Aloha College Marbella vs The British School of Málaga

	A Aloha College Marbella Malaga, Spain	T The British School of Málaga Malaga, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €4,825 - 18,940	Fees / year €8,780 - 11,080
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 A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 840	Pupils 960
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 23
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1982	Opened 2000
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Urb. El Angel, Nueva Andalucia, 29660 Marbella, Málaga, Spain. The campus is in Urbanización El Ángel, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella.	Location The school is located at Centaurea, 8, 29018 Málaga, Spain.
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 The school offers Early Years through Sixth Form.
School type	School type International school	School type The school is a British international school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix The school has over 50 nationalities represented and more than 25 languages spoken.
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 The school has an ALN Department providing support for ALN, including English as an Additional Language (EAL) and signposting to professionals such as psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and play therapists.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation British international education (UK curriculum elements such as English National Curriculum and IPC).	Country affiliation The school has a British affiliation.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
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 The school day runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with a Breakfast Club from 8:00 am and a Snack Club from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details Yes. Supervised bus routes from Fuengirola and Estepona.	Bus service details The school has a bus service with seven routes.
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 Application / Registration Fees - Registration fee (one-off, new students only): EUR 1,100 per child. The registration fee is a single, non‑refundable payment. - Annual enrolment fee (renewal): EUR 1,100 per child, charged each year for enrolled students. Tuition fees by year group (published annual amounts, and monthly / per‑term conversions) Note: The school publishes annual tuition and offers a default 10‑month instalment option; the monthly figure below is the published annual fee divided by 10. The per‑term figure below is the published annual fee divided by 3 (three academic terms) and is shown for convenience. - Early Years - Nursery (age 3): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 8,780. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 878. Per term (approx.): EUR 2,927. - Reception (age 4): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 8,780. Monthly: EUR 878. Per term (approx.): EUR 2,927. - Primary (Ages 5–11) - Year 1 (age 5): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 9,530. Monthly: EUR 953. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,177. - Year 2 (age 6): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 9,530. Monthly: EUR 953. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,177. - Year 3 (age 7): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 9,780. Monthly: EUR 978. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,260. - Year 4 (age 8): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 9,780. Monthly: EUR 978. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,260. - Year 5 (age 9): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 9,980. Monthly: EUR 998. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,327. - Year 6 (age 10): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 9,980. Monthly: EUR 998. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,327. - Secondary (Ages 11–16) - Year 7 (age 11): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 10,680. Monthly: EUR 1,068. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,560. - Year 8 (age 12): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 10,680. Monthly: EUR 1,068. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,560. - Year 9 (age 13): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 10,850. Monthly: EUR 1,085. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,617. - Year 10 (age 14): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 11,650. Monthly: EUR 1,165. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,883. - Year 11 (age 15): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 11,650. Monthly: EUR 1,165. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,883. - Sixth Form / A‑Levels (Ages 16–18) - Year 12 (age 16): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 12,050. Monthly: EUR 1,205. Per term (approx.): EUR 4,017. - Year 13 (age 17): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 12,050. Monthly: EUR 1,205. Per term (approx.): EUR 4,017. Billing schedule and payment terms - Default billing method: 10 monthly instalments (September to June inclusive) by direct debit. Returned direct debit charge: EUR 20. Unpaid invoices must be settled within 10 days; a 3% interest is applied to outstanding amounts. Annual upfront payment (paid in full before 31 July) receives a 5% discount. Third‑child discount: 50% discount applicable from the third child on the enrolment fee and tuition fees only. Annual payments are non‑refundable. Boarding fees - Boarding: not applicable. The published fee schedule lists day‑school tuition and additional day services (bus, clubs, breakfast/snack) but does not list boarding facilities or boarding fees. Other costs and additional fees - School lunch: included in the published tuition fee (school lunch is mandatory and included). - School accident insurance: included. - Uniform: compulsory for Nursery through Year 11; uniform must be purchased through the school (prices not listed in the fee schedule). - Chromebook/device: compulsory purchase required for students in Year 3 through Year 11 (price not listed in the fee schedule). Chromebook licences and some digital licences are included in the listed “included” items. - Intensive EAL (English as an Additional Language) programme (for new