Why SEK-ECISM?

Part of a Global Educational Family

El Castillo belongs to SEK Education Group, which spans over 130 years of history and connects 14 schools worldwide. The network reaches across Spain, France, Ireland, and the Middle East, where more than 7,000 students representing 80 nationalities study together. This scale gives learners access to international standards while immersing them in a truly global community.

SEK El Castillo in Madrid welcomes children from 4 months to 18 years across a 40,000 m² campus that houses boarding facilities for boys and girls from over 40 nationalities, creating an authentically international atmosphere.

IB Programs at El Castillo International School

El Castillo delivers the complete International Baccalaureate continuum—from PYP through MYP to DP—building a coherent path where each stage naturally prepares for what follows while nurturing critical thinking and global awareness. The institution employs its proprietary Future Learning Model, developed with Harvard’s Project Zero research center, which moves education beyond classroom walls into museums, ports, and urban gardens to spark curiosity and autonomy. Meanwhile, bilingual immersion in English runs parallel to Spanish instruction, with additional languages available.

Holistic Personal Development

Beyond academics, El Castillo emphasizes emotional intelligence through Yale’s RULER program, which helps students recognize and manage their feelings. Empowerment Hubs carve out schedule time for learners to pursue sports, arts, or personal interests by choice. Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award builds leadership and independence, while Model United Nations debates and educational voyages aboard the school schooner Cervantes Saavedra immerse students in hands-on ecological studies.

Graduate Achievements and Career Prospects

Students at El Castillo consistently perform strongly on IB Diploma Programme exams—some achieving the perfect 45 points—which opens doors to top universities globally. Graduates also receive an American High School Diploma alongside their IB credentials, broadening their higher education options. Each student compiles a SEK Portfolio documenting acquired competencies and earns a SEK Diploma, with alumni gaining admission to prestigious institutions like Georgetown, Berkeley, Bath, and ICL, prepared for both academic challenges and professional success.