Top 7 International Schools in Marbella: Finding the Best for Your Child

Explore the top international schools in Marbella for your child’s education.

19th January 2010 · 6 min. read

Graduating students in blue gowns celebrating with diplomas and caps under a clear blue sky

Explore the best international schools in Marbella for your child’s education

If you’re moving to Marbella with children, choosing a school is one of the first big decisions you make.

The good news is that families here are spoiled for choice. There are British schools, bilingual schools, the International Baccalaureate, American pathways, and even German and Swedish options, all spread across different areas of Marbella and the wider Costa del Sol.

Below, we’ve brought together the top international schools in Marbella, with the key details you’ll need to compare them.

If your children are still little, you may also want to read our guide to the best kindergartens in Marbella.

Table of contents
Explore the best international schools in Marbella for your child’s education
Panorama's list of Top International Schools in Marbella
Full list of international schools on the Costa del Sol
FAQs about international schools in Marbella

Panorama's list of Top International Schools in Marbella

Swans International School

Coastal campus and sports facilities representing International Schools in Marbella near the Mediterranean Sea — The Sierra Blanca campus of Swans International Secondary School, overlooking Marbella and the Mediterranean. Image Source: IB World Schools Yearbook

Ages: 3–18
Curriculum: British, with Spanish curriculum options
Qualifications: IGCSE and International Baccalaureate Diploma
Website: swansschool.com
Location: El Capricho and Sierra Blanca

Founded in 1971, Swans International School is one of Marbella's longest-established international schools.

The school educates children from 3 to 18 years old across two Marbella campuses. Its Primary School is located in El Capricho, close to central Marbella, while its Secondary School is situated on Calle Lago de los Cisnes, near Sierra Blanca.

Swans follows the British curriculum through Primary and Secondary, with students working towards IGCSE qualifications in Years 10 and 11. Sixth Form students then study for the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Spanish nationals and students with a native level of Spanish can also follow elements of the Spanish curriculum, allowing them to complete their education with qualifications recognised within both systems.

Laude San Pedro International College

Aerial view of one of the International Schools in Marbella, with sports courts and surrounding residential areas — Laude San Pedro International College from above. Source: Laude San Pedro International College

Ages: 2.5 – 18
Curriculum: British or Spanish
Qualifications: IGCSE, A Levels, ESO and Bachillerato
Website: laudesanpedro.com
Location: San Pedro de Alcántara

Laude San Pedro International College offers both British and Spanish educational pathways for students from approximately 2.5 to 18 years old.

Those following the British route progress through the English curriculum to Cambridge IGCSEs and A Levels, while the Spanish pathway leads through ESO and Bachillerato.

This gives families the flexibility to choose between two recognised education systems while remaining at the same school.

Aloha College

International school campus in Marbella surrounded by greenery with the Mediterranean Sea in the background — Aloha College has been based in Nueva Andalucía since 1982 and educates students from more than 50 nationalities. Source: Aloha College Marbella

Ages: 3–18
Curriculum: British and international
Qualifications: IGCSE, IB Diploma or International A Levels
Website: aloha-college.com
Location: Nueva Andalucía, near the Golf Valley

Founded in 1982, Aloha College Marbella is one of Nueva Andalucía’s best-established international schools.

The not-for-profit school educates children from 3 to 18 years old, following the English National Curriculum and International Primary Curriculum before progressing to IGCSEs.

At Sixth Form, students can choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and International A Levels.

The English International College

Aerial view of a Marbella school campus featuring a swimming pool, sports courts and outdoor recreation areas — The English International College is one of the principal British schools serving families living in Marbella East. Source: The English International College

Ages: 3–18
Curriculum: British
Qualifications: GCSE and International A Levels
Website: eicmarbella.org
Location: Elviria, Marbella East

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Located in Marbella East, The English International College (EIC) provides a British education for students between 3 and 18 years old.

Children progress from Early Years and Primary through to Senior School, where they prepare for GCSE examinations. Sixth Form students then study towards International A Levels.

The school has a long-established Sixth Form programme, with former students progressing to universities across the UK, Spain, Europe, North America and beyond.

