Founded in 1969 as a British day and boarding school, it is co-educational and non-denominational. There are three school sites around Madrid. The main 12-acre site is located in Soto de Viñuelas, a residential area 25km north of Madrid, which is well connected to the city centre by bus and rail. There are extensive facilities including two libraries, well-equipped ICT suites, an art studio, laboratories, swimming pool, a riding school and a new boarding building; a sports hall and astroturf pitch are planned. A second school site is located at La Moraleja, a residential area 15km from the city centre, from which pupils transfer at age14. There is also an infant school (for children from 3 to 6 years) in the residential area of Chamartín in the city. Some 48 nationalities are represented in the pupil body. The curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum, leading to IGCSE, AS and A-levels, and examination results are good. At the age of 16, Spanish students may opt for Spanish Bachillerato and Selectividad exams. The school is regularly inspected by the British Independent Schools Inspectorate and by Spanish inspectors. Music, drama and art are well supported. A range of sports and games is provided, with good facilities on site for football, tennis, judo and basketball.
Pupils: Total age range 2-18; 1987 pupils, 1967 day (972 boys, 995 girls), 20 boarding (10 boys, 10 girls). Junior department 2-11, 1317 pupils (649 boys, 668 girls). Senior department 11-18, 670 pupils (333 boys, 337 girls). Entrance: Entry at any age, except Year 13. Own tests for entrants aged 7 and over; for sixth form entry, minimum of 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects).
Small number of academic sixth form scholarships.
Very international - 48 nationalities.
Head: Elaine Blaus, in post from 2010. Educated at Leeds University (Russian and management studies) and Bishop Grosseteste College (PGCE). Previously Head of British School of Alicante (part of the same group) and Deputy Head of a South London primary school. Teaching staff: 140 members (most of whom are British).
IGCSE: 97 pupils in Year 11, 90% gaining grade C or above in 8+ subjects, 10% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 49 in Year 13, 90% passing in 4+ subjects, 10% in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 410.
100% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, in universities in Britain, USA, Spain and elsewhere. 10% take courses in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy, 36% in science and engineering, 20% in humanities and social sciences and 34% in business and associated subjects.
Pupils in the senior department follow the English National Curriculum leading to IGCSE, AS and A-level. 12 AS-level subjects, 11 A-level. Sixth form: most take 5 subjects at AS-level, 4 at A-level; general studies is not taken. Also a Spanish section, for pupils to follow the Spanish Bachillerato from the age of 16. Special provision: Induction English classes for those who need it (age 7-9 years). Languages: Spanish is taught throughout; French compulsory from 11 to 14. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 200+ computers for pupil use (open all day), all wireless networked and with email and internet access. Pupils take Cambridge ICT.
Music: Instrumental tuition offered and examinations may be taken. Musical groups include 2 choirs (regularly perform in shows and concerts) and other ensembles. Drama and dance: Both offered. Senior department annual production, junior department musical. Thriving drama club. LAMDA examinations may be taken. Art and design: On average, 15-20 take IGCSE, 5-10 A-level.
Sport: Football, basketball, hockey, cross-country, volleyball, gymnastics, swimming compulsory. Optional: tennis, horse riding, judo. Activities: Up to 30 clubs and activities, including various sports, ballet, Spanish dancing, performing arts, crafts workshops.
Uniform: Worn throughout school. Houses and prefects: Prefects, head boy/girl, appointed by senior staff. Religion: Non-denominational. Social: Various sporting fixtures. Organised visits abroad each year. School shop.
Pastoral care in all its aspects is in the hands of the class tutor, with referral when appropriate to year group co-ordinator, head of section, Deputy Head and Headmaster. Alcohol, smoking and drug use strictly forbidden.
Sixth form have own rooms, others in doubles. Rooms in new residence are ensuite with wireless internet connection. Boys and girls are on different floors. Qualified nurse on site by day. Pupils are able to cook their own meals/snacks. Visits to local town allowed after school and at weekends, with parental permission (younger pupils are accompanied).
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