Bilingual schooling in Madrid is no longer a niche choice. The Comunidad de Madrid runs one of the largest publicly subsidised bilingual programmes in Europe, but for expat families the deeper bilingual experience usually sits in the private sector: British, American, French, German and Swiss schools that integrate two academic languages from age three. This 2026 guide walks through the bilingual models on offer, five well-regarded bilingual private schools in Madrid recognised on ISA, fee ranges in euros, and the admissions calendar that keeps spring-arriving families ahead of the September intake.
Bilingual school models in Madrid
Madrid offers four meaningful bilingual approaches:
- British-Spanish: The English National Curriculum delivered alongside Spanish language and Spanish history modules, leading to IGCSE, A Level and Spanish university access via UNEDasiss or Selectividad.
- American-Spanish: US High School Diploma plus Advanced Placement, with Spanish taught daily.
- French-Spanish: The French national curriculum and baccalauréat, often AEFE-accredited.
- German or Swiss-Spanish: Abitur or Maturidad pathways, frequently with strong IB Diploma options.
Top bilingual schools in Madrid recognised on ISA
Runnymede College
A British curriculum school in La Moraleja delivering IGCSE and A Level. Spanish is taught daily from Reception, with optional Spanish History and Geography in Years 9 and 10. Strong Oxbridge and US Ivy track record.
Colegio Internacional Aravaca
A bilingual Spanish-English school west of Madrid with daily English from age three and an option to extend into the IB Diploma. Particularly suitable for families staying long-term in Spain because it preserves access to both Spanish and international university tracks.
View Colegio Internacional Aravaca on ISA
Liceo Francés Molière de Madrid
An AEFE-accredited French school in Villanueva de la Cañada delivering the French national curriculum from maternelle to terminale. Spanish is integrated as a co-language and the brevet and baccalauréat are recognised in Spain via Selectividad equivalence.
View Liceo Francés Molière on ISA
Colegio Suizo Madrid
A bilingual German-Spanish school recognised by both the Swiss authorities and the Spanish Ministry of Education. Students can exit with a Spanish bachillerato, the German Abitur or the Schweizer Matura, plus strong English provision in upper years.
View Colegio Suizo Madrid on ISA
SEK International School El Castillo
An IB Continuum World School (PYP, MYP, DP) on a heritage campus in Villafranca del Castillo. Bilingual Spanish-English from Early Years with Chinese and German added in primary and secondary. Boarding options for upper years.
View SEK International School El Castillo on ISA
Fees at bilingual schools in Madrid (2026)
Tuition is published in euros. As a benchmark for the 2025-2026 academic year:
- Infantil 1 to 3 (ages 3 to 6): EUR 7,500 to 13,500
- Primaria (Years 1 to 6): EUR 9,500 to 18,500
- Secundaria (ESO): EUR 12,000 to 22,500
- Bachillerato or IB Diploma: EUR 14,500 to 27,000
Add an enrolment fee in the EUR 1,000 to 4,000 range, plus annual technology, lunch, transport and trip levies. Boarding, where offered, costs EUR 12,000 to 18,000 on top of tuition.
Admissions calendar and what bilingual schools assess
Most private bilingual schools in Madrid open admissions for the following September from October to February of the same academic year. After January, places fill rapidly in oversubscribed year groups (Infantil, Year 7 / 1º ESO, Year 12 / 1º Bachillerato). Expect a multi-step process: application, document upload, language assessment, parent interview and a try-out day. Children entering Year 3 / 3º Primaria and above sit a written and oral test in the school's primary language plus a Spanish baseline if relevant.
Choosing the right bilingual model for your family
Pick the school where your child's strongest academic language matches the school's primary language, with the other language taught as an integrated co-language. Families on a two to three-year posting often pick British or American schools to keep options open for the next move. Families settling in Spain long-term gain more from a Spanish-bilingual school because it preserves access to Spanish universities through Selectividad without sacrificing an international track.
Compare more Madrid schools
Browse the full curated ranking of top international schools in Madrid on ISA, with side-by-side comparison of curriculum, fees and parent reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Are public bilingual schools in Madrid an option for expats?
Yes, the Comunidad de Madrid bilingual public schools are open to all residents and entirely free. The trade-off is that English is delivered as a vehicle for some subjects rather than as a fully bilingual curriculum, which can be limiting for families that need a deeper international track for university entry.
How early should I apply to a bilingual school in Madrid?
Apply between October and January for the following September intake. The most popular year groups (Infantil, 1º ESO and 1º Bachillerato) regularly fill by February at top schools such as Runnymede, SEK El Castillo and Liceo Francés Molière.
Can my child enter Spanish university from a British or French school in Madrid?
Yes. Students from British schools take UNEDasiss or sit Selectividad through their school. Students from AEFE-accredited French schools follow the baccalauréat-to-Selectividad equivalence route. Both pathways are recognised by every Spanish university.