20 of the best international schools in Spain (2026)
By Sally Underwood •
Updated: 04 Dec 2025 • 16:51 • 12 minutes read
Many international schools in Spain offering a world-class education.
Credit: Shutterstock, SpeedKingz
FINDING the right school for your child can be tricky enough at the best of times. But when you throw moving to a completely new country into the mix, making that all-important decision about their education can be even tougher.
Which is why the Euro Weekly News has put together this handy guide to the 20 best international schools in Spain in 2026. Are you looking for academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, state-of-the-art sports facilities or a global environment for your child? Whatever you are looking for, Spain’s international schools offer something for every family.
Offering up a pick of the best international schools across Spain for everything from academic prowess to sports facilities, and extra-curricular activities, this guide will help you find just the right school for your child.
Education in Spain
But first up, a quick guide to Spain’s own education system.
Using the Baccalaureate system, Spain’s schools normally take children from five, attending Infantil school before moving to Educacion Primaria (ages 6 to 12) and Educacion Secundaria (ages 12 to 16), and the Bachillerato.
Instead of the GCSEs, AS Levels and A Levels offered in the UK, from 15 students in Spain begin studying for the Baccalaureate- a pre-university qualification which sees pupils study for two years. Graded from 0 to 10, rather than the A* to U grading system used in the UK, the Baccalaureate is Spain’s answer to A Levels.
While many parents will choose the Baccalaureate for their children, others will prefer the prestige of UK qualifications. This is where an international school can be the right choice, generally offering both the International Baccalaureate and GCSEs, AS and A Levels.
Teaching is often in English with access to an impressive selection of school facilities and extra-curricular activities, making international schools an attractive option for many parents moving to Spain.
Choosing the right school for your child which will equip them for their future studies, regardless if they choose to study at school, or opt for one of the many reputable online colleges.
Now you know why an international school might be the right place for your child, which one do you pick?
Best international schools in the Costa del Sol
Our top pick
1. Svenska Skolan Marbella
A Swedish Education in the Heart of Marbella
Nestled in the leafy La Alzambra / Nueva Andalucía área, just minutes from Puerto Banús, Svenska Skolan Marbella offers families a truly unique blend of Scandinavian values and Mediterranean charm. Since opening its doors in 2003, the school has grown from a small, pioneering project with 15 pupils to a thriving international community of around 200 students today — a testament to its outstanding reputation.
This accredited Swedish school provides education from preschool (ages 3–5) through primary, following the Swedish national curriculum. For older students, the school combines Sofia Distans and Hermods Distansgymnasium programmes with on-site support, ensuring a seamless continuation of academic excellence.
One of only 14 Swedish schools abroad approved by the Swedish National Agency for Education, Svenska Skolan Marbella is also fully authorised by the Junta de Andalucía, ensuring both international standards and local recognition. This dual accreditation gives families peace of mind, whether they plan to stay in Spain long-term or eventually return to Sweden or move elsewhere.
The school embraces a trilingual approach from the earliest years. Swedish remains at the heart of daily life, while English and Spanish are integrated naturally into the curriculum. This multilingual foundation equips students to flourish in a global world.
With small class sizes and a strong sense of community, across the whole school, this fosters a supportive learning environment where students thrive both academically and personally. Beyond the classroom, students benefit from a rich outdoor learning area, outstanding facilities, including a 25-metre swimming pool, artificial turf for football, padel courts and multisports area. The school also has access to the nearby park and the beach.
Svenska Skolan Marbella continues to grow, with enrolment open all year round.
Situated in El Paraíso, Estepona, at the heart of Costa del Sol’s ‘New Golden Mile,’ The International School Estepona offers a nurturing and inspiring educational experience for children aged 2 to 12 years. Established in 2004, the school has garnered a reputation as West Marbella’s leading primary school and nursery.
Following the British National Curriculum of England and Wales, The International School Estepona ensures a smooth transition for students entering or leaving the British school system, be it in the UK or overseas. This commitment is further bolstered by the school’s dedication to providing a safe and personalised learning environment that caters to the individual needs of each child. By maintaining small class sizes, teachers can tailor their instruction and ensure a fun and engaging learning experience for all students.
The International School Estepona boasts a secure, spacious campus spanning 3,700 square metres, with plenty of parking facilities. The purpose-built facilities are designed for ultimate comfort, offering year-round climate control with both air conditioning and heating.
