International Curriculum International Schools in Madrid, Spain
Compare 3 International Curriculum international schools in Madrid, Spain. Filter by curriculum, fees (average EUR 7,783), location, and more to find the right international school now.
IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum) (2 schools)
Average school size
416 pupils
Largest by enrolment
St. George Madrid
Oldest
St. George Madrid (2010)
About international schools in Madrid, Spain
Madrid’s international-curriculum schools are a mixed set: many follow the International Baccalaureate continuum, the British system (including IGCSE/A-Levels), and American or bilingual Spanish - English programmes, while some schools combine national Bachillerato pathways with international options. English and Spanish are the dominant languages of instruction, with French, German and other European languages commonly available as additional options. Published tuition levels vary by stage and school: typical annual fees for international schools in Madrid most often sit in the mid-thousands of euros (with a commonly quoted median around €10,000 and wider banding above and below that), and schools also charge application, enrolment/reservation and other ancillary fees. Admissions for September places normally open many months in advance; popular schools operate waiting lists, require formal applications and assessments, and expect payment of application and reservation fees to confirm a place.
What does “international curriculum” mean in Madrid, and how do the main systems differ?
In Madrid the term usually refers to recognised international programmes such as the IB (PYP/MYP/DP), British curricula that lead to IGCSEs and A-Levels, American-style programmes and bilingual schools that mix Spanish national content with international subjects. The IB emphasises an inquiry-led, transferable framework across ages, British schools focus on Key Stages and external GCSE/A-Level examinations, and American-style schools often follow grade-based progression with US diploma options or APs; bilingual schools vary in how they split Spanish and English instruction and may prepare pupils for the Spanish Bachillerato as well as international diplomas.
How much should we budget for tuition and extra charges?
Published fee schedules show wide variation by school and by age: many Madrid international schools publish single-year tuition figures in the low-to-mid five-figure range for older year groups, with median published figures for general international-school tuition around €10,000 a year and typical bands both below and above that. In addition to tuition, expect a non-refundable application fee (commonly a few hundred euros), a one-off enrolment or reservation payment and separate charges for transport, lunches, school trips and materials.
When should we start the admissions process if we are relocating to Madrid?
Begin enquiring as early as possible: for a September start many families begin the process six to twelve months ahead because popular schools run waiting lists and places can fill. The usual steps are an initial information request or visit, submission of documents (passports, previous school reports, medical records), assessment or interview and payment of any published application and reservation fees to secure a place.
What languages are used in instruction and how much Spanish will my child learn?
Most international schools in Madrid use English as the main language of instruction while teaching Spanish as a second or co-equal language; truly bilingual schools structure timetable time in both languages and aim for academic fluency in Spanish alongside English. Many schools also offer additional foreign languages such as French or German from primary years or early secondary, and language-support programmes (EAL/Spanish as an additional language) are widely available for pupils who need them.
What should we look for when comparing international-curriculum schools in Madrid?
Match the school’s curriculum and language model to your child’s future plans (return to a national system, university aspirations, or continued international mobility), and check practical matters such as published fees and what they include, transport options, pastoral and language-support provision, class sizes and inspection/accreditation status. Also ask about the school’s admissions testing and transition support, how it reports progress, and whether it provides university or next-stage counselling relevant to the countries you may consider in the future.
