Marbella is not only beaches, sun and comfortable living, but also a region with one of the most developed educational clusters in Spain. There are many private and international schools here offering British, Spanish, German, French and even American curricula.
Most schools on the Costa del Sol are bilingual or international, allowing children to receive an education in both English and Spanish. Many educational institutions are included in national and international rankings, ensuring a high academic level and a smooth transition for families moving to Spain.
Spanish bilingual schools in Marbella
Colegio Alborán (Las Chapas district, eastern Marbella)
One of the most famous bilingual schools in the region. Teaching is conducted in Spanish with in-depth study of English. The school is renowned for its ecological approach — it has stables, a garden and animal care programmes.
Tuition fees: ~€7,000–12,000 per year.
Colegio San José (Guadalmina and Estepona)
One of the most prestigious schools on the coast. Teaches in Spanish with intensive English and prepares students for Trinity College London exams. Ranked among the top 50 schools in Spain.
Tuition fees: ~€7,000–14,000 per year.
Colegio Las Chapas / Ecos
Two schools in the Attendis network — Las Chapas (for girls) and Ecos (for boys). The programme is bilingual and based on modern digital methods. Known for their strict discipline and high results.
Tuition fees: ~€5,000–8,000 per year.
International schools in Marbella
Aloha College Marbella
A prestigious college with British and Spanish programmes, where students receive a double certificate. The International Baccalaureate is offered in high school. Graduates go on to Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge.
Cost: from €7,000 to €17,000 per year.
Swans International School
One of the oldest British schools in Marbella (founded in 1971). Two campuses: primary on the Golden Mile and secondary in Sierra Blanca. IGCSE and IB programmes, with an emphasis on languages and leadership skills.
Cost: €5,000–9,000 per year.
English International College (EIC)
A classic British school recognised as a centre of academic excellence. Graduates go on to leading universities in the UK and the US.
Cost: ~€6,000–12,000 per year.
Laude San Pedro International College
A school in Nueva Alcántara, part of the ISP network. Offers British and Spanish programmes, modern laboratories and an active parent community.
Cost: ~€5,000–10,000 per year.
Sotogrande International School
The only boarding school on the coast offering the full International Baccalaureate programme. Known for its Elite Sports programme and Apple Distinguished School status.
Cost: €15,000–25,000 per year.
Atalaya International School
A modern bilingual school near Benahavís, combining Spanish and British curricula. Emphasis on individual approach and small classes.
Cost: €5,000–9,000 per year.
British International School of Marbella (BISM)
A dynamic British school for children aged 2 to 14, part of the British Schools Foundation international network. Known for its attention to each student.
Cost: ~€6,000–12,000 per year.
Schools of other national systems
Deutsche Schule Málaga — a German school in Elviria, founded in 1898 and accredited by the German government. Cost: ~€4,000–8,000 per year.
Svenska Skolan Marbella — a Swedish school in Nueva Andalucía for children aged 3–12. Cost: approximately €12,000 per year.
École Française Internationale Marbella (EFIM) — a French school with a trilingual programme. Cost: ~€8,000–10,000 per year.
Atlas American School is an American school in Estepona with a High School Diploma programme and entrepreneurship courses. Cost: ~€10,000–15,000 per year.
Montessori schools
For parents who prefer alternative teaching methods, there are AMI-certified centres on the Costa del Sol:
Casa del Mar Montessori (Marbella) — ages 6 months to 12 years.
International Montessori School Sotogrande — ages 5 months to 12 years, bilingual education.
Marbella and the Costa del Sol offer a rare combination of climate, infrastructure and a variety of high-quality education. From British colleges to German and French schools, you can find the ideal educational environment for children of all ages and levels of preparation.