We are incredibly proud that Brighton College UK pupils achieved record-breaking results with a phenomenal 99.3% A*-B at A-level, making Brighton College the top school in the country at A*-B.
MORE A*s
400+ pupils achieved A*s at A-level
MORE Medics
20 pupils are o to read a medicine degree
MORE Oxbridge O ers
45 pupils o ered places at Oxford and Cambridge
MORE 9s
1,300
Grade 9s at GCSE achieved by our pupils
“ ank you for your interest in Brighton College Madrid.”
A Welcome from our Head Master
This is an exceptional opportunity for your child to join from the very outset as we establish what will soon become one of the leading British international schools in Europe in the thrilling city of Madrid. I am excited by the opportunity to create and implement an outstanding educational provision for children from Early Years (age 3) to Sixth Form. This will be supported by a close, ongoing working relationship with the Brighton College and Intellego teams from the UK, enabling us to draw on Brighton’s exceptional record of success in schools all around the world. We will be looking to promote the Brighton College values of curiosity, con dence and kindness in all that we do in the school.
At Brighton College Madrid, we aim to provide an outstanding learning environment, preparing your children for their futures and opening yet further opportunities for them, in Spain, the UK and beyond. Like in Brighton College UK and in the Brighton schools around the world, we are committed to helping each and every child realise their potential –to become ‘the very best version of themselves.’
This booklet provides you with further information about our unique curriculum for our opening year groups in September 2027, Nursery to Year 9 (age 3 to age 14). Brighton College Madrid’s curriculum will be based on the English National Curriculum, whilst ensuring all Spanish curriculum requirements are fully embraced. This will be greatly enriched by the sharing of Brighton College UK’s own innovative curriculum.
We hope you nd this information helpful.
Yours sincerely,
George Hartley Head Master
Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers our Nursery and Reception Year
Pre-Prep Nursery and Reception
Our distinctive curriculum at Brighton College Madrid will be presented in a rich and e ective environment that enables each child to realise their cognitive, social, emotional and physical potential and to develop his or her aesthetic awareness.
The EYFS curriculum builds on a child’s curiosity and interests, enabling them to learn through self-initiated play activities. It provides opportunities for them to explore, be imaginative, plan and re ect on experiences. Learning is based on a continuum of development from birth to the end of the Foundation Stage.
There are three prime areas and four speci c areas of learning that comprise the curriculum’s framework, and all aspects are interrelated. The three prime areas are: personal, social and emotional development, physical development, and communication and language. The four speci c areas are: literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts and design.
In Nursery, the education focus will be on structured play alongside the essential rst steps in reading, writing and numeracy. In Brighton College Madrid, a rigorous and engaging phonics programme will play a key role in language development and acquisition in both English and Spanish. Nursery lays the foundations of the other areas of learning and plays a vital role in preparing each child for the schooling to come. As children move into Reception, the curriculum will provide a varied and stimulating balance between learning through play and increasingly structured activities covering the seven areas of learning.
All children in EYFS will also have access to carefully designed Outdoor Learning Areas as part of their continuous provision. Form teachers are trained Early Years practitioners, supported by teaching assistants, and in addition, children have access to specialist teaching in languages, performing arts and physical education.
The core subjects of English, mathematics, Spanish and science are taught across all junior age groups. Our youngest learners in Key Stage 1 continue with a rigorous phonics programme, both in English and in Spanish lessons, and all Prep pupils are immersed in a language-rich environment, supported with both vocabulary acquisition and pronunciation. They are given frequent opportunities to develop their oracy skills in a wide range of contexts so their listening and speaking continues to develop from an early age. As they progress with their English, carefully chosen texts inspire them to read, write and engage with a variety of literary genres, and above all, pupils learn to love reading for enjoyment, the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Pupils continue to develop a strong understanding of mathematics, science and technology, becoming increasingly con dent in their abilities to reason mathematically, engage in scienti c investigation through hands-on experimentation and solve real-world problems.
Daily Spanish lessons ensure our provision also meets local Spanish curriculum requirements and that all pupils can access their learning through a highly personalised learning approach. For our Spanish-speaking pupils, our
Spanish curriculum provides a vital element of their learning, which develops their reading and written language skills and knowledge of their local culture, according to the requirements of Spain’s Department for Education. For non-native speakers, Spanish lessons provide an introduction to the language for beginners, whilst also facilitating the learning of the language to a level of uency that prepares the pupils e ectively for the next stage of their education and life in Spain.
In addition to the core curriculum subjects, pupils will follow a broad curriculum incorporating modern foreign languages, humanities, creative arts, music, dance and drama. Dedicated time will be set aside for physical education, games and the development of athletic skills, as well as for personal, social, health and relationships education.
As pupils move through the Prep School, their growing independence is encouraged by more lessons with subject specialist teachers in Key Stage 2 and a focus on strong learning habits. By the end of Year 6, pupils are con dent learners in both English and Spanish, and ready to embark on their Middle School journey as they move into secondary education.
In the Prep School, Brighton College Madrid uses the English National Curriculum as its framework for our junior pupils, enhanced by many unique elements of the Brighton College curriculum.
e Prep School
e Middle School
In Years 7, 8 and 9, all pupils study the core subjects of English, mathematics, Spanish and separate sciences in our state-of-the-art laboratories for biology, chemistry and physics. Whether engaging with a wide range of texts from di erent genres, time periods and cultures in English lessons, developing uency in mathematical concepts of increasing complexity, or using investigative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in science, the Middle School core curriculum fosters a lifelong love of learning alongside readiness for the Senior School. In Year 7 Spanish, pupils studying the language as native-speakers will follow a curriculum in Lengua Castellana y Literatura which meets local requirements and aims to produce well-rounded, communicative, and culturally aware individuals who can use Spanish e ectively in all areas of life. As pupils progress through Year 8 and Year 9, the local Lengua Castellana y Literatura curriculum in Brighton College Madrid will support pupils in becoming con dent, critical, and creative communicators, to develop their ability to listen, speak, read, and write e ectively in Spanish, while fostering a deep appreciation for literature and culture.