students): EUR 1,150 per year in KS1 and EUR 2,200 per year in KS2 and KS3; payable in monthly instalments. - External examinations (IGCSE, A‑levels, and official validations) are not included in the published tuition and are charged separately. School trips are not included. - After‑school clubs and extra activities: charged separately. Sample published rates (termly / additional services): - Breakfast/Snack Club (termly): Single ticket EUR 6; 1 day/week EUR 65; 2 days/week EUR 110; 3 days/week EUR 155; 4 days/week EUR 185; Full week EUR 200 (combined with bus or after school lower rates apply). - After‑school general activities (termly, sample): Standard (2 sessions/week) EUR 175; Basic (1 session/week) EUR 145; Extended (3 sessions/week) EUR 205. - Other activities (termly, sample): Standard EUR 200; Basic EUR 170; Extended EUR 220. - School bus (annual/termly options shown as published): Local stops (within Málaga city): Return EUR 555; One‑way EUR 345. Suburban stops (outside Málaga city): Return EUR 600; One‑way EUR 390. (September only/first month pro‑rata termly figures are listed separately in the schedule.) Refund information - The registration fee is explicitly non‑refundable. Annual payments per child are stated as non‑refundable. No other refundable amounts or a broader refund schedule is published in the school's fee document. Returned direct debit charge and late‑payment interest provisions apply as noted under billing terms. Fee payment options - Published payment options and mechanics: default method is 10 monthly instalments by direct debit; the school accepts an annual upfront payment (with a 5% discount if paid before 31 July). The published fee document specifies returned direct debit penalties and late‑payment interest. Specific alternative payment channels (for example, credit card or bank transfer) are not detailed in the published fee schedule. If you need these amounts presented in a different format (for example, separated by monthly instalments per line or per‑term rows for a database import), the figures above are given as published (annual), with the monthly instalment shown as the published annual fee divided by 10 and the per‑term figure shown as the published annual fee divided by 3 for convenience.
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 Uniform is compulsory.
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 Lunch is compulsory for all students; the current menu changes monthly and is available on the BSM Portal.
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 Houses Earth, Wind, Fire and Water; all students and teachers belong to a house; houses receive points for activities and events.
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 The school is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), an international group of schools.
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 Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) British curriculum with language immersion. Primary School uses the British national curriculum, complemented with Spanish Language and Cultural Studies. Secondary School progresses with the British national curriculum and leads to IGCSE results, while continuing Spanish classes and ESO preparation. Sixth Form advances to A Level and Spanish university access exams, with a personalised curriculum and the option to study Spanish alongside English to support access to universities in Spain and worldwide. The school holds accreditations from Cambridge International Examinations, Pearson Qualifications, AQA, Cambridge English, and OxfordAQA.
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 progress to universities in Spain and worldwide.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
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 The school builds essential life skills through practical classes and group activities. Students develop empathy, confidence and emotional intelligence as part of the learning journey. Life skills are integrated with academic learning to prepare students for life beyond school. Teachers mentor students to collaborate, communicate and navigate challenges. These social-emotional competencies are fostered across the curriculum.
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) The school has an Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Department to support students with ALN. The ALN policy describes identification, planning and provision to help students access the curriculum and reach their potential as people and lifelong learners. The policy acknowledges emotional, social, mental health or behavioural barriers that can affect learning and outlines appropriate supports. A range of specialists are available to support ALN students, including psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and play therapists. The ALN programme includes tailored support for primary and secondary students, with referrals and monitoring; it may involve a tailored or intensive plan and costs where applicable. Parents are informed and engaged in the process.
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 The school has a dedicated English as an Additional Language Department that provides dedicated sessions and tailored help. The EAL team provides 1:1 sessions and ongoing guidance in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Intensive English instruction is provided through tailored interventions assessed case-by-case. New students are assessed on enrolment to determine the level of EAL support. In secondary, CEFR levels guide the EAL programme and there are pathways including EAL IGCSE where appropriate. Languages offered include English and Spanish with certification, and from Secondary students can study French or German as additional languages.
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 The wellbeing is supported by a wellbeing programme to ensure physical, emotional and social health. Life-skills education and a commitment to wellbeing are embedded in the learning approach. The learning framework balances mental, emotional and physical health as part of student development. The Camtree Life Competencies framework underpins wellbeing initiatives through life-skills development. Wellbeing is integrated into curricular and co-curricular activities to support resilience and holistic development.
