The Costa del Sol has long been a popular destination for expats, drawn by its stunning coastline, warm climate, and high quality of life. For families considering a move to the region, one of the most crucial decisions is choosing the right school for their children. The good news is that the Costa del Sol offers a diverse range of schooling options, catering to both international and local needs. Whether you're relocating to Marbella, Sotogrande, or Estepona, the educational landscape here is well-suited to families from all over the world.
International Schools: Meeting the Needs of Expat Families
For many expat families, international schools are the go-to choice. These schools often follow curricula from the UK, the US, or other European countries, ensuring that children receive an education that is consistent with what they would experience back home.
Curriculum Options
Many international schools in the Costa del Sol offer the British curriculum, including IGCSEs and A-levels, making it a familiar choice for families from the UK. However, there are also schools offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) and American-style education, giving families a broad range of educational pathways to choose from.
Top International Schools
Some of the most well-regarded international schools in the region include Sotogrande International School, which follows the IB program and has a strong emphasis on creativity and global citizenship, and Aloha College in Marbella, which offers the British curriculum alongside a strong Spanish language program. In Estepona, Atalaya International School is known for its bilingual approach, combining the British curriculum with elements of the Spanish system.
Language of Instruction
While the primary language of instruction in international schools is often English, many schools also offer Spanish as a second language, ensuring that children become proficient in both languages—a key advantage for integrating into the local culture.
Bilingual Schools: The Best of Both Worlds
For families who want their children to have a truly immersive experience, bilingual schools are an excellent option. These schools offer a mix of English and Spanish instruction, often following both the British and Spanish curricula. This allows students to gain qualifications that are recognized both internationally and within Spain.
Swans International School in Marbella and The British College of Benalmádena are prime examples of schools offering a bilingual experience, where students become fluent in both English and Spanish while preparing for global qualifications such as IGCSEs or A-levels.
Spanish State Schools: A Deep Dive into Local Culture
For expat families looking for full integration into Spanish life, enrolling their children in a local state school is another option. The public education system in Spain is free, with compulsory education from ages 6 to 16. Children attending Spanish state schools will be taught entirely in Spanish, so this option is best suited to younger children who can adapt quickly to a new language and environment.
State schools in the Costa del Sol have a reputation for being welcoming to foreign students, although the level of support for non-Spanish speakers can vary. However, many expat families find that this is an excellent way for their children to become fluent in Spanish and fully integrated into the local community.
When Does the New School Year Start? How Is It Different from the British System?
One of the key differences expat families need to be aware of is the school calendar and structure in Spain, which can differ from the UK system in a few important ways.
School Year Start Date
In Spain, the new school year typically starts in early to mid-September, which is slightly earlier than in the UK, where school often resumes in early September but can extend later into the month.
Term Structure
The Spanish school year is divided into three terms and runs from September to June, whereas the British system usually runs from September to July. This means that children in Spain enjoy a longer summer break, typically starting in late June, compared to the UK where the summer holidays begin in mid-July.
School Hours
School hours in Spain vary but often include a split schedule in state schools, with classes running from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or an extended day that includes lunch, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In the UK, schools tend to follow a continuous schedule, usually from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m..
Holidays
Spain observes various regional holidays in addition to the standard breaks, such as the Christmas and Easter holidays. These regional holidays vary across different autonomous communities like Andalucía, where the Costa del Sol is located. In contrast, the UK tends to have more uniform national holidays.
Curriculum and Language
Spanish state schools follow the national curriculum set by the Ministry of Education, with instruction primarily in Spanish. In comparison, international schools in the Costa del Sol tend to follow the British curriculum (IGCSEs, A-levels), which many expat families find familiar, or offer a mix of bilingual education with both English and Spanish.
Examinations
Spanish students take end-of-year assessments, with older students preparing for the Selectividad (now called EvAU or EBAU), Spain's equivalent of A-levels, which is necessary for university entrance. In British international schools, students take IGCSEs and A-levels, following the same pattern as in the UK, or the International Baccalaureate (IB), which is also a common option.
Uniforms
Another difference is the policy on school uniforms. While uniforms are common in British schools, in Spain, many state schools do not require them, though some private and international schools maintain this British tradition.
These differences are important for families to consider when deciding between enrolling their children in local Spanish schools or choosing an international school following the British system.
Key Considerations for Expats Choosing a School in the Costa del Sol
Proximity to Your New Home
When choosing a school, one of the first things to consider is location. The Costa del Sol stretches along the coast, with varying commute times depending on where you choose to live. Towns like Marbella, Sotogrande, and Estepona each have their own selection of schools, so it's worth considering which area aligns best with your family’s needs and lifestyle.
School Fees and Costs
While public schools in Spain are free, international and bilingual schools come with tuition fees that can range widely depending on the institution. Some of the top-tier schools in the region may have higher costs, but they often offer more specialized programs, extracurricular activities, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Extracurricular Activities
Schools in the Costa del Sol, particularly international schools, place a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities. Whether it’s sports, arts, or technology, children have plenty of opportunities to explore their interests outside the classroom.
Cultural Adaptation
Moving to a new country can be a big adjustment for children, so it’s important to choose a school that offers pastoral support for international students. Many schools have dedicated staff to help children settle into their new environment and provide guidance on cultural differences.
Moving to the Costa Del Sol & Finding the Right School for Your Family
The Costa del Sol offers a wealth of educational options for expat families, ensuring that every child can find a school that meets their academic and social needs. Whether you're drawn to an international curriculum, a bilingual experience, or full immersion in the local Spanish system, you'll find that the Costa del Sol is a welcoming and diverse place to raise children.
At Bishop’s Move Spain, we understand that moving to a new country is about more than just packing and shipping—it’s about helping your family settle into a new life. That’s why we’re here to assist you every step of the way, from organizing your move to helping you navigate your new community.
For more information on our moving services to the Costa del Sol, visit bishopsmove.es and let us help make your family’s move smooth and stress-free!
