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Students at an international school on the Costa del Sol

International Schools on the Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is home to over 20 prestigious international schools. British, American, German, French, Nordic, IB and Montessori education for all ages and budgets.

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Types of international schools

Different educational systems for different needs

British Schools

British curriculum (IGCSE, A-Levels)

Follow the UK education system. Ideal for British families or those seeking access to English-speaking universities.

Language: English (with Spanish as a subject)

American Schools

High School Diploma, AP Courses

American education system with internationally recognised diplomas.

Language: English (with Spanish)

German Schools

German Abitur

Official German curriculum. Perfect for German-speaking families.

Language: German and Spanish

Bilingual Schools

Spanish curriculum + immersion

Combine the Spanish system with a strong English component. A great option for local integration.

Language: Spanish and English 50/50

French Schools

Brevet, French Baccalauréat

Accredited French curriculum. Ideal for francophone families seeking educational continuity.

Language: French (with Spanish and English)

Nordic Schools (Swedish/Norwegian)

Official Swedish or Norwegian curricula

Follow the Scandinavian education system. Perfect for Nordic families who wish to maintain their national curriculum.

Language: Swedish or Norwegian (with Spanish and English)

International Baccalaureate (IB)

PYP, MYP and Diploma Programme (DP)

Globally recognised programme fostering critical thinking. Accepted by universities worldwide.

Language: English (with Spanish)

Montessori Schools

Montessori method (early years and primary)

Pedagogy based on self-directed, sensory learning. Ideal for early years with an individualised approach.

Language: English and Spanish

Featured schools

The 20 leading international schools on the Costa del Sol

British + IB3-18 years

Aloha College Marbella

Nueva Andalucía (Marbella)

  • IGCSE and A-Levels
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • Premium sports facilities
Approx. annual fee8.000 - 15.000€
aloha-college.com
British + IB3-18 years

Swans International School

Sierra Blanca (Marbella)

  • Small class sizes
  • Personalised attention
  • Exclusive location
Approx. annual fee9.000 - 16.000€
swansschoolinternational.es
British/Spanish1-18 years

Laude San Pedro International College

San Pedro Alcántara

  • Dual curriculum available
  • Elite sports programme
  • Modern facilities
Approx. annual fee7.000 - 13.000€
laudesanpedro.com
British3-18 years

The British International School of Marbella

Marbella

  • Full British curriculum
  • Excellent academic results
  • Wide extracurricular programme
Approx. annual fee6.500 - 12.000€
bsm.org.es
British3-18 years

English International College (EIC)

Marbella

  • IGCSE and A-Levels
  • Over 40 years of experience
  • Diverse international community
Approx. annual fee7.000 - 14.000€
eicmarbella.org
German3-18 years

Deutsche Schule Málaga

Ojén / La Mairena

  • Official German Abitur
  • Recognised in Germany
  • Privileged natural setting
Approx. annual fee5.000 - 8.000€
dsmalaga.com
French3-15 years

École Française Internationale de Marbella

Marbella

  • Accredited French Baccalauréat
  • Trilingual: French, Spanish, English
  • Small class sizes
Approx. annual fee6.000 - 10.000€
efimarbella.com
Montessori15 months - 6 years

Casa del Mar Montessori

Marbella

  • Certified Montessori method
  • Bilingual prepared environment
  • Individualised education
Approx. annual fee6.000 - 9.000€
casadelmarmontessori.org
Swedish6-16 years

Svenska Skolan Marbella

Nueva Andalucía (Marbella)

  • Official Swedish curriculum
  • Recognised by Skolverket
  • Integration with the Spanish system
Approx. annual fee5.000 - 8.000€
svenskaskolanmarbella.com
International (IB)3-18 years

Sotogrande International School

Sotogrande (Cádiz)

  • Full IB (PYP, MYP, DP)
  • Boarding available
  • 10-hectare campus
Approx. annual fee12.000 - 22.000€
sis.ac
International (IB)3-18 years

Colegio Internacional Torrequebrada

Benalmádena

  • Full IB: PYP, MYP and DP
  • Over 50 years of history
  • Excellent DP results
Approx. annual fee7.000 - 12.000€
colegiotorrequebrada.com
American3-18 years

Atlas American School of Málaga

Estepona

  • High School Diploma + AP Courses
  • American education system
  • Modern campus
Approx. annual fee8.000 - 14.000€
atlas-asm.es
Spanish + IB3-18 years

Atalaya Colegio Internacional

Estepona

  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • Spanish curriculum with English reinforcement
  • Wide sports programme
Approx. annual fee6.000 - 10.000€
colegioatalaya.es
British3-18 years

