Our school follows the English National Curriculum and the last two years our students from 17 to 18 years old accomplish the IB Diploma program in English, in addition our students also take lessons in the subjects of Spanish Lengua and Sociales so that they can validate their studies with the Spanish system.
When do children start school in the British system?
In the British education system, children begin compulsory formal education in infant school at the age of four, in what is known as the Reception stage. Earlier, some children may have attended nursery and pre-nursery courses for three and two-year olds, respectively. Together these make up our infants school, when children participate in educational activities designed to prepare them for further learning and life in the primary school.
Educational stages of the British system
The comparison between the British and Spanish education systems allows us to know the difference between the two systems, the equivalent educational stages are the following.
Early Years
The EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) in the British education system covers the period from 2 to 5 years of age, and is fundamental in the initial development of children. It focuses on providing educational and nurturing experiences that support children’s physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. It is structured around seven areas of learning, including communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, mathematics, understanding the world, artistic expression and design.
The EYFS is based on play as the primary method of learning, encouraging exploration, experimentation and creativity to lay a solid foundation for future formal learning.
Primary
In the British education system, Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) is for children aged 5 to 7. During this period, the emphasis is on developing basic skills in key areas such as reading,writing and mathematics, through a playful and practical approach.
Key Stage 2 (Year 3 to Year 6) is for children aged 7 to 11.During this time, building on fundamental skills continues, while introducing more advanced concepts in a range of subjects.
In our school, lower primary covers years 1-3 and upper primary covers years 4-6 and there are separate leaders for infants, lower and upper primary sections.
Secondary
In the British education system, Key Stage 3 (years 7-9) is for children aged 11 to 14. During this period, the curriculum is broadened to include a wide range of subjects, with a focus on the development of academic and social skills. During this stage, knowledge is extended and the development of critical skills is encouraged in preparation for upper secondary education. At St George, our key stage 3 programme runs in lower secondary only (years 7 & 8); in year 9 students move into upper secondary and start on their IGCSE programme.
Upper Sedcondary covers the later years of secondary education, for students aged 13-16, corresponding to Years 9, 10 and Year 11. During these three years, students follow the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) programme, which assesses a wide range of subjects and skills, and lays the foundations for future educational and career options. This leads to final IGCSE examinations at the end of year 11.
IB Diploma (International Baccalaureate)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is an internationally recognised educational programme for students aged 16-18, usually covering the final two years of pre-university education, corresponding to Years 12 and Year 13 at St George Madrid. It focuses on academic, intellectual and personal development through a rigorous curriculum.
Students choose six subjects, including language and literature studies, language acquisition, experimental sciences, mathematics, social sciences and an arts course or a second subject from one of the first five groups. In addition, they complete three core components: Theory of Knowledge (ToK), Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). The IB promotes critical thinking, enquiry and intercultural understanding, preparing students for success in higher education. It provides a crucial transition between secondary and higher education, enabling students to develop academic skills, independence and preparation for university or the world of work.
Differences between the British and Spanish systems
The British and Spanish education systems differ in several respects. In the UK, children start primary education at an earlier age (usually 4 years old) than in Spain (usually 6 years old). In the British system, students start secondary education usually when they are 11 years old, while in the Spanish system they start secondary (called ESO) when they are 12 years old, one year later.
In addition, examinations such as IGCSE and IBDP are used in the UK to assess student performance, whereas in Spain examinations such as EvAU (Evaluación para el Acceso a la Universidad) are used at the end of secondary education. These differences reflect different cultural and educational approaches in the two countries.
Admission and enrolment process
Contact the admissions department at St. George Madrid to offer your children the best educational experience in the Community of Madrid.
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