What is the difference between a bilingual school and a British school? Is teaching some subjects in English enough?
These are some of the questions families ask when looking for a private bilingual school in Madrid.
Although many schools offer teaching in English, they do not all follow the same educational model. Understanding these differences is essential when choosing the school that best meets each family’s needs.
1. Is a bilingual school the same as a British school?
Not exactly.
A bilingual school generally follows the Spanish curriculum and teaches certain subjects in English.
A British school, such as Dallington School, follows the British curriculum, with its own educational stages, teaching methods and qualifications.
This means that English is not simply a subject: it is the language in which pupils study much of their curriculum, undertake projects and acquire knowledge.
At Dallington, this British education sits alongside Spanish language teaching and a school community deeply connected to Spanish culture.
2. How much English do pupils actually use?
Beyond the number of English lessons on the timetable, it is worth asking how the language is used throughout the school day.
Do pupils study science in English? Do they take part in debates? Do they give presentations and work on projects? Do they communicate with their teachers in English?
When English is part of everyday learning, pupils have constant opportunities to develop their understanding and their spoken and written communication skills.
At Dallington, English is the main language of instruction for the British curriculum, from the earliest years through to Sixth Form, while Spanish continues to play an important role in our pupils’ education.
3. How important are the teachers?
Fluency in English matters, but so do the academic and teaching qualifications of those delivering each subject.
At a British school, teachers must teach their subject content in line with the objectives and assessment criteria of the relevant curriculum.
That is why, during a school visit, it is worth asking about teachers’ experience, their understanding of the British education system and how they support pupils with different learning needs.
4. What qualifications do pupils gain?
One of the most important differences between educational models is the qualifications pupils obtain at the end of their studies.
At Dallington School, pupils follow the British curriculum and prepare for IGCSEs in Year 10 and Year 11, before progressing to A Levels in Year 12 and Year 13.
These international qualifications provide routes to universities in different countries, subject to their admission requirements.
At Dallington College, we also offer preparation for the Pruebas de Competencias Específicas (PCE), enabling our pupils to prepare for entry to Spanish universities.
This combination helps keep different university pathways open, both in Spain and abroad.
5. What should you look for during a school visit?
Beyond the facilities or information on the website, visiting in person allows you to see how a school really works.
Here are some useful questions:
- Which curriculum does the school follow: Spanish, British or another international system?
- In which language are the different subjects taught?
- How do teachers and pupils communicate?
- What support is available for pupils who need individualised attention?
- What qualifications do pupils gain when they complete their studies?
- What options do they have for entering universities in Spain and internationally?
It is also worth observing the school atmosphere, the relationships between pupils and teachers, and how the school’s values are reflected in everyday life.
What does Dallington School offer families looking for bilingual education in Madrid?
At Dallington, we combine the British curriculum with the warmth and family feel of our school community.
Our educational pathway runs from Early Years through to Sixth Form, allowing pupils to complete their schooling within one coherent educational project.
Teaching in English, learning Spanish, personalised support and our six values — Politeness, Effort, Kindness, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility — are central to our identity.
Through our A Level programme and PCE preparation, we also support pupils as they plan their university futures, both in Spain and abroad.
Because choosing a school is not just about deciding which language your children will study in, but also what kind of education they will receive and which opportunities will be open to them in the future.
Would you like to learn more about our educational approach? Our Admissions team will be delighted to answer your questions and show you around Dallington School.
