For many families, the search for a new home begins with one essential question: where will the children go to school? Whether you are a long-term resident of Marbella or newly arrived, selecting the right school for your child is one of the most important choices you will make, and one that often goes hand in hand with finding the perfect home. Education shapes not only a child’s future but also a family’s lifestyle, daily routine, and sense of community.
At Callum Swan Realty, we understand that choosing the right area and property often starts with knowing where the best schools are and what they offer. For families relocating to the Costa del Sol, this decision carries even greater significance, as many want their children to maintain a strong connection to their language and cultural heritage while integrating into a new environment.
Marbella is renowned for the quality and diversity of its education, offering a wide range of excellent bilingual schools in Marbella that cater to families from around the world. With a population of nearly 167,000 people and over 150 nationalities, the town is home to an impressive selection of international schools. Some are long-established, while others are more recently opened, and many provide bilingual or trilingual education for children from as young as 2 or 3 years old through to age 18. These institutions cater to a broad mix of nationalities, including English, German, Swedish, Norwegian and French, offering lessons in both the child’s native language and in Spanish.
Curricula also vary across schools. Many British curriculum schools in Marbella offer pathways through GCSEs and A-levels, while others offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), bilingual programmes or a blend of international and local systems. This variety gives families the flexibility to choose an educational path that best supports their child’s needs and future ambitions.
It’s worth noting that the most popular international schools in Marbella often have waiting lists, particularly for early years and primary places, so planning ahead is advisable. However, many international schools do accept mid-year admissions, especially when families relocate for work or lifestyle reasons. Availability depends on the year group and the time of year, so it’s best to contact schools directly to check for open places.
Families who prefer their children to study within the Spanish education system will find many excellent options in Marbella. The town offers numerous state schools, which are free of charge, as well as a range of private institutions to suit different budgets. Being taught in Spanish not only helps children become bilingual and immersed in the local culture, but also encourages parents to strengthen their own language skills, a valuable asset when helping with homework or participating in school activities.
For foreign families, the application process can be moderately challenging due to administrative requirements, but it is entirely manageable with proper preparation. Students must hold legal residency and be registered in the local municipality. Parents are required to complete the relevant application forms and provide documentation such as passports, a health certificate, and, in some cases, the homologation (validation) of previous school records.
Relocating to a new area is one of the most significant decisions a family can make, and education is often at the heart of it. For many international families, the wide choice of expat schools in Marbella makes the town an especially appealing place to settle. The choice of school doesn’t just determine your child’s academic future; it shapes where you live, how your family spends each day, and the lifestyle you build together. Many families also consider practicalities such as daily travel, and most international schools in Marbella offer dedicated bus routes serving key residential areas from Estepona to Marbella town, making the school commute easier for both children and parents. That’s why selecting a home near the right school deserves thoughtful consideration and expert advice. At Callum Swan Realty, we specialise in helping families find homes in Marbella that align with their lifestyle, location, and educational priorities, ensuring your move is not just a change of address, but the start of a more fulfilling way of life.
We have put together a list of the best international schools in the area to help you with your property search in Marbella:
Swans International School first opened in 1971, operating from two villas as a primary school in El Capricho. Later, in 2006, a new, purpose-built secondary campus for Years 6-13 was constructed in Sierra Blanca. The school offers a complete educational programme for children aged 3 to 18, combining a bilingual setting with the British curriculum, smaller class sizes, a strong emphasis on academic excellence and personal development. As one of the leading English-speaking schools in Marbella, Swans provides a full academic pathway through GCSE and IGCSE courses. Sixth form pupils follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, reflecting the school’s international outlook and commitment to preparing students for leading universities worldwide. Alongside academics, Swans is recognised for its enrichment activities, designed to foster creativity, confidence, and personal growth through sport and the arts, supported by modern facilities and a vibrant multicultural community. Louise herself was once among its students during her teenage years.
