Hello guys, Welcome to TigerJek, In this article we are telling you about the best schools in Madrid. Finding the right school is one of the biggest concerns for families moving to Madrid or those already living in Spain’s capital who want to ensure their child receives a world-class education. Madrid is more than just the country’s cultural and political heart; it’s also a hub for international families, expatriates, and locals who value strong academics, diverse programs, and a global outlook.
The city offers a wide variety of educational choices, from public and semi-private (concertado) schools to prestigious international institutions offering curricula from Britain, the United States, France, and the globally respected International Baccalaureate (IB). For families who want their children prepared for universities in Spain, Europe, or worldwide, Madrid provides options that balance academics, extracurricular opportunities, and cultural immersion.
In this guide, TigerJek explores some of the best schools in Madrid, carefully selected based on academic reputation, curriculum, facilities, and the opportunities they provide for students. Each profile includes detailed insights to help parents make an informed choice. Below is a closer look at the schools that stand out for their reputation, academic rigor, and student experience.
Also Read: Best Schools in New York
Best Schools in Madrid
Understanding Madrid’s School System
Before looking at the top international schools, it helps to understand how Madrid’s education system works:
- Public Schools (Colegios Públicos): Funded by the government and free of charge, they follow the Spanish curriculum. Instruction is primarily in Spanish, though some bilingual options (Spanish-English) exist. These are excellent for families who want full integration into Spanish society.
- Concertado Schools: Semi-private schools that receive partial government funding. Tuition is lower than private schools, but spaces can be competitive. They usually follow the Spanish curriculum, with some bilingual programs.
- Private & International Schools: Fully private institutions offering international curricula such as IB, British GCSE/A-Levels, American High School Diploma, French Baccalaureate, or a combination. Tuition is higher, but they often provide global recognition and strong pathways to international universities.
For families from abroad, international schools are usually the preferred choice, offering not only high-quality academics but also communities where children can thrive in multicultural environments.
1. International College Spain (ICS)
International College Spain (ICS), located in La Moraleja, northern Madrid, stands out as the only school in the city offering the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum—PYP, MYP, and the Diploma Programme—taught entirely in English. Founded in 1980 and an early adopter of the IB Diploma, it remains one of the most established IB institutions globally.
ICS delivers impressive academic outcomes: in 2023, students achieved an average IB score of 35, significantly above the global average, with one student earning a perfect 45. Its 100% IB Diploma pass rate further underscores the school’s commitment to high standards.
The campus spreads over several hectares of leafy grounds and combines historical charm with modern spaces. It includes STEAM labs, performing arts studios, science labs, sports courts, a track, libraries, and even a Broadway-style auditorium for creativity to flourish. With small classes—typically 16 to 22 students and a teacher-to-student ratio around 1:9—ICS ensures personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.
As part of the Nord Anglia Education network since 2014, ICS students benefit from exclusive global collaborations with renowned institutions like MIT, The Juilliard School, and UNICEF.
All told, ICS is a vibrant, supportive, and academically rigorous school that nurtures global thinkers ready for top universities around the world.
2. The British Council School
The British Council School, located in Pozuelo de Alarcón’s Somosaguas district in western Madrid, is one of Spain’s longest-established international schools—serving students from nursery through Year 13 since its founding in 1940. Today, it delivers a bilingual British-Spanish education rooted in the English National Curriculum while honoring local academic standards and cultural values.
From Early Years through Year 9, students typically spend around 80% of their time learning in English and 20% in Spanish, including subjects like Spanish language and literature. In secondary school, pupils work toward IGCSEs and also satisfy Spanish requirements, earning the formal Educación Secundaria certificate. In Years 12 and 13, students pursue the BiBac®—a unique bilingual Baccalaureate that blends British and Spanish credentials and enables learners to choose their subject language and path toward both national and international university entrance.
The campus spans more than 26,000 m² and includes modern classrooms, dedicated facilities for Early Years, Primary, and Secondary levels, multiple libraries, specialized arts and music studios, and a 300-seat auditorium (Teatro del Británico) tailored for performance and teaching arts.
Academically, the school is consistently recognized for excellence—it’s the only school in Spain to receive the top possible rating in every category for four consecutive British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspections.
