Elian's British School of La Nucía vs Phoenix International School
Elian's British School of La Nucía and Phoenix International School are both in Alicante. Both schools offer British programmes. Elian's British School of La Nucía also offers Cambridge IGCSE and IB, and Phoenix International School also offers EYFS and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE. Published annual fees are €5,600 - 13,491 at Elian's British School of La Nucía and €3,950 - 6,150 at Phoenix International School, which puts Elian's British School of La Nucía roughly 89% higher. Elian's British School of La Nucía takes pupils from 1 to 18, and Phoenix International School from 3 to 18. Elian's British School of La Nucía is the larger school, with around 710 pupils to Phoenix International School's 130. Typical class sizes are 22 at Elian's British School of La Nucía and 15 at Phoenix International School.
British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils
Pupils
710
Pupils
130
Typical class size
Typical class size
22
Typical class size
15
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Spanish
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
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Opened
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Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Av. El Copet, 5 - 03530 La Nucía (Alicante). The school is located in La Nucía, Alicante, Spain. A bus service connects Calpe to Villajoyosa. The school is part of the Dukes Education family of schools.
Location
Phoenix International School is located in San Miguel de Salinas on the Costa Blanca in Alicante, Spain. It serves San Miguel and surrounding communities including Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Los Montesinos, Quesada, Rojales, Villamartín, Cabo Roig, Campoamor, Mil Palmeras and San Pedro. The address is Calle Albacete, Urb Las Comunicaciones, 03193 San Miguel de Salinas.
Stages
Stages
Early years; Primary; Secondary; Baccalaureate (IB Diploma). The school serves ages 1 to 18.
Stages
The school is divided into Primary, Secondary and College, serving pupils from age four to eighteen.
School type
School type
Private international British school following the English National Curriculum, with English immersion and bilingual provision including compulsory Spanish subjects and additional languages.
School type
A British international school; teaches the British National Curriculum; NABSS-accredited; Edexcel Approved Centre; Cambridge English exam preparation centre; small class sizes (no more than fifteen).
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
British affiliation through the English National Curriculum; part of the Dukes Education family.
Country affiliation
United Kingdom
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
School hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; classes run from 8:45 AM to 4:10 PM.
School day structure
School hours are 8.45am to 4.00pm with registration at 8.45am for all students.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Bus routes cover areas from Calpe to Villajoyosa.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fees
- A registration / application fee is required as part of the enrolment paperwork; proof of payment of the registration fee is listed among the documents required to complete registration.
- The school does not publish a public numeric amount for the registration/application fee on its public fees page.
Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year)
- No published schedule of tuition fees by year group or per term is available on the school's public fees page or related downloadable materials; specific annual or per-term tuition amounts for Early Years, Primary, Secondary or IB (Years 12–13) are not published publicly. Because no fee table or figures are published, per-term and per-year numeric amounts cannot be provided here.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school states that enrolment is open year-round and that a registration fee is required at enrolment, but no public billing schedule (for example, whether tuition is billed annually, termly or by instalments) or detailed payment terms are published on the public fees page.
Boarding fees (if applicable)
- Elian's British School of La Nucía is a day school (co‑educational day school); there is no published boarding provision. Therefore there are no boarding fees applicable for this campus.
Other costs and typical additional charges
- Uniform: the school uses an external uniform supplier and a uniform portal is linked for families; uniform costs are therefore charged separately but exact uniform price lists are not published on the school's public fees page.
- School transport: a school bus service covering routes from Calpe to Villajoyosa is provided; the existence of bus routes is stated but specific bus fares or how transport is billed are not published on the public fees page.
- Meals, extracurricular activities, external exam fees and summer school: these services are offered (summer school and extracurricular activities are listed), but specific charges for meals, clubs, instrumental lessons, examination entry fees or summer school pricing are not published on the public fees page or downloadable materials.
Refund information
- No public fee refund policy, refund schedule or published rules for returning registration/tuition payments is available on the school's public fees page; no numeric refund terms are publicly listed.
Fee payment options
- The school's public fees page does not publish a definitive list of accepted payment methods (for example, credit card, direct debit/SEPA, or bank transfer) or the bank account details used for fee payments.
