For employees with children, the school decides whether a move works. It also decides where the family will live, so it should be settled early, ideally before the offer is signed.
Curricula available. Madrid offers British (IGCSE and A-levels), American, International Baccalaureate, French, German, Italian, Swiss and Scandinavian schools, as well as bilingual Spanish schools.
Where the schools are. Most international schools are in the north and west: Pozuelo and Aravaca (for example, the American School of Madrid), La Moraleja and Alcobendas (Runnymede College), Soto de Viñuelas (King's College) and Conde de Orgaz (Lycée Français). The full list, with area, curriculum and fees, is in our international schools in Madrid guide, and the Madrid neighbourhood guide shows which areas fit each school.
Fees. International schools usually cost from about €9,000 to more than €25,000 per year, depending on the school and the stage. On top of tuition, budget enrolment fees, bus, lunch, uniforms and trips, which can add €3,000–6,000 a year.
Admissions and timing. The main intake is September and the popular year groups fill early. Mid-year places exist but are limited. Schools usually ask for previous reports, an assessment or interview and sometimes a language test.
What HR should decide. Whether the policy pays school fees in full, in part or not at all; whether it covers enrolment fees and bus; and how many school visits are included in the programme.
How we help. We shortlist schools by curriculum, location and availability, arrange visits and interviews, and follow the application until enrolment.