Top 9 Best-Rated International Schools on the Costa del Sol

Top 9 Best-Rated International Schools on the Costa del Sol

by Jennifer Rocamora 10 min. read

A Parents Guide to Education in Marbella

Once you鈥檝e acquired your dream home and are preparing for your family鈥檚 relocation to Marbella, the next essential step is to identify a school where your children can thrive. Relocating to Marbella offers families not only a luxurious lifestyle but also access to some of Spain鈥檚 most esteemed private educational institutions. Selecting the right school is crucial for your children鈥檚 development and future success. Marbella and the Costa del Sol offer a variety of top-tier private schools, each with unique curricula and facilities to cater to diverse educational needs.

Let us introduce you to the best ones 鈥 with firsthand insights from parents and previous students on our team!

鈥淓ducation is the passport that opens every border鈥攐f mind, opportunity, and possibility.鈥

Colegio Albor谩n

Located in the tranquil setting of Las Chapas, Colegio Albor谩n is renowned for its commitment to creating an enriching learning environment, a dedication that earned it the prestigious Andalusian award for excellence in 2016. Further solidifying its reputation, it was recognized as one of Spain鈥檚 top educational institutions in the DICES Guide 2018.

Colegio Albor谩n offers a variety of activities that integrate children with nature and teach them to care for animals, including horses and small animals.
Colegio Albor谩n offers a variety of activities that integrate children with nature and teach them to care for animals, including horses and small animals

Catering to approximately 600 students across preschool, primary, secondary, and baccalaureate levels (ages 5鈥18), Colegio Albor谩n provides a comprehensive bilingual education complemented by a wide array of extracurricular activities. As a primarily Spanish Catholic school, it features impressive facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, stables, an indoor gym, football and basketball fields, and padel courts. A highlight of the school year is the annual Nativity play, an outdoor theatrical event that engages the entire school community and captivates parents with its emotive performances.

The school emphasizes values such as responsibility, respect for nature, and teamwork through hands-on learning experiences, like gardening and animal care. Its focus on outdoor education and community involvement fosters a well-rounded development approach.

Fees: 鈧650 - 鈧1.100 per month
Tel: 952 839 645
Email: info@colegioalboran.es
Website:

"Albor谩n College is a fantastic school for my children because it offers so much more than just academics. The green surroundings, horses, and small animals create a unique learning environment where kids naturally develop responsibility and care for nature. I also love that they have a garden where they grow their own plants, teaching them the value of nurturing and patience. It鈥檚 a place that truly encourages hands-on learning, independence, and a deep respect for the world around them.鈥

Miah van de Bilt Partner & Property Broker

Svenska Skolan Marbella

Svenska Skolan Marbella is a Swedish international school in Nueva Andaluc铆a for children aged 3 to 12, following the Swedish national curriculum and partially funded by the Swedish government.

Additionally, In 2024, the school introduced a Cambridge-accredited International Programme for lower secondary students in grade 7 to 8, offering subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and Global Perspectives. Swedish students can also study their native language via the Sofia Distans program, ensuring smooth reintegration into the Swedish education system.

Although Svenska Skolan Marbella is located right next to Puerto Ban煤s, it is surrounded by greenery, providing a calm and natural environment where children can play and learn

With small class sizes (maximum 20 students), native English-speaking teachers, and a focus on personalized learning, the school provides a strong academic foundation. Its modern campus near Puerto Ban煤s includes a football pitch, padel courts, a swimming pool, and an indoor gym. Students also celebrate Swedish traditions like Lucia and Midsommar, fostering both cultural identity and global awareness. Svenska Skolan Marbella is an ideal choice for families seeking bilingual education in a supportive international environment.

Fees: Primary School 鈧4.100聽 - 鈧4.990/term - Secondary School 鈧6.750/term + 鈧300/supplies
Tel: 952 868 252
Email: info@svenskaskolanmarbella.com
Website:

Aloha College

Aloha College is a leading bilingual school, combining English and Spanish curricula with a strong emphasis on personal development, diligence, integrity, and respect. The school serves around 840 students aged 3 to 18, representing over 50 nationalities, fostering a truly multicultural learning environment.

