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Marbella isn’t just about sun-drenched beaches, world-class golf courses, and luxury living. It’s also home to a thriving international community—with over 140 nationalities—making it one of Spain’s most diverse places to live. And where there’s a global population, top-tier education follows.
With Marbella’s resident count now exceeding 150,000, demand for high-quality international schooling has never been higher. Parents from all over the world seek exceptional education for their children, often shaping their choice of neighborhood based on proximity to the best schools. From bilingual programs to the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB), and British and Spanish curricula, the Costa del Sol offers an impressive selection of private schools. Some have been established for decades, while others are newer, responding to the surge of families relocating to the area.
Here’s the catch—places fill up fast. Many schools have waiting lists, and early enrollment is key. If you’re planning a move to Marbella, securing a spot at the right school should be one of your first priorities. In this guide, we break down the top international schools in Marbella and the Costa del Sol, helping you make the best choice for your child’s future.
Swans International School – Marbella
Established in 1971, Swans International School has built a reputation for academic excellence and a dynamic bilingual education. It’s not just about grades—it’s about preparing students to thrive in an increasingly global world.
Swans operates across two campuses. The primary school, located in central Marbella, educates around 350 young learners in a nurturing environment. The secondary school, set on a spacious campus with an indoor swimming pool and extensive sports facilities, accommodates 600 students following the IGCSE, ESO, and IB curricula.
The school’s motto, Nil sine labore (“Nothing without work”), is reflected in its strong academic performance. Over 30% of IB students achieve more than 35 points—opening doors to the world’s top universities. Swans also shines beyond the classroom. The school has competitive teams in football, swimming, and athletics, a thriving debating society, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, from music and the Duke of Edinburgh Award to cultural events like World Peace Day and International Book Day.
📍 Location: Nagüeles, Marbella
📞 Tel: +34 952 773 248
🌐 Website: www.swansschoolinternational.es
Aloha College – Nueva Andalucía, Marbella
For over 40 years, Aloha College has been a cornerstone of Marbella’s international education scene. Run as a non-profit educational trust, it delivers a bilingual education based on the English National Curriculum while also preparing students for Spanish academic qualifications.
With 875 students from 60 nationalities, Aloha fosters a truly international environment. The school’s ethos is built around five core values: care, respect, effort, honesty, and resilience—creating a positive and supportive space for learning.
The facilities are top-tier. Spread over 30,000m², the campus boasts an outdoor swimming pool, a FIFA-approved football pitch, a state-of-the-art sports hall, and a dedicated theatre. The strong bond between staff, families, and the board of trustees ensures a close-knit school community.
📍 Location: Nueva Andalucía, Marbella
📞 Tel: +34 952 814 133
🌐 Website: www.aloha-college.com
British International School of Marbella (BISM)
A relative newcomer, BISM has quickly made its mark in Marbella’s international education landscape. In 2020, the school invested in a purpose-built campus designed to support its vision of a British international education with a global perspective.
Part of the British Schools Foundation—a network of schools spanning Europe, Asia, and South America—BISM provides a strong academic foundation for students aged 3 to 18. GCSE and A-Level results across the network consistently secure students places at top global universities.
Beyond academics, the school encourages students to push their intellectual and physical limits. Facilities include a library, an indoor swimming pool, an auditorium, an art studio, and a dedicated music school. BISM prioritizes a vibrant, engaging, and secure environment where students can thrive.
📍 Location: Marbella
📞 Tel: +34 952 779 264
🌐 Website: www.bsm.org.es
Sotogrande International School
Nestled in the exclusive enclave of Sotogrande, this school is more than just a place of learning—it’s part of a lifestyle. With championship golf courses, a prestigious marina, and an international polo scene nearby, Sotogrande has long been a magnet for high-net-worth families.
Sotogrande International School (SIS) ranks among the top 75 IB schools worldwide and has been educating students for over 40 years. With 1,300 students from 50 nationalities—10% of whom are boarders—the school offers a passionate and creative learning community, starting from infants as young as eight months through to 18 years old.
