Schools in
Madrid
The heart of Spain's international education — 50+ top-tier British, American, and French schools split between leafy suburbs and high-density bilingual Concertado schools.
The Public & Concertado application window (March 11–25) has closed. Provisional lists expected late April 2026. International school admissions still open — top schools like ASM and Hastings are building waitlists for September.
The Madrid school market, explained
Madrid is the heart of Spain's international education, home to over 50 top-tier British, American, and French schools. The market is split between the leafy suburbs of La Moraleja and Pozuelo and the high-density bilingual "Concertado" schools in the city center. Navigating the "puntos" system for state-subsidized spots requires a deep dive into catchment areas, making local data essential for a successful placement.
Madrid's premier expat enclave. Home to ASM, Hastings, and several British schools. Gated communities, large gardens, and a strong English-speaking community.
Leafy western suburb with excellent private and concertado schools. Popular with Spanish professional families and international executives.
Upscale central neighbourhood with prestigious Spanish private schools and easy metro access. High property prices but no commute.
Northwestern suburb with a growing international community. More affordable than La Moraleja with access to several bilingual state schools.
Types of schools in Madrid
King's College, Hastings, and Runnymede offer IGCSE and A-Levels. Strong university placement to UK and US institutions.
ASM (American School of Madrid) and others offer the US curriculum with AP courses. Ideal for families planning to return to the US.
State-subsidized private schools with bilingual Spanish-English programmes. Excellent value but competitive — the "puntos" system determines priority.
Madrid's British Education in a Dual Approach programme — free state schools with English-medium instruction. Strict catchment and high demand.
Lycée Français de Madrid serves the French community with the full French national curriculum from maternelle to baccalauréat.
Several Madrid schools offer the full IB continuum. Increasingly popular with globally mobile families seeking curriculum continuity.
What most families don't know about Madrid
The "puntos" system for state and concertado schools awards points for catchment area, siblings, income, and disability. Calculate your score before choosing a neighbourhood — it can make or break your application.
La Moraleja schools are technically in the municipality of Alcobendas, not Madrid. This affects which state school catchment you fall into — verify before signing a lease.
Many top international schools in Madrid have a "pre-registration" list separate from the formal admissions process. Contact schools 18 months ahead to get on this list.
The Comunidad de Madrid runs a free bilingual programme (BEDA) in hundreds of state schools — but places are allocated by strict catchment. Living within 500m of the school dramatically improves your chances.
For concertado schools, the application window is March 11–25 every year without exception. Missing this window means waiting another full year.
Moving to Madrid?
Our advisors know the local enrollment windows, catchment areas, and waitlist strategies for Madrid's top schools. Get a personalised shortlist before you commit to a neighbourhood.
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Disclaimer: While Expat School Finder makes every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information, school fees, admissions policies, and enrollment windows are subject to change by the respective institutions and local education authorities without notice. Our data serves as a research guide and should be independently verified with the school's admissions office prior to making financial or relocation commitments. Expat School Finder is an independent research platform and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the schools listed in our database.
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