Piso
Luxury Sky Villas at Korall Residences | El Higueron, Fuengirola
Location:Fuengirola
Bedrooms:3Bathrooms:2Area:137m²
915.000 €
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.
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
Piso
Astra Homes Fuengirola | Luxury Apartments with Sky Infinity Pool
Location:Fuengirola
Bedrooms:3Bathrooms:2Area:104m²
395.000 €
Chalet Adosado
Luxury Sky Villas at The KOS | Higueron, Fuengirola
Location:Fuengirola
Bedrooms:3Bathrooms:2Area:173m²
1.120.000 €
PisoAlquiler Permanente
Apartment in Torremuelle with Rent-to-Buy Option | Sea Views
Location:Benalmádena
Bedrooms:3Bathrooms:2Area:150m²
2000 €
Dúplex
Luxury Duplex Penthouse in Fuengirola with Sea Views
Location:Fuengirola
Bedrooms:3Bathrooms:3Area:180m²
550.000 €
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.
Looking for a home near a school?
Tell us which school your children will attend and we'll show you the best properties in the area