When families start researching schools in Madrid and discover Thames British School, one of the first questions they often ask is: how is the British education system really different from the Spanish one? The answer goes far beyond the language.
At Thames, we follow the National Curriculum of England from age 1 to 18. The educational journey is organised into Key Stages, and our teaching approach places an emphasis on critical thinking, independence, curiosity and active learning. Our teachers are native English speakers or have extensive experience of the British education system.
Here are the approximate equivalences we explain to families:
- Early Years Foundation Stage (Pre-Pre-Nursery, Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Reception) ≈ Early Years education. Structured play, guided by the EYFS framework, is the foundation for learning.
- Key Stages 1 and 2 (Years 1 to 6) ≈ Primary education. Learning is assessed continuously, while students develop essential skills.
- Key Stages 3 and 4 (Years 7 to 11) ≈ Lower secondary education, with preparation for Cambridge IGCSEs.
- Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) ≈ Upper secondary education. Students choose between Cambridge International A-Levels and the IB Diploma Programme.
The difference parents coming from the Spanish system notice most is how students are assessed and when they begin to specialise. In Spain, the Bachillerato maintains a broader academic focus and culminates in the EvAU university entrance exam. At Thames, students specialise earlier, usually taking three or four A-Levels, and there is no single exam that determines everything. Their grades can be used to apply to universities in Spain through UNEDasiss, as well as in the UK and other countries.
Another important difference is school size and individual attention. Thames has around 350 students and an approximate teacher-to-student ratio of 1:7. This allows us to provide much closer support. Pastoral care, the House system and the co-curricular programme are not extras: they are part of everyday school life.
Many families tell us that their children become more independent and that the atmosphere is less focused solely on grades. The school motto, “A place to grow”, is reflected both in the curriculum and in daily school life.
To see what the British curriculum looks like in practice, we recommend visiting the school in Majadahonda. You can arrange a personalised visit or attend one of our Open Days by emailing admissions@thamesbritishschool.es or calling +34 662 02 77 90.
