Aloha College Marbella vs The Ark Christian School

	A Aloha College Marbella Malaga, Spain	T The Ark Christian School Malaga, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €4,825 - 18,940	Fees / year €4,545 - 9,005
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Catholic Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils 840	Pupils 350
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1982	Opened 2009
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Urb. El Angel, Nueva Andalucia, 29660 Marbella, Málaga, Spain. The campus is in Urbanización El Ángel, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella.	Location Calle Río Darro, 1, 29651 Las Lagunas de Mijas, Málaga, Spain. The Ark Christian School serves students aged 3–18 and operates in the Fuengirola area on the Costa del Sol.
Stages	Stages Early Years (Nursery & Reception, ages 3–4); Primary (Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2, ages 5–10); Secondary (Key Stage 3 & Key Stage 4, ages 11–15); Sixth Form (IB Diploma & A-Levels, ages 16–18).	Stages Early Years; Primary; Secondary; A-Levels
School type	School type International school	School type British international school; independent, charitable (non-profit) organisation
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support SEN is supported within the mainstream classroom; families must provide full written documentation of any known SEN at registration.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation British international education (UK curriculum elements such as English National Curriculum and IPC).	Country affiliation British
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Christian
School day structure	School day structure Primary day runs 9:00–15:40 (with supervision from 8:30 and until 16:00); Secondary day runs 9:00–16:00.	School day structure Primary: 9:00am–3:00pm (Mon–Fri); Secondary: 9:00am–4:00pm (Mon–Fri)
Bus service details	Bus service details Yes. Supervised bus routes from Fuengirola and Estepona.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Admissions Prepayments - Application fee (non‑refundable): EUR 200, payable on submission of the application. - Reservation (firm offer) fee: EUR 2,500, payable on acceptance of a firm offer and deducted from the first invoice. - Waiting list holding fee: EUR 1,250 — refundable only if a place is not offered; once a firm place is offered this becomes part of the reservation fee and non‑refundable. - Administration fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): EUR 195, payable with the first invoice. - Inscription (enrolment) fee for new pupils / re‑enrolment after an absence (one‑time, non‑refundable): 1st child EUR 3,000; 2nd child EUR 2,250; 3rd child EUR 1,800. - Chromebook (required for all students joining Secondary): EUR 599, payable with the first invoice; the device is supplied and configured by the school and is assigned to the pupil. Tuition fees — Primary (per term and annual total) Invoices and payments are issued termly. Payment due dates shown in the schedule are: 1st Term due by 15/06/2025; 2nd Term due by 01/12/2025; 3rd Term due by 02/03/2026. (Below each line shows the three term amounts followed by the calculated annual total.) - Nursery (Half Day): 1st Term EUR 1,925; 2nd Term EUR 1,450; 3rd Term EUR 1,450. Annual total: EUR 4,825. - Nursery (Full): 1st Term EUR 3,115; 2nd Term EUR 2,345; 3rd Term EUR 2,345. Annual total: EUR 7,805. - Reception: 1st Term EUR 3,495; 2nd Term EUR 2,620; 3rd Term EUR 2,620. Annual total: EUR 8,735. - Year 1: 1st Term EUR 3,805; 2nd Term EUR 2,850; 3rd Term EUR 2,850. Annual total: EUR 9,505. - Year 2: 1st Term EUR 3,895; 2nd Term EUR 2,930; 3rd Term EUR 2,930. Annual total: EUR 9,755. - Year 3: 1st Term EUR 4,240; 2nd Term EUR 3,180; 3rd Term EUR 3,180. Annual total: EUR 10,600. - Year 4: 1st Term EUR 4,345; 2nd Term EUR 3,265; 3rd Term EUR 3,265. Annual total: EUR 10,875. - Year 5: 1st Term EUR 4,575; 2nd Term EUR 3,440; 3rd Term EUR 3,440. Annual total: EUR 11,455. - Year 6: 1st Term EUR 4,630; 2nd Term EUR 3,470; 3rd Term EUR 3,470. Annual total: EUR 11,570. Tuition fees — Secondary (per term / invoice and annual total) Invoices and payments are made termly for Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12; Years 11 and 13 are invoiced twice a year. Payment due dates shown in the schedule are: 1st Term / 1st Invoice due by 15/06/2025; 2nd Term due by 01/12/2025; 3rd Term due by 02/03/2026; second invoice for Year 11/13 due by 05/01/2026. (Below each line shows the invoice/term amounts followed by the calculated annual total.) - Year 7: 1st Term EUR 5,290; 2nd Term EUR 3,975; 3rd Term EUR 3,975. Annual total: EUR 13,240. - Year 8: 1st Term EUR 5,430; 2nd Term EUR 4,075; 3rd Term EUR 4,075. Annual total: EUR 13,580. - Year 9: 1st Term EUR 5,520; 2nd Term EUR 4,140; 3rd Term EUR 4,140. Annual total: EUR 13,800. - Year 10: 1st Term EUR 5,980; 2nd Term EUR 4,495; 3rd Term EUR 4,495. Annual total: EUR 14,970. - Year 12: 1st Term EUR 7,495; 2nd Term EUR 5,630; 3rd Term EUR 5,630. Annual total: EUR 18,755. - Year 11: 1st Invoice EUR 7,640; 2nd Invoice EUR 7,640. Annual total: EUR 15,280. - Year 13: 1st Invoice EUR 9,470; 2nd Invoice EUR 9,470. Annual total: EUR 18,940. Optional services and recurring extras - School lunch (Primary): Nursery–Year 2 — 1st Term EUR 615; 2nd Term EUR 450; 3rd Term EUR 440. Years 3–6 — 1st