George Hartley, Headmaster of Brighton College Madrid
What are the core elements that define Brighton College’s identity and ethos?
Brighton College Madrid is built on the core values of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity and kindness to all. The school is designed to provide a stimulating and supportive environment where every pupil is encouraged to think independently, question confidently and achieve their full potential.
The educational approach combines high academic standards with a broad and enriching curriculum that nurtures curiosity, character and confidence. Alongside strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, pupils develop critical thinking, digital skills and a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom.
While rooted in the Brighton College tradition, the Madrid school is carefully shaped to reflect its local context, creating a dynamic and internationally minded community with a strong connection to Spanish culture and language.
- What educational offer will Brighton College Madrid provide?
Brighton College Madrid will offer a British-style education for pupils aged 3 to 18, providing a clear academic pathway from early years through to Sixth Form.
The curriculum is designed to combine academic rigour with breadth, preparing pupils for iGCSEs and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. In addition to core academic subjects, pupils will benefit from a rich co-curricular programme including the arts, sport, and opportunities to develop skills such as public speaking, leadership and entrepreneurship.
A key feature of the Madrid school is its bilingual and bicultural approach, with daily Spanish lessons and elements of the local curriculum integrated to ensure pupils are fully connected to both international and Spanish educational frameworks.
- How will the school attract and engage prospective families?
Brighton College Madrid is attracting strong interest from both local and international families seeking a high-quality, values-driven education.
Engagement is centred around open events, personalised admissions processes and clear communication of the school’s ethos and academic ambition. Families are drawn to the combination of outstanding academic outcomes, strong pastoral care and a holistic approach to education that prepares pupils for leading universities and future careers.
The reputation of Brighton College, alongside the strength of the founding leadership team in Madrid, also plays an important role in building trust and confidence among prospective parents.
Job Creation and Future Growth
- Why was Madrid selected as the location for the first Brighton College in Spain, and what advantages does the city offer?
Madrid offers an exceptional environment for a new school, combining a strong local education culture with an increasingly international outlook. The city has a growing demand for high-quality international education, driven by both Spanish families and a global professional community.
Its economic strength, excellent infrastructure and high quality of life make it an attractive location for families and educators alike. These factors, combined with Madrid’s openness to innovation in education, made it a natural choice for Brighton College’s first school in Spain.
- What role does Brighton College Madrid play within the wider European context?
Brighton College Madrid sits alongside other planned European schools, including Rome and Lisbon, and contributes to a growing network of internationally connected schools that share high standards while remaining rooted in their local communities.
Madrid will play a key role in establishing this presence, setting a benchmark for future schools in the region.
- How many jobs have been created so far, and what are the expectations for future growth?
The establishment of Brighton College Madrid has already created a wide range of employment opportunities across teaching, administration and operations.
As the school grows year by year, this will continue to expand, supporting local employment and contributing to the development of educational expertise within the region. The school is also attracting international talent, bringing diverse experience and perspectives into Madrid’s education sector.
Support from Invest in Madrid
- How has Invest in Madrid supported you throughout the establishment process?
Invest in Madrid has played a valuable role in supporting the school’s establishment, particularly by helping to build local connections and raise awareness of the project.
Their support has included facilitating introductions to key organisations, providing guidance on the regional landscape, and helping us engage with local authorities. This has been instrumental in enabling a smooth and well-informed entry into the Madrid community.
- George Hartley, Founding Head Master of Brighton College Madrid said,
“Brighton College Madrid is about academic excellence with heart. We are building a school where pupils are challenged intellectually, supported pastorally and encouraged to think independently.
What makes this project particularly exciting is the opportunity to bring the very best of a British education into a Spanish context, creating something that is both internationally ambitious and deeply rooted in Madrid. Our aim is to establish a school that not only achieves exceptional results, but develops confident, curious and kind young people who are ready to thrive in the world beyond school.
We are also extremely grateful for the support we have received from Invest in Madrid and from the wider local community. Their openness, guidance and enthusiasm have played an important role in helping us bring this project to life.”