British Secondary Years Education in Tres Cantos


At our Secondary School in Tres Cantos, Soto de Viñuelas, students receive a British-style education that leads to world-recognised qualifications and sets them on a path towards international success. Our dedicated team of British-qualified teachers cater to the needs of 11 to 18-year-olds (Years 7 to Year 13) and value the needs of every student. They deliver a comprehensive Secondary School programme based on the Secondary School curriculum in England and Wales and do so with exceptional outcomes in all subjects.

In Years 10 and 11, our Secondary School students undertake the International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE) and can choose subject options that complement their interests and future career options. Upon completing their IGCSE examinations, Secondary School students enter Years 12 and 13 and choose between two exceptional academic pathways: the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or A-levels.

Best Secondary education in Tres Cantos
 

Why Choose our British Secondary School in Tres Cantos, Soto de Viñuelas?


Our Secondary School in Tres Cantos provides students with an expansive and immersive learning environment. Each pupil is supported to fulfil their dreams as global, well-rounded individuals by studying English, Spanish, French and German as part of the curriculum.

A team of fully qualified, experienced teachers lead our Secondary division and empower students to explore their emotional, social, and academic strengths. Our personalised learning approach enables pupils to take responsibility for their education, and parents highly recommend our teaching and learning methods, which lead to some of the best results in Spain for international and national learners.

Subject specialists teach the majority of lessons, and the class Form Tutor has an important pastoral role as they oversee pupils' academic, social, and emotional development. From Year 9, students begin to select the subjects they wish to focus on in Year 10 and are encouraged to choose the most appropriate options for the careers they may one day want to pursue.

Our Secondary School in Madrid is unique in its innovative approach to international education as we are led by academic excellence and aim to unlock our students' gifts. We help students attain phenomenal success in several disciplines with an extensive extracurricular programme offering over 40 different activities. Our past secondary pupils have gone on to accomplish their goals in the arts and sports, some of which include representing their country in the Olympics and earning scholarships to world-leading universities.

Over the years, many of our Secondary School alumni have garnered success as actors, musicians, artists and athletes in Spain and internationally. We enable all individuals to pursue their passions and interests under the guidance of dedicated, knowledgeable teachers, coaches and tutors.

Curriculum of Secondary School in Soto de Viñuelas
 

Secondary School Curriculum


In Years 7 to 9 (Key Stage 3), specialist teachers deliver a balanced programme broadly based on the English National Curriculum, but with additional factors such as the introduction of the three separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and the availability of three modern languages (French, Spanish and German). All students in secondary education must validate their studies by following courses in Spanish Language, Literature and Social Sciences, according to the curriculum set by the Spanish Ministry of Education. Students with little knowledge of the Spanish language will study Spanish as a foreign language.

As in the UK, the assessment of our Secondary School curriculum follows assessment guidelines based on the National Curriculum in the UK. Student progress is monitored consistently. King’s College Soto keeps abreast of ongoing curriculum developments in the UK and enacts policies best suited to our students’ needs.

The Secondary School curriculum for students in Years 10 - 11 (Key Stage 4) is fundamentally the same as in UK schools. All students study up to 9 subjects in preparation for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), a highly regarded qualification.

All students are required to study English Language, mathematics, science, Spanish Language & Literature and social sciences. In addition, they have a certain degree of freedom to choose subjects they prefer and are encouraged to select the disciplines which will be most useful for their future career.

Secondary students with little knowledge of Spanish will normally study 9 academic subjects, as would be the case in other international British schools and most Secondary Schools in the UK. All other pupils will study slightly fewer subjects in order to include within their academic programme the necessary courses required by the Spanish Ministry of Education: (a) Spanish Language & Literature, and (b) social sciences. Students who have passed a required minimum of subjects at (I)GCSE with good grades at the end of Year 11 are welcome to apply for Year 12.

Secondary School Entry Requirements


Entrance to the Secondary Department requires school reports from previous years and a CAT4 baseline assessment and a written English exam, which may take place in their current school for pupils from international schools abroad.

The reports must show consistently favourable progress academically, behaviourally and in terms of effort.
Confidential references are normally sought from the pupil’s current school regarding their academic record and behaviour.

