You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Spain with fee information. The list includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools for you to find the right school to prepare for the International Baccalaureate and other accreditation in Spain. Some schools may follow the American or British curriculums with English speaking programs while others are regulated under the French, German or Italian education system.

Education in Spain

The Ministry of Education (Ministerio de Educación) administers the national system, although authority can be delegated to regional governments. Of the 17 autonomous regions, seven (Andalusia, the Basque Lands, the Canary Islands, Catalonia, Galicia, Navarre and Valencia) have responsibility for their own education system (including higher education). Generally, Spanish is the language of instruction but in places like Barcelona public school instruction is in Catalan.

State education (Colegios Publicos) in Spain is free and compulsory from the age of 6 to 16. The system is generally divided into:

• Pre-school (Educación Infantil, segundo ciclo) - 3 to 6 years of age
• Primary School (Educación Primaria) - 6 to 12 years of age
• Compulsory Secondary Education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria or ESO) - 12 to 16 years of age
• Post-Compulsory Schooling (Bachillerato) - 16 to 18 years of age

At the age of 14 (equivalent to eighth grade) pupils receive a school-leaving certificate, which determines the course of their future education. Those with high marks are awarded a título de graduado escolar certificate and attend a higher secondary school to study for their baccalaureate (bachillerato). Students not achieving this level earn a school certificate (certificado de escolaridad) and attend a vocational school (formación professional) providing specialized training for a specific career.

Admissions in Spain begin in March. To register, parents go to the school of choice and fill out an application providing documentation of child's ID and town hall registration certificate (empadronamiento). Two months later, the Ministry of Education publishes the lists of admitted students. If you arrive outside of the admission time in March, then you can apply at the local Education Council (Concejalía de Educación).

The school year is divided into three terms, with a long summer holiday break of about three months.

• Winter term (September to December)
• Spring term (January to Easter)
• Summer term (After Easter to late June)

International Schools

International schools or private schools (escuelas privadas) in Spain can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Spain. International schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam.

Under Spanish law, all foreign schools must be approved by their country's embassy in Spain. There is usually local population as to receive state subsidies a school must have at least 25 percent Spanish pupils (at least 20 percent in each class). And as a condition of receiving government funding, schools with Spanish pupils are subject to inspection by the Spanish school authorities.

Schools may follow a curriculum model from the US, UK, France, etc. Primary instruction may be any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English. Schools also provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.

Admission and enrollment procedures vary from school to school. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive based on local standards, but offers high standards of learning, boast smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular. Boarding facilities are available at some schools, but most only provide day classes.

Accreditation & Membership

• Council of International Schools (CoIS) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools.
• National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABSS) is a directory of NABSS members offering British education in Spain.
• Council of British International Schools (COBIS) is a responsive organization that serves, supports and represents its member schools.
• European Council of International Schools (ICES) is a collaborative network promoting the ideals and best practice of international education.
• Boarding Schools Association (BSA) is the United Kingdom Association serving and representing member boarding schools, training staff and promoting boarding education.
• Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC) represents the Heads of the world's leading independent schools.
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) is among the premier accrediting associations in the world.
• Mediterranean Association of International Schools (MAIS) is a professional organization that strives to improve the quality of education in its Member Schools.
• New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) is a regional accrediting association which establishes standards for all levels of education, from pre-K to doctoral.

International Schools in Alicante

The Lady Elizabeth School
Address: Entrada Norte de la Cumbre del Sol
03726 Benitachell (Alicante) Spain
Tel: 965 790 252
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This is a junior and senior coeducational day school for pupils from 11 - 18 years. Students follow the British Curriculum as well as the Spanish Curriculum (Lengua y Literatura, Valenciano and Cienicas Sociales, at Key Stage 3 and GCSE Level).

Colegio Internacional Lope de Vega
Address: Avda Doctor Severo Ochoa 9
03503 BENIDORM, Spain
Tel: 96 585 41 50 - 54
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

International school from Nursery, Primary, Secondary, to Bachillerato or University level. It provides bilingual curriculum and follows the Spanish system, catering to both Spanish and international students. Boarding is offered.

Xabia International College (XIC)
Address: Ctra. Cabo la Nao 21
Apartado de Correos 311
Javea 03730 Alicante Spain
Tel: (34) 96 647 1785
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Education based on the English National Curriculum within an international environment. The school comprises Foundation, Primary and Secondary, offering continuity of education from Nursery to University. From the age of 2 all children are immersed in a bilingual environment, stimulating the early acquisition of both Spanish and English. Spanish language and culture is taught throughout the school alongside the English Curriculum, with other languages being introduced from the age of 11.

French International School in Alicante

Lycée français Pierre Deschamps
Address: Camino de Marco, 21
03560 El Campello, Alicante, Spain
Tel: 34 965 26 25 08
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

A French language international school that caters to approved French curriculum.

International School in Almuñécar

Almuñécar International School (AIS)
Address: Avda. Capitan Rodriguez, Urb. Los Pinos
18690 Almuñécar, Granada, Spain
Tel: 34 958635911
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

AIS is an English medium, independent school for children aged 3 to 19 years old. Founded in 1989, and owned by a consortium of parents on a 'not for profit' basis, it serves Spanish and expatriate families with a British style curriculum. Students take Spanish and GCSE examinations in May and June of their final year.

