On Monday evening, a large fire broke out in the municipality of Tres Cantos (Madrid), rapidly reaching the grounds of the prestigious British educational institution King’s College, located in the Soto de Viñuelas area. Preliminary reports indicate that some of the school’s buildings and infrastructure were damaged, but the full extent of the destruction has yet to be determined.
King’s College is considered one of the leading British schools in Spain and welcomes students from around the world. At the time of the incident, there were no students on campus—the school year had ended, and the summer holidays helped prevent any casualties. No animals were present in the stables either.
Alumni and former staff stayed in touch through messaging apps throughout the night, sharing updates and expressing concern for the school and their loved ones living in the Soto de Viñuelas area. Many noted that King’s College was not just a place of learning, but a part of their personal history and a symbol of the international community in Tres Cantos.
One former student, who has lived in Spain since the late 1980s, said she watched the situation unfold with double concern: for her friends’ homes and for the school where she spent her childhood and teenage years. According to her, video footage shows that the main buildings survived, but the stables, entrance area, and fields adjacent to the campus were affected.
Another alumna, while returning home through the Tres Cantos industrial zone, noticed a dense column of smoke and rapidly spreading flames. She immediately warned her parents, who live in Soto de Viñuelas, and helped them evacuate. The family spent the night in a safe location, and later the police organized the relocation of residents to a more secure area.
Throughout the day, graduates exchanged photos and messages as they tried to assess the damage. According to their reports, the fire affected the boarding school grounds and sports facilities. Many former students note that the school became a second home for them, and its loss feels like a personal tragedy.
King’s College was founded in 1969 by Sir Roger Fry and was originally located in the Chamartín district of Madrid. In 1978, the institution moved to Soto de Viñuelas, where modern buildings, sports facilities, and a dormitory for international students were established on a 12-hectare campus. In 2011, the Tenbury House residence opened, designed for 60-70 students, offering comfortable living conditions along with study and recreation areas.
Today, King’s College educates more than 1,600 children and adolescents, ranging from 20 months to 18 years of age. The school follows the British curriculum, prepares students for international exams, and collaborates with leading universities worldwide. The institution is part of the King’s Group global educational network, which is affiliated with Inspired.
The fire in Tres Cantos has become a serious ordeal for the entire school community and local residents. Authorities are continuing to assess the aftermath of the incident, while graduates and staff hope that a significant part of the infrastructure will be restored and the school will resume its operations.
