
Hastings School
Part of Cognita, Secular, Founded 1971
Updated July 2026
Accreditations
Languages
Founded in 1971, Hastings School is a private British international school in Madrid serving students aged 2 to 18. It provides an authentic British education, taught fully in English by native teachers, while integrating Spanish language and social science curricula from Primary onwards.
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school aims to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world by fostering 'human' qualities such as creativity, curiosity, collaboration, and resilience. It promotes a growth mindset where effort and achievement are celebrated, and mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities. The educational approach is designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of students, ensuring they are ready for the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Programmes
The school offers a British international curriculum from Early Years through to Sixth Form. In the final years, students can choose between the IB Diploma Programme and A Levels, with additional support provided through the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and IELTS preparation. The 'Nexus' concept for Sixth Form is specifically designed to prepare students for university and the professional world through a future-facing, personalised approach.
Outcomes
Hastings School has a strong record of academic success, with nearly 100% of students typically progressing to university. In 2024, 47% of A-level grades were A-A, and 64% of IGCSE grades were A-A. Graduates secure places at prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, and IE University.
Student support
Learning support
The school maintains a general teacher-to-pupil ratio of 1:10, with teaching assistants often present in Early Years and lower primary classrooms. Teachers are committed to providing personalised support, including extra assistance for non-native English speakers and tailored guidance for university applications. The school emphasizes a nurturing environment where teachers focus on building strong, positive relationships with individual students to ensure they reach their full potential.
Frequently asked questions(7)
- What curriculum does Hastings School offer?
- Hastings School offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level and IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at Hastings School?
- Annual tuition at Hastings School is €8K–€21.2K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Hastings School teach?
- Hastings School enrolls students aged 2 to 18.
- Is Hastings School a day or boarding school?
- Hastings School is a day school.
- What accreditations does Hastings School hold?
- Hastings School holds accreditations including IB.
- Is Hastings School co-educational?
- Hastings School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Hastings School located?
- Hastings School is an international school in Madrid, Spain.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Nursery | 2–2 | €8K |
| Nursery & Reception | 3–4 | €9.7K |
| Year 1 | 5–5 | €11.3K |
| Year 2 | 6–8 | €11.4K |
| Year 3 & 4 | 9–10 | €11.8K |
| Year 5 & 6 | 11–12 | €12.1K |
| Year 7, Year 8 & Year 9 | 13–13 | €14.4K |
| Year 10 | 14–14 | €16.4K |
| Year 11 | 15–15 | €16.8K |
| Year 12 & Year 13(A-Level) | 16–17 | €18.6K |
| Year 12 & Year 13(IB) | 16–17 | €21.2K |
Other fees(8)
| Registration fee· Pre-Nursery Registration Fee (non-refundable single payment) | €950 |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· Nursery Registration Fee (non-refundable single payment) | €1.3K |
| Registration fee· Reception Registration Fee (non-refundable single payment) | €1.5K |
| Registration fee· Year 1 to Year 13 Registration Fee (non-refundable single payment) | €1.9K |
| Mealsmonthly· Pre-Nursery Lunches | €185 |
| Mealsmonthly· Nursery to Year 13 Lunches | €210 |
| Bus / transportmonthly· One-way bus service | €188 |
| Bus / transportmonthly· Return journey bus service | €233 |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 20%
Admissions
Hastings School requires prospective students from Year 1 to Year 13 (ages 5 to 17) to complete an academic assessment and attend an individual interview. These processes evaluate the applicant's academic ability and ensure their English proficiency is appropriate for their age and entry level. Admissions are managed by a dedicated team, and families are encouraged to book private tours, virtual meetings, or attend open days to experience the school.
Calendar
The school operates on a three-term structure. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the Autumn Term runs from September 4 to December 22, 2026. The Spring Term begins on January 8, 2027, and concludes on April 2, 2027, with a half-term break in February and an Easter break in late March. The Summer Term commences on April 5, 2027, and ends on June 29, 2027.
Facilities
About the campus
Hastings School operates across six campuses in central Madrid, designed to provide a small, family-like environment for each developmental stage. The campuses include Paseo de la Habana (Early Years), Sobradiel (Early Years and Primary), Bendición de Campos (Primary), Azulinas (Primary), Lorenzo Solano Tendero (Secondary), and the Hastings Nexus campus (Upper Secondary). All locations are accessible by public transport and on foot, with facilities specifically tailored to the needs of the age groups they serve.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a wide range of optional activities, including educational, sports, and leisure trips designed to extend learning beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to participate in clubs, leadership roles, and service projects to develop character, global awareness, and confidence. These activities are integrated into the school's approach to preparing students for university and life beyond.






- Ian PiperPrincipal
Ian Piper has served as Principal of Hastings School since September 2024. He previously led The British International School of Washington and Danube International School Vienna, and holds an MSc in Management Sciences and an MEd in Educational Management.
- Emma DuffyHead of Early Years and Primary
Emma Duffy has over 10 years of teaching experience in Early Years and Primary, having joined Hastings School in 2014. She holds a PGCE from the University of Glasgow and is passionate about fostering curiosity in young children.
- Simon BaskettHead of Secondary
Simon Baskett holds a History degree from Oxford and a PGCE from the University of Bristol, with over 30 years of teaching experience. Before joining Hastings, he spent over a decade at Runnymede College as Deputy Head (Academic) and has a background in journalism.
- Anne McConnellDeputy Head of Primary - Key Stage 1
Anne McConnell has over 10 years of experience as a teacher, Key Stage Coordinator, and Deputy Head in Brighton and Madrid. She studied Philosophy at the University of Leeds and completed her GTP teacher training at the University of Brighton.
- Fiona ChapmanDeputy Head of Primary - Key Stage 2
Fiona Chapman has over 30 years of teaching experience in London, Mexico City, and Madrid, having joined Hastings School in 1995. She holds a teaching qualification from the University of Warwick and is passionate about teaching and learning.
- Rose BryantDeputy Head of Secondary - Sixth Form and Exams
Rose Bryant joined Hastings School in 2014 as an English teacher after working in Dorset, UK. She holds a BA in English Literature and Drama from the University of Birmingham and a PGCE from the University of Bristol.
- Linda CarruthersDeputy Head of Secondary LST - Pastoral
Linda Carruthers joined the leadership team in 2012 after serving as Head of Art since 2009. She holds a degree in Art and Design and a PGCE from Roehampton University, with 23 years of teaching experience.
More international schools in Madrid
- King's College, The British School of Madrid (Soto de Vinuelas)National Curriculum (England), IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level
- Kensington SchoolNational Curriculum (England), IGCSE, IB Diploma
- Runnymede CollegeNational Curriculum (England), British EYFS, IGCSE
- St George´s British International SchoolNational Curriculum (England), British EYFS, IGCSE
- Thames British SchoolNational Curriculum (England), British EYFS, IGCSE
- St Anne's School, MadridNational Curriculum (England), IGCSE, IB Diploma
National Curriculum (England)
IGCSE
IB Diploma