Term EUR 650; 2nd Term EUR 480; 3rd Term EUR 470. - School lunch (Secondary): Year 7–10 & 12 — 1st Term EUR 650; 2nd Term EUR 480; 3rd Term EUR 470. Year 11 — 1st Invoice EUR 795; 2nd Invoice EUR 795. Year 13 — 1st Invoice EUR 700; 2nd Invoice EUR 700. - School bus (priced by geographical zone): for Years 7–10 & 12 the per‑term amounts are: Zone A EUR 480 / EUR 350 / EUR 350; Zone B EUR 605 / EUR 445 / EUR 445; Zone C EUR 685 / EUR 505 / EUR 505; Zone D EUR 760 / EUR 560 / EUR 560. Bus charges for Years 11 and 13 are invoiced per the two‑invoice schedule with amounts varying by zone (see the invoice schedule). - Chromebook: Secondary students EUR 599 (one‑off, payable with first invoice). - The tuition and optional service fees listed include accident insurance, textbooks and exercise books, subject materials and all compulsory curricular day trips and enrichment events unless otherwise noted. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoices are issued according to the term/ invoice schedule shown above (1st term/invoice in mid‑June; further invoices in December, March or early January for two‑invoice year groups). - For Years 7–10 and 12 invoicing is termly; Years 11 and 13 are invoiced twice a year. - A surcharge of 5% is imposed on fees not fully paid by the due date stated on the invoice. - Inscription, administration and Chromebook charges are payable with the first invoice or as stated in the enrolment prepayment terms. Boarding - Aloha College Marbella operates as a day school; boarding is not provided. Refunds and non‑refundable items - Application fee (EUR 200): non‑refundable. - Reservation fee (EUR 2,500): non‑refundable once a firm offer is accepted (the reservation fee is deducted from the first invoice). - Waiting list holding fee (EUR 1,250): refundable only if a place is not subsequently offered; once a firm place is offered it becomes part of the reservation fee and is non‑refundable. - Administration fee and inscription fee: one‑time and non‑refundable, payable with the first invoice. - Other refund entitlements for tuition after a pupil has started are governed by the school's enrolment and payment terms (specific conditions such as refunds on withdrawal or term‑time changes are set out in the school's policy documents). A 5% late payment surcharge applies for late settlement. Fee payment notes and options - Fees are invoiced in EUR according to the billing schedule above; invoices must be settled by the due dates shown. - The published fee documents present the invoicing schedule, fee amounts and the late‑payment surcharge. For the available payment channels (for example bank transfer, card payment via the parent portal or other methods) families should use the school's invoicing and parent‑portal arrangements when settling invoices. Other practical costs - Uniform: the school operates a second‑hand uniform shop and maintains uniform guidance; costs for new uniform items are not listed in the fee schedule and vary by item and supplier. - External optional activities (some trips, examinations, external providers or certain co‑curricular items) may carry separate charges where explicitly stated. - The fee documents include details of compulsory items (textbooks, subject materials) in the fee inclusions; additional discretionary costs (private tuition, optional external programmes, non‑compulsory trips) are billed separately where applicable.	Fee details Registration / Application Fees - Non‑refundable registration fee for a new student: EUR 500.00. - Registration fee for renewal: EUR 295.00. - If registration for Year 10 or Year 12 is completed after the first term, the registration fee is increased by EUR 400.00. Tuition fees by year group (annual and monthly breakdown) - Pre‑reception and Reception: Annual fee EUR 4,545.00 — billed as 10 monthly payments of EUR 454.50. - Years 1 and 2: Annual fee EUR 4,829.20 — billed as 10 monthly payments of EUR 482.92. - Years 3 and 4: Annual fee EUR 5,446.70 — billed as 10 monthly payments of EUR 544.67. - Years 5 and 6: Annual fee EUR 5,820.00 — billed as 10 monthly payments of EUR 582.00. - Years 7, 8 and 9: Annual fee EUR 7,003.00 — billed as 10 monthly payments of EUR 700.30. - Year 10: Annual fee EUR 7,850.00 — billed as 10 monthly payments of EUR 785.00. - Year 11: Annual fee EUR 8,829.00 — billed as 9 monthly payments of EUR 981.00 (special billing period applies). - Year 12: Annual fee EUR 8,883.50 — billed as 10 monthly payments of EUR 888.35. - Year 13: Annual fee EUR 9,005.40 — billed as 9 monthly payments of EUR 1,000.60 (special billing period applies). Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing: school fees are payable monthly, due before the 10th of each month. - Standard billing period runs from September to June. - Exception for Year 11 and Year 13: fees are billed from September to May (9 months). - Receipts are issued between the 1st and the 10th of each month. - On acceptance a deposit of EUR 1,000.00 is required. Boarding fees - The school operates as a day school (no boarding provision); no boarding fees apply. Other costs and routine extras - Early morning care (08:30–09:00): EUR 3.00 per day or EUR 45.00 per month. - After‑school club (15:00–16:00): EUR 6.00 per day or EUR 72.00 per month. - Examination fees for Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13 are charged separately and are payable in January of the year the examinations are taken. - Textbooks and materials are included in the published school fees. Discounts that affect fees - Sibling discount: 5% for the second child; 50% for the third child; 50% for the fourth child. - Full‑year payment discount: a percentage discount is applied if the full year is paid by the specified early‑payment deadline (discount deadlines and rates apply; check billing communications for the current deadline). Deposit and refund information - The acceptance deposit is EUR 1,000.00. - The deposit will be refunded when a student leaves after Year 11, Year 12 or Year 13 provided all fees have been paid in full. - The deposit will be refunded when a student leaves earlier if a full term's notice has been given and all fees have been paid in full. - If a student leaves without having given one term's notice, the deposit is forfeited. - If fees are in arrears when a student leaves, the deposit will be used to cover arrears and any remaining balance will be returned. - If the full year's fees are paid in advance and the student leaves early, the pre‑paid months are not refundable. - The registration fee is non‑refundable. Fee payment options and related terms - Payments can be made by bank transfer or by credit/debit card. - Receipts are issued monthly (between the 1st and 10th). - When paying by bank transfer, the student's full name must be provided and the payment concept specified. - The school reserves the right to withhold admission, notes, reports, or student records until financial obligations are met.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform. A second-hand uniform shop is run by the Aloha Parents Society.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options On-site catering provides nutritious meals prepared daily by the in-house team. Dietary requirements are fully accommodated, with vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free options. From Monday to Friday, hot lunches and healthy break-time snacks are provided. Two dining spaces serve over 1000 individuals daily, and the School Food Committee involves students in shaping menus.	Food options —
House system	House system Pupils are grouped into Houses and earn House points across school life. A House points system recognises student contributions, with annual or termly House winners (e.g., Wolves).	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Fundación Aloha College is a not-for-profit foundation governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board includes parent Governors and sets the long-term vision, with the Foundation supervised by the Protectorado de la Junta de Andalucía and compliance with Law 50/2002.	Governance and ownership Established in 2009 by the Ark Christian Church, The Ark Christian School is an independent, charitable (non-profit) organization with its own statutes and finances. The school is governed by a Board of four members who attend the Ark Church; the Headteacher works closely with the Board.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school offers a British international education for students aged 3 to 18. From Early Years to Year 6, the English National Curriculum is followed with the International Primary Curriculum. In Years 10–11, students prepare for IGCSEs. In Sixth Form (Years 12–13), they can choose between the International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) or the International A-Level programme.	Curriculum details British National Curriculum for ages 3-18, leading to IGCSE and A Level examinations; British and Spanish Curriculum.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Average class size: Years 7–11, 16 pupils; Years 12–13, 10 pupils.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results 2024 Exam Results: the school achieved a 100% pass rate across IB, A-Level and IGCSE examinations. In the IB programme, the average score was 35.56 points, with nine students exceeding 40. In A-Level, 31% of examinations were awarded A* to A, with a 100% pass rate. In IGCSE, 93% of examinations were graded 4–9, with 46% achieving 7–9, and all early-entry Spanish candidates earning top grades (8–9). 2025 Exam Results: published with continued strong achievements.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression 96% of the 2024 cohort progressed to their first-choice universities. 17 graduates pursued UK universities including Oxford, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol. About 69% studied abroad in the US, Canada, Europe and beyond. 77% chose Arts and Humanities degrees and 23% pursued STEM fields.	Higher education progression Graduates have access to universities in the United Kingdom, Spain, and globally. Students typically choose four A Level subjects and must pass at least three to gain direct access to Spanish public universities. In the United Kingdom, admissions follow the UCAS points system. The school assists with university entry, including EVAU-related registration through UNEDasiss in Malaga.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented The curriculum develops each child's individual talents.