Which schools in Madrid offer the best  A-levels?

A Levels in Madrid 

Advanced levels qualification in Pozuelo de Alarcon

A Top A-Level School in Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid

Years 12 & 13  


Enrolment is now open for students aged 16–18 in our new International A-level programme (iA Levels). The programme begins in September 2026 and is designed to prepare them for top universities and successful careers worldwide. 

With over 85 years of excellence in British education in Spain, The British School now introduces a new A-level pathway in Pozuelo, providing our Sixth Form students with a more internationally focused route. This new pathway has been enabled through our membership of the Inspired Education Group, expanding Sixth Form options for students.

The programme provides a tailored pre-university education for students with a clear sense of their interests and ambitions, whether in engineering, medicine, economics, law, the arts, or other disciplines.

Request more information about iA Levels 

What Are A Levels? 


A Levels (Advanced Levels) are subject-based post-16 qualifications rooted in the British education system. They allow students to focus on a smaller number of subjects while developing the analytical, research and study skills valued by universities around the world. A Levels are assessed through coursework and final examinations, preparing learners for higher education and beyond. 

International A Levels (iA Levels) are the global equivalent of this qualification. Like their British counterpart, they prioritise depth over breadth, making this pathway particularly well suited to students who wish to build expertise and a strong academic profile, especially when aiming for competitive opportunities abroad. 

Benefits of Studying A Levels


International A Levels are one of the most widely recognised and respected pre-university qualifications, offering a strong academic and personal foundation for future success. They provide a clear pathway to prestigious higher education institutions both in Spain and internationally, including the UK, the US and Europe. 

A Levels immerse students in an authentic British Sixth Form experience, developing independent learners who are proactive, resilient and self-motivated. 

The depth of A-level study allows students to focus on the subject areas they wish to pursue, while also developing practical skills—such as critical thinking, effective communication, and organisation—that support success in their degree courses and future careers. 

Why should students in Pozuelo choose a-levels?

Independent Learning

benefits of AS and A level Studies

Practical Life Skills

Are A-levels recognised in Spain and the UK?

Career & Global Opportunities

Why Choose Our A-Level School in Madrid, Pozuelo? 


Parents often compare A-level schools based on teaching quality, subject guidance and university preparation. At our A-level school in Pozuelo, Madrid, your child will learn from teachers with extensive experience in the British curriculum, including some with degrees from Oxford University and other Russell Group institutions. Small class sizes ensure focused learning and personalised attention, while our vibrant Sixth Form culture balances academic study with music, sports and creative pursuits. 

Our reputation reflects our commitment to excellence: The British School is ranked among the best schools in Spain by Forbes and ABC, has achieved four consecutive “Excellent” ratings in every area from British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspections, and has a proud history as Spain’s first British school, founded in 1940.   

Students also benefit from: 

  • Rigorous curriculum: Cambridge International AS/A Levels framework aligned with international standards and higher education expectations, providing a strong academic foundation and pathways to universities worldwide. 
  • Exceptional campus and facilities: Dedicated study areas, six science laboratories, an elite sports complex, arts and theatre studios, and music suites support academic focus, athletic development and creative pursuits. 
  • University guidance: A team of 10 counsellors provides tailored support for admissions worldwide, with past destinations including Oxbridge, Russell Group universities, and Ivy League institutions. 100% of our Sixth Form graduates progress to university.  
  • Language and music pathways: Opportunities for advanced language certifications and internationally recognised music qualifications through Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and RSL Awards (Rockschool Limited) exams. 
  • Real-world skills: Opportunities for international exchanges and Sixth Form activities that develop leadership, entrepreneurship, research, public speaking and project management skills. 
Who can take a level exams?
 

How Is the A-Level Curriculum Structured? 


Our iA Levels in Madrid follow follow the globally recognised structure of this UK subject-based qualification. AS-level (Advanced Supplementary Level) and A-level studies represent progressive stages of advanced learning, with Year 12 laying the foundation in three to four chosen subjects and Year 13 building on this through more complex content and focused exam preparation. In some systems, AS Levels can be taken as a standalone qualification, while in others, they form part of the full two-year A-level programme.  

Students are supported in choosing their A Level subjects through personalised guidance from tutors and university counsellors. Subject choices are carefully aligned with each student’s strengths, interests and higher education aspirations, ensuring they build a strong academic profile for their intended degree course. 

