We recognise the importance of securing the best top-tier schools for your family. Navigating the array of public, private, international, and bilingual schools in the Marbella area can be daunting. Discover the best school options in the Marbella and Benahavís areas.
Marbella and the western Costa del Sol is home to more than 20 international and private schools offering British, IB, American, German, French, Swedish and Spanish curricula for children aged 2 to 18. Annual fees typically range from €4,000 to €20,000 depending on the school and year group. This guide covers every major option, from long-established institutions like Aloha College, Swans International School and the English International College to newer additions such as Atlas American School and Creators International, with practical detail on curricula, approximate fees, locations, and the residential areas each school serves best.
Understanding the Spanish school system helps when choosing between public, private and international options. The stages run as follows: Guardería (daycare, under 3), Infantil (ages 3–5), Primaria (ages 6–11), Secundaria or ESO (ages 12–16), and Bachillerato (ages 16–18, required for Spanish university entry via the Selectividad exam). For public schools, everyone born in the same calendar year starts infant school at the same time, that is September of the year in which they turn 3, and primary school in the year they turn 6, irrespective of when their birthday is. School enrolment and attendance are compulsory for primary and secondary students, and homeschooling is not recognised in Spain.
Most international schools follow alternative curricula suited to their cultural ties, such as the International Baccalaureate, and many also offer Cambridge examinations. Most of these private schools cater to all ages between 3–18 years old in one school, although perhaps split into two or more campuses. Academically, many private schools outperform public equivalents, offer a wider range of languages, and provide an education shaped by specific cultural or pedagogical values, allowing families to choose the language, curriculum and ethos that best suits their children.
When choosing where to live or buy property in the Costa del Sol, many families take which international schools are nearby as one of their key considerations. One practical point worth noting: international school places in Marbella are in high demand, particularly for early years and primary. For the most popular schools, applications for September entry should be submitted by the previous January. Some schools (Aloha College, for example) charge a non-refundable waiting list fee of €2,000, which gives an indication of how competitive places have become. For those drawn to the increasingly popular lifestyle of the Marbella-Estepona area, we always recommend researching schools and registering interest before finalising a property purchase, not after.
Public schools in Andalucía are allocated based on a zone-based points system that sums where you live, work and other factors to prioritise students for each school. The most important factors are where you are registered as living (empadronamiento, your official municipal registration) and in which school siblings are already enrolled. New enrolment applications are only accepted in March and April unless you have just moved from another local government area, in which case you can apply once you are registered with the town hall. All local public schools are prefixed with CEIP in Andalucía, and generally provide a quality Spanish education with English as a secondary language.
Yes, and they are free. Marbella has several well-regarded public primary schools, including the only Spanish-English bilingual public school in the area (CEIP Valdeolletas) and a French-Spanish bilingual option (CEIP Vicente Aleixandre). The main consideration for international families is that the curriculum is taught primarily in Spanish, and places are allocated through a points-based system linked to where you live.
Areas such as East Marbella only have one public school option; CEIP Pinolivo is for Infantil, which is connected with CEIP Platero for Primaria, both reputable schools that apply some aspects of Montessori philosophy in a leafy environment. Since the population of the area that pertains to these schools is constantly growing (the area between Bello Horizonte and Cabopino/Artola), entry to these schools is competitive and often comes down to a lottery; otherwise, your child will be allocated to one of the public schools located around Marbella Centre. These are CEIP Gil Muñíz, CEIP María Auxiliadora, CEIP Los Olivos, CEIP Valdeolletas, CEIP Juan Ramón Jiménez, CEIP Antonio Machado and CEIP Vicente Aleixandre, many of which have excellent reputations.
Of the public schools in Marbella, it is important to note that CEIP Valdeolletas is the only Spanish-English bilingual public school in the region, and CEIP Vicente Aleixandre is the only French-Spanish bilingual option, both located around the centre of Marbella. There is also a public school in La Cala de Mijas which serves the areas east of Cabopino, as well as one in Benahavís and various in Estepona. While Spanish public schools follow a state-based curriculum, individual schools customise the subjects and the cultural or sporting activities offered, so speaking with the school office about annual events and extracurricular activities is a good idea to get an idea of whether the school suits your family’s values.
This is one of the first decisions families need to make, and it has long-term implications for university options.
