Emerald Sixth Form vs The British College of Benalmádena

	E Emerald Sixth Form Malaga, Spain	T The British College of Benalmádena Malaga, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €1,950 - 24,900	Fees / year €4,000 - 7,000
Age range	Age range 11 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, BTEC Qualification, British Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 40	Pupils 805
Typical class size	Typical class size 10	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, Spanish
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2000
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located in Estepona, Spain. The school is a private education centre offering an alternative to large mainstream schools, with small class sizes.	Location Urb. Torremuelle, Paseo del Genil s/n, 29630 Benalmádena Costa, Málaga, Spain
Stages	Stages iLower Secondary KS3 covers Years 7–9 (ages 11–14). IGCSE covers Years 10–11 (ages 13–15). A Levels and BTEC cover Years 12–13 (ages 15–18).	Stages Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Reception; Primary School; Secondary School; AS/A Level
School type	School type Private education centre, co-educational, multi-denominational.	School type British international school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Over 40 nationalities represented; the largest groups are Spanish and British
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Extra English language support from TEFL teacher.	Additional learning support Highly personalised, targeted interventions and adjustments in learning objectives coordinated by the special educational needs coordinator
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation British and Spanish
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Multi-denominational.	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure School day starts at 09:00 and ends at 16:00. Infants, Primary and Secondary have a 20-minute break from 10:30 to 10:50. Nursery and Reception have lunch from 12:00 to 13:00 and a break until 13:30. Primary lunch is from 13:05 to 14:05. Secondary lunch is from 13:45 to 14:30. Secondary is divided into eight 45-minute periods; after-school activities and support lessons are offered daily.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details The school has a bus service with two routes: Las Chapas – Torremuelle and Guadalmar – Torremuelle; pick-up and drop-off times/points are published for each school year
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Reservation fee - A single reservation payment of EUR 6,500 is required for Year 12; this payment is an advance on tuition and must be made by bank transfer within seven calendar days of the admission notification. The reservation payment is refundable by bank transfer after completion of Year 13 in the circumstances described by the school's terms, but is otherwise non‑refundable except in the limited cases detailed in the school's terms and conditions. Tuition fees by programme / year group (per term and per academic year) Note: the Centre charges tuition by course type. The most common fee lines are given below as published by the school and are charged per term; an academic year is invoiced in three terms (multiply the per‑term figure by 3 to obtain a yearly total). - A‑Level / AS (one‑to‑one teaching): EUR 3,270 per term — EUR 9,810 per year. - A‑Level / AS Spanish (one‑to‑one teaching): EUR 1,960 per term — EUR 5,880 per year. - A‑Level / AS (class teaching, 1:3 ratio): EUR 2,670 per term — EUR 8,010 per year. - A‑Level / AS Spanish (class teaching, 1:3 ratio): EUR 1,600 per term — EUR 4,800 per year. - IGCSE (one‑to‑one teaching): EUR 2,600 per term — EUR 7,800 per year. - IGCSE (five IGCSE subjects package, one‑to‑one): EUR 8,300 per term — EUR 24,900 per year. - IGCSE (class teaching, 1:3 ratio): EUR 2,000 per term — EUR 6,000 per year. - EPQ (ProjectX): EUR 650 per term — EUR 1,950 per year. Examples published by the school (illustrative) - Example cost shown for a student taking three one‑to‑one A‑Level subjects: 3 × EUR 3,270 = EUR 9,810 per term. - Example cost shown for a combination of class‑taught subjects plus EPQ: totals are calculated from the per‑term rates above. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed in three quarterly payments (one per academic term). Tuition invoices are issued one week before the final direct‑debit dates. Payments are collected by SEPA direct debit according to the schedule: Autumn term debit August 1–3; Spring term debit December 1–3; Summer term debit March 1–3. Reservation payments (place booking) must be made by bank transfer within seven calendar days of admission notification. A late‑payment surcharge of 5% may apply for SEPA debit incidents. Failure to pay may result in exclusion from the Centre and withholding of exam entries and records. Boarding fees (if applicable) - Emerald Sixth Form (Estepona) does not operate as a boarding provider for its sixth‑form centre; directories list the school as a day/pre‑sixth‑form private education centre and indicate no boarding provision or boarding fees for the Estepona centre. Other costs and fees - Official exam (external exam board) entry fee: EUR 150 per registration (each exam paper is invoiced separately). - IELTS registration fee: EUR 250 per registration; IELTS tuition (where provided) shown at EUR 525 per term in the published price lines. Language diplomas: EUR 250 per registration. Special access arrangement fees are charged as required. - College counselling / university application packages and related services (termly invoicing as applicable): example published prices include EUR 20,000 for a 10‑application USA package, EUR 10,000 for a 5‑application UK