Contact: +34 952 90 27 55 Location: C. Lago de los Cisnes, s/n, Marbella, Málaga 29602 Website: https://www.swansschool.com/
Located at the entrance of Aloha in Nueva Andalucía, Aloha College Marbella has been serving local and international families since its founding in 1982 as a non-profit school and the first fully bilingual school in Marbella. Today, it provides the English National Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18, with pathways through IGCSE, A-levels, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, reflecting its long-standing commitment to international education. Known for its personalised approach to learning, the school fosters a supportive environment through class sizes typically ranging between 15 and 20 pupils. The campus offers excellent facilities for sport, science, and the arts, supporting a well-rounded education. Like Swans, Aloha places strong emphasis on enrichment, with co-curricular programmes in sport, music, drama, and the arts designed to foster personal growth and development. Louise was one of the founding pupils, part of the school’s very first cohort when it opened its doors.
Contact: +34 952 81 41 33 Location: Urbanización El Ángel, s/n, Nueva Andalucía, 29660 Marbella, Málaga Website: https://www.aloha-college.com/
Laude San Pedro International College, established in 2004 and located in San Pedro de Alcántara, has been recognised by Forbes 2025 as one of the best schools in Spain. With a community representing more than 50 nationalities, Laude is known for its inclusivity, bilingual approach, and forward-looking education. The school follows the English National Curriculum alongside Spanish qualifications, with students beginning in the British system and, from age 12, choosing between GCSE and A-levels or the Spanish ESO and Bachillerato. Its modern campus offers excellent facilities for science, sport, and the arts, supporting a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Music, arts, and technology play a central role in school life, helping students develop creativity and self-confidence. Fun fact: Amanda, the newest member of our team, attended Laude during its early years.
Contact: +34 952 79 99 00 Location: Urbanización Nueva Alcántara, Av. de la Coruña, 2, 29670 San Pedro de Alcántara, Málaga Website: https://www.laudesanpedro.com/en/
The English International College, founded in 1982 and located between Las Chapas and Elviria in East Marbella, is one of the area’s longest-established schools and is widely recognised for its academic excellence. Originally opening with just a handful of classrooms and a small group of students, it quickly expanded to include both Primary and Secondary departments, a growth that shaped its enduring focus on small class sizes and individual attention. Following the British curriculum, it offers a full pathway through GCSEs and A-Levels, while also encouraging and nurturing individual talents beyond the classroom. More than half of its students are native English speakers, with a community that spans over 20 nationalities. Among its former pupils is Sabrina, who attended EIC during her early years in Marbella.
Contact: +34 952 83 10 58 Location: Urbanización Ricmar, Ctra. de Cadíz-Málaga Km. 1035,5 (A7), 29604 Marbella, Málaga Website: https://www.eicmarbella.org/
The British International School of Marbella, part of the UK-based British Schools Foundation, is one of the newer additions to the town’s educational landscape. Established in 2010, BISM is located in the area of Rocio de Nagüeles near Marbella’s Golden Mile offers contemporary British international education from Early Years through to Secondary. Offering the English National Curriculum, it welcomes an international student body and places strong emphasis on holistic education. Alongside academic rigour, the school focuses on personal development through individual attention, outdoor learning programmes, community service initiatives, and a dynamic mix of sports, music, and the arts. Its purpose-built campus, opened in 2020, features specialist facilities such as a sports field, indoor pool, and auditorium, providing an exceptional environment for learning and creativity.
Contact: +34 952 77 92 94 Location: Urbanización Rocio de Nagüeles, C. Teba No.4, 29602, Marbella, Málaga Website: https://bsm.org.es/
Founded in 1986, Colegio Alborán is a family-oriented school set in a privileged natural environment surrounded by greenery, between the areas of Las Chapas and Elviria in East Marbella. It provides a bilingual education for students aged 3 to 18, following the Spanish National Curriculum alongside Cambridge English examinations. With more than 30 nationalities represented and a reputation for familiar and personalised attention to students, the school focuses on fostering both intellectual and emotional development, aiming to nurture well-rounded individuals. Its educational philosophy is rooted in respect for nature and creativity, promoting empathy, responsibility, and a love of learning in its students. Facilities include horse riding stables, multipurpose labs, music and programming classes, as well as a wide range of extracurricular activities. Interestingly, Clare’s son attended Colegio Alborán during his teenage years.
