (+ regional language). |
| Lower secondary | ESO (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria) | 12–16 | Yes | 4 years. Compulsory. Leads to Graduado en ESO certificate. |
| Upper secondary | Bachillerato | 16–18 | No | 2 years. University preparation. Or students can take Formación Profesional (vocational). |
| University | Universidad / Grado | 18+ | No | 4-year degree (Grado). Bologna system. |
Types of school — which is right for your family?
State schools (Públicos) — Free
Teaching in Spanish (+ Castilian or regional language). Good quality but integration requires Spanish language skills. Assigned by catchment area. Very limited availability for non-Spanish-speaking children without language support. Not recommended for children arriving with no Spanish.
Semi-private (Concertados) — €0-200/month
State-subsidised private schools. Most are Catholic. Mix of Spanish and expat families. Some bilingual sections (English/Spanish). Good quality at low cost. Admission via baremo (points system based on siblings, proximity, income). Very popular — waitlists are common.
Private Spanish — €400-800/month
Fully private Spanish-curriculum schools, often bilingual (Spanish/English). Smaller class sizes, better facilities, more flexibility. No catchment restrictions. A good option if children will integrate into Spanish society long-term but need language support initially.
International schools — €700-2.500/month
Teach in English (or French/German) with a foreign curriculum (British, American, IB, etc.). No Spanish language required on arrival. Best option for short-term assignments or children who will continue education in the home country. Wide expat community. Significant cost.
✦ The key question: how long are you staying?
Short assignment (1-3 years): International school — continuity of curriculum, no language barrier, easiest transition.
Medium term (3-5 years): Consider bilingual private Spanish school — children learn Spanish, integrate, and can still transition back.
Long term or permanent: Spanish concertado or public — full integration, language acquisition, and significant cost saving.
International school profiles — Madrid
Filter by curriculum or location. Click any school to see the full profile.
🇬🇧
British Council School
British curriculum · Nursery to Sixth Form (A-Levels)
One of Madrid's most established and prestigious international schools. Founded in 1940, it follows the full British National Curriculum from Nursery through to A-Levels. Strong academic results, excellent pastoral care and a large, established expat community — particularly British and Northern European families. Located in Montecarmelo, close to the British expat hub.
Founded
1940
Students
~2.800
Ages
2–18
Language
English (+ Spanish)
| Stage | Approx. monthly fee | Annual (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery / Foundation | €800–950 | €8.000–9.500 |
| Primary (Years 1-6) | €1.100–1.350 | €11.000–13.500 |
| Secondary (Years 7-11) | €1.450–1.650 | €14.500–16.500 |
| Sixth Form (Years 12-13) | €1.700–1.800 | €17.000–18.000 |
Full British curriculum from nursery to A-Levels — seamless transition from UK schools
Strong academic reputation — good A-Level results and UK university placements
Large, established expat community — easy to build social connections
Excellent pastoral and wellbeing support
Very high demand — waiting lists for most year groups
Located in north Madrid — long commute from central areas
🇬🇧
King's College School Madrid
British curriculum · Nursery to A-Levels
Premium British school in La Moraleja, one of Madrid's most exclusive residential areas. Part of the King's Group, with schools across Spain and Europe. Offers both A-Levels and IB at Sixth Form level. Strong sporting and extracurricular programme. Predominantly British, Irish and international families.
Group
King's Group
Students
~1.400
Ages
2–18
Language
English (+ Spanish)
| Stage | Approx. monthly fee | Annual (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery / Foundation | €1.100–1.300 | €11.000–13.000 |
| Primary | €1.500–1.700 | €15.000–17.000 |
| Secondary | €1.800–2.000 | €18.000–20.000 |
| Sixth Form | €2.000–2.200 | €20.000–22.000 |
Premium facilities and campus in a beautiful setting
Choice of A-Levels or IB at Sixth Form
Strong sports programme and extracurriculars
Part of a wider school group — transferability within Spain
Among the most expensive international schools in Madrid
La Moraleja location requires a car
🇬🇧
Hastings School
British curriculum · Nursery to A-Levels
Well-regarded British school in Hortaleza with a warm, family atmosphere. Smaller than the British Council School, which means more individual attention. Good academic results and a diverse international community. Popular with families looking for a more intimate setting.