British curriculum (GCSE and A-levels) is the most common pathway at Marbella’s international schools. It is well-recognised by UK universities and accepted by most European and international institutions. Schools following this route include Aloha College, Swans, EIC, Laude San Pedro, and BISM. If your family may return to the UK, or your child is likely to apply to British universities, this is typically the most straightforward path.
The International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) is offered at sixth-form level by Aloha College, Swans, Colegio San José, and Atalaya International School, among others. The IB is recognised worldwide and is particularly strong for families who want to keep university options open across multiple countries. It is broader than A-levels, students study six subjects rather than three, and places significant emphasis on independent research and community service. It suits self-motivated students but can be demanding.
Spanish Bachillerato and Selectividad is the route into Spanish universities and is offered by Colegio San José, Colegio Alborán, Laude San Pedro (as a dual option alongside A-levels), and most Spanish private schools. If there is any possibility your child will study at a Spanish university, ensuring they have access to this pathway, or at least the option of convalidation, is worth considering early.
Dual-pathway schools like Laude San Pedro offer both British and Spanish qualifications in parallel from age 12. This flexibility is valuable for families who are uncertain about their long-term plans.
A few schools fall outside these main categories. Deutsche Schule Málaga follows the German system with Spanish convalidation. Svenska Skolan follows the Swedish national curriculum. Atlas American School offers the American K–12 system. The French School (EFIM) follows the French national education system. In each case, the curriculum reflects the school’s cultural community and is designed for families with ties to that country’s education system.
Annual fees at Marbella’s international and private schools vary significantly depending on the institution, the child’s age, and the curriculum. As a general guide for the 2025–2026 academic year:
These figures are indicative and should be confirmed directly with each school. Most schools also charge a one-time registration or enrolment fee, and some require a deposit to secure a place on the waiting list. Uniform, books, school meals, transport, and external examination fees (GCSEs, A-levels, IB) are typically additional.
For families budgeting a move to Marbella, school fees are one of the more significant ongoing costs alongside property, healthcare, and day-to-day living. As a rough guide, a family with two children at one of the established British curriculum schools should expect total education costs (including fees, transport, meals, and extras) of between €20,000 and €45,000 per year.
Founded in 1982 as the first fully bilingual school in Marbella, Aloha College operates as a non-profit educational trust at the entrance to the Aloha area of Nueva Andalucía, close to Aloha Golf. It serves around 900 students from more than 50 nationalities, aged 3 to 18, with class sizes typically between 15 and 20 pupils.
The academic pathway runs through the English National Curriculum, with IGCSE and A-levels followed by the IB Diploma at sixth-form level: a dual-track approach that gives families flexibility for both UK and international university applications. Annual fees range from approximately €7,000 for early years to €18,000 for the IB Diploma years.
The 29,000 m² campus includes 17,500 m² of buildings, average classrooms of 55 m², a FIFA-certified football pitch, a 2,000 m² multipurpose sports hall with performance stage, dedicated science and arts buildings, and a well-stocked library. Bus routes run from Fuengirola through to Estepona.
Families choosing Aloha typically look at properties in Las Brisas, Aloha, and upper Nueva Andalucía, the school run is under five minutes with light traffic. The school is also accessible from the Golden Mile and San Pedro within 10–15 minutes outside peak hours. The main practical consideration is demand: popular year groups regularly fill by February, and Aloha charges a non-refundable €2,000 waiting list fee alongside a €3,000 enrolment deposit.
BISM is one of the newer international schools in Marbella, established in 2010 and part of the UK-based British Schools Foundation, a non-profit network operating schools across Europe, Asia, and South America. The school moved into a purpose-built campus in Rocío de Nagüeles in 2020, close to the Golden Mile.
It follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to Secondary, currently serving students aged 2 to 18 with IGCSEs and A-levels. The student body represents more than 40 nationalities. The school contains a large sports field, 25-metre indoor swimming pool, 400-seat auditorium, music school, art studio, and dedicated science laboratories. Fees are not publicly listed.
The Nagüeles location makes BISM a natural choice for families living on or near the Golden Mile, in Sierra Blanca, Nagüeles, Rocío de Nagüeles, and Cascada de Camoján. It is also within 10 minutes of central Marbella and Nueva Andalucía. One point to note: BISM now offers a full secondary pathway to A-levels at age 18, although it previously only served students until age 14.
