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Christmas activities for children in Madrid
Christmastime is exciting at any age, but it really is the most wonderful time of the year when you’re smaller than one of Santa’s elves. All year long, (hopefully) your little ones have been on their best behaviour in order to be put on Santa’s nice list, so why not...

How to relocate to Madrid with family
Families relocate to Madrid for either business or pleasure. It is an amazingly enriching experience, an opportunity for the entire family to share something special (the highs and the lows), immerse themselves in a new language and embrace a new culture. What is not...

Parents whatsApp groups in Spain
School is back in Spain which also means reactivating the parents’ WhatsApp groups. Love them or hate them, they are a source of information, gossip and a venting outlet throughout the year. My kids started at a new school this year which meant that there was one...

Late applications to schools in Madrid
As is the case the world over, student places for concertado and public schools in Madrid are applied for in springtime, which is when the majority of spots for the following academic year are allocated. But what about late applications to schools in Madrid?...

Placing a spotlight on concertado education in Spain
As an educational consultant based in Madrid, I am often asked about the difference between state (público), charter (concertado) and private (privado) schools. However, of the three options available to children aged 3-16, it is the concertado route that most...

Top tips for finding a school abroad
Top tips for finding a school abroad Starting or moving schools is always a big deal, no matter the student’s age or place of residence. Nevertheless, 21st century schools across the globe are geared towards geographic mobility and fluid student populations. However,...

Why a local educational consultant is a sensible idea
No matter which corner of the planet my client hails from or what their walk of life is, every single one has something in common: they are parents of school-aged children who seek information and advice as they take steps into Spain. What makes my service so special...

Top tips for learning Spanish in family
One of the most common questions I get asked by clients who are taking their first Steps into Spain is how crucial it is to have some knowledge of Spanish before arriving. I always put their minds at ease. As mentioned in a previous entry, it is possible to live in...

Help! I’m moving to Madrid and don’t speak Spanish
Don’t worry! Many families move to Madrid as non-Spanish speakers. The fact is that the language barrier is not unsurmountable. You will find that quite a few people speak English in the capital city, especially if they are working in shops, healthcare centres,...

Educational options for teenagers in Madrid
Are you planning an overseas experience in Madrid with your teenage kids? Are you relocating to the Spanish capital for professional reasons and seek the best educational options for your teenagers? Perhaps you are already settled in Madrid and are interested in the...
Christmas activities for children in Madrid
Christmastime is exciting at any age, but it really is the most wonderful time of the year when you’re smaller than one of Santa’s elves. All year long, (hopefully) your little ones have been on their best behaviour in order to be put on Santa’s nice list, so why not...
How to relocate to Madrid with family
Families relocate to Madrid for either business or pleasure. It is an amazingly enriching experience, an opportunity for the entire family to share something special (the highs and the lows), immerse themselves in a new language and embrace a new culture. What is not...
Parents whatsApp groups in Spain
School is back in Spain which also means reactivating the parents’ WhatsApp groups. Love them or hate them, they are a source of information, gossip and a venting outlet throughout the year. My kids started at a new school this year which meant that there was one...
Late applications to schools in Madrid
As is the case the world over, student places for concertado and public schools in Madrid are applied for in springtime, which is when the majority of spots for the following academic year are allocated. But what about late applications to schools in Madrid?...
Placing a spotlight on concertado education in Spain
As an educational consultant based in Madrid, I am often asked about the difference between state (público), charter (concertado) and private (privado) schools. However, of the three options available to children aged 3-16, it is the concertado route that most...
Top tips for finding a school abroad
Top tips for finding a school abroad Starting or moving schools is always a big deal, no matter the student’s age or place of residence. Nevertheless, 21st century schools across the globe are geared towards geographic mobility and fluid student populations. However,...
Why a local educational consultant is a sensible idea
No matter which corner of the planet my client hails from or what their walk of life is, every single one has something in common: they are parents of school-aged children who seek information and advice as they take steps into Spain. What makes my service so special...
Top tips for learning Spanish in family
One of the most common questions I get asked by clients who are taking their first Steps into Spain is how crucial it is to have some knowledge of Spanish before arriving. I always put their minds at ease. As mentioned in a previous entry, it is possible to live in...
Help! I’m moving to Madrid and don’t speak Spanish
Don’t worry! Many families move to Madrid as non-Spanish speakers. The fact is that the language barrier is not unsurmountable. You will find that quite a few people speak English in the capital city, especially if they are working in shops, healthcare centres,...