International Schools near Marbella and Benahavís: A Guide for Families (2026)

The main international schools for families living in Marbella and Benahavís are Aloha College and Swans International School (British curriculum plus the IB Diploma), the English International College and Laude San Pedro International College (British curriculum to A Level), Atalaya International School on the Estepona side and, further west, Sotogrande International School (full IB programme with boarding). Most of them teach children from age 3 to 18. This guide compares them by area, curriculum and school run, so you can choose where to live and which school to visit first.

International schools near Marbella and Benahavís at a glance

There are also Swedish, German and French curriculum schools on the Costa del Sol, some of them in Málaga city rather than in Marbella. Check the exact campus before choosing an area.

British curriculum or International Baccalaureate?

Most families moving to Marbella choose between two routes:

• British curriculum (IGCSE and A Level): the natural continuation for children coming from the UK or from British schools abroad. EIC, Laude San Pedro and Atalaya follow this route, and Aloha College and Swans teach it up to IGCSE.
• International Baccalaureate (IB): popular with globally mobile families because the IB Diploma is recognised by universities worldwide. Aloha College and Swans offer the IB Diploma in the sixth form, and Sotogrande International School follows the IB from primary to Diploma.

If you may move again in a few years, ask each school how easily your child could transfer to another British or IB school.

The school run from Benahavís

Benahavís sits in the hills just above San Pedro de Alcántara, Nueva Andalucía and the Estepona coast. For families living there, the shortest school runs are usually to schools in San Pedro, Nueva Andalucía and the Estepona side, such as Laude San Pedro, Aloha College and Atalaya.

Schools in East Marbella take longer. Independent school guides put the drive from San Pedro to Urbanización Ricmar, where EIC is located, at roughly 20 kilometres and around 30 to 45 minutes in term time, because the A-7 runs through Puerto Banús and Marbella. Sotogrande is a longer daily trip, which is why some families consider its boarding option.

For an overview of the area itself, read our guide to living in Benahavís.

How much do international schools in Marbella cost?

Fees depend on the school and the year group, and they rise as children move up. School guides published in 2026 quote annual tuition from around €6,000 in the early years to more than €20,000 in the senior years at the best-known schools, before enrolment fees, uniforms, lunches and transport. Schools update their fees every year, so always ask for the current fee schedule.

How to choose a school when you buy a villa

1. Decide on the curriculum first. British or IB narrows the list quickly.
2. Ask about places early. Popular schools can have waiting lists in some year groups, so contact them as soon as you have a moving date.
3. Visit during a school day. Most schools offer tours and trial days.
4. Drive the school run at peak time from the area where you plan to buy.
5. Ask about Spanish lessons and school buses. Both make a big difference to daily life.
6. Then choose the home. A short, easy school run is one of the best predictors of a happy move.

A family home at Tierra Viva, Benahavís

Tierra Viva is a gated community of 53 villas in Benahavís designed with Automobili Lamborghini, close to San Pedro, Nueva Andalucía and Puerto Banús. Families can compare the four villa types or see our guide to the best areas to buy a luxury villa near Marbella.

Frequently asked questions

Which international schools near Marbella offer the IB?

Aloha College and Swans International School offer the IB Diploma in the sixth form. Sotogrande International School, west of Marbella, follows the IB from primary school to Diploma.

Which schools are closest to Benahavís?

Depending on where in Benahavís you live, the closest international schools are usually Laude San Pedro International College in San Pedro de Alcántara, Aloha College in Nueva Andalucía and Atalaya International School on the Estepona side.

Do international schools in Marbella teach Spanish?

Spanish is taught at the international schools in the area, but the amount varies by school and age group. Some, such as Laude San Pedro, also allow students to follow the Spanish ESO and Bachillerato. Ask each school how many hours a week are taught in Spanish.

This guide was compiled in November 2026 from public school guides. Curricula, ages and fees can change, so please confirm the details directly with each school.

Moving to Marbella with your family? Contact us or message us on WhatsApp for the Tierra Viva brochure, availability and a private viewing.