EFIM is Marbella’s French-language school, approved by the French National Education system and offering a trilingual education in French, Spanish, and English for children aged 3 to 11. Each class is taught by three native-speaking teachers: one for each language. The school’s approach draws on Montessori-inspired methods alongside the French curriculum, with a focus on developing critical thinking and creativity from an early age. It is located on the Golden Mile, convenient for families in central Marbella, Nagüeles, and Sierra Blanca. For French-speaking families on the Costa del Sol, EFIM is currently the only dedicated option west of Málaga.
Svenska Skolan Marbella is a Swedish-language primary school in Nueva Andalucía, serving children aged 3 to 12. Founded in 2003, it is one of Sweden’s 14 approved overseas schools, operating under the Swedish National Agency for Education (Skolverket) and holding full Spanish authorisations. It follows the Swedish national curriculum with small class sizes of up to 20 students.
In 2024, the school introduced a Cambridge-accredited International Programme for lower secondary students (grades 7–8), covering English, Mathematics, Science, and Global Perspectives. Swedish students can continue their native language studies via the Sofia Distans programme, enabling smooth reintegration into the Swedish system if the family returns. Term fees range from approximately €4,100 to €6,750.
The school is set in a green campus near Puerto Banús with a football pitch, padel courts, swimming pool, and indoor gym. Nueva Andalucía has one of the largest year-round Swedish communities on the Costa del Sol, estimated at around 2,500 residents, and the school is within walking or short driving distance of properties in Las Brisas, Aloha, La Alzambra, and the wider Nueva Andalucía area.
Established in 1971, Swans is one of Marbella’s longest-running international schools. The primary campus (approximately 350 pupils) is in El Capricho, just west of central Marbella, while the secondary campus (capacity for around 600 students) opened in 2006 in Sierra Blanca, with views toward La Concha.
The curriculum follows the British system through IGCSE, with the IB Diploma offered from Year 11. Spanish is taught at three proficiency levels, and students can also study French, German, and Mandarin. Swans reports that a high percentage of IB students achieve above 35 points, and graduates regularly secure places at leading international universities. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is a notable part of the school’s extracurricular programme. Annual fees range from approximately €8,700 to €20,000 depending on year group.
The secondary campus is most convenient for families in Sierra Blanca, Cascada de Camoján, the upper Golden Mile, and Istán road properties. The primary school in El Capricho is closer to central Marbella and Nagüeles. One practical note: the Sierra Blanca access road can experience congestion during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, something worth factoring in if you are considering properties slightly further afield.
These two schools, Las Chapas for girls in Hacienda las Chapas and Ecos for boys in La Mairena, are part of the Attendis network of around 20 schools across Andalucía and Extremadura. They offer bilingual Spanish-English education from age 3 through to the International Baccalaureate at 18, with Cambridge English examinations available alongside the Spanish curriculum. The schools have a Catholic ethos and place emphasis on discipline, community service, and traditional values. They are best suited to families in the Elviria, Las Chapas, and La Mairena areas of East Marbella.
Founded in 1986, Colegio Alborán sits in a green, semi-rural setting between Las Chapas and Elviria in East Marbella. It serves around 600 students from more than 30 nationalities, aged 3 to 18, following the Spanish national curriculum alongside Cambridge English examinations.
The school is distinctive for its nature-based approach: the campus includes horse-riding stables, gardens where students grow plants, and small animals that children help care for. This outdoor-focused philosophy extends into the curriculum, with an emphasis on environmental responsibility, creativity, and hands-on learning. The school won an Andalusian award for educational excellence in 2016 and was recognised in the DICES Guide 2018. It offers sibling discounts. Monthly fees range from approximately €650 to €1,100.
Alborán suits families who want a Spanish-language education with strong English alongside it, rather than a British or IB primary pathway. Its Elviria location works well for families in Las Chapas, Hacienda las Chapas, Elviria, and the Cabopino area. For families choosing between Alborán and EIC in the same area, the key difference is language of instruction: Alborán is primarily Spanish with English as a second language, while EIC is primarily English with Spanish as a second language.
Deutsche Schule Málaga traces its origins to 1898 in Málaga city, with the current campus established in La Mairena, in the hills above Elviria. It serves approximately 720 students from around 40 nationalities and is officially recognised by both the German and Spanish Ministries of Education.
Teaching is bilingual in German and Spanish from nursery, with English and French added at secondary level, many graduates are fluent in four languages. The school follows the German education system, and its qualifications are convalidated for Spanish university entry. It has been awarded the “Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule” seal multiple times. The campus includes a space observatory, sports facilities with a swimming pool, and dedicated art and music departments.