International School in Asturia

English School of Asturias
Address: 33192 Pruvia de Abajo (Llanera)
Tel: 34 985 237 171
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

A private, co-educational school based on the British model for children of all nationalities from age 3 to 18. Most students are Spanish, with many other nationalities represented. 30% of classes are taught in Spanish which includes the essential elements of Spanish language, literature and humanities. Education at the English School of Asturias is fully homologous with the Spanish education system and the studies are automatically validated.

International Schools in Barcelona

For a complete listing of schools in the area, go to our post "International Schools in Barcelona".

International Schools in Bilbao

American School of Bilbao (ASB)
Address: Soparda Bidea 10
48640 Berango (Bizkaia)
Tel: 34 94 668 08 60/1
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

An International private school from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. It offers an American-style educational programme taught in English leading to an American High School Diploma. The school is accredited by NEASC and CoIS and it officially recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education as a Foreign School in Spain.

German International School in Bilboa

Deutsche Schule Bilbao
Address: Avda. Jesús Galíndez 3
E-48004 Bilbao Spain
Tel: (34) 94 459 80 90
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Bilingual German-Spanish international school. Students are prepared for their Arbitur.

International School in Cadiz

Sotogrande International School (SIS)
Address: Avda La Reserva SN
11310 Sotogrande, Cádiz, Spain
Tel: 34 956 79 59 02
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

International primary and secondary education for English speakers. SIS is authorized as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and is fully accredited by CoIS and NEASC. It offers a British-style international education through the National Association of British Schools in Spain and is approved annually as a convalidated school through the Spanish authorities. Boarding is offered.

International School in Girona

Newton College
Address: Av. Ricardo Elías Aparicio 240
La Molina, Gorina, Spain
Tel: (511) 479-0460
Tuition Rates: $4,950 - 8,690 per year

English language international school. It is an IB school as well as a Cambridge testing center.

International Schools in Madrid

For a complete listing of schools in the area, go to our post "International Schools in Madrid".

International Schools in Mallorca

Baleares International College (BIC)
Address1: Sa Porrassa Campus
Cala Figuera, 3A
07181 Sa Porrassa (Calvià)
Tel: (+34) 971 133 167
E-mail: office@balearesint.net
Address2: Sant Agustí Campus
Calle de Marià Villangómez, 17
07015 Sant Agustí (Palma De Mallorca)
Tel:(+34) 971 403 161
E-mail: office.san@balearesint.net
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Founded in 1957 and part of the Orbital Education Group of Schools, Baleares International College follows the English National Curriculum, and offers Spanish, Catalan, German and French as part of the curriculum. The school has two excellent campuses for parents to choose from: Sant Agustí, for students aged 2 to 11, and Sa Porrassa, for students aged 3 to 18.

Bellver International College
Address: Calle Jose Costa Ferrer N5
Marivent 07015 Palma de Mallorca, EspaÑa
Tel: 971401679
Tuition Rates: €2,035 - 3,295 per term

English language education at this international school from primary to secondary. Uniforms are required.

International Schools in Malaga

The British College
Address: Urbanización Torremuelle C/ Paseo del Genil s/n
29630 Benalmádena Costa, Málaga, Spain
Tel: 34 952 44 22 15
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Bilingual (English/Spanish) school that follows both the British Curriculum and the main areas of knowledge of the Spanish Curriculum. From Year 7 a third language, French or German, is introduced. In their final year, students may take the Cambridge University IGCSEs and A levels, plus the Spanish Certificate of Secondary Education and Spanish Baccalaureate. The school is fully recognized by both the British and Spanish Ministries of Education and is a member of NABSS. Uniform is required.

Novaschool Sunland International
Address: Crta. de Cártama Estación a Pizarra
29580, Cártama Estación, Malaga, Spain
Tel: 34 952 42 42 53 / 34 653 76 00 70
Tuition Rates: €4,500 - 5,500 per year

Educates children following the British National Curriculum from 2 1/2 to 18 years old. The curriculum also incorporates the requirements of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science regarding the Spanish Language and Social Sciences. The academic curriculum is also supplemented by Citizenship & PSHEW (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Wellbeing), an extracurricular activities program and a student support system provided by the secondary education coordinator. Students at the end of Year 11 obtain their International General Certificates of Secondary Education (IGCSEs) and in years 12 and 13 pupils follow the pre university course known as the CIE (Cambridge International Exams), AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A (Advanced) levels. The school is officially recognized by the CIE and Edexcel examination boards as an examination centre.

Schellhammer International School
Address: Calle Flaminio 2, Urb. Valle Romano
29680 Estepona, Málaga, Spain
Tel: +34 952.907.892
Tuition Rates: 12,500 Euros (A-Levels program) per year

Schellhammer International School is a fully accredited Cambridge International School based in Valle Romano, Estepona, catering to the youth from Marbella to Sotogrande and beyond. Founded in 2018, by Dr. Eduard Schellhammer, Schellhammer International School forms part of a global education community present in 160 countries, with nearly 1 million students in over 10,000 Cambridge schools.

