Colegio Brains and International College Spain are both in Madrid, about 4 km apart. Both schools follow an IB curriculum. Published annual fees are €6,579 - 12,966 at Colegio Brains and €12,495 - 25,176 at International College Spain, which puts International College Spain roughly 93% higher. Colegio Brains takes pupils from 0 to 18, and International College Spain from 3 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 1,000 and 1,000 pupils. Both keep typical class sizes around 9.
|
C
Colegio Brains
Madrid, Spain
|
I
International College Spain
Madrid, Spain
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
|
Fees / year
|
Fees / year €6,579 - 12,966 | Fees / year €12,495 - 25,176 |
|
Age range
|
Age range 0 - 18 years | Age range 3 - 18 years |
|
Type
|
Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
|
Curriculum
|
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) | Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) |
|
Pupils
|
Pupils 1,000 | Pupils 1,000 |
|
Typical class size
|
Typical class size 9 | Typical class size 9 |
|
Instruction language
|
Instruction language English, Spanish | Instruction language English |
|
Opened
|
Opened 1981 | Opened 1980 |
|
Bus service
|
Bus service Yes | Bus service Yes |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
|
Location
|
Location Private international school in La Moraleja, Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain. The campus is at C/ Salvia, 48, 28109 Madrid. It forms part of Brains International School, offering IB programmes on the La Moraleja campus. | Location La Moraleja, Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain. The campus is located at Calle Vereda Norte 3, 28109, in the exclusive La Moraleja community, just north of Madrid's city centre. |
|
Stages
|
Stages Early Education (PYP); Primary Education (PEP/PYP); Middle Years Programme (PAI/MYP); Baccalaureate (National / IB DP). | Stages All-through IB curriculum for ages 3 to 18, including Early Years, Primary, Middle Years, and the IB Diploma Programme. |
|
School type
|
School type Private international school | School type Private international school. |
|
Pupil nationality mix
|
Pupil nationality mix — | Pupil nationality mix More than 70 nationalities represented; approximately one-third of students are Spanish, with the rest international. |
|
Additional learning support
|
Additional learning support Speech therapy (Logopedia) provided by the Speech Therapy Department. CEDE Brains offers early stimulation and educational development support and family guidance. | Additional learning support English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students who are new to English. |
|
Country affiliation
|
Country affiliation — | Country affiliation Spain |
|
Religious affiliation
|
Religious affiliation — | Religious affiliation — |
|
School day structure
|
School day structure — | School day structure School day runs Monday–Friday, 7:30am–4:30pm. |
|
Bus service details
|
Bus service details School transport routes are offered; information on routes and arrangements is published by Brains La Moraleja. | Bus service details Private bus service; Cartour is the ICS bus provider; routes cover Northern Residential Zones (e.g., La Moraleja) and Central Madrid. |
| Fees | Fees | |
|
Fee details
|
Fee details Overview (campus-specific fees for the current academic year) Brains International School — La Moraleja - Reservation (place-holding) fee: EUR 450. This amount is deducted from the September invoice. - Annual enrolment (matrícula): Infant & Primary EUR 491; Secondary & Baccalaureate EUR 499. Charged on the September invoice. - Annual tuition (shown as annual amounts by stage): - Pre‑school (0, 1, 2 years): EUR 6,579.00. Alternative schedules listed: up to 3 days/week EUR 4,766.00; half‑day (9h–12h/week) EUR 6,415.00. 3–5 years: EUR 6,883.00. - Primary 1st–2nd: EUR 8,640.00. - Primary 3rd–6th: EUR 9,229.00. - Secondary (ESO): EUR 10,529.00. - Baccalaureate (1st and 2nd): EUR 10,541.00 each. - International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) Year 1 and Year 2: EUR 12,966.00 each. These tuition figures are published as annual charges. - Compulsory and optional services (examples and prices): - Compulsory dining (Primary): annual EUR 2,230.00; Compulsory dining (Secondary): annual EUR 2,240.00. - Optional dining (Infant): monthly EUR 218.00; Baccalaureate monthly EUR 224.00; single‑day lunch EUR 15.00. - Extra hours / wraparound care: monthly options from EUR 49.00 (single extra hour) up to EUR 133.00 (full extra hour with breakfast and snack). - Instrumental music (curricular for ESO 1st–4th): monthly EUR 86.00. - The published tuition fees include most textbooks and digital books (with specific exceptions), corporate teaching materials, curricular excursions, mid‑morning snack for youngest children, and school insurance; swimming is included except in listed final years. - Sibling discounts: third sibling 25%; fourth sibling 50%; fifth sibling 100% (applies to educational services). - Cancellation / refund rule: amounts paid to the Centre (reservation and other sums) are treated as non‑refundable if the student's enrolment is cancelled. The reservation is specifically deducted from the September invoice and will be retained in case of