Students
~1.100
Ages
2–18
Class size
~20 students
Language
English (+ Spanish)
Smaller school — more individual attention and better teacher-student relationships
Good balance of academic rigour and pastoral care
Diverse international community
Less extensive facilities than larger schools
Hortaleza location — commute from central Madrid
🇺🇸
American School of Madrid (ASM)
American curriculum + IB · Pre-K to Grade 12
The top choice for American families and those following the US curriculum. Founded in 1961, accredited by Middle States Association. Offers both the American High School Diploma and the IB Diploma. Strong university counselling with placements at top US universities. Large campus in Pozuelo with excellent facilities.
Founded
1961
Students
~1.300
Ages
3–18
Accreditation
MSA, CIS
| Stage | Approx. monthly fee | Annual (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-K / Kindergarten | €1.200–1.400 | €12.000–14.000 |
| Elementary (Grades 1-5) | €1.500–1.700 | €15.000–17.000 |
| Middle School (Grades 6-8) | €1.700–1.900 | €17.000–19.000 |
| High School (Grades 9-12) | €2.000–2.200 | €20.000–22.000 |
Premier choice for US curriculum — seamless re-entry to American schools
Strong IB programme alongside US diploma
Excellent university counselling for US admissions
Large, well-equipped campus with sports fields
Among the most expensive options in Madrid
Pozuelo location requires a car or school bus
🌍
SEK International School Madrid
IB World School · Nursery to IB Diploma
Full IB continuum school (PYP → MYP → Diploma) in Las Tablas, northern Madrid. Part of the SEK Education Group, one of Spain's leading international education providers. Bilingual English/Spanish with strong technology and innovation programme. Increasingly popular with tech sector families in the northern corridor.
Curriculum
Full IB
Languages
English & Spanish
Ages
2–18
Innovation
Strong STEM focus
Full IB continuum — excellent for families planning to move between countries
Strong bilingual programme (English + Spanish)
Located in Las Tablas — close to tech company offices
Good technology and STEM programme
IB curriculum not ideal for families returning to US or UK school system
🇫🇷
Lycée Français de Madrid
French curriculum · Maternelle to Terminale (Baccalauréat)
Part of the AEFE (Agence pour l'Enseignement Français à l'Étranger) network. Full French curriculum from Maternelle to Terminale, leading to the French Baccalauréat. Good option for French families or those who want a third-language education (French + Spanish + English). More affordable than British or American equivalents.
Network
AEFE
Ages
3–18
Diploma
Baccalauréat
Languages
French + Spanish
Full AEFE network school — seamless transfers to French schools worldwide
Trilingual education (French + Spanish + English)
More affordable than British/American equivalents
Central location — accessible by metro
Language of instruction is French — children need French or very fast adaptation
🇩🇪
Deutsche Schule Madrid
German curriculum · Kindergarten to Abitur
Part of the DSDW network of German schools abroad. Full German curriculum leading to the Abitur. Trilingual education: German, Spanish and English. Strong academic reputation, particularly in sciences and mathematics. Affordable compared to British and American options. Popular with German and Central European expat families.
Network
DSDW
Ages
4–18
Diploma
Abitur + DSD
Languages
German + Spanish + EN
Trilingual (German + Spanish + English) — exceptional language outcomes
Strong science and mathematics tradition
Most affordable international curriculum in Madrid
DSDW network — easy transfer to German schools worldwide
Language of instruction is German — requires prior German knowledge
🇬🇧
Colegio Runnymede
British curriculum · Nursery to A-Levels
British school with a strong bilingual (English/Spanish) programme. Well-regarded for its inclusive ethos and strong pastoral care. Smaller school with an intimate community feel. Popular with mixed British-Spanish families and those who want a British education with strong Spanish integration.
Ages
2–18
Languages
English + Spanish 50/50
Diploma
GCSEs + A-Levels
Ethos
Inclusive
Strong bilingual programme — children become genuinely bilingual
Inclusive, diverse community
Good pastoral care and family atmosphere
Smaller facilities than the largest schools
School costs — full picture
International school fees in Madrid are usually quoted as annual or monthly figures but there are often additional costs that can add 20-30% on top of the headline fee.
| Cost | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees | €8.000-22.000/year | Main fee. Usually paid monthly or termly. Varies enormously by school and year group. |
| Enrolment / registration fee | €500-1.500 one-off | Non-refundable. Paid on acceptance to secure the place. |
| Building/development levy | €500-2.000/year | Charged by some schools for capital investment. Not always disclosed upfront — always ask. |
| Uniforms | €300-600 initial | Most international schools have uniforms. Budget for full kit at the start. |
| School lunch (comedor) | €150-250/month | Optional at most schools. Usually good quality. Check if included in fees. |
| Extracurricular activities | €50-200/month | Sports clubs, music, drama, etc. Typically charged separately. |
| School transport (bus) | €100-200/month | Most international schools run bus routes. Essential if school is far from home. |
| School trips | €200-800/year | Day trips and residential trips. Number and cost increase with age. |
| Exam fees (GCSE, A-Level, IB) | €500-1.500/year | Charged in exam years. IB exams are particularly expensive. |
⚠ Real annual cost — example
A child in Year 10 at a mid-range British school: Tuition €16.000 + lunch €2.000 + transport €1.500 + extracurriculars €1.000 + uniform €200 + trips €500 = approximately €21.200/year — significantly more than the headline tuition fee suggests. Always ask for the full fee schedule before committing.