Brief summary for parents
- The school requires a registration/application fee at enrolment, operates as a day school with school transport and an external uniform supplier, and offers additional services such as summer school and extracurricular activities. Specific numeric amounts for application fees, tuition (per term or per year), transport, uniform, boarding (not applicable), refund rules, billing schedule and accepted payment methods are not published on the school's public fees page or in the school's publicly available materials. Because those fee amounts and formal billing terms are not published, per-year and per-term fee figures and formal payment schedules cannot be provided here.
Fee details
Registration and application fees - Registration fee (per family): €500. - Deposit (per child) at enrolment: Early Years €395; Primary €635; Secondary €635; College (3 A Levels) €465; College (4 A Levels) €615. - Both the registration fee and the deposit are non-refundable.
Tuition fees by year group (monthly, annual total, deposit and termly material fee) - Early Years: Monthly tuition €395. Annual tuition (10 months) €3,950. Deposit €395. Material fee (termly) €38. - Primary: Monthly tuition €595. Annual tuition (10 months) €5,950. Deposit €635. Material fee (termly) €38. - Secondary: Monthly tuition €635. Annual tuition (10 months) €6,350. Deposit €635. Material fee (termly) €38. - College (3 A Levels): Monthly tuition €465. Annual tuition (10 months) €4,650. Deposit €465. Material fee (termly) €38. - College (4 A Levels): Monthly tuition €615. Annual tuition (10 months) €6,150. Deposit €615. Material fee (termly) €38.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition is divided into ten equal instalments payable for the ten months of the academic year (September–June). Payments are expected monthly. - Payment must be received in the school's bank account before the end of each calendar month. Late payments entering the following month incur a 10% administration charge and may result in exclusion from school. - A retention fee of €100 is payable in May to reserve a child's place for the next academic year; this retention fee is deducted from the invoice in September and is non-refundable if the child does not attend in September. One full calendar month's written notice is required when leaving the school; the deposit will be used to cover the next payable month (if notice is given in July/August the deposit covers September fees).
Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; the school operates as a day school with standard daytime hours for pupils.
Other costs and fees - School equipment and booklist: Parents must purchase all required textbooks, uniform and items on the pencil-case list; these are additional to tuition. Material fee is charged termly at €38 per pupil. - External examination fees: International GCSE/GCSE and A Level exam fees are charged per subject and are payable in addition to tuition; the school indicates the current approximate charge is €150 per International GCSE/GCSE or A Level unit. Examination fees are invoiced separately and must be paid by the due date. - School lunches: Optional and paid separately to the restaurant each month. Costs are €5 per month for Early Years, €6 per month for Primary and €8 per month for Secondary and College students. - Sibling discount: Families with two or more children (excluding Early Years and College) receive a 10% discount on monthly school fees; this discount can be withdrawn if terms are defaulted.
Refund information - The registration fee and the deposit are non-refundable. The retention fee paid in May is non-refundable if the child does not attend in September. Other refunds are governed by the school's notice and payment terms (one full calendar month's written notice required on leaving; the deposit will be applied as described).
Fee payment options and bank details - The school requests payment by bank transfer via a monthly standing order, arranged to credit the school account on the first of every month; include the child's name as the payment reference. The account details provided are: Bank: Cajamar; IBAN: ES05 3058 2589 5327 2000 5846; Account name: Phoenix International School / Refael Revach. Payment must be received by the end of each calendar month to avoid late charges.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
Uniform is used. Students may participate in extracurricular activities in the uniform they wear that day; trainers or specific clothes may be required for certain activities as indicated by the supervisor.
Uniform requirement
Reception and Primary wear royal blue polo shirts with the Phoenix logo and royal blue sweatshirts; black trousers, mid-length shorts or knee-length skirts, with plain black or white socks or tights and plain black or white trainers with subtle logos. Secondary wear white polo tops with the Phoenix logo, black sweatshirts, and black fleeces, with black trousers or knee-length skirts and plain black or white trainers; PE kit consists of a white polo shirt with logo and black shorts or joggers. College has no uniform requirements; students should dress appropriately for the classroom.
