Schools in Spain
Starting a new life in southern Spain with your family is a fantastic opportunity for everyone. Your kids will get to spend more time outdoors, enjoying the region’s spectacular climate and excellent facilities. And though they may prefer to be on the beach, you can rest assured that they’ll be educated in a great system, and, regardless of their age, become fluent in Spanish.
Education is compulsory in Spain from 6 to 16, and schools in Spain are increasingly considered to be of a better standard than many other European countries (including the UK) with fewer discipline problems. Here’s a quick guide to the options and how they work.
International schools
The most popular choice for expats, with several in the area to choose from:
- Some teach exclusively in English, others in English and Spanish.
- Most are members of the National Association of British Schools in Spain.
- British schools usually follow the UK curriculum and offer GCSEs and A and A/S levels. Many also now offer the internationally recognised Baccalaureate diploma as an alternative to A levels. Class sizes are small and the atmosphere is relaxed.
- All international schools are fee paying. Fees vary from school to school.
Spanish Schools
Spanish state education is open to all EU citizens and is free from pre-school to 18. You’ll be expected to pay for books, stationery and extra-curricular activities.
Villages and suburbs have their own nursery and primary schools, but secondary schools have a larger catchment area. The catchment area is all-important – if you’re set on a particular school, make sure you look for a home in the right area. Around 30% of Spain’s school children go to a private school. These are fee paying and offer a lower student/teacher ratio than state schools. The Spanish education system
Pre-school age 1-6
A good way to integrate your children into the community. There are state nurseries and private nurseries, some run by expats.
Compulsory education age 6-14
Pupils complete their basic general education (Educacion General Basica or EGB). At the end of this they’ll receive a school leaving certificate which determines what they move onto next. Unlike UK schools, if children fail their end of year exams in both primary and secondary schools, they risk having to repeat the entire academic year – a definite motivator!
Technical school age 14-16
Less academic pupils go on to a vocational school. The first year is compulsory and covers general career teaching. The second year is optional and allows students to specialise in a particular subject and go on work placements.
High school age 14-18
More academic pupils go on to a secondary school to study for their Baccalaureate diploma.
University
Most universities in the UK recognise the Baccalaureate diploma as well as A levels. Applicants for Spanish universities are expected to complete the Selectividad entrance exam in their final year at high school.
In Spain it’s usual for students to go to the nearest university and live at home. There are several good universities in the area, including Malaga, Cordoba, Granada and Seville.
When it comes to grants, it’s a familiar story – you’re very unlikely to get one. So whether they’re at university in Spain or in the UK, it will be quite an investment.
Useful contacts
National Association of British Schools in Spain www.nabss.org
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS – COSTA DEL SOL BILINGUAL NURSERY SCHOOLS
ARROYO DE LA MIEL
Peter Pan Nursery
C/ El Olivar 5, Arroyo de la Miel (Benalmádena). Tel: (+34) 952 562 103; www.gpeterpan.com Bilingual education: 0 – 3 years. Also offering after school activities club, excursions and baby-sitting service.
BENALMÁDENA PUEBLO
Costa Kinder Care
(Next to the Buddhist Stupa), Benalmádena Pueblo. Tel: (+34) 952 448 007; www.costakindercare.com Bilingual education: 0 – 6 years. Also offering after school activities/homework club and language classes for adults.
ESTEPONA
Childrensplace
C/ Grulla 33, Urb. Atalaya Park (Benahavís Exit), Estepona. Tel: (+34) 952 928 444; www.childrensplacekindergarten.com Bilingual education: 1 – 6 years.
MARBELLA
St. Javier’s International School, Marbella. Tel: (+34) 952 823 457; Email: schoolstjavier@wanadoo.es Bilingual education: 1 – 7 years. Optional after school classes and night time babysitting service.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS
MARBELLA
Swan’s International Primary School Urb. El Capricho, Marbella. Tel: (+34) 952 773 248; www.swansschool.net 3 - 11 years.
SAN PEDRO DE ALCÁNTARA
Calpe Jardín C/. Los Eucaliptos 60, Urb. Linda Vista Baja, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: (+34) 952 786 029; 3 - 8 years.
Saint George’s School, Avda. Pablo Ruíz Picasso 10, San Pedro de Alcántara. Tel: (+34) 952 786 606. 2 - 8 years.
