Top International & Private Schools in Marbella and Costa del Sol
By George Nayda
31 August 2025
12 min read
LIFE IN SPAIN
Top International & Private Schools in Marbella and Costa del Sol
Thinking of moving to Marbella with your family? Choosing the right school can be even more important than choosing the right villa. This 2025 guide compares the top international and private schools across the Costa del Sol, so you know your options before making the move.
Why this region works for families in 2025
Marbella has shifted from “holiday town” to a year-round, family-friendly base. The mix of international schools, stronger tech/remote-work culture, and new premium developments is pulling in high-intent families, particularly British, Scandinavian, Dutch, German, and Middle-East buyers. The Financial Times called this “Marbella 2.0,” driven in part by the quality and density of schools.
It’s not just lifestyle. International schools are increasingly shaping property decisions, creating hot spots where families pay to live closer to top institutions. Financial Times highlighted this exact trend in January 2025 (international schools “adding heat to the property map”), with Marbella explicitly in the mix. Translation: if schooling is your priority, choose the school first, then buy nearby.
Bottom line: Pick the school early. It affects travel, community, and home choice more than any other single factor in Marbella right now.
Quick-scan school map: your options at a glance
Use this as your short list to pick 3 to 5 to visit:
Aloha College Marbella (Nueva Andalucía, Marbella)
British curriculum to IGCSE; Sixth Form: IB Diploma or A-Levels. Not-for-profit foundation. Strong 2024 results (100% pass IB & A-Level) and a polished campus. Expect waiting lists in key years.
Ages 3 - 18.
Swans International School (Sierra Blanca & El Capricho, Marbella)
British through IGCSE; Sixth Form: IB Diploma. Two campuses (Primary + Secondary). Long track record and strong IB outcomes; official IB World School since 2008.
Ages 3 - 18.
The English International College, EIC (Marbella East)
British to IGCSE and A-Levels only (no IB). High attainment culture; transparent exam news and accolades (Pearson High Achievers).
Ages 3 - 18.
Laude San Pedro International College (San Pedro de Alcántara)
British pathway (IGCSEs + A-Levels) with the option to follow Spanish ESO/Bachillerato. Large, bilingual community.
Ages 3 - 18.
British International School of Marbella – BISM (Nagüeles, Marbella) British Schools Foundation school; Early Years to Secondary.
Ages 2 - 18.
Sotogrande International School – SIS (Sotogrande)
Full IB pathway with day + boarding; elite sports options (golf/ polo/ tennis/ swim).
Ages 3 - 18.
Atlas American School of Málaga (Estepona, Selwo) Full American
K-12 path in Estepona; AP + IB Certificate options for diploma students.
Ages 3 - 18.
Schellhammer International School (Sotogrande, San Roque Club) Cambridge
IGCSE/A-Levels, starts 16+, small cohorts, boarding available. Strong entrepreneurial flavour via Schellhammer Business School.
Age 16+
Deutsche Schule Málaga – La Mairena (Ojén/Marbella East hillside)
Official German school; bilingual route to German Abitur + Spanish Bachillerato; Private.
Ages 3 - 18.
Svenska Skolan Marbella (Nueva Andalucía / Río Verde) Swedish
curriculum school with a growing international stream; approx. 200 students; fees listed for 2025/26.
Ideal for Swedish families wanting continuity.
Ages 3 - (varies by stream).
Top picks what they’re best for (deep dive)
Aloha College Marbella
Curriculum & Age Range: British system to IGCSE, then IB Diploma or A-Levels. Ages 3 to 18.
Why Families Choose It: Very stable, strong results (100% pass in 2024). Not-for-profit, so money goes back into staff and facilities.
Practical Notes: In Nueva Andalucía. Very popular, waiting list fee €2,000 and a deposit €3,000, both non-refundable. Apply 6 to 12 months early.
Best Fit: Families who want both IB and A-Levels as options, with one full campus from Primary to Sixth Form.
