A question from a Facebook group recently caught me off guard: “Is there a cost for this service?” It surprised me, and to be honest, it irked me. The question was posed by a parent with specific needs regarding private schooling in Madrid, within my Facebook group, where families discuss school options. The irony is that she received a flood of responses—some from happy parents, and others from teachers promoting their own schools (which, while cheeky, I don’t mind as long as they’re transparent).

But what really got to me was the unspoken assumption behind the question: that the knowledge, expertise, and time I dedicate to my work might be free of charge.

So, I want to clarify exactly what I offer, and yes, why there is a fee for my services.

The Value of Expertise

Let’s start with a key point—providing families with a realistic overview of all schools in Madrid takes more than a quick Google search or a few casual recommendations. I have spent years filtering through feedback, posts, and comments to give families accurate, objective, and impartial advice.

Not every opinion you hear online can be trusted. One disgruntled teacher or frustrated parent doesn’t provide the full picture, nor does the overly glowing review. I don’t just parrot what others say—I’m independent, unbiased, and dedicated to ensuring the information I give is reliable and balanced.

Personalised School Search

Finding the right school for your child isn’t one-size-fits-all. Families have different needs, preferences, and circumstances. That’s where the personalised school search comes in.

Some families might want a small, close-knit school; others want the best sports facilities or robust academic programmes. There are financial considerations, differing needs for children with SEN (Special Educational Needs), and of course, the question of location—central Madrid or a quieter suburban area? Should the school focus on English, or would a bilingual education be better?

These factors require thoughtful consideration, and advice from other families, while well-meaning, might not align with your specific requirements. The goal is to find a school where your child can thrive and avoid the disruption of moving them prematurely because the school wasn’t the right fit from the start.

Ongoing Support

One of the main advantages of working with me is that you’re not navigating this journey alone. I work with many families months—sometimes even a year—before their move, staying in touch throughout the entire process. I’m there for every Step: from initial conversations, applications, and school visits to bureaucratic hurdles that inevitably pop up (Spanish paperwork, anyone?).

Think of me as an extension of your family during this transition. Together, we’ll find the right school for your child, and I’ll be your constant support from start to finish. Even after your child starts school, I remain available to assist with any issues or adjustments.

A Wealth of Experience

It takes years of dedication to know Madrid’s schools as thoroughly as I do. This isn’t a hobby for me—it’s a full-time commitment. When I’m not actively working with clients, I’m busy visiting schools, meeting teachers, speaking with parents, and networking with other education professionals. I make it a point to keep up to date on the latest developments, ensuring that my recommendations are always current and relevant.

Managing the “Madrid Education” Facebook group with over 3,000 parents also keeps me deeply engaged. But don’t think it’s just a casual space—I monitor it closely to ensure that the group remains useful and free from unsolicited advertisements (sorry, teachers!).

Personal & Professional Insight

Before starting Steps into Spain, I worked for many years as an English teacher in Spanish public schools, giving me invaluable insight into the education system here. The pandemic was a turning point for me, both personally and professionally. During that time, I connected with a fantastic group of women, led by an inspiring mentor (big shout out to Natasha Kennedy and BBB) and from those sessions, my fourth “baby” was born—Steps into Spain (I’m already mum to three amazing children, who’ve all been through the school application process in Madrid).

Having navigated the system both as a professional and as a parent, I understand the challenges families face on a deeply personal level. It’s one thing to offer theoretical advice, but I’ve been through the stress of finding the right school for my own children, and I know how high the stakes feel.

Why There’s a Fee

As my father used to say, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” and it’s a principle I’ve always followed. Expertise, dedication, and time are valuable commodities, and if they aren’t fairly compensated, you run the risk of getting information that is neither impartial nor reliable.

Another phrase I live by? “Pay peanuts, get monkeys.” Cheap or free advice often reflects the quality of effort that’s gone into it. When you pay for a professional service, you’re paying for accuracy, thoroughness, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve made a well-informed decision for your child’s future.

So yes, I proudly charge for my educational consulting services. And as my business continues to grow, with families from all over the world turning to me for help, I can say with confidence that this service is not only valuable but essential for those who want the best for their children.

I hope this answers the question. It’s not just about finding a school—it’s about finding the right school, and ensuring you have all the support you need along the way.

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.

👉How to get started

Choosing a school in Madrid doesn’t need to be overwhelming.  I’m Sinéad Galvin, and through Steps into Spain, I guide families to make confident, informed choices across public, private and concertado education.