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 Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility; safeguarding is a shared commitment with policies and practices that meet high standards of care, respect and security. All staff posts require thorough vetting and Criminal Background Checks or equivalent. The safeguarding team includes the Head of Pastoral Care & Designated Safeguarding Lead and a Deputy. The school provides safeguarding and online safety training for all staff, a school nurse, anti-bullying initiatives and an ALN Department. A wellbeing programme supports physical, emotional and social health, and visitors are required to register. The safeguarding policy is designed to protect students and ensure safe care and security.
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 The campus comprises four age-appropriate buildings: Foundation (Nursery and Reception), Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form. Foundation has two floors for Nursery and Reception, with terraces, learning spaces and a large outdoor play area. Primary is a four-floor facility opened in 2024 with a dedicated playground and a ground-floor multi-purpose sports hall. Secondary provides specialised spaces for Music and Radio, Computer Science, Science, and Art and Media, and also houses the main Reception and dining room. Sixth Form offers a dedicated building with specialised classrooms, a student lounge and an outdoor terrace for preparing for exams and future pathways.
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 The indoor sports hall is a large multi-purpose facility with retractable seating for training and events. An outdoor swimming pool is available for training and leisure. Multi-sports courts provide spaces for football or tennis. A basketball court offers a dedicated area for training and matches. Paddle courts include four glass courts for paddle sports.
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 Foundation building is a two-floor space for Nursery and Reception with terraces and a dining room for children. Primary building, opened in 2024, is a four-floor facility for exploration and learning, and houses a ground-floor multi-purpose sports hall and a grass playground. Secondary building houses specialised classrooms for Music & Radio, Computer Science, Science, and Art and Media, with access to technology to support hands-on learning. The Secondary building also hosts the school's main Reception and the dining room. The Sixth Form building provides dedicated spaces for senior students to focus on exams and future pathways, plus a student lounge and outdoor terrace.
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 International opportunities are offered through International School Partnership programmes, including ISP Changemakers, ISP Cultural Exchange, ISP Scientists, ISP Virtual Exchange and ISP Model United Nations. These ISP programs promote global learning through projects, exchanges and real-world challenges. Beyond the classroom, the school offers Athletics, Art & Handicrafts, Ballet, Basketball, Chess, Flamenco, Football and more, enabling students to develop leadership, teamwork and creativity. The program highlights include public speaking, cross-cultural collaboration and real-world problem solving, with various ISP and school-led activities running across terms.
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 British School of Málaga has 25 years of excellence. It is part of International Schools Partnership. It follows the British national curriculum from age 3 to 18, complemented by Spanish Language and Cultural Studies. Learners can take French or German as additional languages from Secondary School. The campus is world-class with dedicated buildings for each age stage, purpose-built labs, creative studios, sports fields and playgrounds.
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 In a caring community, students at The British School of Málaga grow into confident lifelong learners. There is a strong partnership with parents, with teachers updating families about student progress and needs while Parent Ambassadors collaborate to improve school life. Parent Ambassadors collaborate to improve school life. Students collaborate with peers around the world through ISP programs and global skill-building opportunities.
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 Parent Ambassadors collaborate with staff to improve school life. Teachers update families about student progress and needs. There is a strong parent-school relationship. The school is part of International Schools Partnership, connecting with a global network. This ISP connection supports collaboration across schools.
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 school provides international opportunities through ISP programmes, including ISP Changemakers, ISP Cultural Exchange, ISP Scientists, ISP Virtual Exchange and ISP Model United Nations. ISP Changemakers equips students to develop social impact projects through thought design workshops and collaboration across ISP schools, with grants for real-change initiatives. ISP Cultural Exchange enables reciprocal cultural exchanges with ISP schools, including homestays and attending another ISP school for a month, with regional in-person qualifiers and virtual championships. ISP Scientists offers citizen-science style learning with real-world environmental projects and partnerships with external experts.
