There’s undoubtedly more to what makes a school international than simply having the word “international” in its name. At Steps into Spain, we regularly guide families through the process of understanding what a truly international education means — and how to identify schools that genuinely deliver it.
An international school educates pupils from various nations and ethnic backgrounds, offering a multicultural education that prepares students for success in a diverse and interconnected world.
According to the International School Consultancy (ISC), international schools now make up around 18% of all schools in Europe. In Spain alone, as of 2021, there are approximately 220 international schools — with many concentrated in Madrid. But are all these schools truly international, or is “international” sometimes just a marketing term used to attract affluent local and international families?
Key Criteria: What Makes a School International
The criteria for defining an international school can vary between organizations and countries. However, some essential characteristics include the following:
1. Diversity of Students
A genuine international school welcomes a diverse student body representing multiple countries and cultures, with a healthy mix of local and international students.
Many expat families in Spain are surprised to discover how low the international percentage can actually be. Having visited almost all the international schools in Madrid, I’ve seen proportions ranging from around 35% to as little as 4%.
British schools in Spain are particularly popular among Spanish families seeking bilingual education or an English-language curriculum with a global focus. According to the National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABSS), there are currently 57 British schools nationwide and about 17 in Madrid. These schools typically follow the British national curriculum and offer qualifications such as IGCSEs, A-Levels, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
2. Multilingualism
Many international schools in Spain offer bilingual or multilingual programs. However, the Spanish education system mandates a minimum of 225 hours of Spanish instruction per academic year — which can be challenging for international students without prior Spanish experience.
Some schools offer robust language support, but others do not, instead catering primarily to Spanish families and marketing themselves as “international.”
Before enrolling your child, always ask for written confirmation of the language support offered:
- How often will additional lessons be provided?
- What teaching materials are used?
- Is the language teacher certified in Spanish as a Second Language (SSL)?
- Are lessons individual or group-based?
- How often will progress updates be shared with parents?
3. Curriculum
A true international school delivers a global curriculum that prepares students for an interconnected world. Common examples include the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American, or other internationally recognized programs.
4. International Exams
International schools typically offer exams aligned with their curricula — such as the IB Diploma, A Levels, AP, BAC, or IGCSE exams — helping students access universities worldwide.
5. Accreditation
Accreditation from recognized international bodies such as the IB, the Council of International Schools (CIS), or NEASC ensures that the school meets international education standards. In Spain, NABSS represents the majority of British schools.
A Global Focus and International Staff
True international schools promote cross-cultural understanding through programs like Model United Nations or the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. They also employ a diverse teaching staff from multiple countries.
It’s crucial that staff diversity includes the Student Support and SEN teams, who must communicate effectively with students and parents in both English and Spanish to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all families.
Conclusion: What Parents Should Expect
Ultimately, any school calling itself “international” should live up to the name — with diverse students, multilingual support, and globally minded teaching. Parents should expect genuine international education, not just a marketing label.
At Steps into Spain, we help families identify and evaluate international schools in Spain that truly embody these principles. If a school isn’t prepared to support international students fully, then it shouldn’t market itself as one. Parents deserve transparency — and together, we can demand better.
If you’re planning a move to Spain and trying to make sense of schools in Madrid, there are a few ways to get started — depending on where you are in the process.
Some families begin with a clear overview of how the system works. Others prefer personalised guidance or hands-on school search support.
You can see the different options here and choose what suits your situation.
Not sure which type of school suits your child? That’s exactly where I come in. A quick 20-minute call is usually enough to point you in the right direction. Reserva tu llamada gratuita
I’m Sinéad Galvin, founder of Steps into Spain, a boutique education consultancy dedicated to helping families find the right school in Madrid. With more than 20 years living here and over 150 school visits, I combine personal insight with first-hand knowledge of the system.
