Cities / Madrid / Hastings School
Hastings School
Hastings is a non selective British school in central Madrid, founded in 1971 and now part of Cognita. Around 1,375 students aged 2 to 18 spread across six age specific campuses in Chamartín, Arturo Soria and Conde Orgaz, connected by a school shuttle.
In brief
Hastings is a non-selective British school in central Madrid, founded in 1971 and now part of Cognita. Around 1,375 students aged 2 to 18 spread across six age-specific campuses in Chamartín, Arturo Soria and Conde Orgaz, connected by a school shuttle.
The school runs IGCSEs, A Levels and the IB Diploma, with around 20 percent of curriculum time given to Spanish language, history and geography taught in Spanish. A Level results sit around 51 percent A*/A and recent IB cohorts have averaged 35 points with 100 percent diploma pass rates. Fees run roughly EUR 7,700 to EUR 20,750.
Families like the central-Madrid footprint, the small intimate campus feel at each age, and the genuine attention to individual children that comes with the multi-site model. The grumbles are practical: shuttle logistics for siblings split across sites, and sports facilities that families feel are average for the price. Best fit for British and bilingual families wanting a non-selective British education without leaving the city for the suburban international-school belt.
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Nursery | 2 | €7,700 |
| Nursery and Reception | 3 | €9,360 |
| Year 1 | 5 | €10,790 |
| Year 2 - Year 4 | 6 | €11,240 |
| Year 5 - Year 6 | 9 | €11,820 |
| Year 7 - Year 8 | 11 | €13,820 |
| Year 9 | 13 | €14,050 |
| Year 10 | 14 | €15,650 |
| Year 11 | 15 | €16,300 |
| Year 12 - Year 13 (A-Level) | 16 | €17,800 |
| Year 12 - Year 13 (IB Diploma) | 16 | €20,750 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee (Pre-Nursery) | €950 | |
| Registration Fee (Nursery) | €1,250 | |
| Registration Fee (Reception) | €1,500 | |
| Registration Fee (Y1 to Y13) | €1,850 |
Reviews
- Reviews are polarised. A 2021 commenters is the most pointed: one parent said the school "changed ownership" and that "the program was gutted", and warned other families away.
- Aggregator reviews include parents who praise the teachers and pastoral care. One parent described "amazing teachers and care environment" and another said they were "in love with the school".
- Recurring criticisms are confusing communication on academic progress, fees seen as high for what is delivered, and limited support for ADHD and additional needs.
- Teaching staff are largely UK-trained with class ratios around 1:10. The English curriculum runs through GCSE and A Level.
- Operator is Cognita. Multi-site footprint across central Madrid, with the secondary site as the main destination from Year 7.
Positives
- Teaching and pastoral care. Some parents praise responsive teachers and a caring environment
Considerations
- Ownership change concerns. A parent said the school was bought by a hedge fund and the programme was gutted
- Communication and progress reporting. Recurring complaints that academic communication is confusing or thin
- Value for fees. Several parents call fees high for the delivered standard
- Additional needs support. Parents flag weak provision for ADHD and limited diversity work
Leadership
Mr Ian Piper
Mr. Ian Piper is the Principal of Hastings School, dedicated to fostering a supportive and enriching educational environment for all students. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and personal development, he leads the school in preparing students for future challenges.
Academic results
- IB Diploma 2024 average 35 points
- A* / A at A Level 2024 47%