withdrawal. Brains International School — Conde Orgaz (Madrid) - Reservation (place-holding) fee: EUR 450 (deducted from the September invoice). Annual enrolment fee for Infant: EUR 450 (charged in September). - Annual tuition (2025/2026) by stage: - Young Learners / Pre‑Nursery half‑day (9h–12h/week): EUR 6,332.00. - Young Learners / Pre‑Nursery full: EUR 6,736.00. - Nursery / Reception / Preparatory: EUR 7,036.00. - (Further services such as dining, extra hours and breakfast/snack are shown separately—see the services section below.) - Services and other charges: optional monthly lunch EUR 210.00; lunch per day EUR 15.00; breakfast/snack monthly EUR 42.00; extra hours monthly from EUR 50.00 up to EUR 135.00 (full extra hour with breakfast and snack). Published tuition includes curricular excursions and school insurance. - Sibling discounts: third sibling 25%; fourth sibling 50%; fifth sibling 100%. Cancellation / refund rule: amounts paid are considered non‑refundable on withdrawal. Brains International School — Las Palmas / Telde (Canary Islands) - Reservation (place-holding) fee: EUR 450 (deducted from the September invoice). Annual enrolment: Infants EUR 435; Primary EUR 461; Secondary & Baccalaureate EUR 477. Charged in September. - Annual tuition (2025/2026) by stage (examples): - Infants (0, 1, 2 years) full: EUR 4,941.00; half‑day (9h–12h/week) EUR 4,011.00; reduced 3‑day option EUR 3,541.00. - Upper infants (3–4 years): EUR 5,290.00; 5 years: EUR 5,364.00. - Primary 1st–4th: EUR 6,073.00; Primary 5th–6th: EUR 6,661.00. - Secondary: EUR 7,241.00. - Baccalaureate 1st and 2nd: EUR 6,917.00 each. These amounts are shown as annual fees. - Services and other charges: compulsory Primary lunch annual EUR 1,800.00; optional infant monthly lunch EUR 169.00; secondary/baccalaureate monthly lunch EUR 180.00; daily lunch EUR 14.00; breakfast/snack monthly EUR 71.00; early/late care monthly options from EUR 24.00 to EUR 45.00. Tuition inclusions and textbook exceptions are specified in the published fee schedule. Sibling discounts apply as noted above. Application fees and enrolment summary (all campuses where published) - Place reservation fee (common across published campus schedules): EUR 450. It is deducted from the September invoice. On withdrawal, sums paid are treated as non‑refundable. - Annual enrolment (matrícula) varies by campus and stage (examples: La Moraleja Infant/Primary EUR 491; Las Palmas Infant EUR 435; Conde Orgaz Infant EUR 450). Enrolment amounts are billed on the September invoice. Billing schedule and payment terms (as published) - The published fee documents present tuition as annual amounts and show that the place reservation is deducted from the September invoice; annual enrolment fees are charged in the September invoice. Specific installment plans (terms or number of instalments) and the school's accepted payment methods are not itemised in the published fee schedules. Cancellation of enrolment renders amounts paid non‑refundable in the published schedules. Boarding / residential provision - No boarding or residential fees are listed in the published fee schedules for the campuses reviewed. All published charges relate to day schooling, meals, extracurricular or wraparound services. Other fees and typical additional costs - Dining / lunch (examples by campus): daily lunch ranges EUR 14.00–15.00; monthly infant lunches and baccalaureate lunch options are shown per campus (examples given above). - Wraparound care (early morning / extra hour / extended day): monthly fees appear in published schedules (examples EUR 24.00 up to EUR 135.00 depending on campus and option). - Music / curricular extras: instrumental music listed (example La Moraleja EUR 86.00/month for ESO curricular). - Uniform and school clothing: a Brains online store is available and example items are priced (e.g., a primary sweatshirt shown at EUR 28.00 in the school store). Uniform costs are charged separately via the school store. - Textbooks and materials: most tuition fees include textbooks and digital books except for specified year groups (examples noted in each campus schedule where exceptions apply). Some Baccalaureate materials may be requested from families. Refunds and cancellations - Published fee schedules state that the reservation and amounts paid to the Centre are considered non‑refundable in the event of cancellation of the student's matriculation. This condition is shown in the campuses' published fee documents. Fee payment options - The public fee schedules specify billing events (for example, deduction of the reservation from the September invoice and enrolment charged in September) but do not list the accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, direct debit) in the published price documents. For parents arranging payment, the fee documents indicate amounts and billing timing rather than specific payment channels. Useful facts for entering these figures into a database - Tuition and service charges are presented as annual amounts by stage/campus in the published school price schedules; dining and wraparound services are frequently shown as monthly or per‑day charges. Reservation and enrolment are separate line items and are billed against the September invoice. Published schedules include sibling