Food options
Food options
A three-course hot meal is served; vegetarian and halal options are available; menus are adapted for allergies; meals are prepared on-site using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Food options
Hot lunches are available from the school restaurant, with the option to bring a packed lunch. A tuck shop sells snacks and drinks during breaks and lunchtimes. Nut allergies are accommodated by avoiding peanut butter or nut products in packed lunches, and chocolate or sweets are discouraged.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Part of the Dukes Education family of schools; the school is a member of the Dukes Education group.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
British curriculum with English immersion forms the core of the school's education for ages 1-18. English Immersion combines the British curriculum with Spanish core subjects and additional languages such as German and Valencian, with programmes adapted to each stage. Early Years (1-5) offers bilingual education in English in an international environment with trained teachers and a focus on play and exploration. Primary (5-11) provides bilingual education with professional bilingual teachers in an international setting. Secondary (11-16) enables attainment of Spanish ESO and Baccalaureate standards (homologation) alongside British IGCSE qualifications. Baccalaureate (16-18) is authorised to offer the IB Diploma, and the school is an IB World School.
Curriculum details
British National Curriculum is taught; ages 3–18; the school is organized into Early Years/Preschool, Primary, Secondary, and College; NABSS recognition; Edexcel/Pearson examination centre.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
Small class sizes; not more than 15 students per class.
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
A Level results: 94% overall pass rate (August 2018); the school is registered with Pearson Edexcel and is an Edexcel Approved Centre; exam results have consistently surpassed the UK national average for several consecutive years.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
The school uses a 360º Educational Strategy focused on Excellence, Innovation, Personal Skills and Talents. Personal Skills shape responsible and empathetic individuals who can make a positive impact on the world. A holistic approach develops wider skills beyond academics through activities such as sports competitions, extracurricular activities, technological design and the Student Council. The program emphasises self-confidence, critical thinking and collaboration as core outcomes. The school's approach integrates personal development with academic learning to foster social and emotional growth.
Social & emotional learning
Phoenix International School fosters social and emotional development within a secure, nurturing environment and a positive behaviour framework. Small class sizes support close relationships and individualized support. The school recognises achievement across academic, sporting and personal areas and uses a rewards system to reinforce positive behaviours. A restorative approach is used to address issues, including restorative meetings to repair relationships. Staff model respectful interactions and encourage independence, self-regulation and intrinsic motivation.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The safeguarding policy includes considerations for minors with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Primary teachers work with parents and learners in behaviour management and SEND provision. They liaise with and refer learners who display continuous disruptive behaviour, put in place appropriate provision for SEND children, and use data to target provision and assess outcomes beyond the policy.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
English Immersion uses a British curriculum enriched with Spanish core subjects and additional languages such as German and Valencian. Early Years are bilingual in English, with trained bilingual teachers within an international environment. Primary is bilingual in English, with professional bilingual teachers and a bespoke education. Secondary combines the Spanish ESO and Baccalaureate with the British IGCSE qualifications. The school is authorised to offer the IB Diploma and is an IB World School.
English as an additional language
For children with English as an additional language, homework is explained verbally and in writing and is often presented in pictorial form. When possible, it is explained in the child's first language. The individual needs of EAL learners are taken into account when issuing homework, and they may not follow the standard class homework timetable.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The safeguarding policy commits to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing, physical and mental health and safety of students. It aims to create and maintain an open, safe, supportive environment where the wellbeing of students is paramount. The policy also defines staff responsibilities and the procedures for safeguarding and responding to concerns, including training and ongoing oversight.
Mental wellbeing
Engagement with learning is the primary aim and the school maintains a positive, encouraging environment. Positive behaviour rewards, such as reward points and the Good to be Green scheme, support wellbeing and motivation. When needed, staff use a structured set of steps to support learners, including redirection, reminders and restorative interventions to maintain a constructive learning climate.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Safeguarding and child protection policy and procedures exist for Elian's British School La Nucía. The policy states the safeguarding and wellbeing of pupils as a core focus and outlines the duties of staff and students and the channels for reporting concerns to Social Services, the Public Prosecutor and the police. It defines abuse and the appropriate responses and assigns roles, such as the Child Protection and Wellbeing Coordinator (CPWC) and its deputy, with training and support processes. The policy also covers online safety and cross-context safeguarding responsibilities.
Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students. Safeguarding policies and procedures are in place to protect pupils and ensure their welfare across school life.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Elian's British School of La Nucía provides education in an exceptional environment in Alicante. The school has 53 air-conditioned classrooms equipped with computers and interactive whiteboards. It also has custom-built ICT classrooms and dedicated spaces for art and design, music and performance, including a dance studio and an auditorium. A well-stocked library offers fiction and nonfiction titles in English, Spanish and other languages. It is the only school in the province of Alicante with a beach volleyball court. The Early Years department (ages 1–5) uses a specially designed area for young learners, and pupils have access to outdoor play areas, including an enclosed playground with soft flooring and sensory play equipment such as water and sand trays.