package, EUR 2,000 per European application, and EUR 1,500 per summer‑program application. These counselling packages are invoiced termly and are non‑refundable once started. - Private tuition / tutoring (one‑to‑one lessons outside standard programme): scaled per lesson package (examples published: EUR 250 for 1 lesson/week pro‑rata, EUR 500 for 2 lessons/week, up to EUR 1,750 for 7 lessons/week; invoiced pro‑rata for short periods). - Enrichment programmes: EUR 800 per term for group courses; EUR 1,200 per term for private enrichment courses. - School lunches are mandatory for enrolled students; the terms require payment for lunches as a school life requirement (separate lunch charges are applied though specific lunch prices are not listed in the published price lines). Parents are responsible for the cost of lost or damaged school materials (reimbursement at invoice price). - The school's published material lists a number of additional optional and bespoke services (university packages, SAT preparation, premium counselling packs, summer programme applications, and other bespoke coaching) that carry separate charges and are invoiced termly when taken. Uniform and compulsory kit costs - The local school listing for Emerald Sixth Form in Estepona identifies that a mandatory uniform is not required for the Estepona sixth‑form centre; no mandatory uniform fee line is published for this centre. Standard costs for books, materials or replacement items are payable by parents when applicable. Refund information and termination charges - Except where explicitly stated (for example, the Year 12 reservation payment is an advance on tuition and is refunded by bank transfer after completion of Year 13 in the circumstances set out by the Centre), school fees are generally non‑refundable. Parents who unilaterally terminate the agreement are generally not entitled to refunds; the Centre reserves rights to charge a percentage of term fees depending on the termination date (the published terms set specific percentages and conditions for refunds and charges on termination). No refunds are given for temporary absences due to illness or other causes. Accepted payment methods and surcharges - Reservation/place booking: bank transfer (reservation invoice must be paid by bank transfer within seven calendar days of admission notification). Tuition invoices and other regular charges: SEPA direct debit to the bank account indicated in the SEPA mandate; the Centre executes SEPA debits on the dates listed in the billing schedule. A 5% surcharge may apply for payment delays or SEPA debit incidents. The published materials do not list credit card payments as a standard tuition collection method; bespoke payment arrangements (if any) are handled by the finance office. Key administration items parents should note (fee‑related) - Tuition is charged by course and by the type of delivery (one‑to‑one vs small‑group 1:3 ratios); final termly tuition depends on the combination of subjects and delivery mode chosen. - Official exam fees and additional service packages (university counselling, private tuition, enrichment) are invoiced separately and in advance or on the next quarterly invoice as described in the Centre's payment procedures.	Fee details Application / registration fees - The school does not publish a stated, public one‑time application or enrolment fee for the current academic year. External Costa del Sol school guides report that a one‑time registration/enrolment fee for similar British international schools typically ranges from approximately EUR 100 to EUR 2,000 (amounts vary by school). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term guidance) - The British College of Benalmádena does not publish a year‑by‑year, per‑term fee schedule that is publicly available for the current academic year. The following figures are market estimates from independent guides for this school and comparable British international schools on the Costa del Sol; they are presented as estimated annual tuition ranges by stage (not official published school figures): - Early Years / Nursery & Reception (Pre‑Nursery to Reception): approximately EUR 4,000 – EUR 9,000 per year. - Primary (Years 1–6): approximately EUR 6,000 – EUR 11,000 per year. - Secondary (Years 7–11 / Sixth Form Years 12–13): approximately EUR 7,000 – EUR 15,000+ per year depending on year group and programme. - Per‑term or per‑installment amounts are not published by the school. As a practical guide, if a school bills termly, expect roughly one‑third of the annual figure per term; if billed in 10 monthly instalments, expect roughly one‑tenth per month. Some regional school practices (examples from comparable British schools) include 10 monthly instalments or termly billing and discounts for a single annual payment. These are common regional billing patterns rather than the British College's published policy. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school's publicly accessible pages do not include a detailed billing schedule or formal payment terms for tuition (due dates, penalties, sibling discounts, etc.). Market guides indicate common local practice is annual, termly or multi‑instalment billing with a one‑time enrolment/matriculation payment in many schools; specific terms for this school are not publicly published. Boarding fees - The British College of Benalmádena operates as a day school; there is no published boarding provision or boarding fee schedule. Other costs and typical additional fees - Uniforms: Uniform items are mandatory and can be purchased at the school; no public price list is published for uniform items. - Lunch / catering: School lunch is compulsory for Nursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3; the school operates an in‑house catering service, but per‑pupil lunch pricing is not published. - School bus: The school runs bus routes (detailed routes/times are published), but bus fares / seasonal rates are not published on the site. - Extracurricular activities and clubs: The school offers extracurricular programmes; some activities may carry additional charges but specific prices are not publicly listed. - Examination and external assessment fees: External exam boards (IGCSE, A‑Level) typically charge per exam; exam fees for candidates are common at British international schools though the school's public pages do not list the amounts. Refund information - The school does not publish a public refund policy or a detailed statement of refund conditions for enrolment, tuition or ancillary charges in its publicly visible information. Regional practice for comparable schools commonly treats certain one‑time enrolment/matriculation fees as non‑refundable, but no specific published refund rules for this school were found. Fee payment options - The school's public pages do not list accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, credit/debit card, direct debit). Contact details are published for direct enquiry (telephone and email) for admissions and accounts, but explicit payment method options are not posted. Brief summary of availability and reliability of the figures provided - A complete, itemised, year‑by‑year and per‑term fee schedule for the current academic year is not published in the school's publicly available materials. The tuition ranges above are independent market estimates from Costa del Sol and international school guides and should be treated as indicative rather than official school rates. Key operational items (uniform purchase at school, compulsory early‑years lunch, school bus service and day‑school status) are stated by the school in its public pages.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Boys: Checked trousers up to year 1, grey trousers from year 2 onwards, beige long-sleeved shirt or polo shirt in hot weather, green V‑neck jumper, winter coat, tie, green socks, and black shoes. Girls: Checked skirt with straps up to year 1, beige long-sleeved shirt or polo shirt in hot weather, green V‑neck jumper, winter coat, tie, green socks or tights, and black flat shoes. PE kit: White T‑shirt with red and green details, green shorts or tracksuit, green socks, and white trainers. All items can be purchased at school.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school provides a three‑course lunch cooked fresh daily in the school kitchen and served in the dining hall. Menus are planned following the Diet Therapy guidelines of the University of Navarra and are supervised by AENOR. The cafeteria also offers sandwiches, snacks and drinks. Pupils may bring their own packed lunch, except for Nursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 where school lunch is compulsory.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is a private education centre. Governance is led by a Director, Paul O'Reilly.	Governance and ownership Family owned.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details iLower Secondary KS3 is taught for Years 7–9 (ages 11–14) using Edexcel iLower Secondary to build foundations in English, Mathematics and Science, plus History, Geography, ICT, Business, Spanish, Media, Esports and PE. IGCSE is offered in a wide range of subjects with learners choosing courses they want to study; Mathematics and English Language are treated as core alongside other GCSE options. BTEC qualifications are vocational and focus on practical study across sectors such as Business, Health and Social Care, Engineering and Information Technology, designed for learners who prefer coursework over exams. A Levels are two-year courses (Years 12–13) using Edexcel International A Level qualifications to prepare students for higher education and universities around the world; success at A Level leads to offers from good universities and supports progression to university or college, or to start a career.	Curriculum details The British College of Benalme1dena follows the Cambridge curriculum pathway. After being awarded the IGCSE certificate, students undertake a two-year AS/A Level course leading to Cambridge GCE Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level examinations. A broad range of AS/A Level subjects is offered, including English Language, English Literature, History, Geography, Mathematics, Global Perspectives, Biology, Spanish, Physics, French, Chemistry, Art and Design, Business Studies, Physical Education, Travel & Tourism, Music, Information Technology, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Digital Media and Design, and Economics. The senior pathway combines IGCSE preparation in the secondary years with progression to A Levels in the Sixth Form. The curriculum is delivered across Pre-Nursery to Primary and Secondary School levels, culminating in Cambridge qualifications at AS/A Level.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Very small classes, normally 1 to 10 or fewer.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results IGCSE results 2025 show 97 students sat IGCSEs, with 78% achieving A–C grades; First language English achieved 97% A–C; Co-ordinated Sciences 92% A/A/B; Extended Mathematics 98% A–C; Additional Mathematics 100% A/B; History 99% A–C; Art and Design 99% A–C; French 100% A–C. AS/A Level results 2025: 96 students sat four AS/A Level examinations; 97% of students passed all subjects; Mathematics 100% pass rate; Further Mathematics 99% A*; Chemistry 100% pass; Physics 100% pass; Biology 99% pass; History 100% pass; Art and Design 100% A/B.