discounts and list which learning materials are included or excluded from tuition. (End of fees overview.) | Fee details Tuition fees (per term and per academic year) - Early Years: Kindergarten 3 and 4 (Age 3–5) — EUR 4,062 per term (EUR 12,186 per year). - Early Years: Kindergarten 5 (Age 5–6) — EUR 4,336 per term (EUR 13,008 per year). - Primary School: Grades 1–2 (Age 6–8) — EUR 5,636 per term (EUR 16,908 per year). - Primary School: Grades 3–5 (Age 8–10+) — EUR 6,242 per term (EUR 18,726 per year). - Secondary School: Grades 6–8 (Age 11–13+) — EUR 7,468 per term (EUR 22,404 per year). - Secondary School: Grades 9–10 (Age 14–15+) — EUR 8,176 per term (EUR 24,528 per year). - Secondary School: Grades 11–12 (Age 16–18+) — EUR 8,545 per term (EUR 25,635 per year). Application and admission fees - Application fee (one-off, per student): EUR 1,000. This fee applies before the formal admissions process begins and is refundable only if the school cannot offer a place. - Deposit (one-off, per student, payable on acceptance): EUR 1,500. The deposit is held as a guarantee against unpaid accounts and is returnable provided no fees are outstanding and two months' written notice of withdrawal is given. - Enrolment fee (one-off, applies for students entering Grade 1 and for those joining above Grade 1): EUR 3,000. The enrolment fee is not refundable. - Re-enrolment / confirmation fee to guarantee a place for the following school year: EUR 1,300 (this amount is taken as a pre-payment and is deducted from the first term's fees; it is non-refundable if a student withdraws before the start of the next Term 1). Educational Materials Fee (EMF) and when it is charged - Kindergarten: EUR 309 per year. - Grades 1–5: EUR 387 per year. - Grades 6–8: EUR 471 per year. - Grades 9–12: EUR 648 per year. - The EMF is charged annually, payable on or before 1 July each year, is non-refundable, and covers textbooks, workbooks and basic student stationery. Billing schedule and payment terms - The academic year is billed in three equal instalments (one per term). Tuition is quoted per term. - Payment deadlines for each term are on or before: 1 July, 1 December and 1 March, irrespective of each term start date. - Early payment discount: paying the full year's tuition before 1 June entitles the payer to a 3% discount on the total tuition. - Sibling discount: a 5% reduction applies for the third (younger) child and a further 10% reduction for each successive child. - If a student leaves during the academic year and the tuition has been paid in full, a refund will be made for whole term(s) not yet started. If a student joins or leaves when a term has already begun, the full-term fee is charged. - Overdue accounts may incur interest and the school reserves the right to charge interest on overdue accounts (up to the rate stated by the school). Non-payment may result in suspension of services and, if unpaid, exclusion from school activities. Special charges and other costs - School transport (bus) is charged separately and operates on multiple routes; parents must arrange and pay for this service directly. Contact details are provided for transport enquiries. Specific route and fare details are charged to users and vary by route. - School lunches and refreshments are charged separately; cafeteria hot meals and snacks are available and billed to users. - Examination entry fees for IB and other public examinations are charged separately to students who sit those exams. - English as an Additional Language (EAL), where required by the school, carries a supplementary charge of EUR 3,820 per annum. - Learning Support supplementary charge, if required and determined by the school: EUR 3,820 per annum in Primary and EUR 4,290 per annum in Secondary. - First language tuition (selected languages) is available for an extra charge; fees vary by language and provision. - Uniform: sports uniform is required; other uniform requirements and associated costs (where applicable) are charged separately. (Local school listings note that the school requires sports uniform.) Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. International College Spain (ICS Madrid) operates as a day school and does not offer boarding provision. Refund information and conditions - Application fee: refundable only if the school cannot offer a place. - Enrolment fee: not refundable. - Deposit: returnable provided no fees are outstanding and two months' written notice of withdrawal is given; refunds are processed to the account details supplied. - Educational Materials Fee: non-refundable; students joining or leaving during the year are charged the full EMF. - Tuition refunds: if tuition has been paid in full and a student leaves before a term has started, tuition will be refunded for those whole term(s) not yet started; if a student joins or leaves after a term has begun, the full term fee is charged. The school is not liable to return fees if it must close for a period due to force majeure events (natural disasters, epidemics/pandemics etc.). Fee payment options and bank details - The school provides bank transfer details for fee payment. Beneficiary: International College Spain S.A.; Bank: Banco Santander S.A.; BIC/SWIFT: BSCHESMMXXX; IBAN: ES57 0049 5334 0121 1611 4105. Payers are requested to indicate the family name on the transfer. - Tuition may be paid annually (to qualify for the early-payment discount) or in three termly instalments according to the billing schedule above. (End of fees summary.) |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
