British / American / IB
Curricula
English (mostly)
Language
€6,000–€18,000/yr
Avg Fees
Costa del Sol, Madrid, Barcelona
Top Regions
Types of International School
Spain has one of the highest concentrations of international schools in Europe.
- British schools — follow the English National Curriculum to GCSE/A-Level
- American schools — US curriculum leading to a high school diploma
- IB World Schools — International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, DP)
- Bilingual schools — mix of Spanish and English curricula
- French, German and Scandinavian schools also available
Where Are the Main International Schools?
The largest clusters are on the coast and in the big cities.
- Costa del Sol (Marbella, Estepona, Málaga) — dozens of British schools
- Madrid — large international school sector
- Barcelona — strong IB and British options
- Alicante & Valencia — growing international school presence
- Palma de Mallorca — several British schools
Fees & What to Budget
International schools are fee-paying, with a wide range.
- Tuition: typically €6,000–€18,000 per year
- Plus enrollment fee (matrícula) of €500–€2,000
- Uniforms, transport and lunch are usually extra
- Some schools offer sibling discounts
- Concertado schools offer a lower-fee bilingual alternative
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do international schools cost in Spain?
Fees typically range from €6,000 to €18,000 per year, plus a one-off enrollment fee (matrícula) of €500–€2,000. Uniforms, transport and lunch are usually charged separately.
Do international schools in Spain follow the British curriculum?
Many do. British schools in Spain follow the English National Curriculum through to GCSE and A-Level. There are also American, IB and bilingual options, particularly on the Costa del Sol and in Madrid and Barcelona.
Can my child attend an international school without speaking Spanish?
Yes. Most international schools teach primarily in English and offer Spanish as a second language, making them a popular choice for newly arrived expat children.