Lately, I’ve seen many people on the forums asking about sending their children to international schools in Madrid, especially about accommodation at the famous King’s College. As it happens, my neighbor’s child enrolled at the King’s College Soto de Viñuelas campus last year and opted for boarding. I’ve spoken with his parents several times, so I have some first-hand information to share. I’ve organized it here, hoping to help parents who are currently making this decision.
Boarding Environment and Facilities
First, let’s talk about the facilities, which is what everyone is most concerned about. The King’s College boarding residence is called Tenbury House, located right next to the Soto de Viñuelas campus. It’s just a few minutes’ walk away, making it very safe and convenient. From what I understand, the dorms are primarily double rooms, with a few single rooms available, though these are usually prioritized for older students. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom, desk, wardrobe, and air conditioning—the basic infrastructure is very complete. The common areas are also excellent, featuring study rooms, a common lounge, a kitchen, a laundry room, and more. My neighbor mentioned that the overall environment is modern and clean, and the management is very professional, describing it as an upgraded version of a university dorm.
Application and Fees
Regarding the application, boarding places are highly sought-after, so you should submit your boarding application as soon as possible once you’ve decided to enroll. The process is usually handled alongside the school admission application, and the school will provide the necessary forms. In terms of cost, this is definitely a major expense. I looked up the latest approximate figures to give you a reference, but please refer to the official school website for exact numbers, as they can change annually.
| Item | Approximate Fee |
|---|
| Full Boarding | Approx. €22,000 - €25,000 |
| Weekly Boarding | Approx. €18,000 - €20,000 |
| Deposit | Approx. €3,000 - €5,000 |
This fee covers accommodation, three meals a day, laundry service, and some group activities on weekends. Honestly, it’s not cheap, but when you consider the cost of renting an apartment and hiring a caregiver in a comparable area of Madrid, plus the time and energy saved on commuting, many parents feel it’s worth it.
Daily Life and Management
Boarding life is managed very strictly, as the students are minors. The residence has a dedicated team of houseparents and tutors who are responsible for the students’ daily lives and academic supervision 24/7. There is a fixed daily schedule, including wake-up times, meals, study periods, and lights-out. On weekends, the school organizes various activities like sports competitions, city tours, and cultural experiences to keep the students from getting bored. My neighbor’s child was a bit homesick at first but quickly made friends with roommates from all over the world. His spoken English improved rapidly, and he has become much more outgoing and independent. The school’s catering is also noteworthy; the international buffet offered at King’s College is nutritionally balanced with a wide variety of options to cater to the tastes of students from different countries.
The boarding system at King’s College is very mature and well-established. The advantages are that it allows children to quickly integrate into a community, develop independence and an international perspective, and it relieves parents of many worries. The downsides are the high cost and the fact that for some children at King’s College who are prone to homesickness, there is an initial adjustment period. Therefore, the decision between boarding and day school really depends on each family’s specific circumstances and the child’s personality. I hope this information is helpful! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any other questions!