All told, The British Council School offers a well-rounded, academically robust, bilingual experience. It appeals to families seeking both strong foundations in English and seamless alignment with the Spanish education system, coupled with modern facilities and a reputation for educational excellence.
Also Read: Best Schools in Warsaw
3. American School of Madrid (ASM)
The American School of Madrid (ASM), nestled in Pozuelo de Alarcón on the western edge of Madrid, has been a respected fixture in international education since its founding in 1961 by members of the American Club in Madrid, with Kelly Gardener serving as its first headmaster. Located just 10 kilometers from the city center, its expansive 11-acre campus delivers a rich blend of academic innovation and comfort.
Academically, ASM offers a rigorous American-style program from Pre-K through Grade 12. All graduates earn the U.S. High School Diploma, while many choose the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)—and a portion also complete Spain’s official Programa Oficial. Notably, the Class of 2025 averaged an IB score of 34.5, nearly four points above the global average—and students scoring over 40 points occurred at more than three times the world average.
ASM’s campus balances thoughtful design with cutting-edge functionality—from a zero-energy Middle School building (2021) to the Don Quijote Park play landscape (2023), a first-of-its-kind in Spain. Students benefit from specialized spaces including a 600-seat auditorium, robotics labs, science hubs, sports complexes, and performance arts studios.
The school fosters a cosmopolitan community—36% U.S. citizens, 27% Spanish, and 37% from over 50 other countries. Accreditation by the Middle States Association, Spanish Ministry of Education, and the IB Organization offers ASM graduates multiple recognized diplomas, solidifying its reputation for academic excellence and global readiness.
4. Hastings School
Hastings School, founded in 1971, is a well-regarded British international school in Madrid that serves students from Nursery through Year 13. It operates across six specialized campuses spread throughout the city, including locations in Chamartín, Arturo Soria, and Conde de Orgaz—each tailored to different age groups for a focused learning environment.
The school follows the English National Curriculum and prepares students for IGCSEs, A-Levels, and, since 2022, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme—offering flexibility and global recognition for university preparation.
Academically, Hastings boasts impressive results: in one recent year, 95% of IGCSE students achieved grades between A* and A, and 100% scored A*–C in English. A-Level performance also stood out, with 100% of students earning A*–A in Spanish and nearly half achieving the top marks in mathematics. Around 1,100 students from 50+ nationalities study here, contributing to a truly international, inclusive community.
Campus facilities across the network include modern classrooms, fully equipped science and computer labs, libraries, and arts and design studios. The school also provides supportive services like teaching assistants, language programs (Spanish and French), and structured learning support.
Parents often choose Hastings for its blend of British tradition and international adaptability, especially since it’s one of the few schools in Madrid offering both A-Levels and the IB—making it a flexible choice for global university pathways.
Also Read: Best schools in Vermont
5. Lycée Français de Madri
Lycée Français de Madrid (LFM) traces its roots back to 1885 when it was founded in downtown Madrid, and today it proudly forms part of the AEFE network—an elite global circle of French international schools serving nearly 395,000 students in over 580 institutions worldwide. Its main campus in Conde de Orgaz and its annex in Saint-Exupéry near La Moraleja together enroll several thousand students, making LFM one of the largest French schools abroad.
LFM follows the French National Curriculum from maternelle through lycée, culminating in the French Baccalaureate—a credential that opens doors to top universities in France, Spain, and beyond. The school is also respected for preparing students well for Spain’s university entrance process, the “Selectividad”. While instruction is primarily in French, LFM is praised for its strong Spanish-language programs and growing focus on English, enriching students’ linguistic and cultural fluency.
Architecturally, the Conde de Orgaz campus, constructed in 1969, was designed by Spanish and French architects in a modernist style blending open spaces and functional elegance. It features extensive facilities—libraries, a theatre, sports fields, and computer labs—set within a lush 10-hectare park.
LFM consistently delivers strong academic results, with nearly 100% Baccalaureate success rates and a high proportion of honors—a testament to its reputation for educational rigor and cultural richness.
