Lifestyle · 12 min read

International Schools on the Costa Blanca: Fees, Options, and What Families Need to Know

30 May 2026 · Hansson & Hertzell

Moving to the Costa Blanca with children? Here is a complete guide to international schools, Spanish private schools, fees, admission timelines, and how to choose the right option for your family.

The Costa Blanca has a well-established international community, and education for foreign families has kept pace with that growth. You have three broad options: Spanish state schools (free, but instruction in Spanish/Valencian), Spanish private schools (fee-paying, sometimes bilingual), and international schools (English or other language medium, fee-paying).

Which is right for your children depends on their age, language background, how long you plan to stay, and your future plans for their education. There is no universal right answer.

International Schools on the Costa Blanca

Elian's British School (El Campello / Alicante) One of the most established British-curriculum schools on the Costa Blanca. Follows the UK National Curriculum from Early Years through A-levels. Strong academic reputation. Located near El Campello, accessible from Alicante and surrounding areas.

Annual fees: Approximately €8,000–€14,000 depending on year group.

Lady Elizabeth School (Benimarco, near Benissa) A well-regarded British school in the northern Costa Blanca, popular with families in Moraira, Jávea, and Calpe. British curriculum, GCSE and A-level preparation. Boarding available.

Annual fees: Approximately €9,000–€15,000 depending on year group; boarding adds significant cost.

The English International College (Marbella — note: not Costa Blanca) Included for reference as some northern Costa Blanca families look further afield for boarding options.

Colegio Internacional Montessori (Alfaz del Pi) Montessori approach with English as primary language. Popular with families from northern Europe. Different pedagogical philosophy to traditional British schools — better suited to some families than others.

The American School of Valencia (Valencia) For families with strong ties to the US curriculum. Valencia is 1–1.5 hours from most of the Costa Blanca, so only relevant for families in the Dénia–Gandia area or those willing to board.

Xàbia International College (Jávea) IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum, serving the Jávea and Moraira area. Growing reputation for IB results. Popular with Scandinavian families given the IB's international recognition.

Annual fees: Approximately €8,500–€13,000.

Colegio Internacional de Levante (Valencia) British curriculum school accessible from the northern Costa Blanca. Strong boarding programme.

Spanish Private Schools (Colegios Concertados and Colegios Privados)

Spain has two tiers of private education below fully private international schools:

Colegios concertados: State-subsidised private schools, often Catholic-affiliated. Instruction in Spanish and Valencian (the regional language). Very low fees (€0–€200/month). Academically solid but no English-medium instruction. Best for families planning to stay long-term and wanting full integration.

Colegios privados: Fully private Spanish schools. Often bilingual (Spanish/English), offering a Spanish curriculum with significant English instruction. Fees typically €4,000–€8,000/year. A good middle ground for families wanting quality education at lower cost than international schools, with some English-medium instruction.

Notable private schools on the Costa Blanca include:

Colegio Aleluya (Torrevieja area)
Colegio Aitana (Santa Pola)
International School Benidorm
Colegio Gloria Fuertes (Alicante)

Spanish State Schools

Spanish state schools are free and legally required to accept all resident children. Instruction is in Spanish, with Valencian required in the Valencia Community. For young children (under 8–9), integration is often faster than parents expect — children acquire language rapidly. For teenagers, the transition can be more challenging.

If your child attends a state school:

They will likely be placed in the appropriate year group based on age
Language support (apoyo lingüístico) is available in some schools but varies widely
The academic standards in many Spanish state schools are solid; PISA scores vary by region and school

For families planning to stay permanently in Spain, state school integration often leads to the best long-term outcomes — bilingual or multilingual children with strong social roots.

Choosing Between Options

Stay under 2 years: British or international curriculum school to maintain continuity with home education system. Returning to a British school after 2 years at a Spanish school creates significant disruption.

Long-term stay (3+ years) with young children: State school integration is worth seriously considering. Young children adapt remarkably well and often become functionally bilingual within 1–2 years.

Long-term stay with teenagers: More complex. Teenagers face harder language transitions. British curriculum may be appropriate even for long-term stays if A-levels and UK university entry are the goal.

Planning for IB and international university: Xàbia International College (IB) or schools offering International A-levels are appropriate. IB is recognised internationally and particularly valued by continental European and US universities.

Planning for UK university: British curriculum (GCSEs and A-levels) is the most straightforward path. Look for schools with UCAS experience and UK university placement records.

Fees: What to Budget

International school fees on the Costa Blanca (2025–2026 academic year, approximate):

| Stage | Annual Fees | |---|---| | Nursery / Early Years | €5,000–€9,000 | | Primary (ages 6–11) | €7,000–€12,000 | | Secondary (ages 11–16) | €9,000–€15,000 | | Sixth Form (A-levels/IB) | €10,000–€17,000 |

These are tuition only. Add:

Uniforms: €300–€600 per child
Books and materials: €300–€800 per year
School transport (bus): €1,500–€3,000 per year
Lunch: €800–€1,500 per year (if not included)
Activities and trips: €500–€1,500 per year

Budget €10,000–€20,000+ per child per year for an international school education including all additional costs.