The La Mairena location is set in attractive green surroundings but the hillside position means the school is best suited to families living in East Marbella, Elviria, La Mairena, Hacienda las Chapas, or Río Real. From central Marbella or San Pedro, the drive is 20–30 minutes, and the mountain road can feel isolated in winter months. For German-speaking families already settled in East Marbella, it is a strong choice with an established community. The website is only accessible in Spanish or German.
Founded in 1982, the English International College is one of the most academically focused British curriculum schools on the Costa del Sol. It serves approximately 500 students aged 3 to 18, with more than half being native English speakers and over 20 nationalities represented. Class sizes are capped at 20.
EIC follows the British National Curriculum through GCSEs and A-levels, with particular strength in sciences and music. The school has a consistent track record of placing students at leading UK universities. Facilities include a 25-metre competition swimming pool, astroturf pitch, volleyball and basketball courts, a climbing wall, science laboratories, and a music studio with both digital and live instruments. Fees are not publicly listed but EIC is generally considered one of the higher-cost options in the area.
The school is located off the A-7 in the Ricmar / Elviria area of East Marbella. It is well suited to families living in Elviria, Las Chapas, Hacienda las Chapas, Río Real, and Los Monteros, all within a 5–10 minute drive. For families in San Pedro, Nueva Andalucía, or western Marbella, the commute is typically 25–40 minutes depending on traffic, which is a genuine consideration during term time.
Located in the hills above Mijas Costa, Saint Anthony’s offers a combined British and Spanish curriculum (GCSEs, A-levels, ESO, and Bachillerato) for students aged 3 to 18, with a Christian ethos. It is the main international school option for families living in La Cala de Mijas, Riviera del Sol, Calahonda, and the areas east of Cabopino, filling a geographic gap between East Marbella and Fuengirola. The school tends to have a broader socioeconomic mix and a grounded community feel compared to some of the Marbella schools.
Calpe School offers infant and primary education following both the British and Spanish curricula for children aged 3 to 11. It is located in a quiet area of San Pedro de Alcántara and has a reputation for a supportive, child-centred environment with a focus on curiosity and resilience. For families in San Pedro, Linda Vista, Cortijo Blanco, and Guadalmina, Calpe is a popular primary school choice, though parents will need to plan for secondary transfer to Laude, Aloha, or another school offering GCSEs or equivalent.
A small, family-run infant and junior school in the Cortijo Blanco area of San Pedro, Saint George’s takes just 100 pupils aged 2 to 8 with one class per year group. It follows both the British and Spanish curriculum with strong emphasis on reading, outdoor learning, and expressive arts. Places are consistently in high demand. As with Calpe, families will need a secondary school plan, many Saint George’s families transition to Laude San Pedro, Aloha, or Swans.
Located in San Pedro de Alcántara, Casa del Mar follows the Montessori method for children from 18 months to 12 years. The approach emphasises individualised learning, hands-on exploration, and self-directed activity. It suits families who are specifically looking for an alternative educational philosophy, particularly during the early years, before transitioning to a more conventional school for secondary education.
Established in 2004, Laude San Pedro is part of a network of 12 international schools across Spain and was recognised by Forbes in 2025 as one of the best schools in the country. Located in Nueva Alcántara, San Pedro de Alcántara, it serves over 1,000 students from more than 50 nationalities, aged 3 to 18.
What distinguishes Laude is its dual-pathway curriculum. Students follow the English National Curriculum through primary, and from age 12 can choose between the British route (GCSEs and A-levels) or the Spanish route (ESO and Bachillerato). This flexibility is particularly valuable for families who are uncertain whether their children will eventually study at UK or Spanish universities, or who may relocate again. The school’s GCSE, A-level, and ESO results consistently exceed national averages.
The campus includes a football pitch, tennis courts, and an indoor gymnasium. Music, arts, languages (including French, German, and Chinese), and technology are well-integrated into school life. Fees are not publicly listed.
Laude is conveniently located for families in San Pedro, Guadalmina, Linda Vista, Cortijo Blanco, and Nueva Alcántara. It is also within a reasonable 15-minute drive from central Estepona and the New Golden Mile. The San Pedro location gives families easy access to the town’s amenities, something that matters for older students who want independence after school.
Mont 21 combines Montessori philosophy with the British National Curriculum for children aged 3 to 11. It focuses on individualised learning, outdoor connection, and developing independence and self-confidence. Located in San Pedro, it is one of two Montessori-inspired options in the area alongside Casa del Mar, and serves families in San Pedro, Guadalmina, and Linda Vista.
