
The British School | El Colegio Británico
Part of Inspired Education, Secular, Founded 1940
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Accreditations
Languages
The British School is a leading co-educational, bilingual, and bicultural day school in Madrid for students aged 1 to 18. Founded in 1940 as the pioneer of British education in Spain, it combines the English National Curriculum with the Spanish curriculum to prepare students for top universities worldwide.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is committed to a bilingual and bicultural education that develops citizens with values such as integrity, honesty, creativity, and professionalism. It operates under the motto 'Best of Both Worlds,' balancing a rigorous British curriculum with a solid foundation in the Spanish educational and cultural context. The institution focuses on preparing students to be confident, resilient, and responsible global citizens.
Programmes
The school offers a comprehensive academic pathway from Early Years (ages 1-4) through Primary (ages 5-11) and Secondary (ages 12-16) to Sixth Form (ages 16-18). The curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum, complemented by Spanish subjects, with pathways including the bilingual BiBac® programme, A Levels, and candidacy for the IB Diploma. Instruction is provided by native and qualified teachers, with opportunities to achieve fluency in up to five languages.
Outcomes
Graduates consistently achieve high academic results, with 100% progressing to university, including institutions such as Cambridge, MIT, Stanford, and leading Spanish universities. Students frequently earn 'Top in the World' and 'Top in Europe' awards in IGCSE examinations. The school maintains a strong record of excellence, having received the highest possible rating in four consecutive British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspections.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides personalised support to empower students to reach their full potential, with a dedicated team of 10 university and career counsellors for students in Years 10 to 13. Wellbeing is overseen by a pastoral management team and Family Leaders who monitor the development of pupils within their family groups. Additionally, the school offers health and guidance services as part of its commitment to student support.
Frequently asked questions(7)
- What curriculum does The British School | El Colegio Británico offer?
- The British School | El Colegio Británico offers National Curriculum (England).
- How much is tuition at The British School | El Colegio Británico?
- Annual tuition at The British School | El Colegio Británico is €5.1K–€14.1K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does The British School | El Colegio Británico teach?
- The British School | El Colegio Británico enrolls students aged 1 to 18.
- Is The British School | El Colegio Británico a day or boarding school?
- The British School | El Colegio Británico is a day school.
- What accreditations does The British School | El Colegio Británico hold?
- The British School | El Colegio Británico holds accreditations including British Schools Overseas.
- Is The British School | El Colegio Británico co-educational?
- The British School | El Colegio Británico is a co-ed school.
- Where is The British School | El Colegio Británico located?
- The British School | El Colegio Británico is an international school in Madrid, Spain.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2025-2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Nursery (morning only) | 1–2 | €5.1K |
| Pre-Nursery (full day) | 1–2 | €7.5K |
| Nursery - Year 1 | 3–5 | €9.1K |
| Year 2 - Year 6 | 6–10 | €11.7K |
| Year 7 - Year 9 | 11–13 | €12.5K |
| Year 10 & Year 11 | 14–15 | €13.6K |
| Year 12 & Year 13 | 16–17 | €14.1K |
Other fees(4)
| Enrolment fee· New student enrolment (one-off payment) | €1.8K |
|---|---|
| Mealsterm· Lunch fee per term. Discount of 250.00€ for 3rd child and above. | €665 |
| Bus / transportterm· School bus fee per term. One way (to or from School only) is 585.00€ per term. Discount for 2nd child and above is 30%. | €745 |
| Materials· Sundry charges (non-optional non-academic services) per term: Pre-Nursery: 285.00€; Nursery - Year 1: 355.00€; Year 2 - Year 4: 465.50€; Year 5 - Year 6: 685.00€; Year 7 - Year 9: 590.00€; Year 10 - Year 11: 645.00€; Year 12 - Year 13: 515.00€. | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 25% - 35%
- Sibling discount: 30%
- Sibling discount: 250.00€
Admissions
The school manages admissions through a formal process, with interested families invited to enquire online or book a personalised tour. A one-off new student enrolment fee of 1,800.00€ is required upon entry. Prospective families can access information regarding the process and fees through the school's website or by contacting the admissions office directly.
Calendar
The school operates on a three-term academic year. For the 2025/26 academic year, Term 1 runs from 5th September to 19th December, Term 2 from 8th January to 27th March, and Term 3 from 7th April to 22nd June. Mid-term breaks and national holidays are observed throughout the year, with specific dates provided to the school community.
Facilities
About the campus
The 26,000 m² campus in Pozuelo de Alarcón features purpose-built facilities for Early Years, Primary, and Secondary sections, including bright, technology-equipped classrooms and five state-of-the-art science laboratories. Creative and performance spaces include an art wing, high-tech music studios, and the 1,200 m² Teatro del Británico, which seats 300 people. Sports facilities comprise football pitches, multi-sport courts, and age-specific gyms, complemented by libraries and outdoor play areas.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a diverse enrichment programme designed to foster talent and explore interests beyond the classroom. Activities include music (with opportunities for ABRSM and Rock School exams), robotics, a Cine Club, and competitive sports such as football and athletics. Students also participate in leadership initiatives, entrepreneurship programmes, STEM projects, and work shadowing experiences in Year 11.
- Mercedes Hernández EstradaHead of School
Mercedes Hernández Estrada joined the school for the 18/19 academic year. Previously, she was CEO of Pioneer Educational Trust in Windsor and Slough and an executive principal. She has worked in UK schools since the late 80s and is an expert in curriculum design, leadership, and education policy.
- Pamela O´BrienDeputy Head Pastoral
Ms O’Brien has been working at the school since 2005 and previously served as Head of Secondary starting in 2010.
- Brian LynchDeputy Head Academic
Brian joined the school in September 2020. He has extensive experience in UK schools, having served in senior leadership teams for the past 10 years.
- Joanne BrindleHead of Primary
Joanne Brindle has been Head of Primary since 2016. She has over 30 years of experience in education, holds an 'Excellent Practitioner' accreditation from Roehampton University, and a Master’s in Leadership for Learning.
- Sharon ConliskHead of Secondary
Sharon Conlisk joined the school in 2006 as an English teacher and later taught English and History. After serving as Key Stage 3 Leader for four years, she was appointed Head of Secondary in September 2020.
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National Curriculum (England)
British Schools Overseas