Moving to the Costa del Sol (or buying a second home here) often starts with one very specific question: where will the children go to school? And it’s not a minor detail. A school shapes daily routines, commute times, friendships, after-school activities and, in many cases, even the area where you ultimately decide to live.
At RH Privé Estates, we see it every day: families fall in love with a home, but first need to confirm whether there are international schools on the Costa del Sol that match their language, academic system and family plans. That’s why we’ve put together this guide with a practical approach. Our goal is to help you compare options with an indicative ranking, as every family values different things.
How we created this ranking
Rather than one single “best” international school, the Costa del Sol offers different options suited to different families. To create this ranking, we focused on the factors that are usually most decisive:
- Continuity across key stages, including whether the school covers Early Years through to Secondary and/or Sixth Form, Bachillerato or an equivalent.
- Curriculum, such as British, International Baccalaureate (IB), British/Spanish pathways or other recognised programmes.
- An international and linguistic environment, as a bilingual school with an international outlook is not the same as a truly international campus with globally recognised qualifications.
- Location, particularly in relation to Fuengirola, Benalmádena and Mijas.
Important note: when it comes to fees, availability or exact entry requirements, the most reliable option is always to request information directly from the school and visit the campus (ideally during an open day or a private tour).
2026 ranking: top international schools on the Costa del Sol
St. Anthony’s College (Mijas / Fuengirola area)
If your priority is a well-established British approach in the Mijas-Fuengirola area, St. Anthony’s is often one of the first names that comes up. In its own academic information, the school mentions the IGCSE pathway (Key Stage 4) in Years 10 and 11, which suits families looking for continuity within the British system and preparation for higher stages.
Why it stands out in this area: its strategic location for families living between Mijas and Fuengirola and its clear British academic focus (especially relevant if you’re coming from the UK or an international education background).
The British College of Benalmádena (Benalmádena)
One of the most recognisable names in Benalmádena for families looking for a British curriculum. Its official website includes admissions information and references to exams and results (Cambridge), as well as resources such as a virtual tour and school calendar, which makes it much easier to compare.
Ideal for: families who want Benalmádena (or the Higuerón area) and are looking for a well-structured British school.
The Benalmádena International College (Benalmádena)
A very interesting option in Benalmádena, especially if you want a full journey from Nursery to Sixth Form. In its curriculum summary, the school explains that it follows the UK National Curriculum complemented by elements of the Spanish curriculum, offering stages from Nursery through to Sixth Form.
Key strength: this blend of a British route with elements of the Spanish system, which many families find reassuring if they are considering university in Spain, the UK or elsewhere.
The Ark Christian School (Mijas, near Fuengirola)
For families who want to stay close to Fuengirola but prefer a British school in Mijas, The Ark is a strong choice. On its official website, it states that as a British school for ages 3-18, it teaches the British National Curriculum leading to IGCSE and A Level.
Best suited to: families prioritising a British curriculum, full continuity from 3–18, and proximity to Fuengirola/Mijas Costa.
Salliver School (Fuengirola)
While it isn’t a British school in the traditional sense, for many international families Salliver is a highly competitive option thanks to its academic profile and language approach. On its website, the school highlights its focus on learning languages and cultures and “creating an international awareness”, and it covers education from early years through to Bachillerato (ages 1-18).
Why it’s included in an international ranking: because in Fuengirola, families don’t always look exclusively for a British curriculum. Many value academic excellence, a multilingual environment and a very practical school that fits well with day-to-day life.
Svenska Skolan Costa del Sol (Fuengirola)
A great option for Swedish (and Nordic) families who want continuity with their own education system while still integrating locally. The school’s website describes its location in Fuengirola and explains that it offers an environment for students of all ages, preparing them within both the Swedish and Spanish systems.
Highly recommended if: your family needs to maintain the Swedish language and curriculum, while adapting to life in Spain.
Sunny View School (Torremolinos)
Sometimes, when Benalmádena is your base and minimising travel time is a priority, Torremolinos often becomes part of the search. Sunny View presents itself as a leading British school in the area, welcoming students from ages 2 to 18.
Key advantage: for families living in Benalmádena, it offers a practical alternative without disrupting daily routines.
The British School of Málaga (Málaga city)
If you work in Málaga, The British School of Málaga is a well-known reference. Its website states that students follow the British National Curriculum from 3 to 18, complemented by Spanish Language and Cultural Studies, and it highlights a multilingual approach (including options such as French or German in secondary years).
Best for: families balancing life between Málaga and the coast, or those who prefer city living, services and connectivity.
St. George’s British International School (Málaga)
According to its curriculum information, the school explains that it follows the English National Curriculum from Pre-Nursery to Year 10, combined with a bilingual Spanish curriculum in secondary and Bachillerato, with a gradual transition towards a fully British system (noting completion in 2025). It also details its language programme.
A good fit if: you want a Málaga-based school with a British route and a clearly structured language approach.
Swans International School (Marbella)
Marbella offers some excellent options. Swans, according to its curriculum section, follows the British curriculum in primary and secondary (GCSE), and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Sixth Form.
Key point: ideal for families who want Marbella and are seriously considering the IB as a passport to international university pathways.
Aloha College (Marbella)
Aloha is another very well-known name in Marbella. On its website, it describes its Sixth Form offering IB Diploma and A-Levels (16-18), as well as personalised academic pathways towards university.
Best suited to: highly international profiles, academic ambition, and families who want the flexibility to choose between IB or A-Levels depending on university plans.
English International College (Marbella)
EIC stands out for its long track record. On its official website, it presents itself as a British international school established in 1982, following the British curriculum and highlighting academic results and university access.
Recommended for: families looking for Marbella and a clearly defined British education model with strong local tradition.
Special mentions if you’re looking for a French or German curriculum
Although the ranking above focuses on the Fuengirola-Benalmádena-Mijas area and the most in-demand options among international families, two schools deserve a separate mention due to language and educational system:
- Lycée Français International de Málaga (LFIM) is the natural reference for French-speaking families. Its official website presents the school as part of the French international network in Málaga.
- Deutsche Schule Málaga, whose history the school traces back to 1898, is part of the network of German schools abroad and is officially recognised by educational authorities.
The best schools on the Costa del Sol for your children
Choosing among the international schools on the Costa del Sol is, in many ways, choosing the kind of life you want to build here. Fuengirola, Benalmádena and Mijas offer strong options for international families, and the proximity of Málaga and Marbella broadens the choice even further.
If you ask us which one is best, our answer is always the same: the one that fits your family plan, language needs, university goals and day-to-day routine. For that reason, beyond reading rankings, the most valuable step is visiting schools, asking questions and seeing whether the school truly feels right for you.
And when it comes to finding the ideal home, it’s even easier. Speak to our experts at RH Privé Estates and we’ll be happy to help you with everything you need!