Year 12 – AS Level 

In their AS-level year, students explore subject frameworks, key concepts and academic methodologies in their chosen subjects, developing the study skills, independence and subject knowledge needed for advanced learning in their final year.  Students may choose to sit a final AS examination at the end of Year 12 to complete and certify their AS qualification before progressing to A2.

Year 13 – A2 Level 

In Year 13, our A-level students progress to more advanced topics, applying their knowledge with greater depth and intention. They refine their exam technique and prepare for end-of-course assessments, ensuring they are ready for top universities in Spain, the UK and other international destinations.

A-Level Courses & Subject Options


Our A-level curriculum offers a broad range of subjects designed for in-depth study, allowing students to tailor their choices to their strengths and interests. Students typically choose three to four A-Level subjects from the options below, considering subject combinations aligned with their intended university destinations and chosen field of study. This is supported by personalised teaching, hands-on projects and enrichment opportunities that foster strong academic outcomes and personal development.

We review our curriculum offer on an ongoing basis, reflecting on what will best support students and how it can shape future academic provision.

Mathematics Business / Economics
Chemistry Spanish
Further Mathematics History
Biology French
English Literature Art and Design
Physics  
 

Our individualised and structured approach helps students plan their A-level choices effectively and supports strong performance in each A-level exam at the end of the programme.  

Best A Level schools for university admission Madrid

A-Level Assessments & Grades


Assessment for A-level subjects varies by discipline but is primarily based on written examinations. Some subjects may also include coursework, practical assessments or oral components, depending on the subject. Final examinations typically take place at the end of Year 13, with students receiving individual grades and iA-Level qualifications for each subject.

International A-Levels are typically graded on a scale from A* to E, reflecting a student’s level of achievement in each subject. These internationally recognised qualifications are valued by leading universities and employers worldwide, providing students with a strong foundation for higher education and future career pathways. 

school with the best advanced level qualifications education in Madrid
 

Our A-Level Teaching Methodology & Academic Experience


  • Our seminar-style classes ensure students develop confidence in an engaging learning environment. 
  • Students work closely with specialist teachers and mentors who provide guidance and support throughout the programme. 
  • The curriculum combines international exam preparation with continuous assignments and regular cycle tests, supporting strong examination results at AS and A2 Level.
  • The study pace meets international pre-university standards and reflects the expectations of a Sixth Form leaving qualification. 

Learn More About A Levels


Admission to the A-level programme at The British School is based on academic readiness and the student’s ability to engage in focused study. Applicants are generally expected to meet the following criteria.  

  • Successful completion of IGCSE/GCSE, including English ad Mathematics. 
  • Strong academic performance (Grade 6 or above) in the subjects they intend to study at A Levels. 
  • Motivation and commitment to succeed in a challenging academic programme. 
  • Final admission requirements will be confirmed during the school’s admissions guidance process. 

 

Yes, students can apply to Spanish universities with A Levels. These qualifications are recognised for university entry in Spain, with applications typically processed through the UNED-ASISS system (UNED Accreditation Service for International Students in Spain), which converts International A-level results into the Spanish admissions scale. For more competitive courses, students may also be required to take additional subject-specific examinations, such as Pruebas de Competencias Específicas (PCEs). 

With the right subject choices, A Level students can access a wide range of degree programmes at both public and private universities in Spain, while also keeping international pathways open.

Yes, A Levels are a natural progression from the IGCSE programme. While IGCSEs provide a broad academic foundation across a wide range of subjects, A Levels allow students to specialise in fewer subjects in greater depth. The skills developed at IGCSE—such as critical thinking, organisation and exam preparation—are built upon in the A-level course, where students work more independently, engaging with more complex concepts. This progression supports a smooth transition into Sixth Form and prepares students for future destinations, such as university. 

Both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) are internationally recognised qualifications, but they differ in structure and focus. Typically, the A-level curriculum allows students to specialise in three or four subjects, providing depth and prioritising areas of academic interest, which is ideal for those with clear career or university goals such as engineering or medicine.

The IB Diploma offers a broader curriculum, with more subjects and additional core requirements, suited to students who enjoy exploring a wider range of disciplines. Tailored guidance is provided to help families and students choose the pathway that best aligns with their strengths and aspirations.

Learn about our BiBac®️ offer and explore both pathways

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Discover how our A Levels in Pozuelo de Alarcón; Madrid, can prepare your child to excel at the university of their dreams.