Costa del Sol Schools. A Guide to the Costa del Sol

When moving to the Costa del Sol finding the right school for your children can be difficult and time consuming. Hopefully the information here can help.

Firstly, schooling in spain is free, but you will normally have to pay for school books, supplies and extra curricular activities (all which can range in expense). School starts with nursery or pre-school at the age of 4 or 5. Compulsory education starts at the age of 6, starting with primary school which lasts for 8 years. By the age of 14, students receive a 'school-leaving' certificate, which determines the course of their future education. Those with high marks are awarded a 'titulo de graduado escolar' certificate and may attend secondary school to study for their baccalaureate. Less academic students are awarded a school certificate, and attend a vocational programme providing specialised training for a specific career.

To enrol a child in a school on the Costa del Sol you must provide your local town hall with the following documents:

Your child's birth certificate or passport with an official Spanish translation (if necessary)
Proof of immunisation
Proof of residence in the form of an electricity or telephone bill in your name. If you don't have any bills, a rent receipt, lease or proof of ownership is acceptable
Proof of convalidation

If you would rather enrol you child in a private school on the Costa del Sol, in which there are several excellent ones, it is important to confirm that all certifications are valid and any certifications that may be received are valid in spain and/or your home country.

Schools located on the Costa del Sol

Aloha College

School Address: Urbanización el Angel, 29660 Nueva Andalucia, Marbella (Malaga)
Telephone: (+34) 95 281 41 33
Fax: (+34) 95 281 85 23
Email Address: info@aloha-college.com
Schools Website: Aloha College Marbella

Benalmádena International College

Telephone: (+34) 95 256 16 66
Fax: (+34) 95 256 16 66
Schools Website: www.bicbenal.com

Sunland International School

School Address: Ctra. Cartama-Pizarra, Nueva Aljaima, 29580 Cartama Estacion, Malaga
Telephone: (+34) 902 50 22 50

Almuñecar International School

School Address: Urbanizacion Los Pinos s/n 18690, Almuñecar, (Granada)
Telephone: (+34) 958 635 911
Fax: (+34) 958 635 911
Schools Website: www.almunecarinternationalschool.org

Calpe College International School

School Address: Carretera de Cádiz km. 171, Aptdo 200, 29670 San Pedro Alcántara (Malaga)
Telephone: (+34) 95 278 1479
Fax: (+34) 95 278 9416