How to: Find a School in Marbella

Whether you’ve been living in Marbella for a while or you’re moving your family to Spain for the first time, it’s not easy to decide which of the area’s school will best suit your child. Each type of school has its pros and cons so it’s all about figuring out where you see your child fitting in. Luckily though, we’ve put together a rough guide to the types of schools in the area as well as a list of schools and their contact details to make life that little bit easier for you.

Decisions, decisions…

When it comes to schools in Marbella, you basically have three options:

1. Send your child to a Spanish State-Funded School

Enrolling your child at a Spanish state-funded school is free and will enable your child to intergrate fully into Spanish life as well become fluent in the language very quickly. Around 80% of British expats opt for state education for their children and the younger they are, the quicker and easier it is for them to integrate. However, parents must pay for any extra curricular activities and supply their child with school books and materials, although it’s possible for low-income families to apply for a grant for these.

2. Send your child to an International School

There are a large number of international schools to choose from in the Marbella area, many of which offer billingual education (English and Spanish) and prepare puplis for the ‘Bachillerato’ – an internationally recognised qualification. Most international schools also offer excellent facilities (such as tennis courts, horse stables, swimming pools and golf courses), a varied range of extra curricula activities, private bus lines and high security.

There are fees for international schools but your child will intergrate with mixed nationalities and receive a higher standard of education than that of a Spanish state school. Fees start at around 4,000€ per annum and can rise to as much as 10,000€ for the higher-end international schools.

There are a number of British schools along the Costa del Sol, including Marbella, which teach the British curriculum and prepare pupils for their GCSEs. Classes are smaller and a wider range of subjects are taught.

Some British schools belong to NABSS (National Association of British Schools in Spain) – an accredited organisation which ensures high standards are maintained by British inspectors.

3. Send your child to a Spanish Private School

There are a number of Spanish schools which also charge fees. They teach entirely in Spanish and generally follow the same curricula as the state schools. Fees vary but on average start at no less than 700€ per annum.

Applying

Once you’ve decided on the best school for your child, it’s time to start applying. However, there are different ways of doing this, depending on the type of school you’re aiming for.

Applying to a private or international school:

You need to do this as soon as possible as demand for places is extremely high.
You must contact the school directly at any time during the school year. You also need to provide school reports, exam results and any other records from your child’s previous school.

Applying to a Spanish state school

Most Spanish schools accept applications around May for that September’s intake but this can be a lengthy process so get the ball rolling as soon as possible. First, you need to obtain the appropriate forms from the UK Department of Education in order to submit ‘proof of convalidation’ to the Spanish school. This is an official record of your child’s previous education and without it; they cannot be accepted at any school. It’s much simpler to apply for the record while you’re still in the UK as it could take up to 6 months to process.

Once you have the required documents, you need to contact the school to arrange an interview.
To find out more, contact The Department of Education, Spain on 0034 917 018 000.

Next, you need to apply for an ‘empadronamiento’ – this is a document which must be registered at your local Town Hall in Spain. Make sure you take your passport (and photocopies) with you, as well as proof of your address and details of your Spanish bank account, rent receipt or lease.

You’ll also need a copy of your child’s birth certificate/passport, vaccination records, proof of residence and two passport-sized photographs.
School in Spain: The Facts

* In Spain, compulsory education begins at the age of 6 when children must attend their local primary school for 8 years.

* The school day, for most, begins at 09.00 and finishes at 17.00 with a two hour break for lunch when pupils have the option to go home and eat with their families and perhaps even a nap. However some schools open at 9.00 and don’t offer any break, instead finishing for the day at 14.00.

* The school year runs from mid September till the end of June.

* There are no half-terms (except in some British Schools) but there are local holiday days besides Christmas and Easter.

* Like the UK, all Spain’s schools offer inclusive learning policies for children with special needs wherever possible.

* It’s possible to educate children at home in Spain, however in some areas there may be resistance from the authorities.

* School uniform must be worn at International and Private schools but for pupils of most state schools, it’s not compulsory.

International Schools in the Marbella area:
* Aloha College, Marbella: www.aloha-college.com
* Swann School, Marbella: www.swansschool.net
* Mayfair Acadamy School, San Pedro: www.mayfairacademy.com
* Colegio San Jose, Marbella: Tel. 0034-952 883 858
* ECO’s International Boys’ School, Marbella: www.ecos.attendis.com

Private British Schools in Marbella:
* Calpe College School, San Pedro: www.calpecollegeschool.com
* The English International College, Marbella: www.eic.edu
* St George’s School, San Pedro: 0034-952 786 606

Spanish schools in Marbella:
* Grupo Monseñor Rodrigo Bocanegra: Tel.  0034-952 770 077
* Colegio Las Chapas (Girls’ School): www.laschapas.attendis.es
* Colegio El Alboran SL (Private School):