International schools in Marbella: a guide for families

Are you moving to Marbellawith your children, or thinking about it? Then choosing the right school is often more important than choosing the right home. Fortunately, Marbella has one of the highest concentrations of international schools in Spain. In this guide you will find the main schools, their curriculum and location, plus our tips on the areas where families live best.

Why Marbella is so popular with families

Marbella combines a safe, sunny outdoor lifestyle with excellent amenities: international schools, sports clubs, private clinics and a community of more than a hundred nationalities. Children here often grow up speaking three or four languages, with English, Spanish and their mother tongue. And thanks to Málaga airport, family back home is never far away.

Overview of the main international schools

Provision and programmes may change. Always check the latest information, waiting lists and school fees directly with the school.

British, IB or Spanish: which should you choose?

• British curriculum: the most common system, with GCSEs and A-levels. Internationally recognised and good preparation for universities in the United Kingdom and beyond.
• International Baccalaureate (IB): broad and internationally minded, recognised by universities worldwide, including in the UK.
• German, Swedish or French system: useful if your children want to continue their studies in that system later on.
• Spanish bilingual: ideal if you want your children to fully integrate and become fluent in Spanish.

There is no full Dutch-language school in Marbella for Dutch-speaking children. Many families choose an international school combined with distance learning or extra Dutch lessons, so their children keep their mother tongue up to standard.

How much does an international school cost?

School fees vary widely by school and by age, and most schools publish their rates on their website. As well as tuition, allow for registration fees, a deposit, the school bus, meals, uniforms and exam fees. Always ask for a full breakdown before you decide.

Which area is best for living with children?

• Nueva Andalucía and Las Brisas: close to Aloha College and Svenska Skolan, with golf, sports clubs and shops. One of the most popular areas for families.
• Sierra Blanca and Nagüeles: gated and secure, close to Swans and the town centre.
• Guadalmina and San Pedro: green and peaceful, close to Laude and Atalaya.
• Marbella East (Río Real, Los Monteros, Elviria): close to EIC and the Deutsche Schule, with beautiful beaches.
• New Golden Mile: new builds, space and several schools close by. Read our guide to the New Golden Mile.

Our tip: choose the school first, then look for a home no more than fifteen minutes’ drive away. Traffic on the coast road can build up considerably during the morning rush hour, and spending an hour in the car every day is no fun.

Practical tips for your move

1. Start early: the most popular schools have waiting lists, especially for certain ages. Get in touch at least a year in advance.
2. Visit the schools: book a tour and talk to other parents.
3. Sort out your paperwork: NIE number, registration with the town hall (empadronamiento) and, if applicable, residency.
4. Consider renting first: if you are unsure about the area, you can rent for a year first and buy in the meantime.

We help you find the right home near the right school

As a Belgian-run estate agency in Marbella, we guide many families through their move. We know the schools, the traffic patterns and the areas where families feel at home. Tell us which school you have in mind and we will find properties nearby. Take a look at our villas, our new developments or get in touch with us.

After-school activities and sport

One of the great advantages of growing up in Marbella is the outdoor life. After school, children can join football, tennis, padel, golf and sailing clubs, and there are music and dance schools as well as holiday camps. Many international schools also offer an extensive programme of extracurricular activities. Thanks to the climate, children play outdoors for most of the year, which makes for a healthy and active childhood.

How do you choose the right school?

1. Think about the future: where does your child want to study later on? A British diploma or the IB opens doors internationally, while a German or French pathway fits better with those countries.
2. Look at the languages: how much Spanish will the children learn? Do you want them to become fluently bilingual?
3. Check class sizes and support: extra language support is important, especially for children who do not yet speak English.
4. Visit on a normal school day: that is the best way to get a feel for the atmosphere.
5. Talk to other parents: ask about their experience with communication, support and results.

Helping your children settle in

Children usually adapt surprisingly quickly, especially when they are young. Good preparation still matters: take them along to visit the school, let them practise some English or Spanish beforehand and keep familiar routines in your new home. Many schools have a buddy system for new pupils.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best international school in Marbella?

That depends on the curriculum you are looking for and where you live. Aloha College, Swans and EIC are among the best-known British schools. Visit a few and choose the one that best suits your child.

Is there a Dutch-language school in Marbella?

There is no full Dutch-language school. Many families combine an international school with Dutch distance learning.

From what age can children attend an international school?

Most schools have a nursery or early years section from the age of three and continue up to eighteen.

Where do most families live in Marbella?

In Nueva Andalucía, Sierra Blanca, Guadalmina, Marbella East and, increasingly, on the New Golden Mile.