Colegio San José is one of the longest-established private schools in the Marbella area, with more than 50 years of history. It operates two campuses – the main site in Guadalmina, San Pedro de Alcántara, and a second campus in Estepona – offering a bilingual Spanish-English education from age 3 through to 18.
The curriculum follows the Spanish national system (Primaria, ESO, Bachillerato) with the International Baccalaureate Diploma as an option at sixth-form level. This dual qualification is useful for families who want access to both Spanish and international universities. The school also offers languages including English, French, German, and Chinese, and has a professional music school, extensive sports programmes, and international exchange opportunities.
San José has been ranked consistently among the top private schools in Málaga province and was included in the Forbes list of Spain’s 50 best private schools. It is a popular choice among established Spanish and international families in the Guadalmina, Sotogrande, and San Pedro areas. The Estepona campus extends this reach to families on the New Golden Mile and in Estepona town. The school’s ethos places strong emphasis on discipline, values, and community – it tends to attract families who appreciate a more structured, traditional approach to education.
Located in El Paraíso, this British primary school follows the curriculum of England and Wales for children aged 2 to 12 in a bilingual English-Spanish environment, with French and German also available. It serves as an examination centre for Cambridge University and Trinity College London, as well as the Alliance Française and the Goethe Institut. The school has a STREAM (Science, Technology, Radio/Multimedia, Engineering, Arts, and Maths) focus. Annual fees for 2025–2026 range from approximately €4,680 to €8,700. It suits families in El Paraíso, Cancelada, and Estepona who want a British primary education without the commute to Marbella.
Opened in the Selwo area of Estepona, Atlas is the first and currently only American-curriculum school on the Costa del Sol. It follows the US K–12 system with AP courses and optional IB Certificates at Grade 12 level. Distinctive programmes include intensive French, entrepreneurship courses for ages 14–17, and high-performance sport tracks in golf, tennis, and padel integrated into the school timetable. Annual fees range from approximately €8,600 to €16,000. For American families, or those planning US university applications, Atlas removes the need to navigate British or Spanish qualification equivalencies.
Founded in 2012, Atalaya is a relatively young school with a modern, purpose-built campus near Benahavís on the New Golden Mile. It offers bilingual English-Spanish education for students aged 3 to 18, following the Spanish national curriculum in primary and offering a choice between Spanish ESO/Bachillerato or IGCSEs and A-levels at secondary level. It has been an authorised IB World School since 2019.
The campus includes a large sports hall, swimming pool, and spacious classrooms. The school incorporates modern teaching methods including cooperative learning and project-based approaches, alongside extracurricular activities ranging from robotics and coding to yoga and mindfulness. It has a strong family-oriented feel and places emphasis on integrating parents into school life.
Atalaya is well-positioned for families living in Benahavís, the New Golden Mile, El Paraíso, Cancelada, Atalaya, and Estepona. It is also within a 15-minute drive of San Pedro de Alcántara. For families in the Benahavís and western Estepona area who want a bilingual school with both Spanish and international pathways, Atalaya and Colegio San José are the two main options, Atalaya tends to suit families looking for a more modern, progressive approach, while San José is more traditional and structured.
Creators opened in September 2025 as the first tech-focused school in Málaga and the Costa del Sol. It offers a British curriculum centred on STEM subjects with particular emphasis on maths, physics, and computer science for children aged 3 to 18 (years 3–13). Located in Benahavís, it targets families who want a technology-oriented education alongside conventional academic pathways. As a recently opened school, it is worth visiting and speaking with the leadership team directly, track records take time to establish, and families should assess the school’s development stage, teaching staff, and facilities before committing.
A new private school in Cancelada offering the British curriculum for children aged 7 to 16. The curriculum covers core academic subjects alongside cookery, golf, football, and other sports. As with Creators, this is a recently opened institution, families should visit and assess the school’s development, staffing, and facilities directly before making a decision.
For families with school-age children, the daily commute is one of the most important practical factors in choosing where to live, and it is one we discuss regularly with clients.
Marbella’s geography means that a school in Elviria and a home in San Pedro can easily mean a 35–40 minute drive each way during term time. Over a school year, that adds up. Most families we work with prefer to live within a 10–15 minute drive of their chosen school, which naturally narrows the property search in a helpful way.