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning PSHEE supports students from Year 1 to Year 13, equipping them with knowledge, understanding and life skills to lead healthy, happy lives and to become confident, responsible global citizens. The programme is tailored to reflect the needs of our students, the ethos of the school and the context of our international community. It is delivered by a dedicated team of trained staff. Lessons are supported by the Emotional Intelligence (EQ) programme, which nurtures resilience, empathy, focus and mindfulness. Through a spiral curriculum, students develop emotional literacy, self-esteem, healthy relationships, decision-making, risk awareness, financial understanding, personal responsibility and resilience, with regular parent workshops.	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Aloha College Marbella identifies and supports students with SEND through an early identification approach across both Primary and Secondary. Learning support is embedded across all teaching, with a whole-school approach and SEND coordinators who work closely with parents and the student to remove barriers to learning. A four-part cycle—Assess, Plan, Do, Review—drives the development and review of support, with Learning Plans and Individual Education Plans and regular progress discussions. Where appropriate, external professionals such as Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists or medical professionals may be involved, with cooperation from parents. English as an additional language is addressed within the SEND framework; lack of English competence alone is not treated as SEND, and where ESL progress is slow other educational needs are considered; the school may advise external provision if needed.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English is the language of instruction; non-native English speakers must provide evidence of their English level as part of the application. Spanish is taught as a second language. English as an additional language is recognised within the SEND framework; lack of English competence should not be equated with learning difficulties, and when ESL progress is slow other educational needs are considered; language support is planned as part of the student's overall education.	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Pastoral care at ACM is a recognised area of excellence with Beacon Status from COBIS. Every student is valued and pastoral support is tailored to meet each child's needs, with the aim of equipping them to thrive in and beyond the classroom. The approach emphasises emotional security, empathy, resilience and a positive sense of self as essential to sustaining mental health. Students are supported to become confident, autonomous and socially responsible members of a diverse, compassionate community, with strong collaboration between staff and families. The Medical Centre is staffed by a full-time on-site nurse, and the school works with local doctors and paramedics for more serious concerns.	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The Admissions Policy includes safeguarding procedures, with the safeguarding lead responsible for requesting information from a pupil's previous school to check for safeguarding issues. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, with open collaboration between families and staff to maintain a safe school community. The on-site medical and pastoral provisions support safeguarding in daily practice.	Safeguarding The Ark Christian School's ethos is based on Christian principles and endeavours to help each child learn to respect themselves and others; while the ethos is Christian, doors are open to all children.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Campus spans 29,000 m², with 17,500 m² dedicated to state-of-the-art buildings. Each classroom averages 55 m². Six Science Laboratories and three Computer Labs support practical learning, with dedicated Sixth Form study areas. A three-floor Multimedia Space houses the Secondary Library, the Literature and Chess clubs, and hosts regular talks. Dining services provide nutritious meals in two dining spaces for over 1,000 people daily, with an outdoor dining area refurbished in 2024. IT and technology are integrated with Google Classroom and interactive smartboards in every classroom.	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities FIFA-certified Football Pitch: 2,650 m² artificial turf field. Outdoor Gym and Recreational Areas. Multipurpose Sports Pavilion includes a rooftop court, gym, and a fully equipped stage for cultural events.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Six Science Laboratories; Three Computer Labs with access to over 1,300 devices (including 250 PCs, 700 Chromebooks, and 160 iPads). Dedicated Sixth Form Study Areas. Three-Floor Multimedia Space housing the Secondary Library, Literature and Chess clubs, and regular talks. IT & Technology integrated throughout with Google Classroom and interactive smartboards in every classroom.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Drama Club stages high-caliber theatrical productions each year. Literature and Chess clubs, and regular talks hosted in the Secondary Library.	Extra curricular facilities The Ark Christian School hosts the Instituto Canzion music school whose teachers provide music lessons for our students and direct our choir.