Admission: When to Apply

Most international schools on the Costa Blanca have waiting lists for popular year groups. Apply as early as possible — ideally 6–12 months before you plan to move. For September entry, apply in the January–March of the same year at minimum. Popular schools sometimes have 12+ month waits for certain year groups.

Documents typically required for admission:

Previous school reports
Passport copies
Medical/vaccination records
Language assessment (some schools)
Parent interview

Language Support

Most international schools offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for new entrants who are not fully English-proficient. If your children speak Swedish, Dutch, or another European language rather than English as their first language, ask prospective schools about their EAL approach.

Practical Considerations

School transport: Many international schools run bus services covering a wide area. Check routes and pickup times carefully. A school that is geographically close but has no bus route to your location may be less convenient than a slightly farther school with good bus coverage.

School year: Spain follows a September–June school year with breaks at Christmas, Easter, and in summer. This aligns broadly with the UK calendar, though term dates differ. Spanish state holidays (including Valencian regional holidays) mean slightly different term structures than British schools.

University guidance: If sixth form/IB results are important to you, ask prospective schools about their recent university placement records — where graduates have gone, what grades are typical, and how actively the school supports UCAS or international university applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What international schools are on the Costa Blanca?

Key options include Elian's British School (El Campello), Lady Elizabeth School (northern Costa Blanca near Benissa), Xàbia International College (IB curriculum in Jávea), and several Spanish private bilingual schools. Valencia has additional options for families in the north of the coast.

How much do international schools cost on the Costa Blanca?

Annual tuition fees typically range from €7,000–€17,000 depending on year group and school. Adding uniforms, books, bus transport, and lunch, budget €10,000–€20,000+ per child per year.

Should my children attend a Spanish state school or an international school?

It depends on age, how long you plan to stay, and future plans. Young children integrate quickly in Spanish state schools and often become bilingual. Teenagers and families planning shorter stays typically do better in British-curriculum international schools to maintain continuity.

How early should I apply to international schools on the Costa Blanca?

Apply 6–12 months before your intended start date. Popular schools have waiting lists for certain year groups. For September entry, apply by January–March of the same year at the latest. Earlier is better.

Does my child need to speak Spanish to attend school in Spain?

Not for international schools — these are English-medium (or bilingual) and accept non-Spanish-speaking children. Spanish state schools conduct lessons in Spanish and Valencian, so children without Spanish need language support. Most state schools provide some support, but it varies by school.

What curriculum do international schools on the Costa Blanca follow?

Most follow the English National Curriculum (British system) through GCSE and A-level. Xàbia International College offers the IB (International Baccalaureate). Some schools are working towards IB accreditation. Always check what qualifications the school offers at the end of secondary.

Is the IB recognised for university entry in Sweden, the Netherlands, and other European countries?

Yes. The International Baccalaureate is widely recognised internationally, including in Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and most other European countries, as well as the US and the UK. It is arguably the most internationally portable qualification available.

How do Spanish children generally feel about foreign children at their schools?

In our experience, integration at Spanish state schools is generally positive. Spanish children and families in coastal areas are accustomed to international residents. Younger children especially make friends rapidly. Teenagers may find integration harder initially but often form strong social bonds once language improves.

Do international schools on the Costa Blanca provide bus transport?

Most do. Bus routes cover a wide area but vary by school. Check routes and pickup points carefully before choosing a school — a school with no bus service near your home may be impractical even if it is geographically close.

What are the main advantages of Spanish state schools over international schools?

State schools are free, which is the primary practical advantage. They also result in genuine bilingualism (Spanish/English or Spanish/Valencian/English) for young children, full social integration with Spanish peers, and are appropriate for families planning to stay permanently.

Can my child transfer back to a UK school after attending a Spanish school?

Yes, but the smoothness of the transition depends on age, how long they attended in Spain, and which curriculum they followed. Children following a British curriculum in international schools transfer most smoothly. Those in Spanish state schools for several years may need some subject catching up, particularly in areas where curricula differ.

Are there Scandinavian or Dutch schools on the Costa Blanca?

There are no dedicated Swedish, Norwegian, or Dutch schools on the Costa Blanca as of 2026. Scandinavian and Dutch families typically choose British-curriculum international schools (whose qualifications are internationally portable) or Spanish state schools. Some Scandinavian families choose the IB at Xàbia International College.

What vaccinations does my child need to enrol in school in Spain?

Spain follows the standard European vaccination schedule. Most schools require proof of standard vaccinations (polio, measles/MMR, etc.). Your home country's vaccination record will generally be accepted with a certified translation if needed. Contact the school for their specific requirements.

What is the Spanish academic year?

The academic year runs September to June, broadly similar to the UK. There are breaks at Christmas (2 weeks), Easter (1–2 weeks), and a long summer holiday (June–September). Spanish and Valencian national and regional holidays mean the exact term dates differ from UK schools.

Can expat children attend Spanish university after studying at an international school in Spain?

Yes. Students who complete their secondary education in Spain (whether at state school or international school) can apply to Spanish universities. Requirements for entry vary by course and university. Students with A-levels or IB can also apply through the UNED's bridging exam (Selectividad) for international students.

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