At The English Montessori School (TEMS), our university preparation programme is designed around every individual student.

In this post, you’ll discover how we personalise every step of the journey to help students get ready for uni—from initial self-assessment and parental consultations, through tailored study-skill workshops and mock-exam reflections, to in-depth research on the three Pre-University pathways (IBDP, A Levels and Spanish Bachillerato) and the year-by-year support structure offered to each student.

Finally, you’ll learn why TEMS in Madrid stands out as the ideal place to get ready for uni, with dedicated mentors, parent partnerships and unique opportunities in Spain’s vibrant capital city.

Personalised pathway planning

Each student’s journey is treated as a unique story at TEMS. Throughout Years 11 to 13, students complete several activities—personality quizzes, skills surveys and career-interest questionnaires—scheduled at key points to offer genuine insight. After every round, the Head of Sixth Form, alongside other teachers, meet with students and parents in an informal, supportive setting to explore findings, address any concerns and agree on clear, achievable goals.

Our teachers stay closely involved—providing one-to-one check-ins, practical advice and encouragement during subject-choice workshops and strengths reviews. By the end of each term, every student receives a bespoke roadmap of subjects, projects and extracurricular activities, carefully selected to match their talents, passions and ambitions.

This cycle of reflection, mentorship and collaborative planning ensures students always feel understood, confident and fully prepared to get ready for uni in a way that’s true to who they are.

Three routes to success

TEMS offers three rigorous Pre-University programmes, each crafted to support the student’s long-term goals and help them apply to the university of their choice, whether that is in Spain or abroad:

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP):
    A balanced curriculum of six subjects, Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), complemented by Creativity, Action, Service (CAS). The IBDP’s breadth and research emphasis foster critical thinking—the bedrock of effective university preparation. 
  • A Levels:
    Specialise intensely in three or four subjects, supported by small-group tutorials and mock exams. Frequent mentoring ensures students play to their strengths and address any gaps, perfectly positioning them to get ready for uni courses requiring depth of knowledge. 
  • Spanish Bachillerato:
    Ideal for those aiming at Spanish universities, this pathway combines rigorous assessments with exam preparation, ensuring linguistic proficiency and subject mastery. 

Each route is underpinned by ongoing reviews: mock exam reflections in January, bespoke study-skills workshops in December and April, and regular progress reports shared with parents—guaranteeing our university preparation is both dynamic and transparent.

Building skills beyond the classroom 

While academic rigour is vital, universities also seek well-rounded applicants. That’s why, alongside core studies, we integrate Enrichment Wednesdays, CAS and EPQ projects throughout secondary.

These initiatives—robotics clubs, community service, independent research—help students develop leadership, resilience and time-management skills that are essential for higher education. By interweaving extracurriculars with academic planning, TEMS ensures our pupils truly get ready for uni, not just in knowledge but in character

We also maintain strong links with external speakers and university representatives—past visitors have included academics from prestigious institutions such as Cambridge University. In addition, we offer students access to renowned summer programmes like the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF), where we’ve proudly sent two students each year to take part in this globally respected STEM experience.

Year-by-Year support structure

Our comprehensive calendar sets clear milestones for university preparation and begins in Year 11, even before students have sat their IGCSE exams. The following is just an example of what to expect as students begin their journey towards university and beyond.

Year 11 (Sep–Jun)

  • September–October: Personality and skills assessments via Unifrog; parent-mentor meetings.
  • November: Strengths and interests workshops; quiz-driven career profiling.
  • December: Study-skills seminars prepare pupils for January mock exams.
  • January: Mock exams mirror summer IGCSEs; intensive reflection sessions follow.
  • May–June: Final IGCSE exams; post-exam taster activities in Bachillerato, A Level and IBDP.

Year 12 (Sep–Jul)

  • September: Transition to A Level mindset—depth of thought, effective use of free periods.
  • October–November: Subject-specific research on Unifrog; updated personality quizzes.
  • December: Study-skills masterclasses for January mocks.
  • January: Mock exams and reflective reviews; parents attend feedback meetings.
  • February–March: In-depth university and career research; summer programme applications.
  • April: Study-skills refresh; AS exam preparation begins.
  • May–June: AS exams; workshops on personal statements and super-curricular activities.
  • July–August: Summer programmes and broader thinking sessions to get ready for uni. 

Year 13 (Sep–Aug)

  • September: AS results consultations; final pathway confirmations, including PCE options for Spanish applicants.
  • October: Information sessions on global university applications and early deadlines.
  • November–December: Personal statement, reference and essay-question workshops.
  • January: Mock exams and study-skills tune-ups ahead of A Levels, IBDP or Bachillerato finals.
  • February–April: Spanish applications open; predicted grades prepared.
  • May–June: A Level/Bachillerato/IBDP exams.
  • July–August: Rest, results day support and final admissions guidance.

Why choose TEMS as the place to get ready for uni? 

Choosing TEMS means joining a community where the needs of every individual matters. From the outset, we work closely with students and parents to understand their personality, academic strengths and areas for growth.

This collaborative approach ensures that every decision—whether it’s selecting subjects in Year 11, refining interests in Year 12 or crafting personal statements in Year 13—is informed by a deep knowledge of who you are and where you want to go.

Our dedicated teachers meet regularly with families, sharing progress reports and celebrating milestones together. This partnership not only keeps everyone aligned on targets but also empowers students to take ownership of their learning. It fosters a sense of confidence and accountability that is invaluable when you get ready for uni.

Beyond our personalised ethos, TEMS offers access to three distinct pathways—IBDP, A Levels and Spanish Bachillerato—each backed by expert teaching and tailored resources. Our location in Spain’s dynamic capital, and at the dedicated Pre-University Centre – Nexus Navigator– adds another layer of opportunity.

In short, at TEMS we don’t just prepare you for exams; we prepare you for life. By combining bespoke mentoring, parental partnership and world-class pathways, we ensure that when it’s time to step onto campus, you’re ready to thrive.