A guide to the coast's international and private schools for families relocating here — filter by curriculum, area or boarding, and compare ages and fees at a glance.
2 schools
A British international school in Murcia (since 1990), part of the Cognita group — the National Curriculum for England with dual British and Spanish qualifications, serving families across Murcia and the Costa Cálida.
Visit websiteThe main British school serving the Costa Cálida, at La Torre Golf Resort by the Mar Menor — about 10 minutes from San Javier and 25 from Cartagena. The English National Curriculum to A-Levels, rated Outstanding by BSO and part of the King's College group.
Visit websiteFees, ages and curricula are indicative and change — always confirm the latest details directly with the school.
Choosing a school is one of the biggest decisions for any family moving to the Costa del Sol, and the coast is unusually well served: dozens of international and private schools, most following the British curriculum through IGCSE and A-Levels, several offering the International Baccalaureate, and a growing choice of American, German and genuinely bilingual options. The largest cluster sits around Marbella, Estepona and Benahavís — the so-called Golf Valley — with more toward Mijas, Fuengirola, Benalmádena and Málaga city, and a full boarding option at Sotogrande just to the west.
This directory lists the coast's international and private schools with the details families compare first — curriculum, age range, boarding and an indicative annual fee band. Fees are a guide only and don't include registration, deposits, transport, lunches or extras, which can add 15–25% on top; always confirm the current figures with the school. Prefer the free Spanish state system? It's a good, well-regarded option too — many expat families choose it for younger children and the faster route to fluent Spanish.
Most follow the British National Curriculum (IGCSE at 16, then A-Levels), and several also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. There are also American-curriculum, German and explicitly bilingual English–Spanish schools, so most families can find their preferred system.
Broadly €6,000–€15,000 a year for most British and IB day schools, rising to €16,000–€22,000 at the premium end (Sotogrande). Add roughly 15–25% for registration, deposit, uniform, transport, lunches and trips. Boarding, offered only at Sotogrande, costs substantially more again.
Sotogrande International School, just west of Estepona, is the only school in the area with a full boarding programme — a full-IB school on a large campus with students from over 40 nationalities. Everywhere else on the coast is day-only.
Both work well. International schools ease the transition for English-speaking children, keep UK and IB university options open and teach in English — but they charge fees. Spanish state schools are free, immerse children in Spanish quickly and are the norm for local life; many expat families choose them for the early years. It often comes down to your child's age, how long you're staying, and where they'll go to university.
The popular schools fill up, especially for entry years, so apply as early as you can — ideally the term before you move. Most schools accept applications year-round and will assess a child's level (and any additional English support needed) before offering a place. Contact the school directly to check availability for your child's year group.