Understanding international school admissions in Madrid is one of the first priorities for families relocating to the Spanish capital. Madrid has a deep market of British, American, IB and bilingual schools, and while the process is generally less rigid than in some cities, the most sought-after schools and year groups still fill early. This 2026 guide explains how admissions work, when to apply, what documents you will need, how assessments are handled, and how Spanish-language support fits in.
How admissions work in Madrid
Most international schools in Madrid run rolling admissions rather than a single deadline. The typical sequence is enquiry and registration, submission of documents, an assessment or interview, an offer, and then a deposit to confirm the place. Because many schools admit throughout the year as families move in and out of the city, mid-year entry is more feasible here than in some capitals, though choice is still wider if you apply ahead of the September intake.
Curricula and entry points
Madrid families typically choose between:
- British curriculum: IGCSEs and A-Levels, with common entry points throughout primary and secondary.
- American curriculum: US high school diploma with Advanced Placement.
- International Baccalaureate: the IB continuum, offered by several Madrid schools.
- Spanish bilingual schools: the national curriculum delivered substantially in English, often with the option of dual credentials.
When to apply
For September entry, begin the process the previous autumn or winter, roughly six to twelve months ahead for the most popular schools. If you are relocating at short notice, contact schools directly, since places do open up mid-year. Applying to two or three schools in parallel is wise given that assessment outcomes and waiting lists are hard to predict from abroad.
Documents you will need
Prepare a digital folder early. Schools commonly request:
- The last two years of school reports, translated into English or Spanish if necessary.
- Passport copies and, where relevant, residency documentation.
- A reference or transfer letter from the current school.
- Any learning-support or educational psychology reports.
- Immunisation and medical records.
Assessments, interviews and Spanish support
Selective Madrid schools usually assess applicants in English and mathematics, sometimes adding an interview or reasoning test. For families whose children do not yet speak Spanish, ask each school how Spanish as an additional language is taught, whether assessments are adjusted for new arrivals, and how children are integrated socially. In a bilingual city, strong Spanish provision pays off quickly.
Madrid international schools to consider
Hastings School
A British international school in central Madrid offering the English National Curriculum, popular with internationally mobile families. See the Hastings School profile for admissions details and reviews.
St. George School Madrid
A British-curriculum school with IGCSEs and A-Levels and a strong pastoral focus. Review the St. George School Madrid profile.
SEK International School El Castillo
Part of the SEK network, offering the IB continuum on a large campus with extensive facilities. Explore the SEK International School El Castillo profile.
Brains International School La Moraleja
A bilingual international school in the La Moraleja area, blending the Spanish curriculum with strong English provision. See the Brains International School La Moraleja profile.
A note on fees
International and bilingual school fees in Madrid commonly range from around EUR 8,000 to EUR 25,000 per year, rising in the senior and Diploma years. Budget separately for registration, deposits, lunch, transport and trips, and confirm the full schedule during admissions.
Compare the best schools in Madrid
For a regularly updated ranking with reviews and fee guidance, see the best international schools in Madrid on ischooladvisor.com.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply to international schools in Madrid?
Begin six to twelve months before your intended September start for popular schools. Madrid's rolling admissions make mid-year entry possible, but applying early and to more than one school gives you the most choice.
What documents do Madrid international schools require?
Typically the last two years of school reports, passport copies, a reference from the current school, any learning-support reports, and immunisation records, with English or Spanish translations where needed.
Is Spanish-language support available for new arrivals?
Many Madrid schools offer Spanish as an additional language and may adjust assessments for children new to Spanish. Ask each school how this support is delivered and how new students are integrated.