Swans International School
Curriculum & Age Range: British system to IGCSE, Spanish ESO for some, then IB Diploma. Ages 3 to 18.
Why Families Choose It: Known for strong IB results, IB World School since 2008. Two campuses: Primary and Secondary.
Practical Notes: In central Marbella/Sierra Blanca. Enrichment programs like Duke of Edinburgh, arts, sport, and debate.
Best Fit: Families focused on the IB Diploma, and who want a bilingual English-Spanish environment.
English International College (EIC)
Curriculum & Age Range: British system, IGCSE and A-Levels only. Ages 3 to 18.
Why Families Choose It: Pure A-Level focus, clear results (71% grades 9 to 7 at IGCSE, 63% A*/A at A-Level in 2024). Strong UK/EU university entry.
Practical Notes: Located in Marbella East. Smaller, academic atmosphere.
Best Fit: Families who want a focused British school with no IB, and an academic, exam-driven culture.
Sotogrande International School (SIS)
Curriculum & Age Range: Full IB program (PYP, MYP, DP). Ages 3 to 18.
Why Families Choose It: IB results, boarding option, sport pathways (golf, polo, tennis, swimming). Ranked among “Top 75 IB schools.”
Practical Notes: Located in Sotogrande. Boarding helps with commutes and sports schedules.
Best Fit: Families who want the full IB path and may need boarding or a strong sports environment.
Atlas American School of Málaga (Estepona)
Curriculum & Age Range: American K-12, plus AP and optional IB Certificates. Ages 3 to 18.
Why Families Choose It: Clean US system, smooth re-entry to North America. Published 2025 - 2026 fees for transparency.
Practical Notes: Located in Selwo, Estepona. American report cards and counsellors, useful for US colleges.
Best Fit: Families who want a US diploma or plan to move back to the US/Canada later.
Deutsche Schule Málaga - La Mairena
Curriculum & Age Range: German system, leading to Abitur (with Spanish recognition). Ages 3 - 18.
Why Families Choose It: Keeps German/European university doors open. Strong bilingual profile.
Practical Notes: Located in La Mairena, hillside above Elviria. Private, fee-paying.
Best Fit: German families, or anyone wanting the Abitur with Spanish diploma recognition.
Schellhammer International School (Sotogrande area)
Curriculum & Age Range: Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels, for ages 16+. Boarding available.
Why Families Choose It: Very small class sizes, strong independence, and academic focus for older teens.
Practical Notes: Located near Sotogrande. Best suited for older students, not younger kids.
Best Fit: Families with teens 16+ who want A-Levels in a boutique, boarding-friendly setting.
Curriculum and Culture Match (finding the right fit)
British (IGCSE - A-Levels)
Students study 3 to 4 main subjects in depth.
This is the classic route for UK and many EU universities.
Best if your child already knows what they enjoy most.
Local schools:
- English Internatiional School - EIC,
- Laude,
- British International School Marbella - BISM,
- Aloha (offers both A-Levels and IB).
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The IB Diploma is broad.
Students take six subjects, write essays, do research, and join activities.
It is accepted worldwide and is strong for families who may move again.
Local schools:
- Swans,
- Aloha,
- Sotogrande International School (full IB with boarding).
American (US Diploma + AP)
Grades come from continuous tests and coursework. Students can take AP or IB Certificates for extra creditt. This fits well if you plan for US or Canadian universities.
Local schools:
- Atlas American School (Estepona).
For older teens,
- The American College in Spain (Puerto Banús) mixes high school with college courses.
German
Deutsche Schule Málaga offers the Abitur, which is Germany’s final exam.
It is also accepted in Spain and across Europe.
Good for families who want to keep German or EU university doors open.
Swedish
Svenska Skolan Marbella follows the Swedish curriculum.
It feels like a home base for Swedish families and makes moving easier.
They also have an international stream for older students.
Cambridge (IGCSE/A-Level)
Similar to British, but with a Cambridge exam style. Accepted worldwide.
Locally offered at Schellhammer for older teens (16+), with small groups and boardingg.