6. SEK El Castillo – SEK International Schools
SEK El Castillo International School, nestled in Villafranca del Castillo in northwest Madrid, is part of the historic SEK Education Group, which originated in 1892 and now spans multiple international schools and universities. The school traces its own beginnings to 1972 and has been a trailblazer, introducing the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and Diploma Programme) in Spain since 1977—long before most other schools followed suit.
Academically, SEK El Castillo offers a triple pathway: students can pursue the IB programmes, the Spanish Baccalaureate, or earn a U.S. High School Diploma, thanks to its NEASC accreditation. The school is also accredited by CIS and ECIS, and in 2023 earned recognition as a UNICEF Reference Centre for Children’s Rights and Global Citizenship.
Spread across a generous 40,000 m² campus, the school offers standout facilities: well-equipped science and maker labs, a high-performance music center, and access to the expansive UCJC Sports Club. This includes swimming pools, equestrian facilities, tennis and paddle courts, and dedicated sports academies.
Strong emphasis on holistic growth is evident through opportunities like the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, mentorship for new students, and immersive sports-academic support via the SEK International Sports Academy.
In all, SEK El Castillo is a forward-thinking, globally recognized school that balances rigorous academics with innovation, personal growth, and outstanding extracurricular offerings.
Also Read: Best Schools in Budapest
7. Colegio San Patricio
Colegio San Patricio, founded in 1958, has grown into one of Madrid’s most esteemed private institutions. With three strategically located campuses—Serrano (Nursery & Primary), La Moraleja (also Nursery & Primary), and El Soto (Secondary & Baccalaureate)—it offers flexibility and accessibility across the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods.
Academically, San Patricio delivers a strong foundation based on the Spanish curriculum, while offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) at El Soto. Its IB results are consistently exceptional—with average scores reaching 33.5 and top marks as high as 44 in 2025—and 90% of students earning bilingual IB diplomas. The school also offers one of the broadest IB subject selections in Madrid—more than 16 courses—enabling students to tailor their educational paths to align with their strengths and ambitions.
The school prioritizes arts, sports, and holistic enrichment. Its dedicated San Patricio Arts Centre supports disciplines like music, drama, dance, film, and visual arts, while extracurriculars range from high-performance sports to debate, robotics, and enriching creative projects.
Year after year, San Patricio earns national recognition: it’s been named the “No. 1 school in Spain” by El Mundo and consistently ranks high in Forbes lists. The school has also received prestigious distinctions such as the Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise and the Royal Order of Sports Merit.
All in all, Colegio San Patricio offers Spanish academic rigor enriched with international opportunity, creative arts, and strong support for student success—making it a compelling choice for families seeking excellence with depth and heart.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a School in Madrid
- Curriculum Choice: IB, British, American, French, or Spanish – think about where your child might attend university.
- Language of Instruction: English-only schools differ from bilingual or trilingual ones.
- Location: Madrid’s traffic can be challenging. Choosing a school near home saves time.
- Extracurricular Activities: Sports, music, arts, and leadership programs all add to a child’s development.
- Budget: Fees range from €4,000 to €25,000 per year, so financial planning is essential.
FAQs About Schools in Madrid
Q: Are public schools free in Madrid?
Yes, public schools are free, though international families may face challenges if children don’t speak Spanish fluently.
Q: Which school is best for IB in Madrid?
International College Spain (ICS) and SEK El Castillo are both excellent for IB programs.
Q: Which school should French families choose?
Lycée Français de Madrid is the top option, offering full French curriculum continuity.
Q: Do these schools offer university counseling?
Yes, most international schools in Madrid have dedicated college counseling departments to help students apply to universities worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Madrid is one of Europe’s best cities for international education. Families can choose from a wide variety of schools, each with its own philosophy and strengths. Whether it’s the global IB focus at ICS, the British bilingual tradition at The British Council School, the American flexibility at ASM, or the cultural immersion at Lycée Français, there’s a perfect match for every family.
At TigerJek, we believe choosing the right school is about more than academics – it’s about finding a community where your child will thrive, grow, and prepare for a global future. Madrid offers just that: a city where world-class education meets cultural richness, making it an exceptional place to raise the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators.
2 thoughts on “Best Schools in Madrid (2025)”