Founded in 1967, the school moved in 1990 to La Moraleja, an elegant residential area north of Madrid. It is well equipped with libraries, laboratories, computer room and a gymnasium. It is a British primary and secondary day school, 25% of whose pupils come from the UK, 8% from the USA and the rest from all over the world. Unusual in that it was founded and privately owned by the previous Headmaster and his wife; one of their sons is now Headmaster. It is very much a British school abroad, but with many of the features of an international school and much individual attention. It places great importance on knowledge of the host country and respect for its history and day-to-day customs. Spanish is taught throughout. Examination results are very good and progress is regularly assessed against the National Curriculum. Music, art and drama are very well supported and there is a fair range of extra-curricular activities. Sports and games are encouraged and there are plentiful inter-school fixtures and tournaments.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 735 day pupils (380 boys, 355 girls). Junior department 3-11, 419 pupils (211 boys, 208 girls). Senior department 11-18; 316 pupils (169 boys, 147 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs including English and maths (at least grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements; children with severe learning difficulties not accepted. No extras; parents not expected to buy textbooks.
No scholarships or bursaries offered.
Mainly business, diplomatic corps and professional.
Headmaster: Frank Powell, in post from 1998. Educated at Runnymede and University College London (economics and education). Previously Assistant Headmaster of the school. Teaching staff: 54 full time, 2 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 35.
GCSE: 47 in upper fifth, 62% gaining at least grade C in 9+ subjects, 35% in 5-8 subjects. A-levels: 25 in upper sixth, 22% passed in 4+ subjects, 70% in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 320.
95% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course. 25% take courses in science and engineering, 75% in humanities and social sciences.
IGCSE, AS and A-levels. 12 subjects offered. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 3-4 subjects at AS-level and A-level; general studies is not taken. 21% took science A-levels; 33% arts/humanities; 46% combinations. Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: EFL classes available; resident educational psychologist. Languages: French and Spanish offered to IGCSE and A-level. ICT: Taught across the curriculum. 24 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument (clarinet, saxophone, piano or guitar). 3 musical groups: choir, recorder, instrumental ensemble. Art and design: On average, 18 take GCSE, 5 A-level. Photography also offered.
Sport: Basketball, football, volleyball, hockey, athletics compulsory. Optional: swimming, tennis, riding, skiing, rounders. Activities: Up to 10 clubs, eg debating, chess, art, photography, drama, music.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects appointed by the Head and Deputy. Religion: None. Social: Sports events with other international or English-medium schools. Annual ski trip; field trips to Merida and Pompeii (Latin studies), Galicia (biology); Granada (Spanish); Sierra de Gredos (biology and geography); day excursions to museums, concerts, plays, archaeological sites and Spanish towns of historic and artistic interest. Sixth form allowed to bring own car/bike to school. Meals formal.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect admonition (then detention; report after the third; then suspension). Pupils who make life very unpleasant for pupils or teachers are expelled. Zero tolerance of drugs on or off the premises.
The Old Runnymedians has a section on the school website
David Broza, Vicki Larraz (singers); Mari Kumamoto (concert pianist); Gabino Diego (Spanish actor).
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