In addition to the core curriculum subjects, pupils will follow a broad curriculum incorporating modern foreign languages, Brighton’s unique integrated humanities course (Story of Our Land), creative arts, technology, music, dance and drama. Dedicated time will be set aside for physical education, games and the development of athletic skills, as well as for personal, social, health and relationships education.
Our Middle School curriculum provides a strong foundation for IGCSE study. Subject knowledge is broadened and deepened with connections between subjects becoming more explicit; many more of the skills, competencies and methods of study, both for future examination success but also a genuine love of learning, are forged in these crucial years. During Year 9, pupils are supported by their tutor and the Deputy Head of Senior School to make informed choices about their IGCSE subjects to be studied in Years 10 and 11.
In addition to taking core IGCSE subjects (English Language and Literature, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics), pupils will take Spanish and choose from a range of IGCSE options, selecting from subject groups such as business and the humanities, modern foreign languages, performing and creative arts and technology. Each child will be carefully guided through their option choices, to ensure they have a strong platform from which to move into the Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13).
In Year 10 and Year 11, pupils studying Spanish as native speakers will continue with a curriculum in Lengua Castellana y Literatura which meets all local requirements set by Spain’s Department for Education. This will build upon the Middle School curriculum to teach pupils to engage with the world as informed citizens who appreciate the richness of Spanish language and heritage.
We plan to o er the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) to our Sixth Form pupils. Pupils will select their Higher and Standard Level subjects during Year 11, supported by the Head of IB. Dedicated curriculum time will be allocated to the IB Core of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). Pupils will also work with the Global Futures university counselling team, who will help them choose subjects that best support their university aspirations, to make sure they are fully supported on pathways to competitive institutions in Spain, the UK, USA, Europe and around the world.
Throughout the Senior School, dedicated time will be set aside for physical education, games and the development of athletic skills, as well as for personal, social, health and relationships education.
From September 2027 we will be opening up to, and including Year 9, with older year groups to follow in subsequent years. This means that in September 2028, we will be opening the rst Year 10 cohort, who will embark on an exciting range of IGCSE options.
e Senior School
Stage 5
13
Heading o to the Top
While Oxbridge remains the top destination overall for our Sixth Formers from across our family of schools, we are delighted that our pupils are studying at the best universities around the world.
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
UC BERKELEY
UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
UCLA
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANANN ARBOR
CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Universities
MCGILL UNIVERSITY
HARVARD UNIVERSITY
YALE UNIVERSITY
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES
LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE
UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE LONDON
IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE MONASH UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
The performing arts, sport, co-curricular activities (CCAs) and academic societies are central to life in every Brighton College school.
e World Beyond the Classroom
In Brighton College Madrid we take a ‘sport for all’ approach; every child has the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports, whilst talented athletes also thrive. From September 2027, Brighton College Madrid will o er pupils an array of sports either on site or through links with a range of local sports facilities, including football, swimming, basketball, golf, athletics and more.
Music, dance and drama will feature both within the taught curriculum and as part of the wealth of clubs and activities on o er. Dance is very popular in Brighton schools around the world and Brighton College Madrid will be no exception. Based in our Dance Studio, pupils can look forward to dance classes such as jazz, street and ballet, whilst drama opportunities will range from individual LAMDA lessons, to whole-school musicals and plays, to smaller-scale, pupil-led productions. Whether taking individual music lessons or joining a music ensemble or choir, music will be an equally integral part of life in Brighton College Madrid.
Pupils in Brighton schools are encouraged to try something new, and Brighton College Madrid pupils can look forward to choosing from a range of CCA options such as chess, debating, storytelling, Lego, arts and crafts, yoga, Model United Nations, and robotics. Academic departments will also run school societies, such as History Society, Maths Club, Medical Society, Dissection Club, Creative Writing and more.
As part of a holistic education, pupils will be able to get involved in activities every day, both during lunchtime and after school. Pupils will be helped to choose activities that enable them to grow in con dence, broaden their experience and ignite their interest. They will also participate in educational excursions and visits that go beyond the boundaries of the classroom, both locally in and around Madrid, and through residential trip experiences further a eld. Whether physical or intellectual, from sport to music and art, our activity and trips programme will cultivate new skills and, most of all, promote fun and enjoyment.
Our Super-Curriculum
A Brighton College education brings exceptional teaching together with our innovative and exciting super-curriculum. The super-curriculum is delivered by a highly quali ed and professional sta body, who have a deep understanding of the Brighton College educational philosophy.
Entrepreneurship
Incorporating practical applications and real-world experiences, enabling pupils to make a lasting impact on society.
Presentation Skills Critical inking
Building con dence in public speaking, a crucial skill for young people as they learn to present with conviction and clarity.
Developing key skills in analysis, problem-solving and evaluation, and asking questions about the world around us.
Home Economics and Lifetime Health (HEALTH)
Empowering our Prep pupils with the life-skills and understanding needed to make positive lifestyle choices.
Story of Our Land
Integrated humanities, incorporating history, geography, world beliefs and philosophy, academically ambitious and contextualised to the local area.
Pioneers Programme
Skills-based curriculum in our Prep School, teaching intellectual independence, resilience, leadership and service.
Beyond Brighton
Workshops and seminars that enable our Senior School pupils to secure places at the most competitive universities and with the skills needed for future careers.
A part of Society, not apart from it
Pupils of all ages actively participate in community partnerships and outreach initiatives, making a di erence to the local area and beyond.