Facilities overview
Phoenix International School is located in San Miguel de Salinas on the Costa Blanca in Spain. The school serves pupils from age three to eighteen and is divided into primary, secondary and college. The campus includes an outdoor playground used for activities and events, including Busy Bees ceremonies in the playground. Hot lunches are available from the school restaurant, and a tuck shop operates during breaks. Class sizes are small, usually no more than fifteen students.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The school has a beach volleyball court, the only one in the province of Alicante. Pupils also benefit from outdoor play areas, including an enclosed playground with soft flooring and sensory play equipment for physical activity.
Sports facilities
Sports are central to Phoenix International School. The Primary Department includes swimming, running, team games, dance, gymnastics, field games and athletics. All children participate in the school sports day, with pupils divided into house teams and trophies awarded for progress and sportsmanship. The school holds two annual sports days: a traditional winter event and a water sports day in the summer. The college allows use of the playground by students on campus under staff supervision.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
There are 53 air-conditioned classrooms equipped with the latest technology, including computers and interactive whiteboards. The school features custom-built ICT classrooms and dedicated spaces for art and design, music and performance, including a dance studio and an auditorium. A well-stocked library provides English, Spanish and other language titles. The Early Years area is specially designed to support language development and physical growth, with outdoor spaces including an enclosed playground.
Academic facilities
The Primary Department follows the National Curriculum, supplemented with a comprehensive Spanish Programme of Study. The school teaches the British National Curriculum and is inspected by NABSS; it is registered with the Pearson/ Edexcel exam board. Early Years uses the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum and uses Tapestry for progress tracking. ICT is used across the curriculum to support learning.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
The after-school activities programme complements the academic curriculum and offers options in English and Spanish. Music School is taught by professional musician Andrés Santos and covers instruments such as piano, guitar, ukulele, electric bass, drums and percussion, with individual lessons, group theory, band rehearsals and auditions. The programme includes Nursery to Year 6 groups, a timetable of Tuesday–Thursday from 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM, and pricing of €80 monthly for one session per week or €160 monthly for two sessions per week.
Extra curricular facilities
We celebrate special occasions and hold two annual sports days, including a traditional winter sports day and a summer water sports day. The End of Year production and other school productions are part of the yearly activities. English and Spanish events and celebrations are observed throughout the year. The Busy Bees awards ceremony takes place every Friday at 3:50 pm in the playground for parents to watch. The school also conducts fundraising activities to support specialist equipment for the children.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Since opening its doors, Elian's British School of La Nucía has provided education to pupils aged 1 to 18 in La Nucía, Alicante. It teaches a British education alongside the Spanish curriculum and the International Baccalaureate, with English language immersion at all stages. It is a member of the Dukes Education family of schools. The school is guided by four pillars—Excellence, Talent, Innovation, and Personal Skills—embodied by Einstein, Kahlo, Da Vinci, and Mandela.
History
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Community
Community
The Elian's community is committed to bilingual international education in Alicante province. It promotes self-discovery, the development of talent, and voluntary work, shaping leaders who will build a better society. It is part of the Dukes Education family of schools, fostering a broader learning community. The school hosts events and exhibitions, such as Visual Arts Exhibitions and Open Days, to engage families and the local community.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The Extracurricular activities complement the academic curriculum and enhance students' talents. They are offered in English and Spanish. The 360º Educational Strategy develops wider skills beyond the classroom, including technological design and Student Council involvement.
Academic & intellectual
Phoenix International School teaches the British National Curriculum and is NABSS-accredited, with Edexcel registration for examinations. It serves students from nursery through college, aged 3 to 18, and maintains small class sizes of no more than fifteen students. In August 2018, the school reported an overall A Level pass rate of 94%.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The Music School is available and taught by a professional musician. It covers instruments including Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Electric Bass, Drums, and Percussion, with both individual and group lessons, plus music theory and band rehearsals. Assessments are graded, and auditions are organised to showcase progress. It offers opportunities to develop musical talent from beginner to advanced.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
English immersion is provided, delivering a British curriculum enriched by Spanish core subjects and additional languages such as German and Valencian. Early Years learn in English within an international environment with trained bilingual teachers. Primary education continues with bilingual instruction delivered by professional bilingual staff. Additional languages including German and Valencian are taught as part of the curriculum.