International Schools in Marbella

Aloha College
Address: Urb. El Angel, Nueva Andalucía
29660 - Marbella, Málaga, Spain
Tel: (34) 95 281 4133
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Aloha College offers English language, British-style education with additional instruction in Spanish language and culture. Graduates may gain qualifications from both the British and Spanish examination systems. The school is an IB World School, accredited by ICES, COIBS, and the Spanish government. Uniforms are required.

Mayfair International Academy
Address: Avda. De Las Golondrinas
Atalaya Park, Estepona, Málaga 29680, Spain
Tel: (34) 952 78 49 23
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Provides a bicultural, multilingual syllabus to pupils between 3 and 18 years old. It follows the British curriculum and provides the opportunity to earn A Levels or the vocational BTEC Extended Diploma in an International Diploma. Mayfair Academy is a fully accredited International School, certified by the British Council as a British School in Spain. It is registered with the Andalusian regional government and is a Cambridge Examination Centre and Edexcel Examination Centre.

International Schools in Murcia

El Limonar International School
Address: C/Maria Zambrano
Urbanizacion Monteprincipe 30500 Molina de Segura, Spain
Tel: 34 968604113
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

El Limonar Monteprincipe is a bilingual education center for pupils from the age of 3 to 8 years old. The school follows the English and Welsh National Curriculum whilst complying with the requirements of the Spanish Education system.

Shoreless Lake School (SLS)
Address: Apdo. 239
30850 Totana, Murcia, Spain
Tel: 34 968 424386
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

English curriculum with an education based in Catholic values. Caters to grades two through twelve.

International Schools in Galicia

Chester College International School
Address: Travesia de Montouto, 2
Teo, Santiago de Compostela, 15784, Spain
Tel: +34 981 81 91 60
Email: info@chestercollege.org
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Chester College International School is a small, private, coeducational, international American day and boarding school founded in 1985, for students from Early Childhood I (age 3) up to Grade 12 (age 18).  The school is accredited by AdvancED and the Spanish Ministry of Education. Credits taken in Chester College are automatically transferable to other American schools. Similarly, transfer systems apply to other educational systems.

International Schools in Valencia

American School of Valencia (ASV)
Address: Urb. Los Monasterios Avd. Sierra Calderona
29 46530 PUZOL, Valencia, Spain
Tel: 34 96 140 54 12
Tuition Rates: €516 - 679 per month

International school offering an American college-preparatory curriculum from pre-school to high school. Graduates receive both the Spanish Baccalaureate Diploma as well as the American High School Diploma, as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma. ASV is accredited by the MSA and is fully recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education and is affiliated with the ICES and the MAIS.

British School of Alzira (BSA)
Address: Ctra. Alzira-Tavernes
La Barraca de Aguas Vivas Alzira - Valencia
Tel: 902.123.883 / +0034.962.589.368
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

BSA caters to pupils from 8 months to 18 years of age. The school is authorized by the appropriate British and Spanish authorities and it offers a complete British National Curriculum.

Cambridge House
Address: Calle Profesorado Español, 1
Rocafort 46111 (Valencia) Spain
Tel: 34 96 390 5019
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Cambridge House offers education to Spanish and international students. The school follows the English educational system from three to years 12 and 13.

Caxton College
Address: Mas de León 5
46530 Puçol (Valencia) Spain
Tel: (34) 96 142 45 00
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

An International day and boarding school that follows the British National Curriculum. It is a co-educational day and boarding school with a reputation for quality education. It is officially accredited by both the British and Spanish authorities (British Council and Spanish Ministry of Education) and as such is authorized to teach all Key Stages up to University entrance. The school is a member of NABSS and BSA.

El Plantio International School
Address: El Plantío ISV C/
46182 Valencia, Spain
Tel: 34 96 132 1410
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Offers day and boarding options in British Education for students aged 2-18. From Early Years Foundation Stage to Secondary it follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales. The International Baccalaureate is offered.

Elian's British School
Address: Avda Dr Peset 4
46183 La Eliana, Valencia, Spain
Tel: 962 740 272
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

A co-educational private day school for children from 4 months old upwards. Follows the English National Curriculum complemented by Spanish curriculum. Students begin the acquisition of the English language between 4 months and 2 years of age and from 3 years onwards they follow the English National Curriculum with the statutory Spanish studies.

English School Los Olivos
Address: C/ Pino Panera, 25 Campo Olivar - Godella
46110 Valencia
Tel: 963 631 409
Tuition Rates: €412.08 - 520.71 per year

English School Los Olivos is a co-educational day school, for both Spanish and non-Spanish pupils. The school offers a full British curriculum, complemented by Spanish Language and Social Studies and Valencian studies to children from 3 to 18 years of age. It is a member of NABSS and is authorized as a British School by the Spanish Ministry of Education. In Key Stages 4 and 5 students obtain internationally recognized GCSE, AS and A Level qualifications and are also offered the opportunity to prepare for Spanish university entrance examinations.