
Thames British School
Updated July 2026
Accreditations
Languages
Thames British School is an inclusive international school in Madrid providing a holistic British education for students aged 1 to 18. It focuses on academic excellence, character development, and preparing students for success in higher education and the global marketplace.
Term structure
Teaching approach
Thames British School adopts a holistic approach to education that prioritizes the intellectual, emotional, social, and creative development of each child. The school aims to foster independent learners who demonstrate perseverance, respect, and critical thinking, preparing them to face 21st-century challenges with confidence and compassion.
Programmes
The school follows the National Curriculum of England, beginning with the Early Years Foundation Stage and progressing through Primary and Secondary education. In Years 10 and 11, students pursue IGCSEs, while in Years 12 and 13, they choose A Level subjects to prepare for university. Teaching is conducted primarily in English, with an emphasis on developing fluency and critical thinking skills.
Outcomes
Students follow the National Curriculum of England and work toward internationally recognised qualifications, including Cambridge International AS and A Levels. These qualifications are designed to prepare students for entry into leading universities and provide enhanced prospects for employment globally.
Student support
Learning support
The school maintains a dedicated SEN room and employs a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) who holds master’s degrees in clinical psychology and counselling. The school also provides access to a school psychologist for interviews when recommended during the admissions process.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does Thames British School offer?
- Thames British School offers National Curriculum (England), British EYFS, IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
- How much is tuition at Thames British School?
- Annual tuition at Thames British School is €6K–€14.5K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Thames British School teach?
- Thames British School enrolls students aged 1 to 18.
- What accreditations does Thames British School hold?
- Thames British School holds accreditations including Cambridge International and IB.
- Where is Thames British School located?
- Thames British School is an international school in Madrid, Spain.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Pre Nursery (Half Day) | 1–2 | €6K |
| Pre-Pre Nursery | 1–2 | €8.8K |
| Pre-Nursery | 2–3 | €8.8K |
| Nursery | 3–4 | €9.7K |
| Reception | 4–5 | €9.7K |
| Year 1 | 5–6 | €10.4K |
| Year 2 | 6–7 | €10.4K |
| Year 3 | 7–8 | €11.2K |
| Year 4 | 8–9 | €11.2K |
| Year 5 | 9–10 | €11.2K |
| Year 6 | 10–11 | €11.2K |
| Year 7 | 11–12 | €11.9K |
| Year 8 | 12–13 | €12.9K |
| Year 9 | 13–14 | €12.9K |
| Year 10 | 14–15 | €13.3K |
| Year 11 | 15–16 | €13.3K |
| Year 12 | 16–17 | €14.5K |
| Year 13 | 17–18 | €14.5K |
Other fees(7)
| Enrolment fee· Pre-Pre y Pre-Nursery. Non-refundable. | €250 |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· Nursery y Reception. Non-refundable. | €500 |
| Enrolment fee· Key Stage 1 a 5. Non-refundable. | €1.3K |
| Deposit· Fully refundable provided that all accounts have been paid in full and that all property has been returned to school. | €1.3K |
| Registration fee· Annual re-enrolment fee (deductible) | €500 |
| Meals· Canteen for Pre-Pre y Pre-Nursery (Term I: 545 €, Term II: 410 €, Term III: 410 €) | €1.4K |
| Meals· Canteen for Nursery – Key Stage 5 (Term I: 850 €, Term II: 635 €, Term III: 635 €) | €2.1K |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 10% - 50%
Admissions
The school accepts applications throughout the year for students aged 1 to 18. The admissions process begins with an enquiry form, followed by an interview and assessment tailored to the student's age, which may include reviews of previous school reports, online assessments, and subject-specific exams. Successful applicants receive a formal offer, which is confirmed upon the completion of an enrolment form.
Calendar
The academic year is structured into three terms: Autumn, Christmas, and the Spring term leading into summer. Families are encouraged to use these term structures to plan their academic year in advance.
Facilities
About the campus
The purpose-built campus features specialist learning environments including bright classrooms for Early Years and Primary, modern Secondary classrooms, and fully equipped science laboratories. Additional facilities include an ICT suite, a dedicated cinema room for immersive learning, a theatre/assembly hall, and libraries for each school section. Outdoor resources comprise a full-sized grass football field, basketball courts, climbing equipment, and a Forest School programme area.
Co-curriculars
The school offers an Enrichment Programme that includes academic, sporting, and creative activities designed to support personal and social development. Offerings include football, volleyball, skating, chess, drama, art, a rock band, and a 5K running club, alongside opportunities for students to lead eco-initiatives and charitable projects.

- John CarrivickThames British School Group
John Carrivick is a representative of the Thames British School Group who has lived in Spain for over 40 years. He previously worked for the British Council in Madrid for 33 years, focusing on school relations, inspections, and certifications, until his recent retirement.
Hayley BenfieldHead of SchoolHayley Benfield is an educational leader and expert in Character Education. Prior to her current role, she served as an Assistant Headteacher and Performing Arts Teacher.
- Sophie HeatonHead of Primary
Sophie Heaton holds a BA Hons in History from Lancaster University, a PGCE in Primary education from the University of Cumbria, and an MSc in Psychology from the University of Derby.
- Daniel EnglishHead of Secondary
Daniel English holds a BA Honours Degree in Graphic Design and a PGCE in Resistant Materials.
- Lorena PanizoDirectora técnica
Lorena Panizo holds a degree in Hispanic Philology from the Complutense University of Madrid, a qualification for Geography and History from UNED, and a Master's in Teacher Training from the Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio.
- Justine DelmetIBDP Coordinator, IBDP Core and MFL teacher
Justine Delmet is an IBDP Coordinator who also teaches IBDP Core and MFL. She holds an MA in French as a Foreign Language from Université Paris-Ouest and a PGCE in Secondary MFL from the University of Portsmouth.
- Beatriz JauaSENCO and DSL
Beatriz Jaua is a SEN professional who holds Master’s Degrees in Clinical Psychology and Counselling.
More international schools in Madrid
- Runnymede CollegeNational Curriculum (England), British EYFS, IGCSE
- Hastings SchoolNational Curriculum (England), IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level
- King's College, The British School of Madrid (Soto de Vinuelas)National Curriculum (England), IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level
- St George´s British International SchoolNational Curriculum (England), British EYFS, IGCSE
- Kensington SchoolNational Curriculum (England), IGCSE, IB Diploma
- King’s Infant School, ChamartínNational Curriculum (England), British EYFS
National Curriculum (England)
IGCSE
IB