Bilingual international schools in Madrid in 2026 occupy a unique position. The city has invested heavily over the past two decades in turning state and concertado schools into bilingual Spanish-English programmes, while a robust set of private British, American and IB international schools continues to attract expat families looking for full English-medium pathways. For families relocating to Madrid, the bilingual landscape can be confusing because what schools call "bilingual" varies enormously. This guide breaks down the real options for 2026, with curricula, fees in euros, and admissions advice.
The four bilingual school models in Madrid
Four broad categories of bilingual or international schools coexist in Madrid:
- Bilingual state and concertado schools: follow the Spanish national curriculum (LOMLOE) but teach a portion of subjects in English. Free or low-cost.
- Bilingual private schools: Spanish curriculum delivered in Spanish and English in roughly equal proportions. Some offer the Bachillerato Dual (Spanish + US High School Diploma).
- Fully private British schools: English National Curriculum from EYFS to A Level with Spanish as a second language.
- International IB World Schools: PYP, MYP and DP curricula delivered in English.
Bilingual schools (categories 1 and 2) keep children in the Spanish system and award the Spanish Bachillerato. International schools (categories 3 and 4) place children on UK or international pathways.
Top bilingual and international schools in Madrid
British Council School
The original British international school in Madrid, founded in 1940. English National Curriculum to IGCSE then dual A Level / Bachillerato pathway. Strong Spanish department for British students. View school profile.
Runnymede College
One of Madrid's flagship British schools. English National Curriculum, IGCSE and A Level. Highly selective at all year groups. View school profile.
King's College Madrid (La Moraleja)
Part of the King's Group, British curriculum from Early Years to Sixth Form with A Level and IB Diploma options. View school profile.
The American School of Madrid
American curriculum with AP courses and IB Diploma. Founded in 1961. View school profile.
International College Spain
Full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) on a single campus. View school profile.
Hastings School
British curriculum across three Madrid campuses. View school profile.
What "bilingual" actually means in Madrid
The Madrid Community government runs the largest bilingual programme in Europe at state-school level. In a Madrid bilingual primary, around 30 to 50 per cent of teaching is in English, including subjects like science and art. By secondary, the proportion typically drops, with maths and Spanish remaining in Spanish and English used in elective subjects. Private bilingual schools push this further, often running 50 to 70 per cent of the curriculum in English while still awarding the Spanish Bachillerato. For expat families used to British or American models, the surprise is that "bilingual" in Madrid usually means Spanish-dominant with substantial English, not the other way round. Children whose Spanish is weak struggle in this model.
Fees for international and bilingual schools in Madrid (2026)
Realistic 2026 annual tuition ranges:
- Bilingual state schools (CEIP/IES): tuition free, parental contribution under EUR 1,500 per year.
- Bilingual concertado (state-subsidised private): EUR 4,000 to EUR 9,000 per year including extras.
- Bilingual private schools: EUR 9,000 to EUR 17,000 per year.
- Fully private British / American / IB schools: EUR 14,000 to EUR 24,000 per year.
Expect application fees (EUR 100 to EUR 800), one-off enrolment fees at private schools (EUR 1,000 to EUR 4,000) and annual extras for buses, lunches and uniforms ranging from EUR 2,000 to EUR 5,000 per year.
Choosing the right path for your child
Three rules of thumb that work for most expat families:
- Plan to stay 4+ years and want full Spanish fluency? Choose a private bilingual school with serious Spanish provision and Bachillerato Dual.
- Plan to leave within 3 years or aim at UK or US universities? Choose a fully English-medium British or American school.
- Want maximum global transferability? Choose an IB World School with the full PYP to DP continuum.
The transition between systems mid-secondary is hard. If you choose a bilingual school for primary, plan to keep your child there through Bachillerato unless your timeline changes.
Admissions and waiting lists
Most Madrid private international and bilingual schools accept rolling applications, but the most popular year groups (P3, Year 1, Year 7) fill up early. Practical advice:
- Apply 6 to 9 months ahead for September entry at private schools.
- For bilingual state and concertado schools, applications follow the Comunidad de Madrid's centralised process (March to April for September entry).
- Most private schools require an entrance test (Spanish, maths, English and an interview).
- Sibling priority is significant at most schools.
Compare options side by side on our Madrid international school ranking page.
Frequently asked questions
Are Madrid bilingual schools really 50-50 Spanish-English?
It varies by school. Most bilingual state schools run 30 to 50 per cent of subjects in English; private bilingual schools often go up to 70 per cent. The Spanish curriculum framework still applies.
Can expat children join a bilingual state school in Madrid?
Yes, subject to availability and the centralised admissions process. The lower the year group, the easier the placement.
Which is better for university: Bachillerato or IB?
Both lead to Spanish universities. For UK or US university entry, IB Diploma and A Levels are more straightforward than the Spanish Bachillerato, although the Bachillerato Dual is increasingly accepted.