Quick tip
First choose the curriculum that fits your child and your future plans. Then check location and daily travel. Don’t let shiny facilities make the decision focus on how your child learns best.
Location, logistics and daily life
Zones matter more than you think.
30 to 45 minutes twice a day is 5 to 7 hours a week in a car. Tighten your search radius.
Aloha sits in Nueva Andalucía (north of Puerto Banús). Homes in Golf Valley or the upper Golden Mile give easy access.
Swans runs two campuses: Primary in El Capricho (central Marbella) and Secondary in Sierra Blanca (hills above the Golden Mile).
EIC is on the Marbella East corridor near Elviria/Cabopino very convenient from those neighbourhoods.
Laude is in San Pedro; great for families between Guadalmina and Benahavís.
Atlas ASM is in Selwo Estepona; practical for New Golden Mile / Estepona families.
SIS is in Sotogrande with boarding and published bus routes (helpful for split commutes). If you’re Marbella-based, consider a boarder/day hybrid. Sotogrande International School
Deutsche Schule Málaga sits above Elviria in (Marbella East) in La Mairena (Ojén), a green, lower-density hillside worth a test drive at school-run time. International Schools Database
Tip: Do a Monday 8:00 - 8:45 and 15:00 - 16:00 drive-test before you choose a home. The A-7 and urban bottlenecks vary wildly.
School Fees and Admissions in 2025 (What Families Need to Know)
Fees
Sotogrande International School (SIS): Publishes full-day and boarding fees for 2025 to 2026. Boarding costs more, but it helps families avoid long commutes and gives athletes more free time for training. Fees for 2025-2026, depending on the year, are between €9300 and €27,000 for the year.
Atlas American School (Estepona): Posts its 2025 to 2026 fees. Extra cost for Grade 12 students who add IB Certificates to strengthen the U.S. Diploma. Fees for 2025-2026, depending on the year, are between €8600 and €16,000 for the year.
Deutsche Schule Málaga (La Mairena): Shares 2025 fees. Offers discounts for families with more than one child and allows staged payments. Fees for 2025-2026, depending on the year, are between €5400 and €7100 for the year.
Svenska Skolan Marbella: Lists 2025 to 2026 fee ranges for its international program. Fees for 2025-2026, depending on the year, are between €8200 and €13,000 for the year.
Aloha College Marbella: Do not post full fee tabless online. You must ask for the admissions pack. Aloha’s site does show a €2,000 waiting-list fee and a €3,000 deposit, both non-refundable. Fees for 2025-2026, depending on the year, are between €7000 and €18,000 for the year.
Swans International School Secondary: Do not post full fee tables online. You must ask for the admissions pack. Aloha’s site does show a €2,000 waiting-list fee and a €3,000 deposit, both non-refundable. Fees for 2025-2026, depending on the year, are between €8700 and €20,000 for the year.
British International School of Marbella: Do not post full fee tables online. You must ask for the admissions pack. Aloha’s site does show a €2,000 waiting-list fee and a €3,000 deposit, both non-refundable. Fees not publicly posted.
Admissions Process
Apply early. Most schools accept rolling applications, but popular years fill fast. Aloha and Swans suggest visiting the campus and starting the process well ahead. Sotogrande International School publishes fee details and boarding info to speed up decisions.
Assessments and interviews are standard. Schools check English level and past school reports, especially for mid-year arrivals. EIC and Laude explain these steps clearly online.
Deposits matter. At Aloha, both the waiting-list fee and the deposit are non-refundable. This shows how high the demand is.
Practical Plan for Families Arriving in 2025
Choose the curriculum first (IB, A-Levels, American, German, or Swedish).
Shortlist 3 to 5 schools that fit your curriculum and likely home location.
Contact schools and book tours early: Ask about availability for the current year and 2026 waitlist. It's recommended to start 6 months before the new school year
Secure your child’s place in school (deposit paid) before you buy a property.
Check the daily logistics bus routes, drop-off times, and after-school activities.
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