The entrance of Aloha College, located in a central and accessible area of Nueva Andaluc铆a

Located in Nueva Andaluc铆a, next to Aloha Golf Club, the campus has been continuously developed for over 35 years into a state-of-the-art educational facility. It features cutting-edge science and arts buildings, a well-stocked library, and modern sports amenities, including a FIFA-certified football pitch and a 2,000-square-meter sports complex with a gym and performance stage.

Academically, Aloha College follows an International Primary Curriculum, transitioning into the National Curriculum for England, and leading to IGCSE, A-Levels, and the IB Diploma. This well-rounded education prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in an increasingly global world.

Fees: 鈧7,290 鈥 鈧17,870 per year
Tel: (+34) 952 814 133
Email: admissions@aloha-college.com
Website:

I聽went 聽to Aloha 聽College at the 聽age 聽of 3 and 聽graduated just after turning 聽18. My older 聽siblings 聽also went 聽to this school, 聽my聽 sister enrolled at Aloha 聽private 聽college in the 聽year it was founded. What 聽I liked 聽the 聽most about this school 聽is that teachers do 聽not 聽change often and after spending so many 聽hours at school, 聽throughout your most crucial years, teachers inevitably become close 聽to being your family.

Another聽thing 聽I absolutely treasure 聽from 聽going to聽 Aloha 聽College are my 聽best friends. 聽We 聽are a group of very international seven 聽girls who 聽spent the 聽same 聽amount of 聽years 聽in this 聽school 聽and 聽25 聽years 聽later 聽we 聽are 聽still inseparable although each 聽one 聽of us lives in a different side 聽of the 聽world. 聽That聽 is Aloha 聽College鈥檚 essence,聽 its diverse nationalities. It wasn鈥檛 聽until聽 I 聽got 聽older 聽that 聽I 聽understood how 聽valuable 聽this 聽is. You 聽naturally 聽grow 聽up understanding many 聽cultures 聽and聽 languages, learn about difference values 聽and聽 acceptance. This is brilliant as language and culture聽 are worlds biggest barriers, so this definitely gave 聽me 聽a head 聽start and influenced in living abroad, travel the world further and even get 聽engaged to a completely different nationality 聽and culture to mine.

When聽it comes to聽 the 聽academic side, 聽Aloha 聽College offers 聽a British curriculum, 聽from 聽IGSCE to聽 IB. It was only natural for me 聽to move to London to go 聽to university 聽after. 聽The 聽school 聽offers 聽great 聽orientation and 聽support for you to find out what you like and are good at and push 聽you towards that direction.鈥

Jennifer Rocamora Head of Marketing

Swans International School

Swans International School educates around 700 students aged 3 to 18 across two campuses. The school offers a distinctive curriculum leading to IGCSE, ESO, and IB Diplomas, with a bilingual and international focus. Students achieve proficiency in multiple languages, including immersive English and Spanish, with options for French, Mandarin, Chinese, and German.

Swans International School Marbella 鈥 bilingual British-Spanish education, IGCSE & IB excellence

The primary campus is in El Capricho, and the secondary campus, established in 2006, is in the prestigious Sierra Blanca area, featuring modern facilities and scenic views of La Concha mountain. The school fosters social skills and communication through activities like debate, arts competitions, and sports events, enhancing the educational experience. The secondary school offers the IB Diploma from Year 11, blending British and Singaporean educational methods. Additional support for special education needs is available in the primary school. Swans School鈥檚 commitment to excellence is evident, with high achievement rates in IGCSE and IB exams.

Fees: Not publicly disclosed
Tel: (+34) 952 773 248
Email: info@swansschool.net
Website:

Laude International College

Laude San Pedro International College is a distinguished private institution located near the beach in San Pedro. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including a football pitch, tennis courts, and an indoor gymnasium. Serving over 700 students aged 3 to 18, the school offers a comprehensive British curriculum encompassing the International Primary Curriculum, GCSEs, and A-Levels. Additionally, from age 12, students have the option to pursue the Spanish ESO and Baccalaureate programs.