|
Boarding arrangements
|
Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
|
Uniform requirement
|
Uniform requirement The school has a uniform; uniforms are sold through the Brains Store. | Uniform requirement The school does not require a formal school uniform. A standard PE uniform (sports kit) is worn for physical education activities from Infants to Grade 10 inclusive; sports kits may be purchased online via the provided link, with information on sizes and availability and access to English-speaking assistance if needed. |
|
Food options
|
Food options The dining service is provided with a published dining menu. A Department of Healthy Habits oversees nutrition and wellbeing, including menu quality checks. | Food options The cafeteria provides daily school lunches with a variety of local and international options and caters for dietary requirements and allergies; students may also bring a packed lunch from home. |
|
House system
|
House system — | House system The school has a Houses System. An optional House t-shirt is available for purchase at El Corte Inglés, and your child's House will be communicated at the beginning of term. |
|
Governance and ownership
|
Governance and ownership The school is private and part of the Brains International School group. | Governance and ownership The school is part of Nord Anglia Education. |
| Academics | Academics | |
|
Curriculum details
|
Curriculum details Brains Arturo Soria is an international school in Madrid where all subjects are taught in English, with the exception of Spanish language and mathematics. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) forms the primary curriculum, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) is pursued for the secondary level, and the Diploma Programme (DP) is offered for Bachillerato. The school is a candidate IB World School for the MYP and seeks authorization to offer the IB Diploma Programme. Apple Distinguished School is a designation held by the institution. French and German are taught as additional languages, with oral instruction first and written work added from 4th grade onward. | Curriculum details All three IB Programmes are taught in English for students aged 3 to 18 (PYP, MYP, and DP). |
|
Student teacher ratio
|
Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio The Secondary School student/faculty ratio is 9:1. |
|
Exam results
|
Exam results IB Diploma Programme results 2024/25: Brains Arturo Soria achieved a Diploma average of 33.27 out of 45, with a top score of 44; 18.8% of students scored 40–45 and 27.7% scored 38–45. Brains La Moraleja achieved a Diploma average of 32 out of 45. These results are presented as above the world average. | Exam results IB Diploma Programme results 2023: 95% pass rate; average score 35 out of 45; 20% of students achieved 40 points or above; 1 student achieved 45/45. |
|
Higher education progression
|
Higher education progression The school has an International Universities Counselor who provides personalized plans for university admission, organizes parent information meetings, and coordinates admissions for study abroad. Applications have been submitted to universities in the United Kingdom, the United States, the Netherlands, Canada, China, Italy, and Denmark. | Higher education progression Graduates pursue higher education at universities worldwide. In 2024, the class of ICS Madrid submitted approximately 450 university applications to destinations in the UK, Spain, the US, the UAE, France, Ireland, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Portugal and more. |
|
Gifted and talented
|
Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented — |
|
Academic calendar
|
Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
|
Social & emotional learning
|
Social & emotional learning The Brains Group provides a socially and emotionally stimulating environment that supports personal and social development. The Educational Guidance Department guides students in evolutionary, social-emotional and academic development, especially during transitions or personal crises, working alongside families and tutors. A Student Welfare and Protection Coordinator oversees safeguarding, with a psychologist coordinating across centres to support well-being. Mindfulness practical lessons are part of the plan, and Families in School sessions build positive family-life dynamics to support development. The Tutorial Action Plan includes a Values and Emotional Intelligence Programme and activities to develop self-knowledge, empathy, self-esteem and social skills, including education for equality and preventing gender-based violence and the KIVA program to prevent bullying. The CEDE BRAINS multidisciplinary student-care service provides coordinated intervention in speech therapy, psychology, pedagogy, psychomotor education and occupational therapy to support students' well-being. | Social & emotional learning The school supports personal, social, and emotional development; wellbeing is central, with counsellors supporting students' health, and the outdoor learning programme boosts social and emotional wellbeing. |