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Founded in 1982 by six visionary teachers and a group of parents as a not-for-profit initiative, Aloha College Marbella has grown into a leading international school. The school was among the first in Spain to offer the International Baccalaureate, and in 2004 a new Secondary School building doubled its capacity. What started as a small school with 210 students has grown to over 900 students on a 27,000 m² campus. The campus includes seven science laboratories, three computer suites, two libraries, four art studios, and a dedicated Music Department with a performance hall and drama studio. Not-for-profit status means every surplus is reinvested into the school, enhancing facilities, integrating technologies, and supporting staff development, while maintaining a caring, inclusive atmosphere.	History The Ark Christian School was established by the Ark Christian Church in 2009. The church still embraces the school, which worships in the church buildings on Sundays, but the school has its own statutes and operates as an independent, charitable (non-profit) organisation with independent finances. The school is governed by a Board of four members who all attend the Ark Church, and the Headteacher works closely with the Board and attends monthly meetings. The school is located in Las Lagunas de Mijas, Málaga, and teaches the British National Curriculum for children aged 3-18, leading to IGCSE and A Level examinations.
Community	Community Aloha College Marbella has an international community with over 50 nationalities represented, fostering cultural diversity and global mindedness. An active alumni network maintains strong ties with the school, with former students returning as parents and mentors. The ECO-School program embeds sustainability into curriculum and daily life through student-led initiatives, including a biodiverse garden, water conservation, beach clean-ups and recycling. Solidarity Actions engages students in local and global charitable causes, led by students and reinforced by staff and the wider community.	Community The Ark Christian School is described as 'The British School Where Values Matter' and is guided by Christian principles. It presents itself as a welcoming second home where students are secure, respected, and important as individuals and as part of the school community. The school follows a constructivist approach to learning, with active and collaborative learning between teachers and students. The school hosts the Instituto Canzion music school whose teachers provide music lessons for students and direct the choir.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Aloha Parents Society is a group of volunteers who help organise many of our most loved events—like the Welcome Party, Christmas Bazaar, and Family Fun Day. They also run coffee mornings and a second-hand uniform shop. Their support is a big part of our community spirit.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Aloha College Marbella offers a vibrant co-curricular programme that includes STEM, sport, the arts, languages, wellbeing and social development. The programme provides a range of clubs and activities beyond the classroom, with sessions open to both Primary and Secondary students and delivered by staff and senior pupils. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is part of the enrichment offering and provides a framework across four sections to develop practical and leadership skills. Full details of the co-curricular offerings are available in the Co-Curricular Booklet.	Academic & intellectual The Ark Christian School teaches the British National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 and 2. The curriculum is broad and cross-curricular, with active learning and opportunities to create and think critically. Students follow the English National Curriculum leading to IGCSE and A Level examinations for older students. The school serves children from 3 to 18 years old.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Music plays a vital role in school life. Music is taught by subject specialists in both Primary and Secondary, with clubs and ensembles outside timetabled lessons for beginners to advanced performers. The School Production, Pop Band and Singing rehearsals provide regular performance opportunities, and a new school band is formed each academic year. Drama offers student-led experiences with a large-scale production, a co-curricular drama club, and Theatre Thursdays in the Drama Studio, fostering creativity, confidence, leadership and collaboration.	Arts & creative The school hosts the Instituto Canzion music school, whose teachers provide music lessons for students and direct the choir. Music is taught as an Additional Subject. Art is taught as part of the curriculum alongside other arts subjects.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Languages are a focus within the co-curricular programme, with opportunities to engage in language-based clubs and activities beyond the classroom. The broader programme includes languages alongside sport, arts, STEM, games, wellbeing and social development, encouraging intercultural understanding and cross-age collaboration. Full details of the co-curricular offerings are provided in the Co-Curricular Booklet.	Cultural & language Spanish language is studied as part of the curriculum; the school is a British school that enriches its program by studying the Spanish language. Spanish Literacy is taught as a core subject. The British and Spanish Curriculum is described as being enriched by studying the Spanish language.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Clubs span games, hobbies and social development, with sessions open to both Primary and Secondary students and led by staff and older pupils. Students across age groups collaborate in shared clubs, building friendships and teamwork beyond lessons. The programme provides experiences beyond the classroom to support informal interests and social connections.	Social & hobbies PSHE is taught as an Additional Subject, supporting students' social and emotional development. The Primary curriculum emphasizes cross-curricular topics and active learning that foster collaboration and personal development. The curriculum also highlights English and Spanish language study as part of a broader educational approach.
