Now it’s time to plan your family’s move!
Here’s our carefully curated list of the best international schools on the Costa del Sol — from Marbella to Málaga and Sotogrande — to help you choose the perfect education for your children.
The Costa del Sol isn’t just a paradise of sunshine, beaches, and Mediterranean living — it’s also home to some of the best international schools in Spain. Whether you’re an expat relocating to Marbella, Málaga, Sotogrande or Estepona, there’s a wide range of British, American, German, French, and bilingual schools offering world-class education.
📍 Top Locations: Marbella • San Pedro • Málaga • Estepona • Sotogrande
🌟 Top-Rated International Schools
These schools consistently rank among the best in the region:
✅ Sotogrande International School
✅ The British School of Málaga
✅ Swans International School
✅ Laude San Pedro International College
✅ The American College in Spain
✅ Deutsche Schule Málaga
🎓 Why Choose an International School on the Costa del Sol?
- 🌍 Cultural diversity: Students from 30+ nationalities
- 🧠 Academic excellence: International qualifications (IB, A‑Levels, GCSE, Bachillerato)
- 🌞 Outdoor lifestyle: Year-round sunshine, beach & sports-friendly climate
- 🎓 University access: Global recognition and pathways to top universities
- 🧑🤝🧑 Support for expat families: Multilingual guidance and integration support
🌍 Best International Schools on the Costa del Sol (2025 Edition)
1. Aloha College – Nueva Andalucía (Marbella)
https://www.aloha-college.com/
- Curriculum: British (IGCSE, A‑Levels), Spanish, IB
- Ages: 3–18
- Strengths: Multicultural, top-notch facilities, academic results
A well-established school with over 60 nationalities, modern labs, theatre, sports facilities, and bilingual learning.
2. Swans International School – Marbella
- Curriculum: British + IB
- Ages: 3–18
- Strengths: Personalised teaching, small classes, multicultural
Over 40 years of excellence with a strong reputation in Marbella for academic support and pastoral care.
3. British International School of Marbella (BISM)
- Curriculum: British (GCSE, A‑Levels)
- Ages: 3–18
- Strengths: Safe environment, innovation, creativity
Modern campus with indoor pool, arts facilities, and international foundation background.
4. Laude San Pedro International College – San Pedro Alcántara
https://www.laudesanpedro.com/
- Curriculum: British + Spanish + IB
- Ages: 3–18
- Strengths: Bilingual education, wide extra-curriculars
Top-rated in Andalucía, with sports, robotics, and language programmes.
5. Sotogrande International School (SIS) – Sotogrande
- Curriculum: Full IB (PYP, MYP, DP)
- Ages: 0.8–18
- Strengths: Elite sport, innovation, optional boarding
An Apple Distinguished School with 1,300+ students from 50+ countries.
6. Deutsche Schule Málaga – Marbella / Málaga
https://www.dsmalaga.com/es/inicio/
- Curriculum: German + Spanish
- Ages: Early Years – 18
- Strengths: Academic rigour, science, bilingualism
Founded in 1898 and re-established in 1967, this is the only German school in the region.
7. Lycée Français de Málaga – Málaga
- Curriculum: French + Spanish
- Ages: Early Years – Terminale
- Strengths: Baccalauréat Français, language excellence
Ideal for French-speaking families relocating to Spain.
8. St. Anthony’s College – Mijas / Fuengirola
https://www.stanthonyscollege.com/
- Curriculum: British + Spanish
- Ages: 3–18
- Strengths: Longstanding tradition, personal attention
Established in 1968, known for its inclusive and supportive environment.
9. Calpe School – San Pedro Alcántara
- Curriculum: British (Early Years & Primary)
- Ages: 2–11
- Strengths: Family environment, small class sizes
A great choice for early education with a nurturing approach.
10. Atlas American School of Málaga – Estepona
- Curriculum: American (K1–12)
- Ages: 3–18
- Strengths: Innovation, sport, entrepreneurship
The first American curriculum school on the Costa del Sol, opened in 2022.
🗂️ Summary Table
| School | Curriculum | Ages | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aloha College | British + IB + Spanish | 3–18 | Multicultural, academic excellence |
| Swans International | British + IB | 3–18 | Small classes, high achievement |
| BISM | British | 3–18 | Creative, modern, global outlook |
| Laude San Pedro | British + Spanish + IB | 3–18 | Flexibility, robotics, language-rich |
| Sotogrande International | IB (Boarding optional) | 0.8–18 | Innovation, elite sports, international mix |
| Deutsche Schule Málaga | German + Spanish | 3–18 | Rigorous academics, strong bilingual base |
| Lycée Français de Málaga | French + Spanish | 3–18 | French Baccalaureate, multicultural |
| St Anthony’s College | British + Spanish | 3–18 | Community feel, heritage |
| Calpe School | British (Primary) | 2–11 | Ideal for early years, family atmosphere |
| Atlas American School | American | 3–18 | Sports, entrepreneurship, innovation |
✅ Recommendations by Focus
- For British curriculum & bilingual education: Aloha, Swans, BISM, Laude
- For IB with sports or tech: Sotogrande International School
- For German or French curriculum: Deutsche Schule Málaga, Lycée Français de Málaga
- For early years / smaller communities: St Anthony’s, Calpe
- For American curriculum & innovation: Atlas American School
💬 Final Thoughts
If you’re relocating to the Costa del Sol and searching for the best school for your child, you’ll find a wide choice of academically strong, internationally minded schools—many offering global qualifications in a safe, sunny and dynamic environment.
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