Cities / Madrid / International School of Madrid
International School of Madrid
A small, well-regarded British school in central Chamartin that has run the English National Curriculum since 1971 and trades on warmth, low ratios, and easy access from the city.
In brief
A small, well-regarded British school in central Chamartin that has run the English National Curriculum since 1971 and trades on warmth, low ratios, and easy access from the city.
Founded in 1971 and based in Chamartin, ISM is one of the few genuinely central international schools in Madrid, serving around 800 students from age 2 to 18. The curriculum runs from Early Years through IGCSE to A Levels under Pearson Edexcel and the school holds NABSS membership.
Families value the family feel, strong communication, and a settled long-tenure teaching staff. Internal parent surveys cited around 92 percent satisfaction and 97 percent feeling their child is safe and happy, which lines up with the consistent tone of external reviews. The site is compact, so sport relies on partnerships with off-site facilities. Fees sit at the higher end at around 16,900 to 41,600 euros, reflecting the central location and small class sizes more than name-brand UK heritage.
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Nursery (per term x3) | 2 | €16,875 |
| Nursery (per term x3) | 3 | €17,775 |
| Reception (per term x3) | 4 | €18,270 |
| Year 1 (per term x3) | 5 | €25,155 |
| Year 2 (per term x3) | 6 | €25,155 |
| Year 3 (per term x3) | 7 | €29,250 |
| Year 4 (per term x3) | 8 | €29,250 |
| Year 5 (per term x3) | 9 | €30,195 |
| Year 6 (per term x3) | 10 | €30,195 |
| Year 7 (per term x3) | 11 | €34,200 |
| Year 8 (per term x3) | 12 | €34,200 |
| Year 9 (per term x3) | 13 | €34,200 |
| Year 10 (per term x3) | 14 | €38,115 |
| Year 11 (per term x3) | 15 | €38,115 |
| Year 12 (per term x3) | 16 | €41,625 |
| Year 13 (per term x3) | 17 | €41,625 |
| Annual Enrolment/Re-enrolment Fee | €610 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| New family deposit (one-time) | €990 |
Reviews
- Reviewers describe a small, family-feel British-stream school running the English curriculum through IGCSE and A level, with around 40 nationalities on roll.
- Parents repeatedly use words like warm, inclusive and family when describing the community; they parents are visibly part of school life and that staff know children well.
- Strong English-language outcomes for non-native speakers are a recurring theme, with one parent saying their children became enthusiastic learners with fantastic English.
- The campus is city-centre and space is tight; the school relies on nearby pitches, an indoor sports centre and a public pool to extend its facilities.
- Public review pool is shallow and skews positive. No major negative themes surface in what is online.
Positives
- Family atmosphere. Parents repeatedly describe a small, close-knit community where children and parents are known by name.
- Academic stream. English national curriculum through IGCSE and A level via Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge International; reviews describe high academic standards without selective pressure.
- English-language acquisition. Non-native English speakers are reported to make rapid gains; one parent specifically credited the school for their children's enthusiasm and fluency.
Considerations
- Facilities. City-centre site means tight on-campus space; school supplements with nearby football pitches, an indoor sports centre and a public swimming pool.
- Signal depth. Online review pool is small. Reddit returns essentially nothing; Mumsnet and forum coverage is sparse.
Leadership
Tom Davidson
Tom Davidson is the Head of School at the International School of Madrid, where he emphasizes a family-oriented approach to education, ensuring that each child is known individually and supported in their learning journey. He is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive school community that prepares students for success in a globalized world.
Academic results
- A* or A at A Level 2025 38%
- A* - C at A Level 2025 79%
- Pass rate at A Level 2025 99%
- A* or A at IGCSE 2025 58%
- A* - B at IGCSE 2025 84%
- A* - C at IGCSE 2025 99%