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academic excellence

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Key Facts
Unique in Madrid
We’re the only school to offer the three prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes in English from 3 to 18 years old. 
Top IB point scores
1 in 3 of our IB Diploma class of 2022 scored 40 points or more, with three achieving a perfect score of 45.
World's best universities
Our students’ success takes them to the best universities across the world, including Oxford and Harvard.

AN OUTSTANDING international baccalaureate EDUCATION

On our creative, challenging, and truly global International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, your child will achieve remarkable things.

Our all-through IB curriculum carefully combines the highest standards of teaching and personalised support with awe-inspiring learning experiences. This ensures our students develop the breadth of skills they need to thrive in the future, as well as inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

Delivered in a caring environment with a unique international focus, this holistic approach sees our students get outstanding results. For the past five years, our IB Diploma students have achieved a 98% pass rate. And with 1 in 3 scoring 40 points or more in 2023, ICS is among the world's top performing schools.

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Early years
  • Early years
  • Primary
  • Middle Years
  • Diploma Programme

our curricula

All our students follow the world-renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Taught in more than 5,000 schools across 150 countries, the IB sets the standard for global education. It also inspires a love of learning and provides pathways to the best universities in the world. 
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3 to 5 years old
IB Primary Years Programme (EYP)
Learning through play – and nurtured by our early years' experts – our youngest children get the best possible start to their education. Our carefully constructed pre-school curriculum sparks curiosity, encourages critical thinking and questioning, and provides exciting opportunities for creativity and movement. This sets our students up for success at primary, as well as instilling a lifelong love of making new discoveries.
Find out more

our curricula

All our students follow the world-renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Taught in more than 5,000 schools across 150 countries, the IB sets the standard for global education. It also inspires a love of learning and provides pathways to the best universities in the world.
Academic Excellence | International College Spain-Curricula Overview-ib-world-school-logo-2-colour
5 to 11 years old
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Our primary students learn through immersive projects that span specialist subjects. Through six units of enquiry – including ‘who we are’, ‘how the world works’, and ‘sharing the planet’ – your child will develop key skills, knowledge, and understanding in maths, science, the arts, and languages. They’ll also receive the expert care and attention they need to grow personally, socially, and emotionally, ensuring they’re fully prepared for the next stage of their international education.
Find out more

our curricula

All our students follow the world-renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Taught in more than 5,000 schools across 150 countries, the IB sets the standard for global education. It also inspires a love of learning and provides pathways to the best universities in the world. 
Academic Excellence | International College Spain-Curricula Overview-ib-world-school-logo-2-colour
11 to 16 years old
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)
Our innovative MYP broadens our students’ thinking, as they explore world issues, apply what they learn to real-life situations, and immerse themselves in themed, cross-curricular projects. As well as providing a strong academic education, our teachers ensure our students develop the attitudes, values, and skills they need to flourish.
Find out more

our curricula

All our students follow the world-renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Taught in more than 5,000 schools across 150 countries, the IB sets the standard for global education. It also inspires a love of learning and provides pathways to the best universities in the world.
Academic Excellence | International College Spain-Curricula Overview-ib-world-school-logo-2-colour
16 to 18 years old
IB Diploma Programme (IBDP)
The pinnacle of international education, the IBDP is the ideal springboard to top universities across the world. Through a wide choice of subjects, in-depth research projects, and extraordinary creative, leadership, and outreach opportunities, your child will achieve fantastic results. They’ll also become a confident, independent, globally minded young person, ready to create their own future.
Find out more
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Find out more about the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme

ABOUT THE IB PROGRAMME
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  • Early Years
  • Primary
  • middle years
  • diploma programme

EARLY YEARS

Languages taught
2
English and Spanish
Average class size
18
Teacher-student ratio
1:10
Age range
3-5

PRIMARY

Languages taught
2
English and Spanish
Average class size
22
Teacher-student ratio
1:9
Age range
5-11

MIDDLE YEARS

Languages taught
8
English, Spanish, French, German, Hebrew, Chinese, Italian, and Portuguese
Average class size
22
Teacher-student ratio
1:9
Age range
11-16

DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

Languages taught
8
English, Spanish, French, German, Hebrew, Chinese, Arabic, and Korean
Average class size
16
IBDP pass rate
100%
Age range
16-18
primary
  • Early years
  • Primary
  • Middle Years
  • DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

A TYPICAL DAY AT ICS

Whether it’s expressing their artistic side, driving change in our community, or getting active with friends, every day throws up a host of exciting learning opportunities.
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A happy start
After a warm welcome, your child’s class teacher will settle them in for another fun day of learning. Singing a morning song, sharing stories, and catching up with friends also creates a real sense of community.
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a happy start
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Time to enquire
Our early years experts introduce new concepts, skills, and knowledge through imaginative play-based learning. Hands-on activities and small group work – both inside and outdoors – excite and engage, while day trips introduce our children to the world around them.
time to Enquire
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It's time for lunch
Lunchtime brings our children together, encouraging healthy habits and good table manners. Cuisines from around the world reflect our community’s cultural diversity – and are lots of fun to try!
IT'S TIME FOR LUNCH
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Taking the lead
Our children love to take charge of their learning, gently supported by our teachers. Child-led activities – from arts and crafts to messy play in our mud garden – promote independence, self-expression, and creative thinking.
taking the lead
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Sharing stories
At the end of another packed day, our students like to enjoy a bit of quiet time. Reflecting on what they’ve learnt, our children can’t wait to share their favourite moments with their families.
sharing stories

A TYPICAL DAY AT ics

Whether it’s expressing their artistic side, driving change in our community, or getting active with friends, every day throws up a host of exciting learning opportunities.
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Let the fun begin
Our teachers fill each day with a sense of fun and wonder. Your child’s tutor will welcome them to class, check-in on their wellbeing, and ensure they start the morning on the right foot.
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let the fun begin
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Learning with a difference
Our exceptional educators maximise the flexibility of our topic-based PYP curriculum. Every day, cross-curricular themes like ‘sharing our planet’ and ‘how the world works’ transform traditional subject teaching, engaging our children in new and exhilarating ways.
learning with a difference
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Creative collaborations
We love the performing arts at ICS! Innovative music, drama, and dance experiences – developed through our exclusive collaboration with The Juilliard School – will inspire your child to perform, learn an instrument, and express their creativity.
creative collaborations
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Speaking our language
From an early age, we encourage our children to take pride in their mother tongue and culture – as well as learning new languages. A range of linguistic opportunities outside of the curriculum broadens horizons.
speaking our language
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Doing what you love
Horse riding or roller-skating? Circus skills or hip-hop dance? Or how about learning to programme? Our primary extra-curricular programme extends learning beyond lessons, ensuring everyone ends the day doing something they love.
doing what you love

A TYPICAL DAY AT ics

Whether it’s expressing their artistic side, driving change in our community, or getting active with friends, every day throws up a host of exciting learning opportunities.
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Starting the day right
At International College Spain, a healthy start leads to a successful day. Mindfulness activities, teacher-student check-ins, and PSHE sessions ensure everyone is happy, supported, and ready to learn.
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starting the day right
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Igniting imaginations
Interactive, immersive, and truly interdisciplinary experiences bring specialist subjects to life. From learning about music, geography, and history through a unit on the Eurovision Song contest to exploring humanities and languages through migration, our teachers are experts at engaging students in exciting ways.
igniting imaginations
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Inventing the future
Stepping into our science and design technology labs is an exciting experience. Here, hands-on STEAM projects cultivate creativity and critical thinking, getting young minds ticking and inspiring a love of science, technology, and maths.
inventing the future
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Taking centre stage
Playing an instrument, starring in a production, or choreographing a dance routine – our collaboration with the world-leading performing arts conservatory, The Julliard School, provides unrivalled opportunities for creative expression.
Taking centre stage
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Sporting stars
Artistic roller skating, basketball, Capoeira, football, judo, tennis, volleyball, and more – our students get moving, compete, and boost their physical and mental health on team and individual sports programmes.
sporting stars

