Costa Blanca International College vs Willow International School

	C Costa Blanca International College Alicante, Spain	W Willow International School Alicante, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €500 - 5,750	Fees / year €5,520 - 12,300
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Spanish Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 300	Pupils 87
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 12
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Spanish	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2020
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location The Willow International School is located at Avenida del Mar 2b, Local 6-7 Pueblo Bravo, 03170, Alicante, Spain. It is a UK National Curriculum School based in Ciudad Quesada, Alicante. It sits in the Pueblo Bravo neighbourhood of Ciudad Quesada, Alicante. The school delivers the British Curriculum in English, with strong Spanish language learning and a nurturing, multicultural environment.
Stages	Stages —	Stages Early Years – Reception (Age 3-5) follows the Early Years Foundation Stage. Primary Education covers Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2. Secondary Education covers Key Stage 3 & Key Stage 4. A-Level Education provides Sixth Form.
School type	School type —	School type UK National Curriculum School.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Pastoral care and wellbeing support are provided, including Primary School Support with a dedicated pastoral and wellbeing leader, and Secondary School Support with a designated tutor and PSHE-based guidance.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation United Kingdom.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Christian values are integrated from an ecumenical perspective; religion is part of the SMSC provision with opt-out on request.
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Registration 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM; Lesson 1 9:15 AM – 10:00 AM; Lesson 2 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM; Break 10:45 AM – 11:00 AM; Lesson 3 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM; Lesson 4 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM; Lunch 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM; Lesson 5 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM; Lesson 6 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM; Extra Curricula Activities 3:00 PM – Various.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - No definitive, school-published application or enrollment fee schedule is publicly available. Third‑party listings report a one‑off admission/registration fee of €500 and an enrolment deposit of €575. Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year) - The school does not publish a public, itemised fee schedule for the current academic year; therefore there is no confirmed, school‑published per‑term or per‑year breakdown available. Third‑party listings provide sample monthly/annual figures that have been reported for comparable year groups: Preschool reported at €520 per month (≈ €5,200 per year), Primary reported at €545 per month (≈ €5,450 per year), and Secondary/High School reported at €575 per month (≈ €5,750 per year). These figures are third‑party reports and are not a verified, school‑published fee schedule. Billing schedule and payment terms - There is no publicly available, school‑published statement of the billing schedule or the precise payment calendar for the current academic year. Third‑party information that lists monthly totals implies a monthly billing option may be used, but a definitive termly/annual/instalment schedule and due dates are not published. Expect the school to require payment either annually, by term, or by monthly instalments and to require an upfront registration/enrolment payment when a place is accepted, though the exact timing and any penalties for late payment are not publicly listed. Boarding / residence fees - Costa Blanca International College is listed as a co‑educational day school; no boarding or residential fees are publicly documented. If a boarding option is required, separate boarding providers or different schools should be considered because no board (pension) fees are published for this school. Other costs and common extras - Uniform: The school is recorded as having a mandatory uniform; however the cost of uniform items is not published. - School meals / comedor: The school offers a school meals service; meal pricing is not publicly listed. - Transport: A school transport service is recorded as available; specific routes and fares are not publicly listed. - Examination and external assessment fees: The school offers the International Baccalaureate and/or British curriculum qualifications; IB, GCSE or A‑level exam fees and any external assessment charges are not published and are typically billed separately by many schools. - Books, materials, excursions, extracurriculars and insurance: These common additional costs are not detailed in any publicly available school fee schedule. Parents should plan for additional annual expenses for textbooks, school trips and optional activities. Refund information - A school‑published refund policy for deposits, tuition or extras is not publicly available. There is no published public statement of which fees (if any) are non‑refundable or on what schedule refunds (partial or full) are issued. Fee payment options - The school does not publicly list accepted payment methods. In practice, private schools in Spain commonly accept bank transfer, direct debit/standing order or card payments; specific accepted methods and details (online payment gateway, card surcharge, account details for international transfer) are not publicly listed for this school. Parents should be prepared to arrange international bank transfer or card payment if required. Summary note on availability of detailed school figures - There is no school‑published, itemised fee schedule publicly available for the current academic year. Third‑party directories and local guides list the school and report sample admission and monthly tuition figures (examples cited above), but a full, authoritative per‑year, per‑term, and per‑year‑group breakdown with billing dates, refund rules and official payment methods is not published in a publicly accessible fee schedule. Where exact, school‑issued numbers and terms are required for a database, the school's official fee schedule or formal fee communication is needed to confirm final figures and terms.	