International schools on the Costa del Sol – admissions and relocation guide
Choosing an international school on the Costa del Sol is a practical first step when relocating with children. Start with your child's year group, language skills and previous curriculum, then contact schools about admissions and availability. Plan school applications alongside visits, your moving date and the search for a home.
International schools in Marbella and Nueva Andalucía
Aloha College Marbella
In Nueva Andalucía, Aloha College offers a British international pathway including IGCSEs and sixth-form options such as the IB Diploma and international A Levels. Ask admissions to confirm the appropriate year group, assessment process and current application window.
Swans International School
Swans is an established international school in Marbella with British-oriented education and international qualification pathways. Confirm which campus serves your child's age, the relevant programme and language support.
The English International College
The English International College in eastern Marbella follows a British educational approach. Its location may suit families exploring Elviria, El Rosario and nearby residential communities. Test the school journey at the times you would actually travel.
International schools in San Pedro and Estepona
Laude San Pedro International College
Based in San Pedro Alcántara, Laude is an option for families considering western Marbella, San Pedro, Benahavís and Estepona. Compare the language and qualification pathways with your child's existing studies and future plans.
Atlas American School – Estepona
Atlas American School offers an American-oriented international education in Estepona. Families seeking an American pathway should confirm current grades, accreditation, graduation requirements and admissions directly with the school.
International schools near Fuengirola, Mijas and Sotogrande
St Anthony's College – Mijas Costa
St Anthony's College is a longstanding school in Mijas Costa with British and Spanish educational elements. It is relevant for families comparing homes around Fuengirola and Mijas. Ask which pathway applies to your child's year group.
Sotogrande International School
Sotogrande International School offers IB-focused education west of Estepona, with boarding options. Families considering Sotogrande or Manilva should compare the relevant programme and daily journey.
More international schools in Benalmádena and Marbella
The British College of Benalmádena – Torremuelle
The British College combines the British curriculum with key elements of the Spanish education system. Its Torremuelle location may suit families comparing Benalmádena and Fuengirola. Ask how English and Spanish teaching are organised in the relevant year group.
The Benalmádena International College
The BIC offers a British curriculum from Nursery through Sixth Form, complemented by elements of the Spanish curriculum. Confirm year placement, language support and how the child's existing studies transfer.
Colegio Internacional Torrequebrada – Benalmádena
Colegio Internacional Torrequebrada is a private bilingual school offering IB programmes. British and Spanish curricular elements differ by stage; ask the school to explain the exact pathway and language balance for your child's age.
The British International School of Marbella
BISM offers education predominantly in English, based on a British curriculum leading towards GCSE and A Level qualifications. Ask about entry assessments, available places and preparation for examination years before arranging a move.
Private Spanish and bilingual schools on the Costa del Sol
Private and international are overlapping descriptions: many international schools are privately funded, while other private schools follow the Spanish system with bilingual teaching or international programmes. Compare the actual curriculum and qualifications rather than relying on the label.
Colegio Salliver – Fuengirola
Colegio Salliver is a private school in Fuengirola offering Spanish educational stages from Infantil to Bachillerato, with a focus on languages. Ask which subjects are taught in each language, how newcomers are supported in Spanish and which campus your child would attend.
Colegio Alborán – eastern Marbella
Colegio Alborán describes Spanish-English bilingual teaching in Infant, Primary and ESO, with the language balance changing between stages. Request details for your child's year and ask how the transition from another curriculum would work.
Colegio San José – Estepona and Guadalmina
Colegio San José is a private bilingual school with provision in Estepona and Guadalmina. It combines Spanish educational stages with IB programmes. Confirm the campus, programme and admissions requirements for the relevant age, then test the journey from your preferred neighbourhood.
Questions to ask before choosing a private school
Request the curriculum, teaching languages by subject, learning and language support, and the qualification awarded. Compare application and registration fees, tuition, transport, meals and activities as well as cancellation terms. This selection is a starting point for research, not a ranking or a guarantee of admission.
How to apply to an international school on the Costa del Sol
- Define your intended entry date and shortlist schools by curriculum, age and language. Ask about places before committing to a location.
- Request the school's current application checklist. It may include previous school reports, identity documents, references or translations; requirements vary.
- Arrange visits, interviews or assessments where requested. Discuss learning support and language needs early so the school can explain its provision.
- Compare all fees and terms. Ask about application and registration fees, tuition, meals, transport, activities and cancellation or refund conditions.
- Review any offer carefully and obtain written confirmation of the place, year group and start date. An enquiry or application does not guarantee admission.
- Coordinate the handover from the current school, records and induction arrangements with the confirmed start.
Application calendars differ. Contact shortlisted schools well ahead of the intended start and ask about the specific intake. Do not assume that every school accepts applications or new starters throughout the year.
Plan the family move around school and home
Build your timeline backwards from the agreed school start. Allow time for admissions, visits, documents, housing and the practical move. Keep a backup plan while offers are pending and discuss how the child will settle into a new language and social setting.
Visit neighbourhoods at school-run times. A short distance on a map can mean a longer daily trip, especially when siblings attend different campuses. Consider after-school activities, workspaces, local services and transport as well as the property itself.
Swedish and Spanish school alternatives
Swedish-language options include Svenska Skolan Costa del Sol in Fuengirola, Svenska Skolan Marbella and Swedish International School in Estepona. Fuengirola has provision from preschool through upper secondary level. Marbella and Estepona describe primary provision and supported distance-learning arrangements for older pupils. Confirm the specific teaching format, recognition and admissions for each year group.
Spanish schools are another route for families seeking local integration. Ask the school or relevant education authority about the application process, documents, address requirements and language support for your circumstances.
Find a Costa del Sol home that supports family life
Homenetspain helps families compare new developments and resale properties across the Costa del Sol, taking school journeys, budgets, amenities and lifestyle into account. Schools confirm admissions and educational suitability; we help you explore the home and neighbourhood around your plans.
Planning a family move to southern Spain? Contact Homenetspain to explore areas and properties that suit your family.
