International Schools Marbella & Costa del Sol

As one of the most popular places for foreign residents to flock in Spain, besides the obvious attractions of beautiful beaches, scenery and a unique microclimate – Marbella is a magnet for internationally-minded individuals, families and professionals. With a new high, the resident population has surpassed 150,000 citizens, comprising no less than 140 nationalities.

Accordingly, Marbella is known for its excellent international schools, many offering a world-class bilingual or tri-lingual education for children from pre-nursery school age at 2-3 years old all the way up to university-ready 18 years.  From well-established schools with a 40 or 50-year history to back them to newer establishments servicing the needs of the growing community families will find a selection of fine private schools in many areas of the coast – with a high concentration in Marbella.

Owing to increasing demand, and a finite number of places, if you are considering a move to Marbella, we highly recommend you research the best school for your children and sign them up to the school’s waiting lists. Offering Spanish and British curricula, and examinations in ESO, GCSE, A ‘Levels and IB (International Baccalaureate)  you may wish to take the long view as to the best schooling for your children depending on their future career and University choices.  Some schools are academically stronger than others, most have excellent facilities, well-qualified and caring staff and a positive, inspiring, family-minded environment in which to learn.

Such is the importance of schooling, that your choice of the area in which you buy or rent a property may be coloured by your children’s schooling. While some have a school bus service, for many parents in Marbella, it’s the twice daily school run.

Check out our recommendations:

1. Swans International School
2. Aloha Collega
3. British International School
4. Colegio Alborán
5. Colegio Atalaya
6. Sotogrande International School
7. St. George’s School
8. English International College
9. Laude San Pedro
10. Colegio Alemán
11. Svenskolan Marbella
12. Ecole Française Internationale de Marbella
13. Colegio San José
14. Colegio La Latina
15. Colegio Bilingüe Las Chapas ECOS
16. Colegio Internacional Torrequebrada

 

Swans International School, Marbella

Established in 1971, Swans is a highly respected international school offering a dynamic, bilingual education, preparing children not just academically but equipping them with the social and communication skills necessary to integrate into today’s globally minded world. With a separate primary school in the centre of Marbella housing approximately 350 pupils, and a large secondary school complete with an indoor swimming pool and grounds for sports, the secondary school has a capacity for some 600 students all enjoying the international IGCSE, ESO & IB curriculums. The school’s motto of Nil sine labore… nothing without work… is backed up by the school’s excellent academic record. Swans talented and loyal teaching staff is known for developing the potential of high achieving students – with 30% gaining more than 35 points at IB, and many being awarded places at the most prestigious Universities in the world. Strong in sports  – the school competes in local football, athletics and swimming tournaments, as well as nurturing a competent debating society. Swans students enjoy many creative pursuits, and a wide range of extra-curricular activities including, music, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme along with celebrations of World Peace Day and International Book Day.

Swans International School, Nagüeles, Marbella,
Tel: +34 952 773 248
www.swansschoolinternational.es

 

Aloha College, Marbella

Run as a non-profit, educational trust, Aloha College has been a staple among Marbella’s international schools for more than 40 years. Offering a bilingual education within the English national curriculum framework leading to both Spanish and English academic qualifications. With 875 students of 60 nationalities, Aloha is truly international in spirit.

Managed by the board of trustees and governors, the relationship between management, families and staff is strengthened. With some 30,000 m2 of grounds and well-equipped buildings, Aloha’s excellent facilities include an outdoor pool, FIFA approved pitch, large multipurpose sports hall and theatre.  Fostering the values of care, respect, effort, honesty and resilience, the school prides itself on creating a happy environment in which to learn.

Aloha College, Nueva Andalucía Marbella.
Tel: +34 952 814 133
www.aloha-college.com

 

British International School of Marbella, Marbella

A relative newcomer to the international schools in the area, the BISM has quickly established itself, investing in a full, purpose-built campus in 2020.  Offering a British international education with a global outlook for 3 to18-year olds, the B.I.S. Marbella forms part of a global network of schools, the British Schools Foundation. A non-profit organization operating schools in Europe, Asia and South America, the group has a proven track record of academic excellence.  The network’s examination results at GCSE and A ‘Level afford students entry to top international universities.  The school aims to give the pupils a strong academic education while motivating students to explore their intellectual and physical abilities to the maximum while providing a vibrant, happy and secure environment.  The facilities include a library, indoor swimming pool, auditorium, art studio and a music school.

