The school, which opens in Aravaca in September 2027, will bring standars and style from UK School of the Decade by The Sunday Times, and will be led by a founding team with decades of experience at the heart of British education
Pupils at Brighton College Madrid will learn the history of Spain and Britain side by side, begin Mandarin at the age of five and, by the age of fourteen, will each have prepared and delivered their own TED-style talk. These are some of the elements of the curriculum unveiled by Brighton College Madrid, which will open in Aravaca in September 2027 and will bring to Spain the education of Brighton College, named UK School of the Decade by The Sunday Times and ranked No.1 in the UK for GCSE results in 2026.
The new school will welcome boys and girls aged 3 to 18. It will not be modelled on a British school: it will be part of Brighton College itself, sharing its teaching, its standards and the belief that an outstanding education is about much more than academic results. Children should be happy at school, enjoy their lessons, make good friends and have every opportunity to discover what interests and excites them.
“One of the things that makes Brighton College so special is the way it combines outstanding academic teaching with a real warmth and sense of community,” said George Hartley, Founding Head Master of Brighton College Madrid. “Brighton College Madrid will not be a school inspired by Brighton College; it will be part of it, and we want to bring that same spirit to Madrid. We want our pupils to enjoy coming to school each day, to feel confident enough to ask questions and try new things, and to know that their teachers take a genuine interest in them as individuals.”
Learning beyond the classroom
A Brighton College education is known not only for its academic achievements, but also for the breadth of experiences it offers pupils throughout their school days. At its heart lies the Super-Curriculum, which introduces subjects and experiences that pupils might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore.
At Brighton College Madrid, this will include The Story of Our Land, in which children will learn about the history, geography and culture of both Spain and Britain. Created by Brighton College, encouraging pupils to take an interest in the places, people and events that have shaped the countries they know, and to appreciate the traditions and cultures of both.
Pupils will also take part in HEALTH (Home Economics and Life Time Health), learning useful everyday skills such as cooking, understanding nutrition and looking after their own wellbeing. They will be encouraged to think about others, too, through charitable activities and opportunities to contribute to their local community.
Music, languages and public speaking will have an important place in school life. Children will learn English and Spanish from their very first day and begin Mandarin in Year 1, while every pupil in Key Stage 2 will have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. In Year 9, each pupil will prepare and deliver a TED-style talk on a subject of their choice, giving them the chance to develop their ideas and the confidence to share them with others.
The school will also take a clear and careful approach to technology: there will be no personal devices in the Early Years or the Prep School, and smartphone use will be restricted for all pupils until at least the age of 16.
Beyond lessons, there will be plenty to enjoy, with sport, music, drama, art, robotics, Model United Nations and a wide range of other co-curricular activities. Children will be encouraged to try things they have never done before, whether that is stepping onto a stage, learning a new sport or discovering a passion for science.
The founding team
George Hartley will lead a founding team whose members are widely respected in their fields, with many years of experience at the heart of British education, in the UK and in Spain, and a shared understanding of what makes a happy and successful school.
George Hartley, Founding Head Master, studied at the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London and has devoted his career to British independent education. He taught at Eton College, Highgate School and Berkhamsted School before leading Elizabeth College, Guernsey, and, for nine years, The King’s School, Chester. He also served for six years on the executive board of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC), which brings together the heads of some 300 of the leading independent schools in the UK and beyond. He believes strongly in excellent teaching, close relationships between pupils and teachers, and a school life rich in opportunities.
David Murphy, Senior Deputy Head, is an Oxford graduate who has held senior leadership roles at one of Madrid’s most established British schools, giving him a deep understanding of what Spanish and international families look for in a British education. His particular interests include pastoral care, helping pupils develop confidence and independence, and making thoughtful use of technology in teaching.
Elizabeth Compton, Deputy Head (Pre-Prep and Prep), has worked in schools across the UK, Europe and Asia. She brings a particular understanding of the early years, when children make their first friendships, discover the pleasure of learning and begin to grow in confidence.
Aurora López Martín, Director of Admissions, is one of the most experienced admissions specialists in international education in Madrid. She has spent more than 20 years at Madrid international schools sector and few people understand better how important choosing the right school is for a family. She will be on hand to offer guidance, answer questions and help parents feel at home within the Brighton College Madrid community.
Víctor Ranea, Director of Finance and Operations, brings more than 20 years of experience in school management. He will ensure that the new campus in Aravaca is ready to welcome its first pupils, and that its facilities support everything that takes place both in and beyond the classroom.
“Every child has something that makes them special, and sometimes it takes the right opportunity or a little encouragement from a teacher to help them discover it,” added George Hartley. “That is what we want school life at Brighton College Madrid to be about. Of course, we want our pupils to work hard and do well academically, but we also want them to enjoy their childhood, make lasting friendships and leave us with happy memories and the confidence to take on whatever comes next.”
For further information, families can visit www.brightoncollegemadrid.com or contact the admissions team at admissions@brightoncollegemadrid.com.
About Brighton College
With more than 180 years of history, Brighton College is recognised as one of the leading independent schools for boys and girls aged 3 to 18 in the UK, and the country’s top school for A-level results. Its philosophy combines exceptional academic excellence with an innovative, pupil-centred approach, championing kindness, curiosity and confidence as the foundations of success.
Brighton College pupils go on to the world’s best universities, supported by a global alumni network, Brighton College Connect, which offers guidance, support and opportunities long after graduation.
Each Brighton school is designed to be much more than a functional space: these are inspiring places that combine light, space and resources to foster creativity, collaboration and academic ambition.
After nearly 20 years at the helm of Brighton College – during which the school rose from 147th in the Sunday Times league table to 1st for A-level results, and increased the number of pupils progressing to Oxbridge each year from 4 to 43 – Richard Cairns has taken on the role of Principal of Brighton College. The only head to have twice been named Tatler Head of the Year, he retains overall responsibility for Brighton College, while overseeing the growth of the Brighton network of schools in the UK and abroad.
The Brighton College family includes schools in Brighton, London, Hove, Handcross, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, Hanoi, Vibhavadi and Al Ain. Together, they educate more than 9,000 pupils, guided by more than 1,000 outstanding teachers who share a commitment to pedagogical innovation, pastoral care and preparing young people to play an active, positive role in the international community.
