An alternative to state education, international schools in Spain are a great option for expat kids. Find out the different types, curriculums and fees of Spanish foreign schools in our handy guide that also provides a list of international schools in Spain.
If you’re moving to Spain with children, there is a wide range of fully international schools, including American and British schools, that you can send your child to as an alternative to enrolling them in state or private Spanish schools.
International schools in Spain can offer a lot to the expat family, but you need to do research to see which Spanish education system best suits the needs of your children.
International schools in Spain
International schools in Spain are independent and will usually follow a curriculum of another country, although fees tend to be higher. In addition to American and British schools there are also French, German, Swedish and other foreign-language schools in Spain. Under Spanish law, all foreign schools must be approved by their country’s embassy in Spain. Some international schools accept children from ages three to 18.
If you prioritise an easy transition for your child over integration, it is worth considering a private international school. Also if you are only staying in Spain on a short-term contract, you may feel it is not worth putting your child through the strain of having to learn another language – although the immersion will be beneficial in future years.
Your choice of foreign schools will depend on where you live in Spain. There’s a good choice of English-speaking schools in Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife, and on the costas. For example, there are British schools in Alicante, Barcelona, Cádiz, Fuengirola, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Las Palmas, Madrid, Menorca, Palma de Mallorca, Marbella, Tenerife, Torremolinos and Valencia.
International schools vary hugely, however, and some international schools take pupils from Spain as well as expats. Spain has one of the largest number of ‘foreign’ schools of any European country, and many Spanish seek the prestige of sending their child to an English-speaking or other foreign-language school. So in some schools, lessons may be in English but Spanish can rule in the playground.
Some international schools in Spain are also subsidised, follow a bilingual (English/Spanish) curriculum and are also authorised to accept both Spanish and foreign pupils. They are required to teach the Spanish curriculum, including primary and secondary education, and the bachillerato. These schools provide the opportunity for children to become completely bilingual, and to choose between a Spanish or English-language university or career.
To receive state subsidies, 25% of a school’s total number of pupils must be Spanish (at least 20% in each class). As a condition of receiving government funding, schools with Spanish pupils are subject to inspection by the Spanish school authorities.
International school fees in Spain
Costs of international schools in Spain vary considerably depending on the quality, reputation and location of a school, but are generally lower compared to the cost of private education in Northern Europe and North America. Not surprisingly, schools located in Madrid and Barcelona tend to be among the most expensive.
Fees at the top international schools in Spain vary widely from around €2,000 a year to well over €10,000 a year at senior schools (particularly for boarders). Fees usually do not include registration, books, materials, laundry, insurance, extra-curricular activities, excursions, meals and transport (most private schools provide school buses). As an example, you may need to budget around €800-1000 a term for meals and other extras.
Most international schools in Spain subscribe to insurance schemes covering accidents, both in school and during school-sponsored activities. Some schools award scholarships and offer grants to help parents pay fees, depending on their financial circumstances.
How to apply to an international school in Spain
Apply to private schools as far in advance as possible, as some international schools in Spain have waiting lists for places. You’re usually requested to send school reports, exam results and other records. Before enrolling your child in a private school, check the school website and make sure you understand the withdrawal conditions and fees in the school contract.
It’s advisable to check whether a school is recognised by the Spanish education authorities and whether it belongs to an accredited organisation. You can also consult ECIS for a list of international schools in Spain, otherwise most British schools in Spain belong to the National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABSS), whose members are visited and approved by British school inspectors. Advice about British English-language schools in Spain can also be obtained from the British Council.
International schools in Andalusia, Marbella and Costa del Sol
Aloha College
A non-profit-making organisation owned by a charitable trust and
administered by two Head Teachers with a Board of Governors, all of whom
are parents. Aloha College is situated on the outskirts of Marbella in
Spain’s Costa del Sol and was the first all-IB school in Spain, where
students study English and Spanish and can gain qualifications in both
educational systems.
Address: Urb. El Angel, Nueva Andalucía, 29660, Marbella Malaga
Tel: (+34) 95 281 4133
Website: www.aloha-college.com
Sotogrande International School
Founded in 1978 by a group of residents of Sotogrande who wanted to offer to the local and growing international community, a British-style education with a Spanish influence. The school offers a place where students are encouraged to open their hearts and minds to the joy of learning, identify their passions and develop outstanding learning skills with a natural inquisitiveness.
Address: Apartado 15,11310 Sotogrande, San Roque, Cádiz
Tel: +34 956 795 902
Website: www.sis.ac
Sunland International School
Independent co-educational day school serving students of all nationalities. The academic programme is based on the National Curriculum for England Key stages 1- 4, although it incorporates elements of the Spanish national curriculum. The school is located on a spacious and secure campus to the west and north of Malaga.
Address: Ctra. Cártama Estacion-Pizarra s/n, 29580 Cártama Estacion Malaga
Tel: +34 952 42 42 53
Website: www.sunland.novaschool.es
The English International College
Located in Marbella, Spain, and offering the English National Curriculum in an international context to more than 500 students of many nationalities ages 3-18 years.
Address: Urb Ricmar, Carretera Cadiz Málaga, 29600, Marbella
Tel: +(34) 952-83-1058
Website: www.eicmarbella.org
Swans International Primary and Secondary School
Swan offers both international primary and secondary education and is located just outside the centre of Marbella. It has been on the same campus since 1971, operating under the headship of its owner and founder, Tessa Swan.
Address: Capricho s/n, 29602 Marbella Malaga
Tel: (+34) 952 773 248 (Primary school) +34 952 902 755
Website: www.swansschoolinternational.es
St. Anthony’s College
St. Anthony’s College was established in 1968 and offers an English curriculum for those aged 3-16 together with Spanish ESO and Bachillerato.
Address: Camino de Coin km 5.25,, Mijas-Costa Malaga
Tel: +34 952 47 31 66
Website: www.stanthonyscollege.com
Mayfair Academy
International school based on the Costa del Sol providing primary and secondary education following the British curriculum. The school offers education at the reception, primary, secondary, and sixth form levels.
Address: Avenida Golandrinas 16, Atalaya Park,, 29680 Estepona Malaga
Tel: +34 952 888 894
Website: available here.
Article published first by expatica.com