✦ Does your company pay school fees?
Many multinational companies include school fees as part of the expatriate package for employees on assignment. If you are being relocated by your employer, always check your assignment package — school fees are often negotiable. The standard corporate package covers fees up to a defined limit per child per year.
Admission process — how it works
| Step | When | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Initial enquiry | As early as possible | Contact the admissions office, express interest, ask about availability in the relevant year group. Most schools have a waiting list. |
| School visit / open day | Varies — check website | Visit the school with your child. Most schools hold open days for prospective families. Essential for assessing culture and fit. |
| Application form | When offered a place | Complete the school's application form. Provide previous school reports, references and any special educational needs documentation. |
| Assessment / interview | Some schools require this | Varies by school — some do academic assessments, others just an informal meeting. Usually low-pressure. |
| Offer and acceptance | On successful assessment | School makes an offer. You typically have 2-4 weeks to accept and pay the enrolment fee to secure the place. |
| Documents required | Before start | Passport copies, previous school reports (last 2 years), immunisation records, birth certificate, empadronamiento certificate. |
⚠ Waiting lists are real
The most sought-after international schools in Madrid (British Council School, King's College, ASM) have waiting lists for most year groups. Contact schools as soon as you know you are moving to Madrid — ideally 6-12 months in advance. If you are moving with less notice, MoveToSpainGuide has a partner who specialises in school placement with direct contacts at admissions offices.
✓ Mid-year starts
Most international schools accept mid-year admissions if places are available. The start of the Spanish school year is September. If you arrive in January or April, contact schools directly — places sometimes open up mid-year as families relocate. Your child can start immediately once the paperwork is processed.
Age & year group equivalencies
Understanding how Spanish school years map to the British, American and IB systems is essential for a smooth transition.
Spain ↔ UK (British)
Infantil 3 (age 3-4)Nursery / Reception
1º Primaria (6-7)Year 2
2º Primaria (7-8)Year 3
6º Primaria (11-12)Year 7
1º ESO (12-13)Year 8
4º ESO (15-16)Year 11 (GCSEs)
1º Bachillerato (16-17)Year 12 (AS-Level)
2º Bachillerato (17-18)Year 13 (A-Level)
Spain ↔ USA (American)
Infantil 3-4 (3-5)Pre-K / Kindergarten
1º Primaria (6-7)Grade 1
6º Primaria (11-12)Grade 6
1º ESO (12-13)Grade 7
4º ESO (15-16)Grade 10 (Sophomore)
1º Bachillerato (16-17)Grade 11 (Junior)
2º Bachillerato (17-18)Grade 12 (Senior)
IB Programme stages
Ages 3-12PYP (Primary Years)
Ages 11-16MYP (Middle Years)
Ages 16-19DP (Diploma Programme)
Score 24+/45IB Diploma (university entry)
Score 30+/45Competitive universities
Score 38+/45Top US/UK universities
School search checklist
Completed0 of 10
Decide curriculum type (British / American / IB / French / German / Spanish bilingual)
Based on how long you're staying and where you'll go next
Check if your employer's package includes school fees
Negotiate this before signing your relocation agreement
Contact schools as early as possible — 6-12 months in advance if possible
Waiting lists are real, especially at British Council School, King's and ASM
Request the full fee schedule (not just tuition) from each school
Ask about lunch, transport, extracurriculars, building levy and exam fees
Visit shortlisted schools in person (open days or individual visits)
Culture and feel matter as much as academic results
Prepare your child's previous school reports (last 2 years, translated if needed)
Required for admission applications
Consider neighbourhood when choosing school (and vice versa)
School location often determines where families choose to live
Pay enrolment fee to secure the place once offered
Usually non-refundable — have school choice finalised before paying
Arrange school transport or plan the commute
Most international schools run bus routes — book early as seats are limited
Order uniforms in advance (most schools have long delivery times)
Budget €300-600 for the initial uniform set