SIS stands out for its innovative approach to technology and its Apple Distinguished School status. It’s also known for elite sports programs, shaping future professional golfers, polo players, swimmers, and tennis stars. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery and world-class sports facilities, SIS provides an exceptional learning environment.
📍 Location: Avda. de la Reserva, Sotogrande
📞 Tel: +34 956 795 902
🌐 Website: www.sis.ac
The English International College (EIC) – Elviria, Marbella
Academic excellence meets creativity and confidence-building at EIC. Catering to students aged 3 to 18, this prestigious institution follows the British curriculum, excelling in GCSE and A-Level results.
With 80% of students being native English speakers and a diverse mix of nationalities, EIC provides a strong foundation for university preparation. The school particularly shines in sciences and music, boasting state-of-the-art science labs and a well-equipped music studio.
Sports also play a major role in school life. Students have access to a 25-meter swimming pool, a football pitch, and volleyball and basketball courts.
📍 Location: Elviria, Marbella
📞 Tel: +34 952 831 058
🌐 Website: www.eicmarbella.org
Laude San Pedro International College
“Great learning never stops.” That’s the philosophy at Laude San Pedro, a leading international school for students aged 3 to 18. Part of a respected network of 12 international schools across Spain, Laude offers a dynamic bilingual education following both the British and Spanish curricula.
Academic excellence is at the core of its approach. Year after year, Laude students achieve impressive results in GCSEs, A-Levels, ESO, and the International Baccalaureate, consistently surpassing national averages. For those pursuing higher education in Spain, the school also prepares students for the Selectividad university entrance exams. But education here isn’t just about grades. Laude emphasizes personal growth, encouraging students to push beyond their own expectations and develop into globally minded, value-driven individuals.
Beyond the classroom, students can explore a wide range of extracurricular activities. From music and chess to cheerleading, cooking, and creative crafts, there’s something for every interest.
📍 Location: Nueva Alcántara, San Pedro de Alcántara
📞 Phone: +34 952 799 900
🌍 Website: www.laudesanpedro.com
Colegio Alemán Deutsche Schule Málaga
Nestled in the green hills of La Mairena, just east of Marbella, the German School offers an outstanding bilingual education in German and Spanish. It’s one of the oldest international schools in the region, with roots dating back to Málaga in 1898. Re-established in 1966 and moving to its current campus in 1980, the school has flourished, providing generations of students with a strong academic foundation.
Supported by both the German government and Spain’s Ministry of Education, the curriculum is designed to prepare students for an international future. With a focus on European citizenship and cross-cultural learning, students graduate with a well-rounded education that opens doors across the continent.
📍 Location: La Mairena, Marbella
📞 Phone: +34 952 831 417
🌍 Website: www.dsmalaga.com
Swedish School Svenskolan Marbella
Nueva Andalucía is home to a thriving Swedish community, with more than 2,500 Swedes living here year-round. It’s no surprise, then, that Marbella has its own Swedish primary school, catering to children aged 3 to 11.
Founded in 2003, Svenskolan provides a stimulating, nurturing environment rooted in Swedish educational principles. With small class sizes and a focus on creativity and critical thinking, it’s an excellent choice for Swedish families looking to maintain their native language and culture while enjoying life on the Costa del Sol.
📍 Location: Nueva Andalucía, Marbella
📞 Phone: +34 952 868 252
🌍 Website: www.svenskaskolanmarbella.com
Ecole Française Internationale de Marbella
One of the newest additions to Marbella’s international school scene, this French school offers a forward-thinking, trilingual education. Designed for children aged 3 to 11, it follows the French National Education system while incorporating elements of Montessori-style learning.
Innovation is a key focus here. With unique programs such as robotics and an educational garden, the school blends traditional academics with hands-on, interactive learning. The result? A fun, stimulating environment that prepares students for a fast-changing world.
📍 Location: Marbella
📞 Phone: +34 644 978 840
🌍 Website: www.efimarbella.com