British International School of Marbella, Marbella
Tel: +34 952 779 264
www.bsm.org.es

 

Colegio Alborán, East Marbella

Established in 1986, this school is enveloped in nature and even has its own horse-riding stables.  Offering a bilingual education, following the Spanish national curriculum and Cambridge English exams, the school has a wide range of nationalities and prides itself on its people development skills, creating well-rounded, proactive students who  develop good study habits and become active members of society.

Colegio Alborán, Elviria, Marbella
Tel: +34 952 839 645
www.colegioalboran.es

 

Colegio Atalaya, Estepona

Relatively new – this bilingual school opened its doors in 2012.  Colegio Atalaya has a large, purpose-built campus – with plenty of classroom space, a large sports hall, swimming pool.  Built on the foundation of a strong, committed team, the school offers a bilingual education to 3-18-year olds.  With emphasis on brain-friendly education, positive interdependence and personal guidance, Colegio Atalaya also holds the integration of family into school life as a cornerstone of the schools’ success.  The school offers a Spanish primary education graduating to either Spanish or International Baccalaureate for 16 to 18-year olds.

Colegio Atalaya, Crta. de Benahavis, Estepona
Tel: +34 952 003 171
www.colegioatalaya.es

 

Sotogrande International School, Sotogrande

Located in the privileged enclave of Sotogrande, just west of the Costa del Sol, Sotogrande has long been the preferred summer vacation spot for Spanish and international high society. With an increasing resident population – including many professionals who cross the border into Gibraltar to work, but prefer to live in Spain.  The seat of several championship golf courses, a yachting marina and a top international polo venue, Sotogrande offers an exceptional quality of life.  In the top 75 schools in the world for IB and boarding school, the Sotogrande International School has been established for 40 years.  The school has 1300 students of some 50 different nationalities, with around 10% boarding. Providing a passionate learning community starting with infants from 8 months to 18 years, Sotogrande is academically strong, with stellar results in the IB programme.  An Apple distinguished establishment, Sotogrande International School foments creative use of technology, while also being famed for its excellent Elite sports programmes. Developing the skills of potentially professional golfers, tennis players, polo, swimming and basketball players, the school campus is surrounded by superb golf courses and abundant nature.

Sotogrande International School, Avda. De la Reserva, Sotogrande
Tel: +34 956 795 902
www.sis.ac

 

St. George’s School, San Pedro de Alcantara

This small infant and junior school is located in a delightful villa in the Cortijo Blanco neighbourhood of San Pedro de Alcantara west of Marbella. With just 100 pupils aged 2-8,  the school fosters a warm, welcoming family atmosphere. Established in 1996 the staff and proprietors of St. George’s nurture each child in a bilingual environment designed to bring out the best in the youngsters encouraging both learning and personal qualities such as confidence and kindness. With just one class per year group, St. George’s is always in high demand.

The school follows both the British and Spanish national curriculum, with a strong emphasis on the enjoyment of reading, along with plenty of fun creative pursuits indoor and outdoor expressive arts, music and movement.  The St. George’s Christmas show – a colourful extravaganza of singing and dancing – is legendary.

St. George’s School, Cortijo Blanco, San Pedro de Alcantara
Tel: +34 952 786 606
www.stgeorgesmarbella.es

 

The English International College E.I.C, East Marbella

One of the top schools for academic excellence and fostering the talents and confidence of students from the ages of 3-18.  With 80% of students having English as a first language, the school also has a diverse range of nationalities represented.  Following the British curriculum including GCSEs and A´’ Levels, the school is particularly strong in sciences and music, with several science laboratories and a very complete music studio. the EIC prepares its students for top universities. Sport is another key factor in EIC school life – the school has a 25-metre long swimming pool, a football pitch as well as volleyball and basketball courts.

The English International College, Elviria, Marbella
Tel: +34 952 831 058
www.eicmarbella.org

 

Laude San Pedro, San Pedro de Alcantara

Offering “amazing learning” – for children aged 3 to 18, Laude belongs to a group of 12 international schools in various locations around Spain.

Following both the British and Spanish curriculum, the school is proud of its annual GCSE, A ‘Level, ESO and International Baccalaureate examination results which continually surpass national averages. The school also prepares students for the Spanish selectividad exams for University entrance. The school ethos is to encourage students to exceed their own expectations through continuous learning, and to create value driven individuals prepared for success in an increasingly interconnected world. Laude School has a very complete range of extra-curricular activities including cooking, crafts, cheerleading, chess and music.

