parent essentials

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Welcome to International College Spain! Our caring community of students, parents, and staff hail from more than 70 countries, creating a global family where everyone feels at home. On this page, you’ll find lots of useful information – from key dates to details about our school bus service – that will ensure your family enjoys a smooth start here.
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IMPORTANT DATES

Keep track of key term dates, holidays, and events at International College Spain with our 2023-24 calendar.
OUR Calendar

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Some of your child’s most memorable experiences will take place beyond the classroom, as they immerse themselves in exciting clubs, trips, and community activities.
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Trips and expeditions
Life-changing day and residential trips deepen our students’ understanding of the world and inspire an enduring love of adventure. From an early age, your child will enjoy enriching days out in and around Madrid, which bring classroom learning to life. They can also join fellow Nord Anglia learners on expeditions to Tanzania, while our annual ski trip is many students’ highlight of the year.
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Music, drama, and dance
We love the arts at our school, and our exclusive collaboration with the world’s leading performing arts conservatory, The Juilliard School, offers a myriad of opportunities. Your child will learn from expert instructors, instrumentalists, and artists in specialist spaces, choose from a range of creative clubs, and showcase their talents in our orchestras, choirs, and productions.
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Sports
We encourage our students to develop healthy habits from an early age, and taking part in team and individual activities is a great way to keep mentally and physically fit. Extra-curricular clubs range from the traditional, like badminton, tennis, football, and volleyball, to the unique, such as Capoeira, rhythmic gymnastics, roller skating and horse riding. Whatever your child loves to do, there’s an activity for them at ICS.
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Arts and science
Our creative clubs span the arts and STEAM, cultivating our students’ curiosity, challenging them in new ways, and inspiring lifelong passions. Our students design, code, and programme at our Lego robotics, 3D design, and ‘techie club for kids who like to tweak’ activities, while our arts and creative writing groups provide opportunities for self-expression and storytelling.
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Academic and service
Our students’ learning is enriched by service, leadership, and personal development activities that give them the knowledge, understanding, and global perspectives they need to succeed. These include The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and Model United Nations, which not only develop a host of lifelong skills, but also add weight to university applications. 
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PART OF OUR COMMUNITY

Our families are the heart of our vibrant international community. They get involved in school life in many ways, including through our amazing Parent Association (PA). The PA helps new families settle into our school and city, as well as organising a host of community and charitable events. You’ll join us for coffee mornings, connect with other parents online, and take part in regular cultural celebrations, too.
OUR PARENT ASSOCIATION
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DAILY LIFE AT OUR SCHOOL

Everything you need to know about day-to-day life at International College Spain, in one place.
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School day
Find out how we support your child through the school day – from getting here safely to making sure they eat well.
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Parent App
You can keep track of your child’s educational journey on our easy-to-use Parent Portal.
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Uniform
We don’t have a school uniform at ICS; however, our students do wear a comfortable PE kit.
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Lunch
Freshly prepared every day, our healthy, well-balanced lunches will give your child the energy they need to learn.
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Bus service
Our efficient private bus service will ensure your child gets to and from school safely.
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Moving to Madrid
Madrid is a beautiful, cosmopolitan city – and our community will quickly help you settle in.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

  • What nationalities are your students?
    Our vibrant international community is home to children and families from more than 70 countries. Approximately one-third of our student population is Spanish.
  • What size are your classes?
    Your child will learn in small classes of between 16 and 22, with an average teacher-student ratio of 1 to 9. This ensures they receive the one-to-one support and attention they need to flourish.
  • Which universities do your students go to?
    Our students’ outstanding IB Diploma success takes them to the very best universities in the UK, US, and Europe. Destinations include University College London, Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, and Stanford.
  • Do you provide lunch?
    Yes, our school cafeteria prepares tasty, nutritious lunches every day. We offer a variety of local and international options and cater for a range of dietary requirements and allergies. If they prefer, your child can bring a packed lunch from home.
  • Do you run a bus service?
    Our safe and reliable private buses offer a door-to-door pick-up and drop-off service that covers residential areas across Madrid.
  • Do your students wear a uniform?
    Due to the diverse cultural backgrounds of our students, we don’t have a school uniform. However, they do wear a comfortable PE kit to take part in sports.
MORE FAQS

THE LATEST ICS NEWS

News image INSIGHTS by NAE-INSIGHTS NAE-Untitled design-3 News | Latest News | latestNews | School News
Nord Anglia Education launches INSIGHTS digital publication offering a refreshingly honest view on the future of education

LONDON, 26 OCTOBER 2023 – Leading international schools provider Nord Anglia Education today announced the launch of its ground-breaking new education magazine called INSIGHTS.

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News image How to help children transition to a new school and environment-How to help children transition to a new school and environment-Image_ICS_Madrid_2021_10 Blog | Advice and Guidance | Latest News | School News
How to help children transition to a new school and environment
For families with children, the month of September rhymes with the start of the school year. And for some of them, this return to school takes place in a new country. This often generates questions, concerns and uncertainties, which increases with the language barrier.
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INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE

Caring, compassionate, and inspirational, our teachers are among the best in the world. They bring a wealth of qualifications and experience to our classrooms, creating an environment where everybody thrives.

HOW WE TEACH
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