Proud graduates of Laude International College 鈥 A British curriculum school shaping future global leaders in Marbella.
Proud graduates of Laude International College 鈥 A British curriculum school shaping future global leaders in Marbella

The school has been recognized by El Mundo newspaper as one of Spain鈥檚 top 100 international schools, a distinction achieved by only 20% of schools in Andaluc铆a. Laude San Pedro emphasizes a strong sense of community and teamwork, fostering these values from early education through to its alumni network. The institution is committed to preparing students for university success, with a particular focus on music, arts, and languages. Extracurricular offerings include classes in violin, piano, guitar, French, German, and Chinese, aiming to cultivate the individual talents and personalities of its students.

Fees: Not publicly disclosed
Tel: +34 952 799 900
Email: info@laudesanpedro.com
Website:

鈥淢y son goes to Laude, and it is honestly one of the best schools in Marbella. It鈥檚 got a really safe and welcoming environment, with strong values and a big focus on anti-bullying鈥攚hich, as a parent, is super important to me.

Academically, it鈥檚 top-notch, but what I really love is how inclusive and international it is. The kids learn multiple languages, which is huge for their future. Plus, they鈥檙e always active鈥攖here鈥檚 a big focus on sports and movement, which I think is great.

One of the coolest things is that they take the kids on trips all over Andalusia, so they get to experience different cultures and see new places. It鈥檚 such a great way for them to learn outside the classroom. The mix of nationalities at the school also means they grow up collaborating with kids from all over the world. Honestly, Laude has exceeded my expectations, and my son is super motivated there.鈥

Matias Concha Partner & Property Broker

English International College

The English International College provides an exemplary British curriculum to approximately 500 students aged 3 to 18, with over half hailing from the UK. The campus in Elviria includes 14 primary classrooms and specialized facilities for secondary education, maintaining small class sizes capped at 20 students to ensure personalized attention.

EIC offers advanced science laboratories, a computer lab equipped with IBM technology, a well-stocked library, and a music studio with both digital and live instruments. A 200-seat hall serves as a dynamic space for performing arts, theater, dance, and art exhibitions, underscoring the school鈥檚 commitment to fostering artistic talents.

EIC Marbella Campus 鈥 Outstanding sports facilities including a 25m pool, astroturf pitch, volleyball, basketball & climbing wall for top-tier physical education.
EIC Marbella Campus 鈥 Outstanding sports facilities including a 25m pool, astroturf pitch, volleyball, basketball & climbing wall for top-tier physical education

Physical education is integral to the curriculum, with facilities ranging from a beginner鈥檚 pool for primary students to a 25-meter competition pool for secondary students. The campus also features an astroturf pitch, a sprung volleyball court, basketball courts, and a climbing wall, supporting a comprehensive physical education program.

EIC鈥檚 ethos centres on developing not only academically successful students but also individuals who are confident, articulate, and in full possession of their talents. This approach has consistently led to a high rate of students advancing to prestigious UK universities annually.

Fees: Not disclosed
Tel: (+34) 952 831 058/9
E-mail: information@eic.edu
Website:

"My experience at EIC was nothing but incredible and has been a fundamental building block that has shaped me positively for the rest of my life. I went to this school from year 2 until year 7 and apart from forming a broad academic curriculum at a young age, I learnt how to get along with my peers from all cultures and countries. Approx. 500 students attend the school and it is strongly encouraged that students of all ages interact, help each other and get involved in activities together. This creates a feeling of being part of a family and children learn to get along with each other. Apart from academic performance; sports, creativity and social interaction are strongly stimulated and not seen as less important. At primary school the kids do P.E every day; daily swimming classes in the summer and a variety of other sports in the winter months. Yearly competitions are organised allowing the students to compete against other schools and show their talent and performance. EIC very much encourages students to follow their talents and passion and what I like about this school is that each student is seen as an individual. Personal development is key at EIC.鈥

Tessa Arts Marketing Manager

Deutche Schule Colegio Alem谩n

Deutsche Schule M谩laga or Colegio Alem谩n, endorsed by the German Ministry of Culture and Education (KMK) and recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education, has been awarded the seal of excellence, distinguishing it as one of Spain鈥檚 premier international schools.

