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Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions for families moving to Marbella. For expats and international families, the choice involves more than finding a school with available places. The curriculum, language of instruction, location, admissions process and your child’s previous education can all influence which option is right for your family.
Marbella and the surrounding Costa del Sol offer a wide range of educational options, from Spanish public and state-funded schools to private, bilingual and international schools following British, German and International Baccalaureate programmes.
If you are planning a move to Marbella with children, this guide explains the main types of schools available, how admissions work and what international families should consider before choosing a school.
What types of schools are available in Marbella?
Families looking for schools in Marbella will generally encounter three main types of education:
- Public schools, which are part of the Spanish state education system.
- Concerted schools (colegios concertados), which are privately managed but receive public funding.
- Private and international schools, which are independently managed and may follow the Spanish curriculum or an international curriculum such as British or German education.
The best option depends on your family’s circumstances, including your children’s ages, languages, educational background and how long you expect to remain in Spain.
Public and state-funded schools in Marbella
Public schools and publicly funded private schools (colegios concertados) follow the admission system established by the Junta de Andalucía.
When there are more applications than available places, admission is determined through a points-based system. Factors considered can include the proximity of the family home or a parent’s workplace to the school, siblings already attending the school, household income and certain family or personal circumstances.
This means that where you live in Marbella can influence your chances of obtaining a place at a particular public or concertado school.
For the 2026/27 academic year, the ordinary admission process takes place principally during March, followed by the assessment and allocation process during April and May. Enrolment for Infantil and Primary is then formalised in early June.
Families arriving outside the ordinary admission period can still seek a school place, although the applicable procedure and available schools will depend on when they arrive.
For expat families, this makes it particularly important to consider education when choosing where to live in Marbella. A property that looks ideal from a residential perspective may not necessarily be the most convenient option for your children’s school.
Private and international schools in Marbella
Many international families moving to Marbella choose private or international education. The Marbella area and the wider Costa del Sol offer a particularly diverse selection of schools, including British, German, Spanish-bilingual and International Baccalaureate programmes.
International schools can be particularly attractive to families who want their children to continue studying in English, maintain continuity with their existing curriculum or follow an internationally recognised educational pathway.
Some of the main international school options in and around Marbella include:
Aloha College Marbella
Aloha College Marbella is a British international school offering education from ages 3 to 18.
The school follows the English National Curriculum during the earlier years, with students progressing to IGCSE examinations and then choosing between the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and International A-Levels in Sixth Form.
Its international environment can be particularly suitable for families looking for an English-language education and internationally recognised pathways to university.
For expat families planning to remain in Spain or potentially move to another country later, the combination of British and international qualifications can provide additional flexibility.
Swans International School
Swans International School provides a British international education in Marbella, with separate primary and secondary campuses.
Students progress through the British curriculum from Early Years and Primary through to IGCSE and Sixth Form, where the school offers the International Baccalaureate pathway.
The school also provides a Spanish curriculum pathway for Spanish nationals and students with native-level Spanish, allowing certain students to work towards a dual qualification.
This can make Swans an interesting option for families looking for an international education while maintaining a stronger connection with the Spanish education system.
The British International School of Marbella
The British International School of Marbella (BISM) follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, with education predominantly delivered in English.
Students progress from Early Years through Primary and Secondary education before completing GCSEs and A Levels.
For international families, the school combines a British curriculum with elements of the Spanish educational environment. This can be relevant for parents who want their children to develop strong English skills while also integrating into life in Spain.
English International College
English International College (EIC) provides an English-language international education from Early Years and Primary through Secondary School and Sixth Form.
Students follow a British-style academic pathway, including GCSEs and International A Levels.
The school also places a strong emphasis on preparation for university, with graduates progressing to higher education in Spain, the UK, the US and other countries.
For internationally mobile families, this type of educational pathway can offer continuity when children may eventually apply to universities outside Spain.
Laude San Pedro International College
Located in San Pedro de Alcántara, Laude San Pedro International College is another relevant option for families living in or around Marbella.
The school offers British and Spanish educational pathways. Students can follow the British curriculum through Primary and Secondary education, including IGCSEs and A Levels, or follow the Spanish pathway through ESO and Bachillerato.
The combination of British and Spanish education can be particularly useful for families who are not yet certain whether their children will eventually attend university in Spain, the UK or another country.
Deutsche Schule Málaga
Located in the Elviria–La Mairena area of Ojén, close to Marbella, Deutsche Schule Málaga (Colegio Alemán de Málaga) provides a German international education from Early Years through Bachillerato.
The school combines German and Spanish education and provides a multilingual environment. It is part of the network of official German schools abroad.
For German-speaking families or parents looking to maintain continuity with the German education system while living in Spain, this can be a particularly relevant option.
Atalaya International School
Atalaya International School is located in the Estepona area rather than Marbella itself, but it can be relevant for families considering the wider Costa del Sol, particularly those looking at properties west of Marbella.
The school offers bilingual education in English and Spanish and is an authorised International Baccalaureate World School.
Its IB pathway can be attractive to internationally mobile families looking for a globally recognised curriculum.
Bilingual and Spanish education options
Not every international family needs an English-language international school.
Some families choose Spanish or bilingual education because they expect to remain in Spain long term and want their children to integrate more deeply into the local education system and community.
A bilingual school can provide a middle ground, combining Spanish education with significant English-language instruction.
When comparing schools, parents should ask which subjects are taught in each language, rather than simply looking for the word “bilingual” in the school’s description.
Should you choose your school before your home?
For international families moving to Marbella, the relationship between housing and education deserves particular attention.
With public and concerted schools, your registered address can affect the admissions process. With private and international schools, location can have a different but equally important impact because of daily commuting times.
Marbella’s urban area extends across a relatively large geographical area, while many international schools are located in different parts of Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara, Estepona or neighbouring municipalities.
A property that looks close to a school on a map may involve a significantly longer journey during peak traffic.
For this reason, families should ideally consider school location and property location together rather than making each decision independently.
Planning education is part of your relocation
For expat families, choosing a school should be part of the wider relocation strategy. Your children’s education, language and curriculum can influence where you live and which areas are most suitable.
At HolaExpat, we help international families find suitable education options and coordinate them with their wider relocation plans.
Planning your move to Marbella? Contact HolaExpat to find the right options for your family.