Contact: +34 952 83 96 45 Location: Lugar Urbanización Ricmar, s/n, 29604 Marbella, Málaga Website: https://colegioalboran.es/
Colegio San José has been part of Marbella’s educational landscape for more than 50 years. With campuses in San Pedro de Alcántara and Estepona, the school provides a completely bilingual education for students aged 3 to 18, following the Spanish National Curriculum alongside the International Baccalaureate Programme. Regularly recognised among the top schools in Spain and ranked as the leading private school in Málaga province for many consecutive years, it remains grounded in values of integrity, respect, effort, and solidarity, preparing students not only academically but also personally to meet the challenges of the future. Among the many families who have chosen the school over the decades are Callum and Louise, whose children completed their education here.
Contact: +34 952 88 38 58 Location: Urbanización Guadalmina, s/n 29678 San Pedro de Alcántara, Málaga Website: https://colegiosanjose.net/
Founded in 2012, this young school offers a bilingual education within a modern, purpose-built campus in Atalaya, Estepona. Like Colegio San José, it follows the Spanish National Curriculum while also offering the International Baccalaureate Programme. Authorised as an IB World School since 2019, it teaches in both English and Spanish, providing a truly international learning environment. Its mission is centred on personal development, combining personalised learning with up-to-date teaching methods, technology, and a strong emphasis on social responsibility. The facilities reflect this vision, with a large sports hall, swimming pool, and generous classroom spaces designed to support both academic and extracurricular growth.
Contact: +34 952 00 31 71 Location: Urbanización El Marqués, C. Pico Alcazaba, 24-28, 29680 Estepona, Málaga Website: https://www.colegioatalaya.es/
Located in Nueva Andalucía, Svenska Skolan Marbella is a primary school dedicated to Swedish-speaking families. Established in 2003, it offers a holistic education for children aged 3 to 11, following the Swedish curriculum, with small class sizes and an emphasis on personal development, creativity, and social responsibility, alongside an increasing incorporation of international elements. The school is one of Sweden’s 14 approved overseas schools, operating under the oversight of the Swedish National Agency for Education (Skolverket) and holding all necessary Spanish authorisations. Its natural setting enhances this approach, with facilities including a garden, swimming pool, three padel courts, football pitch, and spacious play areas that encourage movement and outdoor activity.
Contact: +34 952 86 82 52 Location: Local 1D, Nueva Andalucía, 29600 Marbella, Málaga Website: https://www.svenskaskolanmarbella.com/
Founded in Málaga in 1898 and re-established in the mountains above Elviria, Marbella in 1966, Deutsche Schule Málaga (DSMálaga) holds a long-standing reputation for excellence in bilingual education. Though German and Spanish form the core languages of instruction, students also study English and French, with many graduates emerging fluent in multiple languages. With a student body representing more than 40 nationalities, the school follows the German education system, while offering Spanish diploma convalidation for those continuing to university in Spain. Privately run and officially recognised by both the German and Spanish Ministries of Education, DSMálaga has also been awarded the “Exzellente deutsche Auslandsschule” seal multiple times, highlighting its consistent standard of excellence.
Contact: +34 951 04 15 20 Location: C. Velazquez, 1-5, 29612 Ojén, Málaga Website: https://www.dsmalaga.com/
Choosing the right school often goes hand in hand with finding the perfect home. For many families relocating to Marbella, proximity to a reputable school can be just as important as the number of bedrooms or the size of the garden. With an extensive selection of both international and Spanish schools across the Costa del Sol, considering education as part of your property search ensures your new home fully supports your family’s lifestyle and long-term aspirations.
At Callum Swan Realty, we take pride in helping families find homes that combine the right location, quality, and community, providing the ideal foundation for life in Marbella. If you’re planning a move and want to explore properties near Marbella’s top schools, contact our team today and let us help you find a home that perfectly fits your family’s educational and lifestyle needs.
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