For partners The British School, El Colegio Británico — Private British school in Spain
Programs and prices, tuition fees in The British School, El Colegio Británico — Private British school in Spain
Early Years
- Age: 1+.
- Duration: up to 5 years.
- Language: English, with a Spanish language block.
Early Years is designed for children from 1 to 5 years old and is built around early bilingualism. The program is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage standard and helps children gradually develop speech, reading and numeracy skills, physical coordination, creative thinking, interest in music, and understanding of the world around them.
The foundation of learning is open-ended play — a free play format in which there is no single «correct» outcome: through such activities, children experiment, ask questions, interact with one another, and gradually learn to make decisions independently. Teachers carefully monitor each child's progress and adapt tasks to their age, language level, motor development, and emotional readiness for more independent work.
In Pre-Nursery, each group has no more than 14 children. Three specialists oversee development and learning at once: a British program teacher, a Spanish teacher, and a bilingual assistant. This format helps the child interact with two languages daily and feel comfortable in a bilingual environment.
Music and active/sports activities begin from an early age. The program includes Music and Movement, dancing, elements of Spanish dance and ballet; children are introduced to the violin and cello in a group format and have the opportunity to perform on stage for the first time before the age of five. The school periodically organizes meetings and practical sessions for parents as well, to support the child's development at home.
Primary School
- Age: 5+
- Duration: 6 years
- Language: English, with a Spanish language block
Primary School covers education from Year 1 to Year 6 for children aged 5 to 11. There are usually 5–6 classes per year group, with no more than 22 children in each class. Two teachers work with pupils simultaneously — a native English speaker and a Spanish teacher: children study in a bilingual environment every day and simultaneously follow British and Spanish curricula.
The curriculum is structured so that children work fluently in both languages:
- In English: mathematics, English language and literature, sciences, computing, humanities, physical education, music, choir, art, and personal and social development classes.
- The Spanish block includes language, literature and an introduction to the country's culture. Additionally, pupils study society and culture, civic education fundamentals and Catholic religion.
Pupils regularly visit the library and take part in Family Challenge Day for KS2, school sports leagues, choral recitation competitions, themed presentations and educational trips. In Year 6, children work on a STEM project combining science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. In Year 5 and Year 6, pupils additionally study robotics and the basics of 3D printing. The Building Bridges project connects the younger year groups with the final year of primary school.
Academic progress is assessed using SATs and NFER tests in mathematics, reading and comprehension.
Secondary School: Key Stage 3
- Age: 11+.
- Duration: 3 years.
- Language: English, with a Spanish language block.
The Key Stage 3 programme covers Year 7–Year 9 and serves as a preparatory stage before IGCSE studies: students explore a wide range of subjects and develop various skills, giving them the opportunity to understand which academic directions suit them best.
The programme is based on subject-specialist teaching and combines academic disciplines with creative and practical areas.
- In English, students study English language and literature, mathematics, science, economics, history, geography, information technology, design and technology, art, music, drama, public speaking, physical education and dance. The timetable includes ClassBand lessons and a personal, social and health education course.
- Within the Spanish stream, students study Spanish language and literature, explore Spanish culture, and may attend an elective in Catholic religion.
- Additional foreign languages are also available — French, German and Chinese.
One of the key advantages of Key Stage 3 is a hands-on approach to learning. Students not only study academic disciplines but also take part in creative, scientific and business projects, learn to work as a team, speak confidently in front of an audience and develop communication skills. This format helps teenagers better understand their interests and prepare for choosing subjects for IGCSE.
An important part of the programme is community service — participation in shared volunteering and social initiatives.
International GCSE
- Age: 14+.
- Duration: 2 years.
- Language: English, with a Spanish language block.
IGCSE is studied in Year 10 and Year 11 — this is the final stage of secondary school and the first serious examination period. During this time, students begin to specialise: instead of a general set of subjects, they choose disciplines that will determine their further studies in Sixth Form and future academic directions.
Students form an individual set of 8–10 International GCSE subjects; Spanish and a number of humanities subjects taught in Spanish remain on the timetable — this is a compulsory part of the programme, meeting the requirements of the national education system. As a result, students receive not only international GCSE qualifications, but also the Spanish certificate of compulsory secondary education — Título de Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria.
At this stage, study is built entirely around subject specialisation — each course is taught by a specialist teacher. The curriculum combines the academic foundation of the British system with a compulsory Spanish component. Students study English language and literature, mathematics, sciences, history, geography, economics, IT, design and technology, creative disciplines — music, theatre, art and dance. A separate block is dedicated to Spanish, literature and culture.
BiBac® — Bilingual Baccalaureate
- Age: 16+.
- Duration: 2 years.
- Language: English and Spanish.
