An 8-page Olive Press special pull out supplement www.theolivepress.es
September 2025
MAKE FTHE RIGHT CHOICE or many expat families, one of the biggest questions after moving to southern Spain is where their children will go to school. With more than 300 international schools across the country dozens on the Costa del Sol, alone - the choice can feel daunting. Parents must weigh up British qualifications, the Spanish system, or, in some cases, the International Baccalaureate. Fees vary widely, curricula
The Olive Press guide on how to choose the best international school in Spain for your children By Adam Husicka
differ, and every school has its own personality. Each system offers distinct advantages. The British route, with GCSEs and A-levels, is internationally recognised and remains the gold standard for students planning to attend universities in the UK or beyond. The IB, by contrast, is broader and more universal, requiring students to study subjects across sciences, arts, and maths – perfect for ‘all-rounders’, though demanding
for those who prefer to specialise. The Spanish curriculum, meanwhile, may suit families who see their children staying in Spain long term, as it prepares them directly for Spanish universities through ESO and Bachillerato. Many international schools along the Costa del Sol reflect this diversity, often combining different routes under one roof. For instance, Laude San Pedro International offers both British and Spanish pathways, allowing students to switch tracks from Year 8 if they wish to pursue ESO and Bachillerato, or move, as some do, from the Spanish system to A-levels.
Annual fees here range from €11,178 in the early years to €24,690 in sixth form for the British track, while the Spanish system is slightly lower at €9,858 in ESO to €12,710 in Bachillerato. Joe Short, Head of Secondary at Laude, says this flexibility is one of the school’s biggest strengths. “We follow the British curriculum from early years through to sixth form, preparing students for GCSEs and A-levels, the gold standard for university entry. “But from Year 8 onwards, pupils can also switch to our Spanish pathway, with ESO and Bachillerato, allowing them to access Spanish universities. There’s support in place for them in all of the pathways.” Continues on next page