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 Art Club focuses on origami, collaborative artwork and clay modelling. Ballet and Flamenco introduce dance disciplines, while Funky dance classes foster expression and coordination. Recorder Club teaches the recorder and progresses through ABRSM exam pieces; Secondary Singers develop musicianship and perform at events; Composing & Songwriting Club explores creating songs and music. Dungeons & Dragons provides imaginative storytelling and role-playing experiences.
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 Language Clubs improve German and English skills through dedicated sessions. ISP Cultural Exchange enables reciprocal cultural exchanges across ISP schools, including homestays, regional qualifiers and virtual championships. The school's international ISP opportunities connect students with peers worldwide and support cross-cultural learning. These programs broaden language exposure and cultural understanding through global collaboration.
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 Primary Clubs include Gardening Club, Recorder Club, Primary Singers, Knitting Club and Debate Club, among others. Secondary & Sixth Form Clubs include Chess Club, Debate Club, Maths Clinic, Language Clubs, Book Club, Composing & Songwriting Club, Recorder Club, Secondary Singers, Futsal, Active Lunchtimes, Circuit Training, Beep Test and Dungeons & Dragons. Active Lunchtimes offer daily sport options such as basketball and futsal. Beep Test and Circuit Training provide structured fitness opportunities.
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 The school uses Earth, Wind, Water and Fire as School Houses to foster belonging and community spirit. Head Students and House Captains lead student communities, organize assemblies and events, and act as school ambassadors. Student Voice enables leadership and governance opportunities for students, including participation in charity actions. Charity activities are integrated into school life and events.
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 Head Students are senior student leaders who represent the school. House Captains and Vice Captains are Year 6 leaders who model behavior, support peers and help run events. Student Voice provides channels for leadership and school governance and helps develop professional skills through student-led initiatives. These roles cultivate responsibility, teamwork and project-based leadership among students.
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 Athletics classes build physical fitness, resilience and healthy competition. A range of sports includes Judo, Padel, Personal Defence, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Ballet, Flamenco and Football with futsal, promoting movement and coordination. Active Lunchtimes offer daily sport options, and Circuit Training plus Beep Test develop endurance and strength. Breakfast Club and Snack Club provide structured before- and after-school care with healthy snacks to support wellbeing.
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 is the main language of instruction. Spanish is taught as an additional language and Spanish Language and Cultural Studies are integrated into the programme to support bilingual competence. Students receive certified education in English and Spanish; the Spanish Department manages authorisations with the Junta de Andalucía, integrating British studies into ESO and Baccalaureate. From Secondary onward, students study a third language, either French or German, leading to GCSE or A Level.
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 Infant education uses total linguistic immersion in English. From Reception and throughout Primary, English remains the main language of instruction and Spanish is added to develop bilingual competence through Spanish Language and Cultural Studies. In Secondary, a third language is introduced (French or German).
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 An English as an Additional Language (EAL) Department provides tailored support with sessions designed for individual students. The school offers an EAL programme with 1:1 and small-group sessions, regular progress reviews and targeted interventions. Translanguaging is used in some lessons to support multilingual learners.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations NABSS; Junta de Andalucía; Cambridge International; Pearson Qualifications; AQA; Cambridge English; OxfordAQA; British Chambers Spain
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 01 Get in touch today. Get in touch to schedule a campus visit or online meeting, or participate in our monthly virtual open days. Enrolment is open all year round, and the admissions team provides personalized guidance throughout the onboarding process. 02 Join us for a tour. Visit the campus in person to gain a deeper understanding of your child's needs and interests. We discuss the curriculum and show the facilities, offering a glimpse into the learning environment. 03 Taster Day/Online interview. Your child's previous school report may be requested if applicable. We may invite them to experience a taster day at the school or arrange an online interview with the admissions team. 04 Acceptance. After the taster day or online interview, you'll receive a written offer. You'll have 10 days to accept and proceed with the registration process while a registration fee is mandatory to secure a place. 05 Welcome. Congratulations! You're now part of the BSM Family. Families are welcome to attend a Taster Day to experience firsthand how a school day operates, and ongoing communication with the school supports the onboarding journey.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Scholarships & university partnerships exist as part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP) network. The school has 100+ global university partnerships that open doors to top institutions, with students awarded over €2.6 million in scholarships to support their success. Through exclusive scholarships, students have opportunities to study with some of the world's most renowned institutions.
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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