|
Special educational needs (SEN)
|
Special educational needs (SEN) Measures for students with learning difficulties include individualised remedial education, academic support in class, and Individualised Curricular Adaptation with an Individualised Education Programme. Speech Therapy, Brain Training Gym, Kumon, and Chess are available supports, and remedial education can be an alternative to a third or fourth foreign language. For students newly incorporated into the bilingual system, there are English immersion and Spanish immersion programmes, along with additional language and curricular adaptations. There are dedicated measures for gifted and talented students, including curriculum adaptation and enrichment projects, such as the OPEN CLASSROOM project in Social and Natural Science Research. The school also provides a multidisciplinary student-care service (CEDE BRAINS) for comprehensive and coordinated intervention. | Special educational needs (SEN) Learning Support is available; some students may be required to enrol in Learning Support classes. |
|
English as an additional language
|
English as an additional language The school provides 100% English immersion in Infant Education, with the International Curriculum taught in English from the first year. From age 3, a second language (French or German) is introduced through games, stories and songs. At age 5 months, there is an international education with English as the language of learning, and English and other languages are integrated across the curriculum. The areas of learning are taught in English, and a second language is learned to support language development. English immersion is complemented by additional language supports, including English Plus and classroom support (two teachers) in some settings. | English as an additional language EAL support is provided for students who are new to English or still acquiring English for academic purposes. |
|
Mental wellbeing
|
Mental wellbeing The Educational Guidance Department focuses on the students' emotional and academic development, contributing to mental well-being. The plan includes mindfulness practical lessons and family-focused sessions to support emotional health. The Plan de Acción Tutorial emphasizes social and emotional skills, including self-knowledge, empathy and healthy relationships, with activities such as mindful practice and education for equality and preventing gender-based violence. Family support sessions aim to strengthen family dynamics in service of holistic development. A multidisciplinary student-care service (CEDE BRAINS) collaborates across psychology, speech therapy and other specialties to support emotional and cognitive development. | Mental wellbeing Counsellors support students, with dedicated wellbeing time each morning featuring mindfulness activities, tutor check-ins, and bespoke assemblies to promote mental health. |
|
Safeguarding
|
Safeguarding The Student Welfare and Protection Coordinator role was established to safeguard students' emotional well-being under applicable protections, with a psychologist coordinating across centres. The school follows established channels for reporting incidents and employs a Compliance Officer to intervene when needed. Programs and measures are coordinated to prevent ill-treatment or abuse and to maintain a safe, healthy and welcoming environment. The approach includes training for professionals and proactive safeguarding across all centres, with a focus on emotional safety and respectful conduct. | Safeguarding Rigorous background screening, a strong safeguarding policy, and criminal record checks ensure students are safe at school. |
|
Safeguarding policy
|
Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
|
Facilities overview
|
Facilities overview Brains Arturo Soria teaches every subject in English except Spanish language and mathematics. Our classes are equipped with the latest educational technology. Our students grow up having fun and enjoying our different playgrounds. The facilities include spacious, well-lit classrooms, a laboratory for science, a library to support learning, an organic garden to raise environmental awareness, and a climbing wall to develop motor skills. | Facilities overview The ICS Madrid campus is set in La Moraleja, offering abundant green spaces and a mix of historic buildings and modern learning areas. Dedicated early years and primary spaces include play areas, a mud kitchen, and colourful classrooms. The campus features specialist sports facilities, a 400-seat auditorium, drama and dance spaces, a music room, and a recording studio, as well as primary and secondary libraries with more than 20,000 books and an IBDP study centre. Technology transforms learning with a Global Campus digital platform, interactive classrooms, and 3D printers and CAD tools, supported by iPads for students. |
|
Sports facilities
|
Sports facilities Brains Arturo Soria has outdoor sports facilities and basketball courts. There are separate playgrounds for different age groups, including a dedicated area for younger students with swings and pressed rubber floors. A climbing wall provides opportunities to develop motor skills. Outdoor facilities support physical education and team sports. | Sports facilities Specialist sports facilities include basketball and tennis courts, a football pitch, a running track, and gyms. The campus also has multi-purpose courts for a range of sports to support active training and competition. |
