Spain, Madrid
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
· Reviewed by Giulia Ceccon · Chief Marketing Officer
The Global College is a Madrid-based international IB Diploma Programme school for ages 15 to 18, offering a day and boarding program anchored in IE University. English is the language of instruction. The campus hosts 12 classrooms, discussion rooms, science labs in Biology and Physics & Chemistry, a radio lab, a filming studio, a library, a technology and design hub, Entrepreneurs Live Hub, coworking space, and 1000m² outdoor area to support practical, interdisciplinary learning. The IB Diploma Programme requires six subjects across Groups 1-6, with current English Language A, Spanish Language A and French Language A options and related SL/HL courses; the Diploma Core includes EE, TOK, and CAS. Boarding facilities are nearby in El Viso, with single or double rooms, common areas, garden, wifi, housekeeping, and catering. Extra-curriculars include 30+ clubs, social service trips, and a Winter Campus trip to Val Thorens with an Entrepreneurship Challenge.
C. de Castellón de la Plana, 8, Chamartín, 28006 Madrid, Spain
The Global College has 250 pupils, typical class sizes of 13, instruction in English.
Madrid, Spain — El Viso district, 8 Castellón de la Plana St, central Madrid. Boarding facilities are a 10-minute walk from the campus.
Upper secondary (ages 15–18). Co-educational day and boarding.
International IB school with day and boarding; partnered with IE University.
Diverse and international student body.
Open outside class hours, including weekends, to provide comprehensive support for completing the IB Diploma.
Annual tuition at The Global College ranges from EUR 18,385 to EUR 40,180 for 2026/27.
The Global College teaches IB (DP) for students aged 15 to 18.
The Global College offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Students select six subjects from six groups: Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature; Group 2 Language Acquisition; Group 3 Individuals and Societies; Group 4 Sciences; Group 5 Mathematics; Group 6 The Arts. Current offerings include English Language A, Spanish Language A, French Language A, and related SL/HL options across Groups 1–6. English is the language of instruction. The IB Diploma Core includes the Extended Essay, Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), and Theory of Knowledge (TOK). The program emphasizes language study, global understanding and independent inquiry to prepare for university study.
In 2025, IB exam results were strong: top score of the class 44, top third 40.1, and average 36.2. There were 125 IB diploma graduates. 85% of students accessed their priority university choice. The 2025 average points were 35, compared with the IB World Average of 30 and a top-third average of 39.
Graduates gained offers from a broad range of universities worldwide. Notable destinations include IE University; Imperial College London; University College London; King's College London; University of Warwick; University of Edinburgh; University of Oxford; University of Cambridge; University of Bristol; University of Bath; University of Toronto; McGill University; NYU; Northeastern University; Sciences Po; The New School; University of Navarra; Universidad Carlos III; Universidad Pontificia de Comillas; Leiden University; Maastricht University; UCLA; UC Berkeley; Georgetown University; Durham University; Delft University of Technology; Erasmus University Rotterdam; University of Miami.
Each student is assigned a Personal Mentor who provides ongoing guidance for academic progress and personal development. A dedicated Higher Education & Career Guidance team supports university applications worldwide and helps develop CVs, essays, presentations and interview skills through one-on-one and group sessions.
The Global College supports social and emotional development through a student-centred, holistic approach. Each student is assigned a Personal Mentor who provides confidential guidance on personal and academic matters from the outset. The wellbeing program is led by the IE Center for Health, Wellbeing and Happiness under Dr. Mario Alonso Puig and focuses on body, mind and spirit to boost wellbeing and performance. Pastoral care and mentoring are integral to the school's approach, with boarding staff and counselors supporting students' emotional and physical wellbeing. Students participate in Extended Experiences (CAS) and receive university guidance to develop social, emotional and leadership capacities.
The Global College offers the IB Diploma Programme in English and is the only college in central Madrid to offer the IB in English. The school requires linguistic ability to complete the IB in English, and non-native speakers may need to provide English proficiency evidence (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, or Duolingo). The IB language groups include English Language A: Language and Literature, and English in Language Acquisition (Group 2) with HL/SL/Ab initio offerings; other languages are available under arrangement.
The Wellbeing program is overseen by the IE Center for Health, Wellbeing and Happiness, led by Dr. Mario Alonso Puig, and takes a holistic approach to enhancing performance and happiness. The program centers on three core areas—body, mind and spirit—through workshops and activities that promote healthy lifestyle choices, resilience and emotional balance. All students receive pastoral care and mentoring, with a personal mentor assigned to support their personal and academic development. Boarding students receive extra wellbeing support from a dedicated boarding team, including House Parents who live in the residence and can provide counseling or coordinate with local centers. University counseling and career guidance support students in building strong university applications and career plans.
The boarding life component demonstrates safeguarding in practice: the boarding community is supervised by the Vice Principal for Pastoral Care, House Master and House Parent. The House Parent is a trained psychologist and will be available for counseling, with partnerships with bilingual centers. Pastoral care and mentoring are central to safeguarding, with each student assigned a personal mentor to support their wellbeing and personal development. Boarding Life also notes that the residence is in Madrid and staff provide 24/7 support to students.
1. Inquiry. Families are encouraged to learn more about The Global College. Information sessions are offered virtually and in person, providing opportunities to visit the campus and meet the Headmaster, faculty, and the Admissions and Pastoral Team. This step helps determine fit and informs the next steps.
2) Online Application. Candidates submit information and documents covering Personal Information, Academic Profile, Languages and English level. Non-native speakers or those who have not studied in an English-speaking school for at least two complete academic years must provide an English certificate with minimum scores: TOEFL 90 (100 recommended), IELTS 7, Cambridge: C1 Advanced (A/B, or C with strong oral) or C2 Proficiency, or Duolingo English Test 120 (130 recommended). Additional materials include the candidate's interests and experiences outside the classroom, a letter of recommendation, and short answer questions plus a personal video. Completion of the application is not a commitment; the Admissions Committee reviews and decides whether the candidate moves to the next step.
3) Assessment. The Baseline Assessment evaluates core aptitudes including language and mathematics as part of a global benchmarking process and is proctored by the school. The interview is a conversation with faculty to learn about talents, motivations, and future ambitions. The Admissions Committee uses these results along with the application to decide whether to progress to the next stage.
4) Admissions Committee Resolution. The Committee reviews all applications, documents, and interview reports to identify students with potential, considering academics, initiative, and engagement in extracurricular activities. If a positive admissions decision is made, families receive enrollment information to continue their journey at The Global College. If there are no places available after the rounds, candidates may be wait-listed.
5) Deadlines for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. Boarding Students: Round 1 applications are due by November 14, 2025, with decisions communicated before the end of December. Round 2 applications are due by February 20, 2026, with decisions communicated by mid-March; after Round 2, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis if places remain, and candidates may be placed on a waitlist if places are not available. Day Students: The Day program closes for applications on January 31, 2026; admission decisions are issued in February. Exceptional applicants may be considered for early admissions, and extraordinary cases after January 31 are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and subject to availability.
6) Scholarships & Grants. Equal opportunities to access quality education are core values. The Global College offers financial support and scholarships for the best students.
The school offers financial support and scholarships for the best students. For more information contact scholarships@theglobalcollege.com
If there are no places available after the admissions rounds, candidates may be placed on a waitlist.