IES do Castro

"IES do Castro is a public secondary school located in Vigo, Spain, offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme as part of its academic offering."

Situated in one of Galicia's most dynamic and internationally connected cities, the school represents an accessible entry point into rigorous, globally recognised education within Spain's state school system — a combination that sets it apart in a region where private international schooling has historically dominated the IB landscape. Vigo itself is a vibrant Atlantic port city in the autonomous community of Galicia, known for its strong industrial and maritime heritage, its proximity to Portugal, and its growing profile as a hub for multinational business and technology. Families relocating to the area — whether for careers in the automotive, fishing, or tech sectors — will find IES do Castro's location within this urban setting to be a practical and well-connected choice for their secondary-age children. The school's IB journey began in 2008, when it became an authorised World School for the Diploma Programme. This milestone reflected a broader commitment within the Galician education system to provide students with internationally benchmarked qualifications that open doors to universities across Europe and beyond. The Diploma Programme, delivered to students typically aged 16 to 19, is one of the most respected pre-university curricula in the world, combining a broad academic curriculum with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, independent research, and intercultural understanding. Students pursuing the full diploma engage with subjects across six academic groups, alongside the programme's distinctive core components: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service. As a publicly funded institution, IES do Castro offers the IB Diploma Programme within the Spanish state system, making it a particularly compelling option for families who value the rigour and international portability of an IB qualification without the fees typically associated with private international schools. This model also means that students study alongside local Spanish and Galician peers, providing an authentic immersion in the culture and language of the region — something many expat families actively seek when settling abroad. Instruction at IES do Castro takes place primarily in Spanish and Galician, reflecting the bilingual character of everyday life in Galicia, where both languages hold co-official status. Families should be aware of this linguistic environment when considering the school, as students will need to engage meaningfully with both languages. At the same time, the IB framework brings an international dimension to the academic experience that can support students in maintaining a global outlook throughout their studies. For expatriate families and relocating professionals evaluating secondary schooling options in Vigo, IES do Castro offers a distinctive proposition: a publicly funded school with a genuinely international academic programme, rooted in a rich and culturally distinctive region of Spain. More information about the school's programmes and admissions process can be found through the school's official website, which provides further guidance for prospective families navigating the enrolment process.