From application to a place
The process is the same for all five sports and both routes. It starts with a conversation, not a long form: first we need to know whether there is a fit.
The admissions process
- 1
You get in touch
What you do
You complete the form with the athlete's sport and age.
What we do · Admissions
We reply within 24 hours.
- 2
You talk to admissions
What you do
The family and the athlete tell us about the case in a conversation.
What we do · Admissions
We look at three things: sporting level, academic situation and fit with the model. It is not an entrance exam; it is understanding the case.
- 3
You show us your level
What you do
You send us competition results, rankings, videos or references. Depending on the case, you come to an in-person trial.
What we do · Technical direction of the sport
There is no fixed minimum level: the sport's technical direction assesses whether you fit a high-performance programme, and your specific programme comes out of this, with the training volume, goals and services.
- 4
You receive the offer and decide
What you do
You receive the offer of a place with the proposed level and its exact amount, plus any extras you choose. To confirm it, you reserve the place or make the first payment, as the offer says.
What we do · Admissions
We answer your questions before you decide. The published amount is the starting price; the one in the offer is the exact one.
- 5
You sign; we handle the rest
What you do
You sign. You do not chase the paperwork.
What we do · ESS
We handle enrolment at the academic centre, the accreditation of the academic record and, if needed, the visa documentation, and we make the bookings with the club or training centre, the residence and the other providers.
Documents and requirements
Age and route
From 14 to 24, in two stages. School (14 to 17): a school in Madrid and legal guardianship if you do not live with your family. University (18 to 24): university or a gap year. These are not the same programme with minor differences.
Academic record
The years you have already completed, to establish your entry level and what needs accrediting. ESS handles accreditation with a provider specialising in academic recognition.
Sporting background
It depends on the sport and its technical direction's criteria, and is specified during the process. Typically: where you train today and with what volume, a sporting CV, ranking or competition history and, when needed, videos or an assessment session.
Personal documentation
To open the process: passport or identity document, basic personal details and, if an academic programme is contracted, the school record. Additional documents may be requested later depending on the chosen academic centre, your nationality and whether a visa or academic recognition is involved.
Medical clearance
It is not a mandatory admission requirement. The initial medical and physical assessment is part of the high-performance extra, if you take it: it establishes your baseline and helps adjust the training load.
The academic year calendar
When applications open
WhenFrom September
Admissions for the following year open every September, and the process stays open throughout the year, subject to availability and to the deadlines of each academic, sports and residential centre. Applications to join during the current year are also considered when the programme allows it. We recommend that international families start as early as possible: visas and academic recognition have their own timelines, which do not depend on us.
Places close
WhenNo single deadline
There is no single closing date. Each programme depends on its own capacity and on the enrolment deadlines of the centres it works with, so places may remain available during the year. Admissions confirms the situation of the programme you are interested in at any given time. International students also need to allow for the visa process, which is usually what sets the real deadline.
Paperwork
WhenAfter enrolment
Between enrolment and the start of the course come academic accreditation and, if needed, the visa. ESS handles both with specialist firms, and both depend on timelines ESS does not control.
Course starts
WhenSeptember, or January and February
The main academic year starts in September, following the Spanish academic calendar, and arrival at the residence is organised in the preceding days. Some programmes accept entry in January or February, and depending on the sport and availability students may join at other times.
Common questions
For anything else, write to us and we will set up a call: we review the sporting and academic profile and propose the exact option.
info@ess.school · Ignacio Tellechea · Vicente Pérez · Markel Olabe — ESS Admissions
Let's talk about your case
We'll reply within 24 hours with all the information you need.