Family environment

A Family and International School

At El Centro Inglés, we have been a family-oriented school since our beginnings, and this spirit is one of the values that best defines us as a leading international school (as recognised by major educational rankings such as El Mundo, Forbes, MiCole and our inclusion among the Best Schools in Spain). Our goal is for every pupil to feel that the school is a second home — a safe, welcoming environment in which to grow, learn and fully develop, supported by their family and a committed educational team.

We foster in our pupils a strong sense of belonging to the ECI community, made up of pupils, families and staff, promoting values such as respect, closeness, responsibility and commitment. This approach supports both emotional wellbeing and outstanding academic results, achieved through a personalised and well-rounded education.

This model is further developed through our Identity Project, a programme that strengthens the bond between school and families through a range of institutional activities and shared experiences, designed to complement the Educational Project of El Centro Inglés. Family-based activities enhance relationships within the school community and encourage active parental involvement in school life.

Thanks to this close and human-centred approach, El Centro Inglés consolidates an international educational model based on trust, collaboration with families and academic excellence, creating an environment where pupils feel supported, valued and prepared for the future.

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EFR Model: Work–Life Balance, Values-Based Education and Sustainability

To reinforce this commitment, El Centro Inglés has adopted the EFR Model (Family-Responsible Organisation), a management system that promotes balance between personal, family and professional life for staff, pupils and their families.

This model encourages key values in our pupils, such as social responsibility, ethical leadership, innovation and respect for the environment, preparing them to contribute to a more humane, sustainable and forward-thinking society. It also promotes practices that generate a positive impact on both the community and the environment, in line with our international educational vision.

The EFR Model, developed by the Másfamilia Foundation, is endorsed by the Spanish Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare and recognised by the United Nations as a Good Practice for its work in promoting work–life balance.

EFR Certification: A Benchmark in Work–Life Balance

In November 2020, El Centro Inglés successfully passed an external audit, with the active participation of staff, pupils and families, achieving certification as a Family-Responsible Organisation (EFR) in Category B — a proactive organisation committed to work–life balance.

This recognition positions us as a leading educational institution at national level in this area, alongside other prestigious organisations.🔗 More information: https://www.masfamilia.org/entidades-efr/

We continue to move forward with pride and commitment, working together — school, staff and families — to achieve the best balance between school life and family life, and to strengthen the wellbeing and holistic development of the entire ECI Community.https://www.masfamilia.org/entidades-efr/

Families and the Educational Community at El Centro Inglés

At El Centro Inglés, a leading international school recognised in educational rankings, families are an essential part of our educational community. From the very beginning, we have fostered a close, participatory and ongoing relationship with parents, involving them in school life through numerous events, celebrations and family activities.

We also celebrate our Welsh heritage, linked to the school’s origins, through the Eisteddfod, an emblematic event featuring sports and cultural competitions in which both pupils and families participate, strengthening the sense of belonging and ECI community spirit.

Active Family Participation

Family participation in the daily life of the school is highly valued. Parents collaborate in activities such as storytelling sessions, professional talks, musical events, as well as in the preparation of Christmas celebrations and sports exhibitions, enriching the pupils’ educational experience and strengthening the connection between home and school.

One of the most representative moments of this relationship is Family Day, a special event designed to strengthen the bond between families and the school in a festive atmosphere, with performances, recreational activities, bouncy castles and events where families take centre stage.

In addition, we organise significant local events such as the Coleci Cup, a padel tournament that brings together the ECI community and promotes values of coexistence, sport and teamwork.

Communication, Values and Support for Families

Families at El Centro Inglés fully share the school’s Mission, Vision and Values, actively participating through various forums and communication channels where they can share suggestions, opinions and ideas for improvement. We firmly believe that open and fluent communication with families is key to developing each pupil’s full academic and personal potential.

For this reason, we offer a wide range of communication tools and opportunities, including:

Regular meetings with families
Individual face-to-face tutorials
Family–tutor workshops and forums
Digital school diary and information circulars
Dedicated digital platforms such as ECINET, designed for effective and ongoing communication

This support is maintained from Early Years through to Sixth Form, with an extended schedule — from Morning Care starting at 8:00 am to the end of the school day at 5:15 pm — helping families achieve a better work–life balance while promoting values such as respect, generosity, freedom and honesty.