A TYPICAL DAY AT ics

Whether it’s expressing their artistic side, driving change in our community, or getting active with friends, every day throws up a host of exciting learning opportunities.
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Global learners
Our IBDP develops the next generation of creators, thinkers, and future makers. Every day, your child will pursue their passions, specialise in their chosen subjects, and take part in CAS activities that broaden their skills. This sets them up for the brightest of futures.
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global learners
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Experts in their field
It’s time for our students to delve into their specialist subjects. From climate change and genetics to the collected works of Shakespeare, the IBDP Extended Essay will inspire your child to become an expert in their field.
experts in their field
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Planning for the future
Which university should I go to? And what course should I study? Our team of careers and university counsellors set time aside to help each child make the big decisions, as well as organising guest speakers, visits, and conferences.
planning for the future
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Giving something back
Enriching Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) opportunities are part of every IBDP student’s day. Your child will make a real difference by fundraising for local charities, becoming a school ambassador, or planting trees in a local park. 
Giving something back
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The learning never stops
For our oldest students, every day ends with energising after-school learning opportunities. From creative writing and jazz band to our Model United Nations club, we offer an eclectic range of options for every interest.
The learning never stops
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MEET OUR ALUMNI

Part of a growing ICS family, our graduates remain an integral element of our vibrant international community long after they leave us.
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Odile Poelstra
Class of 2013
"My time at ICS was life changing. I created many special memories and made friends from different countries and cultures. The support I received helped me to succeed academically and grow as a person."
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Wasil Rezk
Class of 2016
"I was privileged to make friends with people from many backgrounds. Everyone had unique talents and ambitions, from aspiring artists and engineers to doctors and scientists. It created a positive, diverse community, which was just like a family."
Academic Excellence | International College Spain-Feature Cards Pattern 1-Javier Vidal2
Javier Vidal
Class of 2017
"I was incredibly fortunate to be part of such a wonderful community. The diverse student body cultivated a rich learning environment, while the education I received gave me a strong academic foundation. Together, this helped me develop the skills and qualities I needed to thrive in the real world."

OUR STATS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

OUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
100%
IBDP pass rate for the past five years.
45
Three of our IBDP class of 2022 scored a perfect 45 out of 45, a remarkable achievement.
1 in 3
IBDP students scored 40 points or more in 2022, placing ICS among the world’s top performing schools.
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HOW WE TEACH

teaching your child to thrive

Caring, inspirational, and dedicated to your child’s all-round development, our teachers will help your child be their best, every day.
Find out more
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teaching excellence

THE VERY BEST INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS

International College Spain is home to extraordinary teachers from around the world. Not only do they bring a wealth of qualifications and International Baccalaureate experience to our school, but they also create a vibrant multicultural environment that builds confidence, opens minds, and sparks curiosity.

Our exceptional educators are experts at personalising learning, too. In small class sizes – with an average teacher-student ratio of 1 to 9 – they’ll provide the care, attention, and level of challenge your child needs to flourish.

The unparalleled quality of our teachers is felt in our classrooms – and seen in our outstanding results. Our staff are dedicated lifelong learners, too, making the most of the world-class development opportunities we offer. These include sector-leading courses on the award-winning Nord Anglia University platform.

Find out more
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english as an additional language (EAL)

LEARNING IN ENGLISH

At International College Spain, your child will immerse themselves in the English language, both through our IB programme and in day-to-day school life. If your child needs extra support, our dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) team will help them get up to speed.
OUR EAL PROGRAMME
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LANGUAGES PROGRAMME

A TRULY GLOBAL EDUCATION

ICS is a truly international community that’s home to children, parents, and teachers from more than 70 countries, including Brazil, Korea, France, China, and Switzerland.

Language learning is a vital part of our students’ development, contributing to their personal and academic growth, broadening perspectives, and enhancing prospects. That’s why we offer a range of options, both for native and non-native speakers, in and beyond the curriculum. 
LANGUAGES AT ICS
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homework schedule

LEARNING AT HOME

At ICS, learning takes place everywhere, every day. This includes at home, where your child will complete carefully thought-out, age-appropriate tasks and assignments. An essential part of our IB curriculum, the homework our teachers set is designed to promote independent learning, critical thinking, and time management. We also encourage plenty of reading for fun!
OUR APPROACH TO HOMEWORK

UNFORGETTABLE GLOBAL LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Every student’s International College Spain (ICS) experience is unique. Here, your child will immerse themselves in life-changing trips, exclusive global collaborations, and a myriad of creative, sporting, and academic activities.

Outstanding Experiences
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