Fee details Application & Registration Fees - Enrolment / one-time administration (registration) fee: €600, payable at registration. This fee is non‑refundable and secures a pupil's place once paid. Tuition fees (published monthly amounts; billed September–June) - Primary 1 (Sparrows): €552 per month. Annual equivalent (10 months, September–June): €5,520. Per school term (annual divided by three terms): €1,840. - Primary 2 (Robins): €552 per month. Annual equivalent: €5,520. Per term: €1,840. - Primary 3 (Owls): €578 per month. Annual equivalent: €5,780. Per term: €1,926.67. - KS3 (Key Stage 3): €600 per month. Annual equivalent: €6,000. Per term: €2,000. - KS4 (Key Stage 4): €615 per month. Annual equivalent: €6,150. Per term: €2,050. - AS / A2 (Sixth Form) teaching: €225 per subject per month (fee shown in the school fee schedule under cohort tuition). For reference, this charge is applied per subject taken. Annual and term totals will depend on the number of subjects and months enrolled. Additional compulsory / annual fees and resources - Platform & Microsoft licence fee: €350 annually, due by 1 June. This covers digital platforms (including White Rose Maths provision, English SPaG, and Spanish provision in Primary). - Annual registration fee for continuing (current) students: €200, payable by 1 June. - Textbooks for KS3/KS4: parents receive an ISBN booklist by 1 June each year and are responsible for purchasing required textbooks. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is payable monthly from September through June (10 monthly instalments). Additional annual charges (platform licence, continuing‑student registration) are due by 1 June. The one‑time registration/enrolment fee is payable at the time of registration. - A place is confirmed only when registration and resource/enrolment fees are paid. Parents must notify the school by 1 June if their child will not be returning in September. Boarding - Boarding is not offered by this school (the school operates as a day school). Other costs (uniforms, meals, extracurriculars, transport) - Uniform: All official uniform items for the school year must be purchased through the school's approved supplier; orders are placed online through the approved retailer. Uniform items are compulsory (with limited exceptions for some PE items). Parents should budget for a full uniform set per child. - School meals (compulsory for Primary): KS1 lunch cost: €5.00 per day; KS2 lunch cost: €5.50 per day; Secondary lunch cost: €6.95 per day. Budget for daily lunch charges where applicable. - Curriculum resources & textbooks: Parents are responsible for purchasing required KS3/KS4 textbooks from the provided ISBN lists. Additional charges for optional trips, activities, or external exam fees may apply when relevant. Refund information - The enrolment / registration administration fee of €600 is explicitly non‑refundable. No separate published refund schedule for tuition instalments or other fees is provided in the available fee information; withdrawal notification by 1 June is required for changes to the following September intake. Fee payment options - The school's published fee pages and policies list the amounts and due dates but do not specify the accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, etc.) in the publicly available fee summary. Contact the school office directly for the school's accepted payment channels and any bank details or card‑processing arrangements. Brief note on available information - The school publishes monthly tuition rates (September–June), the one‑time registration fee (non‑refundable), the annual platform licence charge and continuing‑student registration charge, the requirement to notify the school by 1 June for withdrawal, uniform purchasing arrangements, and per‑day meal charges. No boarding charges are published because boarding is not offered. Specific detail on accepted payment methods and a detailed published refund schedule for tuition instalments were not provided in the publicly available fee documents.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform is mandatory.	Uniform requirement Uniform is compulsory. Uniform items can be ordered online for 2025/2026 from the official supplier. Girls may wear skirts with detachable straps or long trousers; boys may wear long trousers or shorts. Primary pupils wear plain black shorts or bottoms for PE with a white and black PE top; PE long trousers and the tracksuit jacket are not compulsory.
Food options	Food options Canteen on site.	Food options School meals are provided and compulsory for Primary. Meals are nutritious with an 8-week rotating menu. Primary KS1 lunch costs 5.00 euros and KS2 lunch 5.50 euros per day; Secondary lunch costs 6.95 euros per day. Packed lunches are allowed for KS3/KS4, and Year 10–13 may leave campus during lunch; there is no option to heat food on site.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details —	Curriculum details The school is a UK National Curriculum School based in Ciudad Quesada, Alicante. The British Curriculum is taught in English, with strong Spanish language learning and a nurturing, multicultural environment. Reception (Age 3-5) follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum; Primary Education covers Key Stage 1 & 2; Secondary Education covers Key Stage 3 & 4; and A-Level College provides Sixth Form.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results OFSTED 2024 Inspection Report rated OUTSTANDING.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression There is a smooth pathway to UK, European, and global universities.
