Back to School on the Costa del Sol
After many weeks of summer and the incredible Marbella weather, many parents can finally rejoice as September is here and that means kids go back to school. Marbella is renowned for its luxurious lifestyle and sunny climate, but many families also move here because of the incredbile education the Costa del Sol has to offer. With a growing international community, Marbella boasts a wide range of schools catering to diverse needs, from local Spanish public schools to prestigious international and bilingual institutions.
The Spanish Education System
In Spain, education is compulsory and free in public schools for children aged 6 to 16, covering primary (Primaria, ages 6–11) and compulsory secondary education (ESO, ages 12–16). Non-compulsory stages include early childhood education (Infantil, ages 3–5) and upper secondary education (Bachillerato, ages 16–18). Marbella’s schools, both public and private, adhere to this framework, but private and international schools often offer additional curricula, such as the British National Curriculum, International Baccalaureate (IB), or other international programs, to cater to the city’s cosmopolitan population.
Public Schools in Marbella
Public schools in Marbella, prefixed with “CEIP” in Andalucía, provide quality Spanish education with English as a secondary language. Admission is based on a zone-based points system, prioritizing factors like residence (empadronamiento) and siblings already enrolled. Applications are typically accepted in March and April, though new residents may apply upon registration with the local town hall.
Some notable public schools include CEIP Pinolivo and CEIP Platero, these interconnected schools serve Infantil and Primaria, respectively, and incorporate Montessori-inspired methods in a green environment.
CEIP Valdeolletas: The only Spanish-English bilingual public school in Marbella, located near the city center.
CEIP Vicente Aleixandre: Offers a French-Spanish bilingual program, also centrally located.
Other reputable options include CEIP Gil Muñíz, CEIP María Auxiliadora, CEIP Los Olivos, CEIP Juan Ramón Jiménez, and CEIP Antonio Machado, all known for strong academic programs and extracurricular activities.
Bilingual and International Private Schools in Marbella
The English International College (EIC), private British school for children between the ages of 3-18 and offers the British National Curriculum, IGCSE, GCSE. EIC is one of Marbella’s longest-established schools, known for outstanding academic results and small class sizes. It offers a supportive environment with a focus on academic, sporting, and cultural development. EIC’s graduates consistently secure places at top global universities. Families appreciate the personalized attention and the school’s success in university placements.
Alboran College (Colegio Alborán), a private bilingual school for children between the ages of 3-18, offering the Spanish ESO/Bachillerato (Baccalaureate). It’s a distinguished private bilingual school grounded in academic rigor and strong values with 400 students and over 30 nationalities. Alborán integrates the Spanish curriculum with a strong English component, ensuring fluency and readiness for international university studies. It also offers the Cambridge ESOL qualifications.
It is a unique school with over 25,000m2 of campus including it’s own Equestrian Club, farm and ecological garden. Parents highlight the high education standards, nurturing environment, family-like atmosphere and attention to the safety and integrity of all students.
Aloha College, private British school for children 3–18, the British National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Levels, and Spanish ESO/Bachillerato. Aloha College is a non-profit institution with over 875 students from 60 nationalities. It offers a bilingual education, blending British and Spanish curricula, and boasts excellent facilities, including a FIFA-approved pitch, outdoor pool and theater. Known for fostering values like care, respect, and resilience, Aloha has a strong reputation, ranking as the 5th best school in Spain by Forbes. Parents praise its multicultural environment and comprehensive facilities, noting its role in preparing students for international careers.
Swans International School, private British school for children 3–18, offer the British National Curriculum, IGCSE, IB Diploma. Swans is celebrated for its bilingual British-Spanish education and high achievement in IGCSE and IB exams. The school emphasizes social skills through activities like debates, arts, and sports. Its modern secondary campus features scenic views and facilities like an indoor pool. Parents highlight the school’s focus on both academic and personal development.
The British International School of Marbella (BISM) for children ages 2–18 and offers the British National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Levels. Part of the British Schools Foundation, BISM offers a world-class education with a global outlook. Its purpose-built campus, opened in 2020, includes a large sports field, indoor pool, and auditorium. BISM focuses on academic excellence, personal development, and values like honesty and integrity, preparing students for top universities. Parents commend a happy environment and the school’s ability to foster critical thinking.
Laude San Pedro International College, for children 3–18 and offers the British National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Levels, Spanish ESO/Bachillerato. Recognized as one of Spain’s top schools by Forbes, Laude San Pedro offers a bilingual education and collaborates with the International Schools Partnership (ISP) for global learning opportunities. It emphasizes languages, music, and arts, with extracurriculars like violin and Chinese classes. Parents value the strong sense of community and the school’s focus on preparing students for university.
Atlas American School of Málaga, for children 3-18 and offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The school promotes superior academic achievement, mastery of skills and content, and fosters moral citizenship. The school also offers the possibility to combine studies with intensive sports programs and students can also opt for the intensive French program. Parents praise the friendly environment, and the fact it encourages forward real-world thinking.
Sotogrande International School (SIS), is a day and boarding school, for children from 3-18 years, offer the the IB programme and A level division. Home to a passionate learning community who inspire and encourage learning and intercultural understanding, promoting education as a force for good in the world. Parents appreciate that the school has boarding facilities for their students and that it encourages strong leadership skills. SIS is also a good choice for families living in Gibraltar.
Other Notable International and Bilingual Schools
Svenska Skolan Marbella, École Française Internationale Marbella (EFIM), Deutsche Schule and Colegio San José.
When choosing the right school you should have several considerations like curriculum and language, location and accessibility, extracurricular activities, class size and community, costs and the admission process.
Marbella’s schools attract families relocating from Northern Europe and beyond, they offer a multicultural environment fostering trilingual fluency (e.g., English, Spanish, and a native language). The region’s sunny climate allows year-round outdoor activities, enhancing the learning experience. Whether you prioritize academic rigor, multilingualism, or a nurturing environment, Marbella’s schools cater to diverse needs. With a myriad schools to choose from, one of the above schools will sure be the right fit for your children.