All pupils applying for entry to the Secondary Department should preferably have a good level of English. Pupils with little prior knowledge of English must agree to a programme of EAL as recommended by the school and parents should expect to be liable for the incurred costs. The duration of the EAL course will be decided by the school. Pupils from the British system wishing to enter the Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) are required to have a minimum of 5 passes at (I) GCSE (including Mathematics and English as a first language), with grade C (4) or above, normally including an A (7) or B (6) grade in subjects to be taken at A level or the IB Diploma. (I) GCSE grades at A*(9 & 8) or A (7) are usually required for the study of Mathematics A level subjects and higher level IBDP.

Bilingual Secondary School in Tres Cantos
 

Languages at Our Secondary School


Given the focus on internationalism at our Secondary School in Tres Cantos, students gain exceptional language tuition from Years 7 to 11. We are an English-speaking school, and the Secondary division continues to provide students with English language immersion to encourage fluency to a native level.

The Secondary School language programme is broad and incorporates English, as the language of instruction, French, Spanish and German.

Our language programme aims to develop students into confident multi-lingualists who can communicate effectively in English and at least one of the languages above.

All students validate their studies by following courses in Spanish Language, Literature and social sciences, according to the curriculum set by the Spanish Ministry of Education. Students with little knowledge of Spanish will study Spanish as a foreign language. Secondary School entrants who require additional English language support may be offered EAL tuition at an additional cost.

Best British Secondary School facilities
 

Secondary School Facilities


Our state-of-the-art Secondary School facilities are designed to meet the needs of our dynamic learning community. We welcome young people into an environment that motivates them to achieve academic excellence and their personal best in their respective interests. Additionally, by integrating outdoor, experiential learning into the Secondary School timetable, students gain a relevant education that equips them with both modern competencies and an appreciation of nature.

The school's learning facilities are numerous. Lessons are taught in well-equipped music and art studios and spacious classrooms, and members of our secondary school community access a 400-seat auditorium, which is used for performances and recitals. Students also enjoy a horse riding area, an indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium and a multisport astroturf field.

Our academic, sports and arts facilities are unrivalled, especially when compared to other High School and Secondary School facilities in Madrid. We aim to ensure that the learning environment reflects the real world by providing students with experience of advanced technology. Students learn in modern STEM labs and access digital learning opportunities through a comprehensive selection of IT tools. To equip children with a working knowledge of computer programmes, teachers may administer homework and group projects via interactive online platforms. They seek to further reinforce the curriculum by incorporating the use of educational apps into day-to-day teaching.

English Secondary School Teachers

Secondary School Teachers


From Year 7, our highly-qualified Secondary School teachers effectively prepare pupils to achieve excellent outcomes on our rigorous international courses. They deliver the British curriculum with passion, and many have joined us from Secondary Schools in the UK. As British-qualified, English speakers, they guide students towards language fluency in reading, writing and speaking through full immersion across all subjects from Year 7 to Year 11.

Every member of the Secondary School teaching staff is committed to helping pupils achieve outstanding results through personalised learning. As enthusiastic subject experts, they also understand the requirements of the international curriculum that we offer. Our teachers welcome pupils from all over the world and provide additional assistance to those who join our school during the academic year.

Extracurricular Activities in Our Secondary School


While attending our Secondary School, pupils are encouraged to participate in a remarkable range of activities, clubs, societies, and sports teams. The Secondary School Co-curricular Activities Programme presents students with over 40 extracurricular activities every week, offering lunchtime and after-school clubs that enable full exploration of our wonderful campus and day and annual residential trips that enrich the Secondary Years' learning experience.

Our senior students gain the chance to develop and build upon an interest in sports and the creative and performing arts. They may also take advantage of student leadership opportunities and participate in an exciting selection of adventure-based activities. Taking part in additional activities helps our students develop vital social skills and personal confidence. Additionally, secondary pupils are encouraged to initiate and lead clubs, societies and activities they have a particular interest in.

We have a long history of coaching young athletes and artists to a high level. Our ex-students have been admitted to the Berkeley School of Music, Columbia University and University College London - many with scholarship awards. We aim to enhance our students' engagement with academics, sports and the arts with inspiring lessons that instil wide-ranging, sought-after skills and specialist knowledge - all of which are vital for future success in desirable academic and professional settings.