Hosting approximately 720 students from around 40 different nationalities, the school cultivates a bilingual learning environment. The campus boasts diverse facilities, including a space observatory, comprehensive sports amenities with a swimming pool, dedicated art and music departments, and a library. Additionally, there is a recreational park for primary students that serves as a venue for numerous extracurricular activities. Positioned amidst natural beauty on the eastern side of Marbella, the school offers a complete educational journey from preschool through to primary, secondary, and International Baccalaureate studies.

Fees: Not publicly disclosed
Tel: (+34) 952 831 417 or 952 831 692
E-mail: sekretariat@dsmalaga.com
Website:

An illustration of Colegio Alem谩n, made by one of its students
An illustration of Colegio Alem谩n, made by one of its students

Atalaya International School

Atalaya International School is a bilingual institution offeringa Spanish and British curriculum for students aged 3 to 18. Located near Benahav铆s, it provides a modern, purpose-built campus with spacious classrooms, a sports hall, a swimming pool, and science laboratories, creating an optimal environment for learning and development.

The school follows a dual academic pathway, allowing students to graduate with either Spanish ESO and Bachillerato qualifications or IGCSEs and A-Levels, ensuring flexibility for higher education in Spain, the UK, and beyond. With a strong focus on holistic education, Atalaya encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities, including competitive sports, performing arts, and cultural trips, fostering personal growth beyond the classroom.

Atalaya International School is an excellent choice for families seeking a future-focused, bilingual education in a dynamic and inclusive setting.

Fees: Not publicly disclosed 聽
Tel: +34 952 003 171
E-mail: info@colegioatalaya.es
Website:

鈥淎talaya International School has truly been a fantastic choice for our family. What stands out most is how family-oriented and supportive the whole environment feels鈥攊t鈥檚 a place where both kids and parents are really seen and valued. The school offers incredible resources across a wide range of subjects, and the facilities are genuinely impressive, especially when it comes to music, art, and other creative areas. They put a real focus on nurturing every child鈥檚 individual talents.

Academically, the standards are high, and there鈥檚 a strong bilingual approach that ensures students are prepared for an international future. I really appreciate how well-rounded the education is鈥攊t鈥檚 not just about academics, but also about encouraging curiosity, creativity, and confidence. My children are thriving both personally and academically, and that speaks volumes.鈥

Roger Wid茅n Partner & Head of Sales

British International School of Marbella (BISM)

The British International School of Marbella (BISM) is part of the British Schools Foundation (BSF), offering a British National Curriculum from Early Years to Secondary School (ages 2-14), with plans to expand.

BISM focuses on academic excellence, character development, and leadership, fostering confidence and independence in students. The state-of-the-art campus features a library, indoor swimming pool, auditorium, science labs, and a music school, supporting a well-rounded education.

BISM Marbella main entrance 鈥 British International School of Marbella鈥檚 cutting-edge campus welcoming 40+ nationalities to future-focused learning

With a diverse student body from over 40 nationalities, BISM provides a global learning environment that encourages cultural awareness and international perspectives. Located near Marbella鈥檚 center, it鈥檚 an ideal choice for families seeking a high-quality British education in a modern and supportive setting.

Fees: Not disclosed
Tel: +34 952 779 264
E-mail: info@bsm.org
Website:

Why Marbella鈥檚 World-Class Schools Make It the Perfect Family Destination

From world-class British and IB programmes to bilingual Spanish and Scandinavian curricula, Marbella鈥檚 private and international schools place the Costa del Sol among Europe鈥檚 most sought-after education hubs. By pairing our deep local knowledge with your family鈥檚 priorities, 九一果冻 makes relocating to Marbella seamless鈥攈elping you secure both the ideal home and the perfect school. Connect with us today to unlock the best of Marbella鈥檚 real estate and top-ranking schools for your children鈥檚 bright future.

Jennifer Rocamora
Jennifer Rocamora Head of Marketing