For families relocating to Marbella, schooling is usually one of the first questions we’re asked — often before the conversation about neighbourhoods even starts, since which school makes sense can shape which part of the coast makes sense to live in. This guide covers seven of the area’s established international schools, what curriculum each follows, how admissions work, and where to go for uniforms — so you can shortlist with confidence before booking any visits.
What you’ll find in this article
Schools at a Glance
| School | Curriculum | Ages | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aloha College | British (IGCSE, A-Levels & IB Diploma) | 3–18 | Nueva Andalucía |
| English International College (EIC) | British (IGCSE & International A-Levels) | 3–18 | Urb. Ricmar, A7 (Marbella) |
| Swans International School | British (GCSE) & IB Diploma (Sixth Form) | 3–18 | Marbella (two campuses) |
| Colegio Alborán | Spanish/bilingual, Cambridge English | 3–18 | Marbella |
| British International School of Marbella (BISM) | British | Early Years–Sixth Form | Calle Teba, Marbella |
| Atlas American School | American, with IB Diploma at High School | 3–18 | Selwo Hills, Estepona |
| Sotogrande International School | Full IB (PYP, MYP, Diploma) | 4 months–18 | Sotogrande, Cádiz — boarding available |
Compiled from each school’s official website, September 2026. Verify current details directly with each school before enrolling — curricula, fees and admissions criteria can change year to year.
Aloha College
A long-established, not-for-profit British school in Nueva Andalucía, Aloha runs IGCSEs at Key Stage 4 and offers a choice between the IB Diploma and A-Levels in Sixth Form — a useful flexibility for families unsure yet whether their child will continue into a UK or more internationally-oriented university system.
Admissions
Enquiries go through the school’s Admissions Info pages; families are invited to enquire and arrange a visit, with places allocated by year group availability.
Uniform
Aloha runs its own dedicated uniform shop (available online), separate from the general enrolment process.
English International College (EIC)
EIC follows the British curriculum through to IGCSE and International A-Levels, and holds affiliations with Cambridge International, Pearson, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and LAMDA, alongside registration with the Spanish Ministry of Education — a combination that supports both UK-bound and Spain-based progression routes.
Admissions
The school runs regular Open Events and encourages prospective families to book a visit ahead of applying.
Uniform
Not published online in detail — confirm current supplier arrangements directly with the school office.
Swans International School
Swans runs a broad GCSE curriculum through Primary and Secondary, moving into the IB Diploma for Sixth Form. The school operates across two sites in Marbella — a dedicated Primary campus and a separate Secondary/Sixth Form campus.
Admissions
Prospective families apply via an Admissions Enquiry Form or by emailing the admissions office directly, with visits arranged individually.
Uniform
Not published online in detail — confirm current supplier arrangements directly with the school office.
Colegio Alborán
Alborán is a Spanish-curriculum school with a strong bilingual English offering, including Cambridge ESOL examinations, alongside programmes in robotics, programming and 3D design. It’s a good option for families who want their children fully embedded in the Spanish system while still building strong English qualifications.
Admissions
The school describes a formal admission process with criteria published on its site, and campus visits available on request.
Uniform
Not published online in detail — confirm current supplier arrangements directly with the school office.
British International School of Marbella (BISM)
BISM runs the British curriculum across a Main Campus and a separate Early Years Campus, with published accreditation details on its site. Of the schools in this guide, BISM sets out its admissions steps the most transparently.
Admissions
A clearly published four-step process: application (with last school report, if applicable), a family interview, a pupil assessment (teacher assessment for Early Years; written assessment for Primary and Secondary), then a decision communicated by the school. Applications are accepted year-round, though most entry happens at the start of the academic year; an enrolment fee secures the place within 7 days of an offer.
Uniform
Purchased in person or online through a local department store, rather than a school-run shop.
Atlas American School
Atlas follows the American educational system from Preschool through Grade 12, adding the IB Diploma at High School level, and holds Middle States Association (MSA) accreditation as part of the Mathema Education group. It’s the natural fit for families targeting US university admissions, or wanting an American-system option on the western Costa del Sol.
Admissions
Families can inquire and visit, or apply directly online through the school’s application portal.
Uniform
Not published online in detail — confirm current supplier arrangements directly with the school office.
Sotogrande International School
Part of the Inspired Education group, Sotogrande International School runs the complete IB pathway (PYP, MYP and Diploma) and is an IB World School. It is the only school in this guide offering boarding — a genuine point of difference for families who split their time between countries or live further along the coast. Three formats are available: full boarding (on campus throughout the week and weekends), weekday boarding (Monday to Friday, home at weekends), and flexi-boarding (a few nights a week or occasional weeks, aimed at working families). The boarding house currently accommodates over 100 children from more than 35 nationalities, drawn from Marbella, Estepona, Málaga and further afield. Worth noting: Sotogrande sits roughly 45–60 minutes from central Marbella, noticeably further than the other schools in this guide, which is part of why boarding or weekday-boarding options are popular with families based on this side of the coast.
Admissions
Families can book a tour or submit an enquiry directly through the school’s website ahead of applying.
Uniform
Not published online in detail — confirm current supplier arrangements directly with the school office.
Choosing the Right Fit
Curriculum is usually the first filter — British, American, IB or Spanish/bilingual — but it’s worth thinking one step further to where you expect your child to go afterwards: UK or European university entry tends to sit more naturally with A-Levels or the IB, US-bound families often prefer an American-curriculum path with AP or IB options, and families planning to stay in Spain long-term may value a Spanish-curriculum school like Alborán for smoother integration and homologación. After that, location matters more than it first appears: a daily commute across Marbella at school-run hours is a real factor, so it’s worth weighing a school’s location against the areas you’re considering for your home.
Relocating with a Family?
If you’re moving to Marbella with children, our team can help you find a home within easy reach of the school that’s right for your family — and share what we know locally about each area from clients who’ve made the same move.