Laude San Pedro, Nueva Alcantara, San Pedro de Alcantara,
Tel: +34 952 799 900
www.laudesanpedro.com

 

Colegio Alemán Deutsche Schule, Marbella

Located in the hills to the east of Marbella, surrounded by abundant green space, the German school has an excellent reputation for providing a bilingual education in German and Spanish.  The long history of the school dates back to its first incarnation in Málaga in 1898.  Opening again in 1966, the school’s present campus was founded in 1980 where it has grown and thrived up to the present day. With support from the German authorities and the Spanish Ministry for Education, the school provides an international education geared towards life as European citizens.

Colegio Alemán Deutsche Schule, La Mairena, Marbella
Tel: +34 952 831 417
www.dsmalaga.com

 

Swedish School Svenska Skolan Marbella

As the residential area of Nueva Andalucía in Marbella is very popular with Swedish residents – with some 2500 Swedes living here year-round, not surprisingly, there is a dedicated Swedish primary school in the area.  Founded in 2003, the Swedish School provides a stimulating education for children for 3-11 years old. Tel: 952868252.

Swedish School Svenskolan Marbella, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella
Tel: +34 952 868 252
www.svenskaskolanmarbella.com

 

French Ecole Française Internationale de Marbella

A recent addition to the international schools in Marbella this establishment offers a trilingual education. With the emphasis on French, the school is approved by the French National Education system and offers kindergarten and primary education to pupils aged from 3-11 years. With a holistic Montessori school approach, the school aims to provide a fun and stimulating learning environment. With original touches such as an educational garden, and robotics as a subject, this forward-thinking school has its sights firmly on the future.

French Ecole Française Internationale de Marbella
Tel: +34 644 978 840
www.efimarbella.com

 

Spanish Schools:

Colegio San José, Guadalmina, San Pedro de Alcántara

This school is a classic in Marbella – and boasts a long history having been established more than 50 years.  Located in Guadalmina, a stronghold of Spanish society for upmarket summer holidays, the school prides itself on educating families through the generations. Focusing on discipline and respect, offering a bilingual education, the school provides a full programme of education from age 3 up to 18. can also offer a double examination programme of both the Spanish Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate.  Enjoying beautiful grounds, sports are in focus at San José, including football, swimming and tennis.

Colegio San José, Guadalmina, San Pedro de Alcántara,
Tel: +34 952 883 858.
www.colegiosanjose.net

 

Colegio La Latina, Marbella

This centrally located school offers a bilingual education to children aged 3-18.  A Catholic establishment, the school accepts students of all nationalities and religions provided they respect the norms of the school.  On top of the curriculum, the students are offered extra workshops and courses available through the local authority.  Music is strong at La Latina, as is volleyball – with the school team competing at a regional level. The school offers the Spanish curriculum up to ESO and Bachillerato levels.  Facilities include a basketball court and children’s playground, while the school is located close to the municipal sports grounds.

Colegio La Latina, C/ El Higuerón, Marbella
Tel: +34 952 770 352
www.colegiolalatina.es

 

Colegio Bilingüe Las Chapas ECOS, East Marbella

These two long-established schools – one for girls and the other for boys – offer a full bilingual education, starting with pre-school at 3 years right up to International Baccalaureate at 18. Keeping the  core values of Christianity at its heart, the school fosters discipline, effort, generosity, truth and service to the community in its students. International in mind set, the school prepares pupils for international language exams in English, French and German. Forming part of a group of some 20 schools in Andalucía and Extremadura, with a 50-year trajectory, the group values the importance of new technologies in preparing children for their futures.

Colegio Bilingüe Las Chapas, ECOS, East Marbella
Tel:+34 952 831 616
www.attendis.com

 

Colegio Internacional Torrequebrada, Benalmádena

 

Established twenty years ago, this school located just a 10-minute drive from Málaga airport in the Benalmádena area has forged a strong reputation as one of the leading international schools on the Costa del Sol. Offering schooling from 3-18 years – pre-school, primary, secondary and IB, the  school host 750 students. The focus of the CIT is to educate children to achieve their potential personally, professionally and socially. Endeavouring to enjoy the present – the school offers over 100 activities – while keeping a keen eye on the future. Continually updating the school facilities, CIT includes various Learning Landscapes created to allow a nurturing environment in which to study, learn and interact with fellow students and staff.  The school currently has students of 32 nationalities – a reflection of the international community of the area.

Colegio Internacional Torrequebrada, Benalmádena,
Tel: +34 952 576 065
www.colegiotorrequebrada.com