COMBINED PRIMARY and SECONDARY SCHOOLS
BENALMÁDENA
Benalmádena International College C/. Catamarán s/n, Urb. Nueva Torrequebrada, Benalmádena Costa. Tel: (+34) 952 561 666; www.bicbenal.com 3 – 14 years. In addition to the usual curriculum, BIC also offers vocational studies for less-academic students.
The British College
C/. Guadalmedina, Urb. Torremuelle, Benalmádena Costa. Tel: (+34) 952 442 215; www.thebritishcollege.com Buses from Churriana and Riviera del Sol.
CARTAMA/ PIZARRA
Sunland Ctra. Cártama - Pizarra, Nueva Aljaima, Cártama Estación. Tel: (+34) 902 502 250; www.sunland-int.com Three to Year 7 (set to increase by one year annually). Buses from Torremolinos, Alhaurín El Grande and Málaga East.
ESTEPONA
Bede’s Grammar School C/. Esparragal 69, Urb. Bel Air, Estepona. Tel: (+34) 952 880 867; www.bedes-spain.org
Mayfair Academy C.C. Costa Sol 31, Urb. Bel Air, Estepona. Tel: (+34) 952 784 923; www.mayfairacademy.com 10 – 18 years.
FUENGIROLA
St Anthony’s College Camino de Coín, Km. 5.25, Mijas Costa. Tel: (+34) 952 473 166; www.stanthonyscollege.com 5 – 16 years. Buses from Torreblanca and Fuengirola.
MÁLAGA
St. George’s International School of Málaga Avda. de la Centaurea 8, Urb. Cerrado de Calderón. Tel: (+34) 952 204 810; www.interschoolmalaga.com British education from three to 16 years (18 in the near future).
MARBELLA
English International College Urb. Ricmar s/n, N-340/A7, Km. 189.5, Marbella. Tel: (+34) 952 831 058; www.eic.edu 3 – 18 years. Buses from Fuengirola and Marbella.
NUEVA ANDALUCÍA
Aloha College Urb. El Angel, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: (+34) 952 814 133; www.aloha-college.com 3 – 18 years. Buses from Fuengirola and Puerto Banús.
SAN PEDRO DE ALCÁNTARA
Calpe International College Ctra. de Cadiz, Km. 171, San Pedro. Tel: (+34) 952 781 479; www.calpecollegeschool.com Seven to 18 years.
King’s College C/. G, Urb. Nueva Alcántara. Tel: (+34) 902 400 028; www.kcsanpedro.org 3 - 18 years.
SOTOGRANDE
Sotogrande International School Cortijo Paniagua, Apdo. 15, Urb. Sotogrande. Tel: (+34) 956 795 902; www.sis.ac Buses from Nueva Andalucía; boarding facilities for students over 10 years.
TORREMOLINOS
Sunnyview C/. Teruel 32, Urb. Cerro del Toril, Torremolinos. Tel: (+34) 952 383 164; www.nabss.org/sunny.htm Buses from Torremolinos and Fuengirola.
OTHER SCHOOLS & COURSES – COSTA DEL SOL
The Marbella Design Academy All tuition is in English, with courses including Interior architecture, furniture design and graphic design. C/. Virgen del Pilar 4, Marbella. Tel: (+34) 609 594 885; www.designschool.com
The Tutorial Learning Centre Tuition in a variety of GCSE and A Level subjects. N340/A7, Km. 197, Calahonda, Mijas Costa. Tel: (+34) 952 838 078
FOREIGN PRIVATE SCHOOLS – COSTA DEL SOL
FINNISH
Escuela Finlandesa C/. José Salik 4, Urb. Los Pacos, Fuengirola. Tel: (+34) 952 476 193; www.suomalainenkoulu.net
GERMAN
German College (Colegio Alemán Juan Hoffman) Urb. Elviria, La Mairena, Plaza Juan Hoffmann s/n, 29600 Marbella, Tel: (+34) 952 831 417 www.dsmalaga.com, Contact: fuchs@dsmalaga.com.
NORWEGIAN
Colegio Noruego Costa del Sol Avda. Acapulco 11, Fuengirola. Tel: (+34) 952 464 313; www.norskeskolencostadelsol.com
SWEDISH
El Colegio Sueco Svenska Skolan Avda. Ramón y Cajal 9, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 475 076; www.svenskaskolancostadelsol.net