Rich Cook
Head of Primary
The International School of Madrid is a leading private British school, conveniently located in the Chamartín neighbourhood in the centre of Madrid.
Our well qualified and experienced teachers follow the English National Curriculum, which means that students gain an education as if they were in a school in the UK. Classes are taught in English and delivered in the British way. The academic standard of our school is high. 100% of students that graduated in 2021 are currently at university, not just in the UK and Spain, but around the world. We recognise that each student is unique and care passionately about their social and moral development. We are committed to providing the best possible start in life for every one of our pupils.
| Number of students |
810 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
More than 30 |
| Most common nationality |
Spanish |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
80% local : 20% international |
| Max. number of students per class |
25 |
| Average number of students per class |
20 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Pupils who are not fluent in English may take additional one to one or small group classes, at additional cost, to help them reach the level of the rest of the class. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Spanish for all pupils throughout the school, including Spanish for beginners, where required, in Primary.
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| Use of technology in the classroom |
Technology is a useful tool which is used by teachers every day. All classrooms are equipped with computers and interactive whiteboards. Tablet computers are available for use by students in KS1 to KS3, including one per pupil in upper primary. Older secondary students are able to bring their own devices. Each building also has its own computer suite. We subscribe to a large number of educational websites. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes. During lockdown school continued through online classes, following the normal timetable for Secondary students, and adapting it for Early Years and Primary students.
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| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Depends on the subject and grade level. |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Waiting list |
Yes |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Entry exam for Secondary students. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Children entering from Years 1 – 6 will be asked to attend an informal interview with one of the teachers of the school who will assess the child’s academic level and level of English. Pupils in Years 7 - 13 will be asked to sit entrance examinations. Entrance examinations vary according to the age of the pupil. An interview prior to acceptance is mandatory and reports from previous schools (if any) are required. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
As an international school, admissions and enrollment are open throughout the year. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
| External examinations or assessments available |
National Curriculum Tests (SATs) are taken at the end of Year 2 and the end of Year 6.
Cambridge English Qualifications are offered on a optional basis, including B1 Preliminary (PET), B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE) and C2 Proficiency (CPE).
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| Results in these examinations |
Year 6 National Curriculum Tests: English - 93% reach the expected level or above. Mathematics - 97% reach the expected level or above.
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| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
Religion is an optional subject at I.S.M. in which Christian morals and doctrine are taught. In Reception and Year 1 Christian stories are told but most of the emphasis is on correct behaviour, the reasons for the same and respect for others in one’s society and environment. From Year 2 up there is more attention to Catholic doctrine, especially in Year 4 when pupils are prepared for First Communion. In Secondary, pupils can be prepared for Confirmation. The school works in conjunction with two local parish Priests. |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
Pupils who do not attend Religion lessons have and additional class of Personal, Social, health and Citizenship education instead. |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| Learning support offered |
We have a SEN Department who works with the teachers and the student in order to provide what the child needs. The department includes the SENCO, psychologist and speech therapist. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes. We have a full time educational psychologist at school. |
| School start time |
8:35 am |
| School finish time |
4:00 pm |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Chess, drama, ballet, judo, basketball, booster classes, computing, art, modern dance, football, French, German, cookery, religion, robotics, yoga and roller skating. |
| School provided lunches |
Yes. Cooked here at school. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes, we have a vast number of special menus. |
| Sports activities included |
Swimming, football, basketball, gymnastics, etc. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Outdoor pitches, indoor gym. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes. |
| Other facilities at the school |
Each building has its own computer suite, library, kitchen and dining room, and we have science laboratories, art studios, music rooms, etc. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
The International School of Madrid is an independent co-educational Primary and Secondary school, offering a British curriculum to children from 2 to 18 years of age. Since 1971 the school has been known for its child-centred approach, happy atmosphere and high standards of academic achievement. 50 years of academic excellence. I.S.M. is an inclusive school which welcomes and values all of its students and their families. We are a family school with a community atmosphere where children feel safe and secure and in which there is fluid communication between home and school. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
ISM provides a broad and balanced curriculum which:
The school's goal is to provide a high quality education which:
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We are an international British school. Our well qualified and experienced teachers follow the English National Curriculum, which means that students gain an education as if they were in a school in the UK. Students take IGCSE and A-level examinations and are fully prepared for University in the UK, Spain, the US and many other countries. All studies at ISM are validated with the Spanish Ministry of Education.
In line with our belief that education is not solely about the academic curriculum, ISM offers an extensive range of extra-curricular activities to help children pursue and develop other interests and abilities. In addition to a varied programme of field trips and excursions for all students, opportunities to take part in performing arts events and sporting competitions, we also offer a full range of optional after-school activities including ballet, judo, football, basketball, chess, robotics, yoga, cookery, modern dance, language classes and much more.
The International School of Madrid is conveniently located in the Chamartín neighbourhood of central Madrid.
Our infant and primary facilities are located in C/ Rosa Jardón. Classrooms are spacious and we benefit from several specialist rooms, including a computer suite, library, music room and sports hall.
Our lower secondary building, opened in 2019, is also located in C/ Rosa Jardón and includes a laboratory, art studio, computer suite, music room, library and outdoor sports court.
The upper secondary building, a short walk away in C/ Serrano Galvache, is designed for our oldest students to gain an ideal pre-university experience and includes laboratories, a computer suite, an art studio, a large sports hall, modern library and study area, and cafeteria style dining room.
Each building also has a variety of playground and outdoor spaces.
We are always available to answer questions about our school and the admissions process. Please do not hesitate to contact us. Enrolment is open throughout the year.
We will assist you throughout the admissions process and beyond. We look forward to getting to know your family.
