Recently, many people on the forum have been asking about their children’s schooling, especially regarding applications for international schools. My oldest child just went through the process last year, and we made a few mistakes but gained some valuable experience. Seeing how anxious everyone is, I decided to take the time to compile a rough timeline of the entrance exam dates for some popular international schools in Madrid and Barcelona this year. I hope this can help parents who are currently in the process of choosing a school.
Key Timelines for International School Applications
First things first, let’s be clear: there is no unified exam schedule for international schools in Spain
! Each school manages its own admissions, so application and exam dates vary widely. Generally, most schools open their application portals for the following academic year between September and November of the current year. Spots at popular schools are highly competitive, so I strongly advise applying as early as possible. After you submit your application, the school will review the documents and then invite qualified students for an entrance exam and interview. This process is typically concentrated between January and April.
Tentative Schedules for Popular Schools in Major Cities
Based on the information I gathered about [international school entrance exams]
from last year and early this year, I’ve put together a general timeline. Please note that this is just an estimate. For the most accurate dates, you must check the school’s official website or email their admissions office directly. Some schools have rolling admissions, meaning they accept students until all spots are filled, so it’s even more crucial to act quickly.
| City | School | Approx. Exam/Interview Period | Notes |
|---|
| Madrid | The English Montessori School | Jan - Mar | Requires passing a preliminary document screening |
| Madrid | British Council School | Feb - Apr | Notoriously difficult to get into; has high expectations for families |
| Barcelona | Benjamin Franklin International School | Dec - Mar | A typical American school; spots are in high demand |
| Barcelona | The British School of Barcelona | Feb - May | Rolling admissions; early application is recommended |
A Few Tips from Someone Who’s Been Through It
Let me add a few final thoughts. When preparing for the written test, in addition to practicing questions for international school entrance exams, your child’s spoken English and communication skills are also crucial, as they are heavily emphasized during the interview. Also, don’t forget to prepare letters of recommendation, as some schools require them. Make sure your application materials are flawless; this is the first impression you’ll make on the school for the international school entrance exams. Last year, we almost missed the exam for our preferred school because of an incomplete document, which caused a lot of back and forth. In short, plan ahead and have multiple options ready. I wish all your kids success in securing a spot! Feel free to discuss any other questions in the comments below!
