Spain, Cadiz
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ADMISSIONS CONSTRUCTING THE PATH TOGETHER
1. Information request. You can access information online by using the Information button and completing the questionnaire, or download the application form from Matriculación if you are ready to enroll. You may also request information in person at the Centre or by calling 956 850 560. After requesting information, you will receive the information bulletin by email, and the Family Services (SAF) will contact you to arrange a guided visit. This step does not commit you to enrollment.
2. Visit to the Centre. During the visit you will have the opportunity to see the Centre's Educational Project in action and to raise any questions. You will learn about the Centre's lifelong learning philosophy, programmes, services and facilities. You can meet teachers and current students and discuss your child's needs with staff. The SAF will coordinate scheduling and provide information about what you can expect during your visit.
3. Admissions phase. In this phase there will be an interview of the family and the student with the Sub-Director of the stage. The interview takes into account the interview results and the current and previous year's grades. Based on these factors, the Centre will decide on admission. The outcome is communicated to the family with next steps.
4. Enrollment formalization. Once admission is communicated to the family, you will be asked to confirm enrollment and to submit the remaining completed documentation. The Centre will provide the enrollment forms and detail the required documents and fees. Enrollment is processed after documents are received and verified, and you will receive further information about start dates and any preparatory steps.
5. Preparation test. Students entering Year 3 (2nd of Primary) who have been admitted will take a preparation test in May or June. The test covers language, mathematics, English and a test from the Orientation Department and is designed to establish readiness for the assigned stage or level. Tests are scheduled for admitted students; results are communicated and a summer task is issued before joining. This testing helps ensure a smooth transition to the new grade.
6. Does requesting information commit you to anything? Requesting information commits you to nothing; the final admission decision is made only after the information process has concluded.
7. Is there an entrance test? The Year 3+ admission process includes the preparation test described above; no additional entrance test is ordinarily required beyond this preparation assessment.
8. Prices. After you have requested information about the Centre, the tariffs are sent to you.
9. Discounts. There are sibling discounts: for three siblings, 40% is discounted on the youngest of the three; for four siblings, 95% discount on the youngest; for five or more siblings, 100% discount on the youngest and 35% on the next. There are also discounts on transport and on after‑school activities; consult the Secretariat for details.
10. Mandatory services. The mandatory services are tuition and dining. Other services such as buses, morning care, and after‑school activities are optional and billed only if requested in writing via ECINET.
11. Age to enroll. Our educational provision covers ages 2 to 18.
12. ECINET. ECINET is a families' portal that provides access with family credentials to contact the Centre and the tutor, request bus changes, request meals for the student, and request tutoring.
13. Curriculum. We follow the official Spanish curriculum with our own international extension. We have created an International Curriculum featuring English‑taught subjects and activities that complement students' education. Early Years is British; Junior School and Senior School are governed by Cambridge, which endorses our International Curriculum.
14. What is the International Curriculum? It is a framework of English‑language subjects and activities (e.g., Topic, Assembly, PE) designed to complement the standard curriculum and promote an active, creative, collaborative learning approach.
15. Extracurricular activities. A wide range of sports, music, language and robotics activities are offered. Details can be found in the Admissions area under the Catalog of Extracurricular Schools.
16. English hours by stage. English instruction is tailored by stage, with higher English exposure in Early Years and Primary, and continuing to Secondary.
17. When do second and third languages begin? German begins from age 4; Chinese culture begins from age 4; French begins from age 2. In secondary, students select between the two languages offered.
18. Is toilet training a prerequisite to enroll? Toilet training is not a prerequisite; auxiliaries attend to the needs of younger students.
19. What is an Intern? An Intern is a native assistant who supports each teacher across Early Years, Stage 2 and Stage 3 (Junior School).
20. Uniform. Uniforms are available for purchase at the Centre's uniform shop.
21. Kitchen facilities. The Centre has its own kitchen; meals are prepared in-house by Sodexo, with menus planned by Sodexo nutritionists.
22. Is dining mandatory? Yes, dining is mandatory for all students.
23. Adapted menus. There are dietary options for gluten-free, lactose-free, and other dietary needs, and menus are viewable in ECINET.
24. Swimming lessons. Swimming is taught in all courses from age 3 starting in May; students may choose swimming or other aquatic activities as an after‑school option.
LMR Scholarship (Becas Linda Mary Randell) for Bachillerato at ECI
Linda Mary Randell Scholarships for Bachillerato at ECI were established in the 2019‑2020 academic year by the Randell family to honour the founder's memory. Two scholarships are offered each year, one internal and one external, to reward and enable participation in the ECI educational project for students with an outstanding academic record and who demonstrate alignment with ECI values and the profile of an ECI student. The scholarships are targeted to students from two local catchment groups:
• One scholarship for students from Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Chipiona and Rota.
• One scholarship for students from Cádiz, Puerto Real, San Fernando, Conil and Chiclana.
The LMR Scholarship includes the following at no cost:
1) Enrollment and place reservation
2) Tuition
3) Dining services and school transport
4) Textbooks
Candidates are evaluated on:
1) An excellent academic record (academic results account for 45% of the decision)
2) A personal CV aligned with ECI values, including volunteering, participation, awards in projects and competitions, and demonstrated successes in music, sport, sciences and the arts; candidates must provide a first letter of recommendation and a second motivation letter (the combined weight is 50%)
3) A minimum English level of B2 is required (C1 preferred)
4) Open, inquisitive and innovative mindset
5) Leadership and active membership in a student club
If you would like to apply for the LMR Scholarship, you can download the Basis (Bases) from the site. For any inquiries, contact the Centre at 956 850 560 or info@elcentroingles.es.
The English Centre in Spain is a private, independent, multilingual, non-denominational, co-educational school serving ages 2 to 18. It operates as a Cambridge International School, delivering The International Curriculum from Early Years to Cambridge Secondary, with a bespoke curriculum and a British framework. The programme includes Cross-Cultural Activities, pedagogical innovation, and teacher development, taught in English with 21st-century pedagogy and technology. Early Years education is active learning in an English environment, based on the Seeds for Life project (extension of the IC for EY). In Primary, Literacy and Topics are emphasised, supported by a Classroom Language Assistant; Secondary uses Project Based Learning and provides access to external exams and exchanges. The campus offers themed classrooms and outdoor spaces, plus Looking to the Future spaces for debates, robotics, and reading. Extracurriculars include Robotics, Music, and German language study. Since 1969, the school has offered opportunities such as Model European Parliament globally.