|
Academic facilities
|
Academic facilities Classrooms are spacious, fitted with the latest technology and natural lighting. A laboratory provides space for experimental science to practise scientific methodology. The library offers information resources and supports guided reading, group work and independent study. The organic garden raises environmental awareness and promotes healthy eating habits. A climbing wall adds a physical education resource. | Academic facilities Five science labs support inquiry and experimentation with education technology. Primary and secondary libraries house more than 20,000 books, alongside a dedicated IB Diploma Programme study centre. Tech-enabled spaces include 3D printers, CAD, and iPads to bring STEAM learning to life, supported by the Global Campus platform. |
|
Extra curricular facilities
|
Extra curricular facilities A broad range of extracurricular activities is offered, including Brains Sports (basketball), Chess Academy, Judo Academy, and an Accredited Music School. Non-formal Music School, Funky Dance and Ballet are available for performing arts. Debate Club, Public Speaking and Kumon support academic and communication skills, while Digital Illustration, Cinema, Parkour, Pickleball and Music Theatre expand creative and athletic opportunities. Brains Warrior Kids provides cardiovascular and obstacle-course training through structured circuits and competitions. | Extra curricular facilities A wide range of extra-curricular activities is available for students and parents. Sports league teams in football, volleyball, basketball and athletics participate in local leagues and can be booked via the Activities website. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
|
History
|
History Forty-five years ago, Manuel Sánchez and María Hita founded Brains. The Brains group has developed a pedagogical method that evolves with the times to form healthy, balanced, responsible individuals who are academically and emotionally prepared, with an international outlook and, above all, happiness. The Sánchez Hita family, founders of Brains, recounts the origins and future plans to keep Brains as a reference in international education. Brains La Moraleja offers international education for ages 0–18; Brains Conde Orgaz serves ages 0–5; Brains Arturo Soria provides all IB Programme stages for ages 6–18; Brains Las Palmas provides multilingual education for Maternal and Primary with continuity to Brains Telde; Brains Telde serves Secondary and Bachillerato and opened in 2018, earning Apple Distinguished School recognition. | History International College Spain joined the Nord Anglia Education family in 2014. The campus is located in La Moraleja, Alcobendas, just north of Madrid. The school teaches all three IB Programmes in English for students aged 3 to 18. The campus address is Calle Vereda Norte 3, La Moraleja, Alcobendas, Madrid 28109. It is the only private school in Madrid to teach the International Baccalaureate in English from 3 to 18. |
|
Community
|
Community Brains International Schools' community spans five campuses: Brains La Moraleja (Alcobendas), Brains Orgaz (Conde de Orgaz), Brains Arturo Soria (Arturo Soria, Madrid), Brains Las Palmas (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), and Brains Telde (Telde). The group emphasizes international education and multilingualism, ensuring students speak several languages and engage with diverse cultures. Family involvement is supported through the Escuela de Familias, Coordinadora de Bienestar, Atención a las Familias, and the Programa Familias Internacionales. News highlights across campuses include Brains La Moraleja students winning a NASA international competition, and abundant family testimonials reflecting active community engagement. | Community ICS is a truly international community with students, parents, and teachers from more than 70 countries. The school sits in La Moraleja, a gated area just north of Madrid. Activities celebrate diverse cultures with events such as Mother Language Day, International Children's Day, International Religions Day, Dia de los Muertos, Hanukkah, Diwali, and Chinese New Year. |
|
Parent teacher association
|
Parent teacher association — | Parent teacher association A parent community supports ICS Madrid through a Welcome Committee. The Welcome Committee contact is Marta Malmierca. Marta's email is mmalmierca@hotmail.com. A general contact email for parent communications is icsmadrid.pa@gmail.com. The Welcome Leaflet lists local services and resources to help families settle in, including emergency contacts and English-speaking medical contacts. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
|
Academic & intellectual
|