The Benalmádena International College

Benalmádena

  • Full British curriculum
  • Competitive fees
  • Family-friendly atmosphere
Approx. annual fee5.000 - 9.000€
benalmadenainternationalcollege.com
Norwegian6-16 years

Den Norske Skolen Málaga

Benalmádena

  • Official Norwegian curriculum
  • Recognised by the Norwegian government
  • Integration with the Spanish system
Approx. annual fee4.000 - 7.000€
dnsmalaga.com
Swedish6-16 years

Svenska Skolan Costa del Sol

Fuengirola

  • Full Swedish curriculum
  • Accredited by Skolverket
  • Active Scandinavian community
Approx. annual fee4.000 - 7.000€
skolan.es
British3-18 years

Mayfair International Academy

Estepona / San Pedro

  • British IGCSE and A-Level curriculum
  • Relatively new centre
  • Focus on educational technology
Approx. annual fee7.000 - 12.000€
mayfairschool.es
British bilingual3-18 years

Novaschool Sunland International

Cártama (Málaga)

  • Adapted British curriculum
  • Part of the Novaschool group
  • Competitive pricing
Approx. annual fee5.000 - 8.000€
sunland.novaschool.es
British (primary)2-11 years

Calpe School

San Pedro Alcántara

  • Specialised primary education
  • EYFS and Key Stage 1-2
  • Close-knit, family atmosphere
Approx. annual fee5.000 - 8.000€
calpeschool.com
British (primary)3-11 years

The International School Estepona

Estepona

  • British primary education
  • Small class sizes
  • Focus on creativity
Approx. annual fee5.000 - 9.000€
marbellaschool.com

Schools by area

Find schools near where you want to live

9

Marbella

British, German, French, Swedish, IB, Montessori

Highest concentration of premium schools

5

Estepona / San Pedro

British, American, IB

Growing area with new centres

3

Benalmádena

British, Norwegian, IB

Varied and accessible options

2

Fuengirola / Mijas

Swedish, Bilingual

Established Scandinavian community

3

Málaga / Sotogrande

IB, British, Bilingual

Access to boarding and university

Ideal properties for families

Homes near the best international schools

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Guide to choosing an international school

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions for families moving to the Costa del Sol. Here are some tips to help you get it right.

Factors to consider

  • Curriculum: Are you planning to return to your home country or stay in Spain? The curriculum should be compatible with your future plans.
  • Languages: Do you want your children to learn Spanish? Some schools offer more immersion than others.
  • Location: The daily commute matters. Look for a school near where you plan to live.
  • Budget: Prices vary enormously. There are quality options across all price ranges.
  • Extracurricular activities: Sports, music, theatre... each school has its own focus.

Admission process

Most international schools have waiting lists, especially for entry years (age 3, age 11). We recommend starting the admission process at least 6-12 months in advance, especially for the most sought-after schools.

Our advice

Visit several schools before making a decision. Most offer open days and personalised tours. The atmosphere, facilities and educational philosophy are best experienced in person.

Frequently asked questions about international schools

Answers to the most common questions from families

How much does an international school on the Costa del Sol cost?

Prices vary depending on the school and level. Annual fees range from €5,000 for bilingual centres to up to €22,000 for boarding schools such as Sotogrande International School. Most British schools charge between €8,000 and €15,000 per year.

At what age can a child be enrolled?

Most international schools accept pupils from the age of 3. Some Montessori centres take children from 15 months. For secondary school, the entry age is usually 11-12 in the British system and 12-13 for the IB.

What is the difference between the British curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB)?

The British curriculum follows the IGCSE (ages 14-16) and A-Level (ages 16-18) system, with early specialisation. The IB offers the Diploma Programme (ages 16-18) with a broader approach: 6 subjects, Theory of Knowledge, an extended essay and CAS. Both are accepted by universities worldwide.

Are there international boarding schools on the Costa del Sol?

Yes, Sotogrande International School offers a full boarding programme for secondary students. It is the only school in the area with this option, featuring a 10-hectare campus and students from over 40 nationalities.

What language is used for teaching at international schools?

It depends on the type of school. British and American schools teach in English with Spanish as a subject. German schools teach in German and Spanish. French schools in French with English and Spanish. Nordic schools in Swedish or Norwegian. Most offer trilingual programmes.

What is the admissions process at an international school?

It generally involves an online application, a school visit, a student assessment (level test and/or interview) and confirmation of a place with registration. The most popular schools have waiting lists, so it is advisable to start the process 6-12 months in advance.

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