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 —	Social & emotional learning Pastoral Care provides guidance and support for pupils. Primary pupils are supported by the class teacher and a learning assistant, with a dedicated pastoral and wellbeing leader coordinating care within the curriculum and assembly programme. In the Secondary School, a designated tutor-group teacher supports the academic and social welfare of each group, with the PSHE programme, year group assemblies, and the daily tutor period. Senior staff oversee the PSHE programme and broader pastoral care, with ongoing staff training to ensure effective guidance. The school emphasises strong home–school communication through newsletters, handbooks, and parent consultation opportunities.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has a Special Educational Needs & Disability Policy. SEN support is provided through the class teacher and learning assistant model, with the pastoral and wellbeing team coordinating provision to meet pupils' needs within the curriculum.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language The school delivers the British Curriculum in English and includes strong Spanish language learning. Native-level English education is provided. Small class sizes and personalised learning support pupils' progress.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Pastoral care includes a wellbeing leader who works with staff to support pupil wellbeing. In the Secondary School, PSHE supports mental wellbeing and social development. Regular communication with families via newsletters and reports supports student wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school has a School Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy updated September 2, 2024. Related safeguarding policies include Health & Safety, First Aid, and Preventing & Tackling Bullying.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview Willow International School provides modern, high-quality facilities that enhance learning and support development. Classrooms and common areas are climate-controlled to ensure a comfortable environment year-round. Each classroom is equipped with state-of-the-art interactive whiteboards and reliable Wi-Fi. There is a dedicated primary building with well-equipped classrooms, independent bathrooms, and access to play areas. The infant playground offers high-quality equipment and safe surfaces for outdoor play.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities On-campus sports amenities include a 7-a-side artificial pitch with integrated basketball and volleyball courts. Through partnerships with outside agencies, sports facilities are expanded to include a full-size football pitch, tennis courts, an indoor gymnasium, and an outdoor swimming facility. These facilities enable a wide range of sports and physical activities for students throughout the year.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities ICT facilities include a dedicated ICT suite with printing facilities, with primary pupils beginning use from Year 5 as part of the transition programme. Interactive whiteboards and reliable Wi-Fi support technology-enhanced teaching in classrooms. Remote learning is supported via Microsoft Teams to ensure continuity when needed.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Extra Curricular Activities at Willow International School enrich the student experience and foster personal growth, creativity, and teamwork. Spanish Conversation Club meets Mondays from 3:00 to 3:30 PM. Board Game Club meets Tuesdays from 3:00 to 3:30 PM. English Additional Language Club meets Wednesdays from 3:00 to 3:30 PM. Storybook Creating Club meets Thursdays from 3:00 to 3:30 PM. These clubs provide opportunities to practice languages, develop thinking skills, and collaborate with peers.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community Willow International School is a UK National Curriculum school based in Ciudad Quesada, Alicante. The school delivers the British Curriculum in English with strong Spanish language learning within a nurturing, multicultural environment. OFSTED 2024 inspection is noted on the site, conducted by Penta International. The site features a Recent News section that highlights announcements, events, and achievements, reflecting the school community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association Friends of Willow is the school's parent-teacher association. EUROMARINA is listed as part of Friends of Willow, and Barbara Cobos is named in connection with the association.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual Willow International School is a UK National Curriculum school based in Ciudad Quesada, Alicante. The British Curriculum is delivered in English, with strong Spanish language learning. Early Years follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, Primary covers Key Stage 1 and 2, Secondary covers Key Stage 3 and 4, and there is an A-Level College for post-16 study. It provides a pathway to UK, European, and global universities.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Extra Curricular Activities provide enrichment beyond the classroom. The program includes Spanish Conversation Club, Board Game Club, English Additional Language Club, and Storybook Creating Club. These activities foster creativity, teamwork, and storytelling.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Spanish Conversation Club helps practice Spanish; English Additional Language Club supports improving English; The British Curriculum is delivered in English with strong Spanish language learning.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Recreational clubs include Board Game Club and Storybook Creating Club, providing opportunities for social interaction and collaborative hobbies after school.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Pastoral Care provides guidance and support for pupils; A dedicated pastoral and wellbeing leader supports younger pupils; In Secondary, a designated tutor group leader oversees academic and social welfare; PSHE and SMSC development are integral to the curriculum; The school emphasizes parent–school communication and hosts events; On-campus sports amenities support physical wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision English is the language of instruction; Spanish language learning is included as part of the curriculum; native-level English education is provided.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school delivers the British Curriculum in English, with strong Spanish language learning integrated and a nurturing, multicultural environment.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations null
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions 1. The application process begins with completing the downloadable Primary & Secondary Application Form. After submission, a member of our admissions team will contact you to discuss your application and outline the next steps. The process is designed to be straightforward and supportive to guide you through enrollment. A one-time registration fee of €600 is payable upon enrolment and is non-refundable; for tuition and other fees, refer to the comprehensive fee structure. Admissions are accepted throughout the year. 2. For the 2025/2026 academic year, there are Age & Course Guidelines to place students into the correct Willow year group. The guidelines show date of birth ranges and the corresponding Willow year group and Spanish equivalents. This placement helps ensure the curriculum and cohort are appropriate for each child. 3. The Admissions Checklist lists documents required to complete the application: an online or paper application form; a photocopy of a valid Visa for non-EU students; a photocopy of the identity documents of both parents; a photocopy of the account holder's identity if not the child's parent; an official medical certificate indicating the child has no infectious or contagious diseases; a photocopy of vaccination book; two passport-size photographs; end-of-year school reports for the last two years (where applicable); and a photocopy of the birth certificate, Libro de Familia, identity card or passport. 4. Interested families can download the Primary & Secondary Application Form or the A-Level Application Form to begin enrollment. You can also book a tour to see Willow International School in person. The school looks forward to welcoming your family and supporting your child's educational journey.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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