Academic & intellectual The Brains Method supports active methodologies and personal content, with each student considered unique. This approach emphasizes active learning and individualized projects. | Academic & intellectual The school teaches all three IB Programmes in English for students aged 3 to 18. The MIT-Nord Anglia STEAM programme develops students' problem-solving skills through real-world challenges. Nord Anglia University offers courses for staff development and facilitates sharing of innovations across its global educator network. It is the only private school in Madrid to teach the IB in English from age 3 to 18. |
|
Arts & creative
|
Arts & creative Summer Camp includes sports, art and technology. | Arts & creative — |
|
Cultural & language
|
Cultural & language International Education guarantees students speak several languages and engage with diverse cultures. | Cultural & language The school marks cultural events such as Mother Language Day, International Children's Day, International Religions Day, Dia de los Muertos, Hannukah, Diwali, and Chinese New Year. Residential trips and cultural exchanges with Nord Anglia sister schools provide opportunities for cultural immersion. The international community includes students and families from more than 70 countries. |
|
Social & hobbies
|
Social & hobbies Values Education and Coexistence Programmes develop emotional intelligence, social skills and responsible citizenship. | Social & hobbies There are extra-curricular experiences for a wide range of student interests. The annual ski trip is a long-running tradition since 1983. Activity days include a Madrid safari and a trip to Europa Park. |
|
Community & service
|
Community & service — | Community & service The environmental service expedition to Albufera National Park in Valencia involves Grade 6 students in workshops, interpretive tours, and hands-on activities linked to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. These activities connect learning with community engagement. Service experiences are integrated into the broader ICS program. |
|
Leadership & professional
|
Leadership & professional The school offers an IB Diploma (DP) program and a College Counselor. | Leadership & professional Leadership opportunities include a Primary Student Council and a Secondary Ambassador Programme. These roles help students develop confidence, communication, and leadership skills. Participation provides real-world collaboration experiences. |
|
Lifestyle & wellbeing
|
Lifestyle & wellbeing Movement in learning is key; physical exercise supports health, self-esteem and social relations, promoting a healthy lifestyle. | Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and outdoor activities are an important part of student life. An annual ski trip offers outdoor physical activity and team-building experiences. Field trips and outdoor learning contribute to physical health and well-being. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
|
Language provision
|
Language provision Languages taught include English, Spanish, French and German. English is the dominant language in early years; Primary offers English/Spanish bilingual expression; Spanish literacy begins in Preparatory and continues through Primary, with reading and writing in both languages. In La Moraleja, Secondary prepares students for Cambridge English, DELF and Goethe exams. | Language provision The language of instruction is English. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for students who need it, with EAL taught through academic lessons to help them access the IB curriculum. Spanish is taught as a host-country language by expert teachers using IB pedagogy to both native and non-native students. Mother Tongue Learning is offered in Secondary School with classes in more than 20 languages, including Hebrew, Arabic, German, Italian, Korean, Japanese and Portuguese. |
|
Bilingual teaching
|
Bilingual teaching English is the language of instruction for Young Learners, providing an English-immersion environment. French and German are taught from age 3. Preparatory builds literacy in Spanish, enabling reading and writing in both English and Spanish in Primary. | Bilingual teaching — |
|
Immersion programs
|
Immersion programs Infant International Programme provides an English-immersion environment for ages 9 months to 5 years. French and German are introduced from age 3 as part of the multilingual curriculum. Preparatory develops literacy in Spanish, preparing students to begin Primary able to read and write in both languages. | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
|
Awards
|
Awards — | Awards — |
|
Accreditations
|
Accreditations — | Accreditations — |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
|
Admissions
|
Admissions — | Admissions ICS Madrid uses an online admissions onboarding platform for new families. The platform provides a welcome orientation and describes ICS Madrid's international community, with students representing over 70 nationalities. The admissions team guides families through practical steps including uniform requirements, transport options, and settling into life in Spain. Detailed information is sent by email and is available on the onboarding platform, and the Parent Student Handbook is emailed and accessible via the Parent App. |
|
Scholarships
|
Scholarships — | Scholarships — |
|
Waitlist
|
Waitlist — | Waitlist — |
| View full profile → | View full profile → | |
Comparing more schools, or want notes and ratings of your own? Build your own compare board.