Community & service	Community & service The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is part of the co-curricular programme and includes volunteering as a core section, with students engaging in charity work, environmental projects and community support. The award also includes Skill, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey sections that foster practical service and teamwork. These activities contribute to social responsibility and community engagement as part of Be your best.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The co-curricular life offers leadership opportunities, including student leadership roles in drama and the presence of Student Arts Ambassadors. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award fosters leadership, planning and teamwork through its four sections (Skill, Volunteering, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey). Students also take on roles in clubs and events, delivering projects with staff support.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport is a central part of wellbeing at Aloha College Marbella, with Football Club, Basketball Club, Athletics and Cross Country fostering fitness, teamwork and resilience. The sports programme aims to create inclusive opportunities for all students to participate and develop lifelong healthy habits. Wellbeing is supported across the co-curricular programme through performance arts, mindfulness and a variety of physical activities that promote confidence and belonging.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Christian values permeate the whole school experience, including respect, equality, compassion, thankfulness, justice and forgiveness. As a charitable non-profit organization, the school balances its finances with a focus on providing education and welfare for students. The ethos emphasizes character development, helping each child learn to respect themselves and others.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision All classes are taught in English. Spanish is introduced from Nursery, and by Year 2 there are up to six hours of Spanish per week. From Year 7, French or German can be studied as an additional Modern Foreign Language. Spanish is offered as a First or Second language in Secondary and Sixth Form, with opportunities to study Spanish in IB or A-Level, including ab initio options for IB students.	Language provision English and Spanish are taught as part of a British and Spanish curriculum.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The language of instruction is English. Spanish is introduced from Nursery, and by Year 2 students have up to six hours of Spanish per week. From Year 7, French or German can be studied as an additional Modern Foreign Language. In the IB Diploma Programme, History is taught in Spanish, contributing to a bilingual diploma; many teachers are native English speakers, and Spanish mother tongue staff support language development.	Bilingual teaching The Ark Christian School offers a bilingual program with British and Spanish curricula.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs The language of instruction is English, with near- or perfect-immersion classroom settings to support English language development. From Reception onwards, students learn and communicate in English while taking part in an extensive Spanish program to develop their mother tongue. All Key Stage 3 students study a third language (French or German). In the IB Diploma Programme, Language A options include Spanish or English, and Language B options include English, Spanish, French and German.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Enquiry Stage. The process starts with an enquiry on the school's site. OpenApply provides access to upload documents, track progress, and complete the application. The most recent school reports, copies of passports (child and both parents), and proof of English proficiency for Year 1 and above (if English is not the first language) are requested. There are two application periods: 1 November–31 January for entry in the following academic year and 1 March–31 May; applications outside these periods may be considered subject to availability.	Admissions —
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Waiting list. If no place is available, an offer is made on the waiting list. To accept, pay €1,250 within one week; this payment is refundable if no place is offered. If a place becomes available, the remaining €1,250 must be paid within 48 hours to secure the spot.	Waitlist —
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