The 10 Best International Schools on
the Costa del Sol
MY AGENT Marbella – Your Exclusive Real Estate Partner on the Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is not only about sun and beaches. For international families, it is also one of Spain’s strongest education regions. With more than 20 international schools, British and German qualifications, IB programmes, and excellent connections to Málaga, the area is ideal for families relocating or purchasing a second home.
Why choose an international school?
Teaching in English, Spanish and often German
International qualifications (IB, A-Levels, German Abitur)
Small class sizes, modern facilities
Multicultural environment
Easy to combine with a property purchase in Marbella, Estepona, Málaga or Sotogrande
The Top 10 International Schools 2025
1. Aloha College Marbella 
Location: Nueva Andalucía (Marbella)
Qualifications: British Curriculum, IB
Ages: 3–18
Fees: approx. €8,000–12,000 / year
Why it stands out: excellent academic results, top campus, highly international parent community
2. Swans International School
Location: Marbella
Qualifications: British Curriculum up to A-Levels
Fees: approx. €7,500–11,500 / year
Strengths: small classes, excellent university placements, multiple campuses
3. German School
Location: Málaga (Elviria)
Qualification: German Abitur
Fees: approx. €6,000–9,000 / year
Ideal for: German-speaking families or those planning a possible return to Germany, Austria or Switzerland
4. The British School of Marbella
Location: Marbella / Las Chapas
Classic British school with a very family-oriented atmosphere
5. Laude San Pedro International College
Location: San Pedro
Qualifications: British + Spanish
For families who want to stay flexible
6. Sotogrande International School
Location: Sotogrande
Full IB programme (PYP, MYP, DP)
Highly international, premium standard
Ideal for families in Sotogrande or the western Costa del Sol
7. International School Estepona (ISE)
Location: Estepona
A good option for families not living directly in Marbella
8. EIC Marbella (English International College)
Location: San Pedro
Strong British school with fair tuition fees
9. Colegio San José (British Line)
Small, family-style setting between Málaga and Marbella
10. Mayfair International Academy
Location: Mijas / Fuengirola
Bilingual education, good value for money
What families should really consider
1. Qualification
British (IGCSE / A-Levels): ideal for the UK and international universities
IB: maximum flexibility worldwide
German Abitur: perfect for Germany, Austria and Switzerland
2. Location
Choose the school first, then the property.
Marbella / Nueva Andalucía: Aloha, Swans, BSM
San Pedro / Estepona: Laude, ISE
Málaga: German School
Sotogrande: SIS
3. Costs (approx. per year)
Entry level: €4,500–7,000
Mid-range: €7,000–10,000
Premium: €10,000–18,000
School bus, uniform, meals: additional €1,000–2,000
4. Waiting lists
Many schools have waiting periods of 6–18 months.
That means: secure the school first, then buy the property.
Combining property and school choice
Families choosing Aloha or Swans should buy or rent in Nueva Andalucía, Golf Valley or San Pedro.
Those choosing the German School in Málaga are best placed in Málaga East, Teatinos or Rincón de la Victoria.
Families choosing Sotogrande International School should live in Sotogrande — commuting 50 minutes every day simply doesn’t make sense.
Why us
MY AGENT Marbella works with buyer families who need exactly this:
Properties close to international schools
Off-market opportunities
Direct introductions to schools
Contact us for a non-binding initial consultation.