A bilingual upper secondary school program for teenagers aged 16–18 combines the requirements of the Spanish Bachillerato with an international academic approach, helping graduates gain admission to universities in Spain and other countries worldwide.
Students can choose one of three academic tracks depending on their future field of study and university.
- The «Engineering and Architecture» track focuses on mathematics, physics, technology, and technical design — it is suited for those planning a career in engineering, IT, architecture, or industrial design.
- The «Health Sciences» track emphasizes biology, chemistry, and natural sciences and prepares students for admission to medical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and related programs.
- The «Social Sciences and Humanities» track covers economics, business, history, literature, and social disciplines and is suited for future specialists in international relations, law, management, marketing, and humanities research.
BiBac® allows for a flexible bilingual learning structure: up to 70% of subjects can be studied in English, with students themselves deciding which disciplines to take in English and which in Spanish.
The program includes compulsory subjects: Spanish language and literature, history of Spain, philosophy, English language, mathematics, applied mathematics for social sciences, Latin, and physical education.
The practical component is conducted entirely in English and includes laboratory research, engineering projects, Model United Nations, marketing, business management fundamentals, creative writing, art portfolio creation, film, and programming. Additionally, students develop leadership skills, teamwork, negotiation, public speaking, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Description of The British School, El Colegio Británico — Private British school in Spain
- Year founded/opened: 1940.
- Location: Madrid, Spain.
- Number of students: 1721.
- Type of education: mixed.
- Type of institution: private international day school.
- Language of instruction: English and Spanish.
The British School, El Colegio Británico — a private international school in Pozuelo de Alarcón, west of central Madrid. The school opened in 1940 and became the first British school in Spain. The first building was located on Méndez Núñez street in Madrid; later the school moved to a new campus of over 26,000 m² in the Somosaguas area.
El Colegio Británico accepts children from 1 to 18 years of age and covers all stages of education — from early development through to the final school years. The academic structure includes Early Years, primary and secondary school, and upper grades. Up to the end of secondary level, the main programme is the English national curriculum; pupils additionally study the Spanish language, literature, culture, geography and history of Spain. For upper school students, a bilingual BiBac® programme is available, aimed at preparation for university entry.
In 2025, El Colegio Británico joined the international Inspired Education network while retaining its combination of British and Spanish educational traditions. The quality of education is confirmed by external inspection results: the British Schools Overseas organisation awarded the school maximum ratings across all assessed categories four consecutive times.
Educational process
Even in primary school, interesting themed events and projects are held: Family Challenge Day for KS2 students, Choral Speaking performances, a STEM project for Year 6, Family Assemblies, lessons about Japan for Year 5, a project about Ancient Rome for Year 3, Christmas and end-of-year concerts.
In 2025, 55% of IGCSE / International GCSE grades were A*–A, 74% — A*–B. In senior classes, the average university entrance score was 7.91. 97.6% of students passed the PAU, the highest PAU score reached 13.825 out of 14, and 63.9% of students scored above 11 on the PAU.
Based on 2024 results, the average score of BiBac® graduates was 8.2 out of 10: five students received the highest academic award Matrícula de Honor, and 22% continued their studies at foreign universities.
Things to know about
- More than 10,000 students from Spain and abroad have passed through the school.
- The British School was the first in Spain to receive the highest ratings in all categories of British Schools Overseas, and repeated this result in four consecutive inspections.
Accommodation, meals, prices
El Colegio Británico is located in Pozuelo de Alarcón, in the Somosaguas district in the west of the Madrid metropolitan area; the district is known for its quiet residential development, green spaces, and convenient connections to the centre of Madrid. The capital can be reached quickly by car or school bus. For international families, the nearest hub is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport.
This is a day school and does not provide boarding (accommodation). A school bus is available to the centre of Madrid and nearby districts; during journeys, children are accompanied by a school staff member who maintains contact with parents by phone.
Catering is organised on the premises; separate kitchens and dining areas are provided for pupils in the early years, primary, and secondary school. The menu is based on the principles of Mediterranean nutrition and the recommendations of the Spanish NAOS programme, dedicated to healthy lifestyles and physical activity. Parents participate in menu discussions through the school committee. Medical staff oversee matters related to allergies, food intolerances, and individual medical requirements.
Activities The British School, El Colegio Británico — Private British school in Spain
After classes, additional activities in sports, arts, and foreign languages take place — clubs and sections open after 16:45. Students can choose from an art studio, athletics, basketball, chess, Chinese and French languages, football, golf, karate, padel, robotics, rugby, swimming, tennis, drama, or zumba.
Music education begins from the early years. For younger children, the school offers Music and Movement, Dance, and Strings in Class sessions; in primary school, students can attend Express Music, Musical Garden, Magic Ukuleles, and ClassBand; and in secondary school, the Music Tech course is available. The Music21 programme allows students to study violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, vocals, and percussion. El Colegio Británico has three orchestras, chamber ensembles, rock bands, big bands, a wind ensemble, and choirs.