Stepping inside the school, students will find a stimulating and technologically advanced learning environment. Classrooms are equipped with digital interactive smart boards or screens, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning experience. Additionally, a well-equipped computer suite provides students with access to the latest technology, while expansive grassed gardens and all-weather sports grounds offer a variety of opportunities for outdoor play and physical activity.
The International School Estepona’s commitment to a well-rounded education extends beyond academics. By nurturing a love of learning in a safe and secure environment, the school empowers its students to become confident and well-prepared individuals ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
The Benalmadena International College is a modern British school located on the Costa del Sol with more than 300 students and 33 different nationalities.
Dynamic, vibrant and relentlessly dedicated to educational excellence, The Benalmadena International College is a modern-day school with fantastic facilities, set in 1,700 sqm of grounds in an idyllic yet convenient location only 300 m from the beach.
They offer the British Curriculum to children and young adults from two to eighteen years old from more than 30 countries. The school has recently been inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate and is one of only 15 schools in Spain to be fully accredited with British School Status.
Address: Nueva Torrequebrada, C. Catamaran, 29630 Benalmadena, Malaga
Fees: Contact the schools for more information about how much it costs to attend Benalmadena International College
Sponsored
4. Sotogrande International School
Sotogrande International School (SIS) is a day and boarding school, which follows the IB program from 3-18 years. It has 1000 children from more than 45 countries.
Address: Av. de la Reserva, 11310 Sotogrande, Cadiz
Fees: Contact the school for more information about how much it costs to attend Sotogrande International School
Image – Sotogrande International School
5. Mayfair International Academy, Estepona
Mayfair Academy was founded in 1997 and continues to be a family-run school with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. While they have adapted to the rapid changes of a complex society, they also bear in mind their values and the main reason for their being – educating children in the fullest sense of the word.
Address: Address: Avda de las Golondrinas 16, 29288, Estepona
Contact: +34 952 88 88 94
Fees: For more information about the fees at Mayfair International Academy, click here
Their aim is excellence in English for all their pupils. This objective is linked with a desire to foster their self-confidence, their individual talents and their ability to work together within an international environment. They encourage them to develop as honest, responsible and happy individuals, with the tools they need to succeed anywhere in the world.
At Elian’s British School La Nucía they teach their pupils the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure their interest in learning continues throughout their lives.
On their learning journey, their students cultivate self-confidence, enabling them to discover their own talents. They aim to guide them to explore new technologies as part of their environment, without ignoring their emotional needs. They do everything we can to help them become people of integrity: creative, reflective and aware of what they can contribute to the community.
Address: Avinguda el Copet, 5, 03530 La Nucia, Alicante
Fees: Contact the school for more information about how much it costs to attend Elian’s British School
Sponsored
Our top pick
7. Lady Elizabeth School
LES is a British international private school in the Marina Alta region for ages 2 to 18. With over 37 years of experience, they provide academic excellence in their incredible 27.00m2 facilities utilising learning based on growth and discovery by blending innovative methodologies with an international perspective.
The goal is to build a community of open-minded learners equipped with the skills to thrive and contribute in today’s global context. Through constant immersion in English, LES uses a curriculum based on UK national standards to define, design, deliver, and demonstrate learning through the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), Key Stage 3 curriculum, UK GCSEs and A-levels.
LES offers well over 20 GCSE and A-Level subjects from the arts to the sciences, offering subjects like Marine Science, Photography, Business, Graphic Design and Travel & Tourism, to cater all career options and grant access to top universities worldwide. They also offer Spanish in secondary, ensuring access to Spanish Universities.
As well as strong learning beyond the classroom with over 40 extracurricular activities including arts, robotics or filming. And International Learning Opportunities under the ILOS Programme, Duke of Edinburgh Award or the LES Future Pathways, a tailored career program for students aged 5 to 18.
The graduating class of 2023/24 from LES is set to pursue diverse international destinations, with Spain, the UK, and the Netherlands ranking as the top three choices for university study. This reflects the school’s vision of nurturing globally-minded, high-achieving individuals destined for some of the world’s leading institutions. Students are set to take on careers across a wide range of disciplines, including Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Sydney, Fashion Design in Paris, Theoretical Physics at Lancaster University, and Psychology at UC San Diego.