Tres Cantos Secondary School activities
 

Academic & Social Extracurricular Activities


Secondary School academic extracurricular activities present a chance for young individuals to develop and apply the skills they have gained during their education. By working alongside others outside of their immediate class groups, they are able to learn from others and build upon their knowledge in a number of different contexts.

Academic activities may be undertaken as part of a broader project or community endeavour. At this level, all pursuits encourage dedication, hard work, discipline, teamwork, leadership abilities, public speaking skills, effective communication, and language practice. During fun, immersive lessons and group tasks, students expand upon in-class teaching, help others in the school and local community, and prepare effectively for their future careers and professions of choice.

We offer:

Book Club DofE (Duke of Edinburgh Award)
History Club The King's Chronicle
Coding / JavaScript Club Student Council
Engineering Club SES (Soto Environment Society)
French Debate Club Charity Committee
Maths Challenge Club Teaching & Learning Committee
STEM / Physics Society Volunteering Club
Maths Society PVWT (Pupil Voice & Wellbeing Team)
Chinese Club Entrepreneurship Club
German Club Debating CICAE
Global Politics Society DEI Committee.
Tres Cantos Secondary School Sports

Sports


Our Secondary School Sports Programme offers an impressive selection of activities that can be practised at beginner to advanced levels. King's College Soto pupils maintain contact with students at other private Secondary Schools around Madrid and within the Inspired Group through a full fixture of inter-school tournaments and matches in major sports. At the Secondary-level, sporting events are arranged according to age, and pupils may access a regular schedule of sports team training.

We provide specialist-led sports coaching in:

Football KS3 Tag Rugby
Basketball Badminton
Volleyball Field Hockey
Swimming Mini Tennis Club
Rhythmic Gymnastics Gym (Fitness / Weights) Club
Dance KS3 / KS5 Girls Football
Table Tennis Skateboarding
Judo Karting Club
Ballet Chess Club
Rugby Rubik's Cube Club for Beginners
Running Club Tabletop Hobbies.

View our Extracurricular Activities

Tres Cantos Secondary School Arts Activities

The Arts


Our Creative & Performing Arts Programme is extensive and offers students the opportunity to perform in termly and annual Secondary School productions, concerts, debates, MUN (Model United Nations), and class assemblies. Pupils may join a school choir, a music ensemble or a club; currently, the school offers over three dozen activities, including the Dance Club, STEM Club and academically-focused clubs that can lead to regional and national competition, such as the Debate and MUN Clubs.

Students who wish to do so may also participate in the Secondary School Music Programme and receive solo voice and instrumental tuition to develop their musical talent. Many of our past students have gone on to lead successful careers in the performing, visual, and creative arts after establishing an excellent foundation on which they can build their skills. To give our young artists experience of performing in public, they may take part in annual recitals that take place as part of broader cultural events. Our 400-seat auditorium also hosts year-group and whole-school events.

Music, dance, and debate collaborations are organised with other Inspired schools and Madrid-based schools to expand our students' network and strengthen the regional school community. Our Secondary School is active in tournaments and national projects, and we encourage student participation in the following areas:

Music Musical
Drama Art
Dance Choir
Debate Crochet Club
MUN (Model United Nations) Film Club
Public Speaking Tabletop Hobbies Club
Big Band Challenge Club

Additional Services at Our Secondary School


School Dining Hall:

Secondary students require a healthy diet to support their rapid physical and mental development. Our canteen is at the centre of the school and is led by the dining hall management team, a well-established partner of our international school community. To support the growth and learning capabilities of our older students, we offer a specially designed, balanced daily menu comprised of delicious meals, fresh fruits, salads and snacks. Canteen staff aim to serve food options for every preference; however, please inform the school of any allergies and intolerances.

Bus Service:

Students may access a convenient and reliable school bus service during the term. Offering a comfortable and easily accessible option for daily travel, the school bus routes serve neighbourhoods close to our school, locales in Madrid city centre and suburbs nearby. We prioritise the safety and well-being of our students, and all drivers and bus monitors are thoroughly trained in safeguarding procedures.

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Discover how our Secondary School in Tres Cantos can equip your child with outstanding opportunities for growth and support them on their journey towards excellence.