Cultural & language
Phoenix International School is a British International School in San Miguel de Salinas on the Costa Blanca, serving students aged 3–18 in nursery, primary, secondary, and college. It teaches the British National Curriculum and is NABSS-accredited, with Edexcel registration. Most teachers and staff speak English and/or Spanish. The school draws a diverse mix of nationalities and operates in a multilingual, multicultural environment.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
After-school activities complement the academic programme and are offered in English and Spanish. The Music School provides group sessions for Nursery to Year 6, with instruments including Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Electric Bass, Drums, and Percussion. Sessions run on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM. Music theory, auditions, and graded assessments are part of the program.
Social & hobbies
The school hosts the Phoenix International Cricket Tournament, an inter-school event that includes partner schools such as El Limonar International School, Kings College Murcia, Laude Newton College, and Phoenix International School. Visiting students from Norlington School for Boys served as scorers and umpires, helping to develop coaching and leadership skills. Students demonstrated good sportsmanship and a strong sporting attitude throughout the day.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
Parents can volunteer to support the school in their child's class, read with children, help in the library, assist with Art, and offer other talents; long-term helpers require CRB checks. These opportunities invite community involvement and collaboration with school activities.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
The 360º Educational Strategy includes Student Council as part of its activities. Leadership and personal development are supported through a range of activities beyond the classroom, including sports competitions, extracurricular activities, and technological design.
Leadership & professional
Participation in events such as the cricket tournament fosters leadership and coaching skills among students. The event also provides opportunities for peer leadership and teamwork as part of inter-school collaboration.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The Exclusive Programme for Young Athletes balances high academic performance with sports coaching. Flexible schedules accommodate sports commitments, allowing training and competitions without neglecting academic development.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
School hours are 8:45am–4:00pm with registration at 8:45am, and breaks in the morning and at lunch. Hot lunches are available; packed lunches are allowed, and healthy eating is encouraged; there are restrictions on sweets and peanut products due to nut allergies. A tuck shop offers healthy snacks and drinks. Sunscreen is encouraged and hats are advised; parents should apply sunscreen before school. Electronic devices and toys are restricted and may be confiscated if brought to school.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is the language of instruction. The school teaches bilingual education in English and Spanish. Spanish is taught as a foreign language for international students, and Valencian is taught as part of the Spanish curriculum. German is offered as a subject in the secondary curriculum; Spanish as a Foreign Language is available for international students who do not take Lengua, Sociales and Valencian.
Language provision
Spanish is taught to all children as a core subject. A comprehensive Spanish Programme of Study supplements the National Curriculum. Spanish is taught by native Spanish teachers and follows a syllabus that leads to International GCSE examinations in Spanish. English is taught as part of the curriculum with emphasis on reading, writing and speaking and listening.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The school teaches in English and Spanish.
Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
Immersion English Programme – Year 7 & Year 8. Provides intensive language support while integrating students into school life. 20 hours per week of small-group English, with the rest of the day spent with peers in tutor time, sports, art and other activities; the aim is to move students into mainstream classes after one year and prepare for IGCSE by Year 10.
Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
Edexcel Approved Centre.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Fill out the admission form to request information. Experience our educational approach and meet our dedicated teaching staff. A personal interview is conducted. The registration process is completed. Enrollment is year-round, but early application is recommended to guarantee a place.
Admissions
Entrance is not determined by an entrance exam; the school assesses students within the first few days after joining so they can settle in and make friends. Class sizes are kept small to provide individualized attention. For Primary, Secondary and College, use the application form provided to begin the admissions process.
Registration requires a completed application form and supporting documents. Include one passport-sized photograph; copies of the pupil's passport/NIE/residencia; copies of the parents' passport/NIE/residencia; a copy of the SIP card (social security) or private medical insurance; a copy of Certificado Medico Escolar; a copy of Padron dated within 3 months; and a copy of the previous school report. These documents accompany the application to proceed with enrolment.
Financial terms and conditions include a non-refundable registration fee payable on completing the application form and a deposit of €575 payable on enrolment. The deposit is used should you default on payment. Monthly fees are due by the 5th of each month; after the 5th a 5% surcharge applies, and non-payment by the 12th can result in exclusion until payment is made. A 10% sibling discount is available for families with two or more children; a €100 retention fee is charged in May to guarantee a place in September; textbooks and uniforms are purchased by parents; external examination fees are charged prior to exams; and the registration fee is non-refundable.