Outstanding Achievements in A Levels for 2023/24:
Highest Mark in the World: Graphic Communication
Highest Mark in Europe: Photography
Highest Mark in Spain: English Literature
Outstanding High Achievement Award: Marine Science
Facilities: Two swimming pools, an Astroturf pitch, two libraries, a basketball court, Sports Hall and playgrounds, music classrooms, science labs, a cooking lab, a recording studio, a 400 seat theatre, and much more.
Broad language offer: English, Spanish, French and German with the option to study any mother language.
Fees: Contact the school for more information on how much it costs to attend Casvi International Private Eurocolegio
Image – Casvi International School
9. King’s College School, The British School of Madrid (La Moraleja)
A British school with a superb location in La Moraleja, on a hill overlooking Alcobendas, with impressive views of the Guadarrama Mountains, its classrooms cater for more than 630 children between the ages of 2 and 16.
Address: Calle de la Salvia, 36, La Moraleja, Madrid, 28109
Fees: King’s Infant School, The British School of Madrid (Chamartin) costs from €2,303 a term
Image – King’s Infant School, The British School of Madrid
11. International College Spain
The only school in Madrid to offer the three prestigious IB programmes in English, the International College Spain provides students with an impressive academic curriculum.
Address: Calle Vereda Norte 3, La Moraleja, 28109, Alcobendas, Madrid, 28109
Fees: International College Spain costs from €3,280 a term
Image – International College Spain
12. International School of Madrid
Located in Madrid city, since 1971 the International School of Madrid has been offering a quality British education to children aged 2 to 18 from all over the world.
Fees: Contact the school for more about how much it costs to attend Mirabal International School
Image – Mirabal International School
Best international schools in Cataluña
15. St. Peter’s School Barcelona
St. Peter’s School Barcelona is a private international school where students from 12 months to 18 years old are offered skills in science, technology, humanities, design and communications.
Address: Carrer d’Eduard Toldra, 18, 08034 Barcelona
Fees: St Peter’s School Barcelona costs from €7,500 a year
Image – St. Peter’s School Barcelona
16. Benjamin Franklin International School (BFIS)
Offering an American curriculum from Nursery to Grade 10 and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program in Grades 11 and 12, this school has more than 50 different nationalities.
Address: Carrer de Martorell i Peña, 9, 08017 Barcelona
Fees: The European International School of Barcelona costs from €4,300 a year
Image – European International School of Barcelona
18. St Paul’s School
St. Paul’s School is situated in Avenida Pearson, in the exclusive neighbourhood of Pedralbes on the north side of Barcelona, a privileged location at the foot of the National Park of Collserola.
Fees: Contact the schools for more information about how much it costs to attend St Paul’s School
Image – St Paul’s School
Best international schools in Galicia
19. SEK International School Atlantico
Offering education from ages 0 to 18 years of age, this school teaches the International Baccalaureate from 3 to 18 and is one of the best international schools in Spain.
Address: Rua Illa de Arousa 4, Boavista. To Caeira, Poio, 36005 Pontevedra, Galicia
Fees: Contact the school for more information about how much it costs to attendSEK International School Atlantico
20. Chester College International School
Chester College International School (CCIS), founded in 1985, is a private, independent and coeducational day and boarding school offering an American curriculum.
Address: Travesia de Montouto, 2, Teo, Santiago de Compostela, CP: 15894
Fees: Contact the school for more information about how much it costs to attend Chester College International School
Image – Chester College International School
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re moving to a bustling cities like Madrid and Barcelona, or the sunny southern coasts of Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, there are so many international schools offering a world-class education. When choosing the best fit for your child in 2026, consider:
Curriculum – Does the curriculum fit with your child’s long-term educational goals?
Language balance – Do you want your child to become fluent in Spanish? This is something to take into consideration.
Location and transportation – How is your child getting to school? Consider what your day to day commute might look like.
Community values – Every school has its own values and approach. Do they align with yours?
Inspection reports and exam results – These are often available to view online.
Visiting schools, virtually or in person, is one of the best ways to assess the facilities, get a feel for the environment and ensure it is the right school for your child’s personality and ambitions.
Choosing the right school for your child can be difficult, but our guide to the best international schools in Spain will help you to find the best place for your child.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article, do remember to come back and check The Euro Weekly News website for all your up-to-date local and international news stories and remember, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don't already have one. Review our
Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don't already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Sally Underwood
Comments