Public speaking skills are developed from an early age — from the age of three, children participate in stage and speech activities. In primary school, students engage in choral recitation; in secondary school, they prepare individual presentations and analyse famous historical speeches; and in upper school, they can take part in the Model United Nations programme.
The sports programme includes swimming, athletics, rugby, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and football. Students take part in internal competitions between school family groups and in external events, including the Madrid Offroad Cross Country Championship. Drama and dance are part of the curriculum at all levels.
Advantages
- Operating since 1940 and considered the first British school in Spain.
- The school campus of over 26,000 m² is located in Pozuelo de Alarcón — a green suburb near Madrid.
- Students study the English curriculum and the Spanish academic block, thus retaining access to the Spanish educational pathway.
- In the upper years, BiBac® operates — a bilingual programme with tracks in sciences, technology, healthcare, social and humanities disciplines.
- A dedicated theatre, El Teatro del Británico, with an area of 1,200 m² and a 300-seat auditorium.
- The secondary school has five science laboratories equipped with electron microscopes and chemical analysis equipment.
- In 2025, 55% of IGCSE / International GCSE results were grades A*–A, and 74% were A*–B.
- The school has received the highest British Schools Overseas ratings in four consecutive inspections.
Facilities and equipment at The British School, El Colegio Británico — Private British school in Spain
The buildings for early years and primary school are located on one side of Calle Monzón, while the secondary school buildings are on the other. Each age group has its own reception areas and dedicated administrative offices for parents. Classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards, computers, laptops, tablets, 3D printers, and robotics kits. Each building has a library with books, teaching materials, and multimedia resources selected for the students' age group.
The secondary school is equipped with five science laboratories where students work with electron microscopes and chemical analysis equipment. There is a dedicated art wing with four classrooms and a space for displaying student work, and for music — rooms in all three sections, audio recording equipment, music production computers, a dedicated group room, and a drum studio.
El Teatro del Británico spans 1,200 m²: it includes a 300-seat auditorium, lighting and sound equipment, soundproofed music classrooms, two areas for orchestral rehearsals, and a dance studio.
Sports facilities include a football field, athletics areas, football and table tennis courts, and dedicated sports halls for students of different age groups — from early years to secondary school. Outdoor play areas are divided by age group, with some covered by canopies.
Admission dates and extra charges
The academic year is divided into three trimesters, with the first and second trimesters having a mid-term break.
Additional expenses:
- enrollment fee,
- meals,
- school bus,
- uniform,
- textbooks,
- some extracurricular activities,
- digital resources,
- medical and counseling support
- excursions
- external masterclasses
- school photos and event recordings
- sporting events
- external exams
- student personal expenses.
Enrolment process
First, you need to submit an application and provide basic information about the student.
The school then organizes an entrance stage: for younger children it includes a brief meeting and a basic skills assessment, middle school students undergo an interview and online testing, while candidates for upper grades additionally take subject exams in English, Spanish, mathematics, and natural sciences.
After the entrance assessments are completed, the school reviews the results and makes an admission decision. As a rule, a response is sent within 1–3 weeks after the end of all selection stages.
In the event of successful admission, the place is confirmed by bank transfer. After this, the school sends parents all the necessary information about the start of the school year, including the dates of introductory meetings, the organization of the first school days, the list of teachers, and the main school rules.
Perspectives
El Colegio Británico states that 100% of graduates continue their studies in the fields of business and economics, humanities and social sciences, law, architecture, and engineering. Among the popular majors are computer science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, medicine, neuroscience, psychology, design, film, graphic communication, and fashion.
BiBac® prepares students for enrollment in Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, and international universities outside these three countries.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
For early years, no entrance test is required; children in Year 1 are also admitted without testing.
For Years 2–6, the school conducts a short interview in English, a literacy and numeracy check in English and Spanish. For Years 7–9, candidates take an interview in English and online tests; if necessary, the school adds a short interview in Spanish.
For Year 10, interviews in English, written tests in English and Spanish, and an online entrance test are required.
For Years 11–13, interviews in English and Spanish are held, along with tests in English, Spanish, mathematics, and natural sciences. Candidates for the senior years need a minimum of 6 IGCSEs with a grade B, the Spanish Graduado en ESO or an equivalent qualification, and English at no lower than B2 level.
Scholarships The British School, El Colegio Británico — Private British school in Spain
El Colegio Británico offers family discounts: the third child in the family receives a 25% tuition discount, the fourth — 30%, the fifth and subsequent children — 35%.
A 30% discount on the school bus applies to the second child and subsequent children from the same family.
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about The British School, El Colegio Británico — Private British school in Spain
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