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Students follow Edexcel International A Level courses to prepare for higher education and universities around the world. Success at A Level leads to offers from good universities and supports progression to university or college; the program is also useful for those who wish to start a career immediately.	Higher education progression In 2023/2024, 100% of Year 13 students gained places at universities for entry at the start of the 2024/2025 academic year. Graduates attend a range of universities including the University of Westminster, IE University (Madrid), University of Granada, University of Manchester, and others listed on the school's progression page.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards celebrate high achievement by our students; Cambridge Examination Board information shows that each year some students achieve Top in Spain or Top in the World for IGCSE, AS and A Level. Notable examples include Top in Spain for Cambridge A Level Business Studies (June 2025) and Top in the World for Cambridge IGCSE Foreign Language Mandarin Chinese (June 2024). The school credits students and teachers for these achievements, reflecting the school 0s commitment to high attainment.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school provides an environment conducive to independent learning with small class sizes. It is a multi-denominational, co-educational setting that supports students to achieve their full potential educationally and personally. Constant Academic Mentoring supports academic development and personal growth. Continuous Pastoral Care provides ongoing wellbeing support. Study Skills Seminars and Information Literacy Sessions help students develop learning strategies and thinking skills. Extra English Language support is provided by a TEFL teacher to help students access the curriculum.	Social & emotional learning Respect for the individual, a love of learning, and a caring environment where students feel valued and learn to love and respect others.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) Support is provided through highly personalised, targeted interventions, with adjustments to learning objectives coordinated by the special educational needs coordinator.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Extra English Language support is offered by a TEFL teacher. English language development is integrated with the curriculum to help students access subjects across iLower Secondary and beyond. The program supports building English proficiency to enable confident participation in lessons. It complements the school's broad subject offering, including IGCSE and A Levels.	English as an additional language Education is delivered in English and the curriculum is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Constant Academic Mentoring supports students' emotional and academic development. Continuous Pastoral Care provides ongoing support for wellbeing. The caring environment with expert, individualized attention helps students manage personal challenges. Study Skills Seminars foster resilience and effective study habits. Information Literacy Sessions strengthen critical thinking and independent learning as part of overall wellbeing.	Mental wellbeing A psychology department is run by a clinical psychologist to support student wellbeing; PSHE is a high-profile part of the curriculum, encouraging responsible and respectful behaviour.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Safeguarding policies and procedures are thorough and a high priority for all staff; there is a fully equipped infirmary and a full-time doctor on site; staff working with younger pupils have high awareness of child protection issues; a guardian angels system provides help and support for new pupils.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview Modern classrooms are equipped with large interactive whiteboards. The school has three science laboratories with the latest technical devices, a big gymnasium, a music room, and an art room. Primary and Secondary libraries are on site, along with three fully-networked computer resource centres. There is a totally equipped infirmary and a concert and drama hall. The campus includes seven play areas with sports facilities, the main one being a large, shaded park with a multi-sports area.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The campus has seven play areas with sports facilities across age groups. The main park is large and shaded and includes a multi-sports area.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Three science laboratories are equipped with the latest devices. There are three fully-networked computer resource centres with the latest computing equipment. Classrooms feature large interactive whiteboards. The school also has a music room and an art room. An infirmary is on site, and there is a concert and drama hall.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The education centre started with 5 students 10 years ago and has grown to about 40 students. Class sizes range from one-to-one lessons to a maximum of 10. The school uses a holistic approach to teaching, with the welfare of the student paramount, and provides mentors to help students cope with the pressures of academic and social life. It also teaches independent research techniques to prepare students for university life.	History Established in September 2000, The British College of Benalmádena is family-owned. It is housed in a purpose-built building in Torremuelle on the coast of Benalmádena. The school has grown to about 805 pupils aged 1–18 and represents more than 40 nationalities, with the largest groups being Spanish and British.
