Lately, I’ve seen many people on forums asking about bringing their children to school in Spain, especially regarding transfers to international schools. My own child transferred to a British school in Madrid last year, and I’ve gained some experience from the process. I’m sharing what I’ve learned today to help others who might need it.
Key Application Requirements: It’s Not Just About Money
Many people assume you can get into an international school as long as you can afford the tuition. That’s not entirely true, especially for popular schools. Generally, schools will consider a combination of these factors:
- Student’s Age and Grade Level Match: Spain is quite strict about school entry age. Schools determine the appropriate grade level based on the child’s year of birth.
- Language Proficiency: This is a crucial part. Most British or American schools require students to have a certain level of proficiency in English (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) to keep up with a fully English-taught curriculum. The requirements might be lower for younger grades, but upper grades usually have specific language tests.
- Academic Ability: Schools will assess the student’s academic level through previous school reports and an entrance exam. The exam subjects typically include English, Mathematics, and non-verbal reasoning.
- Availability of Places: This is the most practical hurdle. Many popular international schools have very limited availability, especially in the lower primary years and the preparatory years for the IB Diploma Programme. It is highly recommended to contact schools and get on the waiting list at least six months to a year in advance
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Application Materials and Process
The specific details for an [international school application]
can vary by school, but the general process is quite similar. It can basically be broken down into these steps: Inquiry -> Application Submission -> Test/Interview -> Admission. Below is a general list of materials and a process I’ve compiled for your reference.
Main Application Materials Checklist
| Document Name | Spanish/English Reference | Notes |
|---|
| Application Form | Formulario de Solicitud / Application Form | Download from the school’s official website |
| Child’s Passport/Residence Card | Pasaporte / TIE del alumno | A photocopy is sufficient |
| Parents’ Passport/Residence Card | Pasaporte / TIE de los padres | A photocopy is sufficient |
| Birth Certificate | Certificado de Nacimiento | May require a sworn translation |
| School Reports for the last 2-3 years | Expediente Académico / School Reports | Needs to be translated into English or Spanish |
| Vaccination Record | Cartilla de Vacunación | This is taken very seriously in Spain |
About the Interview
Don’t be too intimidated by the interview, especially for younger children. The Spanish international schools are more interested in understanding the child’s personality, interests, and actual English communication level. For parents involved in the international school application, the school might ask questions about your family’s educational philosophy and why you chose this particular school. The main goal is to see if the family’s and the school’s educational values align. The whole process is more like a friendly chat; just sincerely express your commitment to your child’s education and your appreciation for the school.
When applying for a school transfer for your child in Spain, advance planning is crucial. Look at several schools, compare them, and contact them early. Although the process can be a bit tedious, seeing your child learning happily in a good environment makes it all worthwhile. I wish everyone a smooth and successful application journey!