Here is a practical overview of which residential areas work best for each major school:
Aloha College (Nueva Andalucía): Las Brisas, Aloha, upper Nueva Andalucía, La Quinta (Benahavís), and the Golden Mile. 5–15 minutes depending on exact location.
Swans International School (Sierra Blanca / El Capricho): Sierra Blanca, Cascada de Camoján, Nagüeles, Golden Mile, Istán road, and central Marbella. 5–15 minutes. The Sierra Blanca road can be slow at drop-off and pick-up times.
EIC (Elviria): Elviria, Las Chapas, Hacienda las Chapas, Río Real, Los Monteros, Bahía de Marbella. 5–10 minutes. From San Pedro or western Marbella, allow 30–40 minutes.
Laude San Pedro (Nueva Alcántara): San Pedro de Alcántara, Guadalmina, Linda Vista, Cortijo Blanco, Nueva Alcántara. 5–10 minutes. Also within 15 minutes of central Estepona.
BISM (Nagüeles): Golden Mile, Sierra Blanca, Nagüeles, Rocío de Nagüeles, central Marbella, and Nueva Andalucía. 5–10 minutes.
Deutsche Schule (La Mairena): Elviria, La Mairena, Hacienda las Chapas. 5–15 minutes. From central or western Marbella, 20–30 minutes.
Colegio San José (Guadalmina / Estepona): Guadalmina, San Pedro, Sotogrande (Guadalmina campus). Estepona, New Golden Mile, Cancelada (Estepona campus). 5–15 minutes from surrounding areas.
Atalaya (near Benahavís): Benahavís, New Golden Mile, El Paraíso, Cancelada, Atalaya, and Estepona. 5–15 minutes.
Svenska Skolan (Nueva Andalucía): Las Brisas, Aloha, La Alzambra, Puerto Banús area, wider Nueva Andalucía. Walking distance or under 5 minutes for most Nueva Andalucía properties.
Most schools operate bus routes covering key residential areas between Estepona and Fuengirola, though schedules, costs, and availability vary – check directly with each school.
If you are considering a move to Marbella and have school-age children, we would suggest securing your child’s school place, including paying any required deposit, before finalising a property purchase. The school decision naturally guides the area, and the area guides the property search. We are happy to advise on which neighbourhoods work best for your family’s specific school shortlist.
How much do international schools in Marbella cost?
Annual fees at most international schools in Marbella range from approximately €6,000 to €20,000 depending on the school, curriculum, and year group. Spanish private schools tend to be at the lower end, while British curriculum and IB schools are typically higher. Additional costs for uniform, meals, transport, and examination fees can add €2,000–€5,000 per year.
When should I apply for a school place in Marbella?
For the most popular international schools, applications for September entry should be submitted by the previous January. Some year groups – particularly early years and Years 7–8 – fill months in advance. Mid-year admissions are possible at most schools, subject to availability. We recommend beginning the school search at least six months before your planned move.
Can my child join a Marbella school mid-year?
Most international schools accept mid-year admissions where places are available. Schools will typically assess your child’s English level and review previous school reports. Availability varies by year group and time of year – contact schools directly to check.
Which curriculum is best – British, IB, or Spanish?
It depends on your family’s long-term plans. British A-levels are the most straightforward route to UK universities. The IB Diploma is recognised worldwide and keeps options open across multiple countries. The Spanish Bachillerato is essential for Spanish university entry. Some schools, such as Laude San Pedro, offer both British and Spanish pathways from age 12. See our curriculum comparison section above for more detail.
Are there public school options in Marbella?
Yes. Spanish public schools are free and generally provide a good standard of education, taught primarily in Spanish. CEIP Valdeolletas is the only bilingual Spanish-English public school in the Marbella area. Places are allocated through a points-based system linked to your registered address (empadronamiento).
Do Marbella schools have bus services?
Most international schools operate dedicated bus routes covering key residential areas from Estepona to Fuengirola. Routes, schedules, and costs vary by school – check directly with each institution for current details.
To discuss how school locations align with the areas and properties that suit your family best, contact MPDunne today.
Originally published April 2024. Last revised 14 April 2026.
Melinda Rendina Content Writer & Marketing Coordinator
Melinda is an experienced writer specialising in real estate, urban planning, lifestyle, architecture and design. A seasoned Marbella resident, she holds an Undergraduate Degree in Social Science with Honours in Politics, and a Masters degree in Urban Planning.
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