Community	Community Building Strong Connections describes the school's aim to build a good working relationship between teachers, students and parents. Teaching staff bring international experience and a commitment to bringing out the best in each student in very small classes.	Community The British College of Benalmádena fosters a diverse and inclusive school community. It aims to create a happy and caring learning environment, where diversity is celebrated and an understanding of difference is promoted. Pupils are encouraged to become confident, knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and responsible adults who can contribute to modern society, with empathy for diverse cultures and a passion for learning. Parents participate in school life through assemblies and events, such as Our carnival party and La Chandeleur, and attend foundation and primary assemblies.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school provides an environment conducive to independent learning with small class sizes, engaging and inspiring students. It serves ages 11–18 and offers iLower Secondary KS3, IGCSE, A Levels and BTEC programmes. iLower Secondary focuses on English, Mathematics and Science, with History, Geography, ICT, Business, Spanish, Media, Esports and PE included. IGCSE offers flexible subject choices and students follow Edexcel International A Levels for higher education.	Academic & intellectual Following the British Curriculum alongside the Spanish Curriculum, The British College of Benalme1dena delivers Cambridge IGCSEs and GCE AS/A Levels, with Spanish Language and Literature, Geography and History taught in Spanish. This dual qualification pathway enables access to universities in Britain, Spain, the United States or elsewhere, with direct access to Spanish universities for those choosing Spain. From Year 7, a second language is introduced and students can opt for French. The average class size is around 20 pupils, and the pupil-to-staff ratio is about 13:1 to 14:1, enabling tailored support.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Extra-curricular activities include singing in the choir, music lessons, ballet, drama club and art club, with IT club and homework club among other options. A range of arts opportunities is provided to enrich creative development beyond lessons. The theatre is featured through theatre trips and related events as part of the enrichment programme.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school is multi-denominational and co-educational, fostering a caring environment where students can reach their potential. Spanish is taught as part of the curriculum, and there is extra English language support from a TEFL teacher.	Cultural & language From Year 7, a second language is introduced and students can opt for French. French cultural activities, such as La Chandeleur, are part of school life.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Every weekday, from Monday to Friday, between 4 and 5 p.m., Nursery to Year 13 pupils may join a wide range of after-school activities, including choir, music, ballet, IT club, art club, homework club, chess club and drama club.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service PSHE is given a high profile and pupils have opportunities to develop confidence; assemblies celebrate learning and support character development. The school has participated in Save the Children activities and Ukraine relief efforts, acting as an ambassador in Spain for Save the Children and raising funds and purchasing medical equipment for Ukraine.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Head girl and head boy, their deputies and prefects actively organise events such as the Christmas concert and the summer fair. A Sixth Form career advisor team provides assistance with university applications and career guidance. Leadership development is also fostered through experiential trips, such as the Sierra Nevada trip that encourages leadership and camaraderie.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is supported by Constant Academic Mentoring and Continuous Pastoral Care, along with study-skills seminars and information literacy sessions. Class sizes are small (often 1 to 10 or fewer) in a caring environment with dedicated teachers.	Lifestyle & wellbeing PSHE forms an integral part of the curriculum at all levels, promoting personal, social and health development. Healthy eating and physical exercise are emphasised, and safeguarding policies are thorough. The campus includes a full-time doctor, an infirmary, and a guardian angels system to help new pupils feel at home.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school teaches English and Spanish. In iLower Secondary (Years 7–9), English and Spanish are among the subjects offered. English Language is a GCSE option, and extra English language support is provided by a TEFL teacher.	Language provision Spanish Language and Literature, Geography and History are taught in Spanish. From Year 7, an additional language is introduced and students may opt to study French. The curriculum follows the British Curriculum, leading to Cambridge IGCSEs and GCE AS and A Levels, while Spanish-language subjects contribute to the Spanish Certificate of Secondary Education and Spanish Baccalaureate.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school uses a dual British-Spanish curriculum. Subjects from the British Curriculum are taught, while Spanish Language and Literature, Geography and History are taught in Spanish. From Year 7, an additional language is introduced and students can opt for French.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions 1. Fall 2025/2026 applications are now open. Registration can be completed by calling the school office to make an appointment, or through the school's web page. If you request a place online, fill in the corresponding form. The school will contact you after receiving your request. 2. To register a student, the father/mother/guardian must make an appointment with the principal and come accompanied by the child. This is listed as part of the admissions process. The appointment takes place at the school to begin the registration. You will receive further instructions after the appointment. 3. Depending on the year you are requesting a place for, the student might need to sit an entrance examination. The entrance exam is noted in the admissions information. Exams may be described as part of the entry requirements for certain cohorts.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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