The American College in Spain

Students gathered outside The American College in Marbella celebrating an educational milestone — The American College in Spain. Source: The American College in Spain

Curriculum: American
School levels: Middle School and High School, followed by university programmes
Qualification: American High School Diploma and GED
Website: americancollegespain.com
Location: La Alzambra, Nueva Andalucía, near Puerto Banús

The American College in Spain (ACS) offers a different pathway from Marbella's predominantly British international schools.

The institution follows the US education system, with programmes covering Middle School and High School and the opportunity to obtain an accredited American High School Diploma. ACS also offers a GED pathway for students seeking an alternative US high-school-equivalency qualification.

Students can then continue into American university-level education in Marbella, including pathways linked to Keiser University.

The British International School of Marbella

Modern international school campus in Marbella with outdoor sports facilities and landscaped surroundings — Aerial shot of The British International School of Marbella. Image Source: Teacher Horizons

Ages: 2–18
Curriculum: English National Curriculum with Spanish studies
Qualifications: GCSE and A Levels
Website: bism.es
Location: Marbella Golden Mile

The British International School of Marbella (BISM) educates children from 2 to 18 years old, following the English curriculum from Early Years through to Sixth Form.

Students work towards GCSEs in Years 10 and 11, followed by A Levels in Years 12 and 13. Spanish subjects are also available, allowing students to maintain recognition within both the British and Spanish education systems.

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Deutsche Schule Málaga

Deutsche Schule campus near Marbella with mountain and Mediterranean views — Deutsche Schule Málaga. Source: Deutsche Schule Málaga

Ages: from 3 through to Year 12
Curriculum: German, with Spanish education incorporated
Qualification: German International Abitur
Location: La Mairena, Ojén, inland from Marbella town
Website: dsmalaga.com

Deutsche Schule Málaga provides a German education from Kindergarten through to university entrance.

Children can join from age three and progress through Primary and Secondary education to Year 12. The main university entrance qualification is the German International Abitur, while Spanish also plays an important role in the school’s bilingual and bicultural education.

The school is located in La Mairena, technically within the municipality of Ojén and immediately inland from Marbella East.

Svenska Skolan Marbella

Ages: from 3 through upper-secondary education
Curriculum: Swedish
Secondary pathways: Sofia Distans and Hermods Distansgymnasium
Location: La Alzambra, Nueva Andalucía, near Puerto Banús
Website: svenskaskolanmarbella.com

Founded in 2003, Svenska Skolan Marbella provides a Swedish education. Children can join from preschool age and follow the Swedish curriculum through to Year 6, with English and Spanish taught alongside it.

Older students can continue their Swedish education from Marbella through supervised distance-learning programmes, with support from teachers at the school. This allows students to remain based in Marbella through secondary and upper-secondary education.

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Full list of international schools on the Costa del Sol

Sotogrande

Sotogrande International School

Estepona

The International School Estepon – El Paraíso, Estepona
Mayfair International Academy – Atalaya-Isdabe, Estepona
Atlas American School of Málaga – Estepona
Atalaya International School – Estepona
Swedish International School – Cancelada, Estepona

Benahavís

Creators International School – Benahavís (scheduled to open September 2026)

FAQs about international schools in Marbella

What are the best international schools in Marbella?

Marbella has several highly regarded international schools, including Aloha College Marbella, Swans International School, The British International School of Marbella, The English International College and Laude San Pedro International College. The best choice will depend on the curriculum, your child’s age and where you plan to live.

What curricula do international schools in Marbella follow?

Families can choose from British, American, German and Swedish education systems, as well as schools offering the International Baccalaureate and Spanish qualifications. Some schools also allow pupils to combine international and Spanish studies.

Are there British schools in Marbella?

Yes. Marbella has several schools following the British curriculum, including Aloha College Marbella, Swans International School, The British International School of Marbella, The English International College and Laude San Pedro International College.

Is there an American school in Marbella?

Yes. The American College in Spain, based in La Alzambra near Puerto Banús, offers an American education pathway including Middle School, High School and university-level programmes.

When should I apply to an international school in Marbella?

It is worth contacting schools as early as possible, particularly if you are planning a move for the start of a new academic year. Availability varies by school and year group, and some of Marbella’s most popular international schools may have waiting lists.