European School of Alicante vs Lope de Vega International School

	E European School of Alicante Alicante, Spain	L Lope de Vega International School Alicante, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €3,566 - 8,195	Fees / year €5,760 - 8,770
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum French Curriculum, American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,098	Pupils 900
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 50
Instruction language	Instruction language German, English, French, Spanish	Instruction language Spanish, English
Opened	Opened 2002	Opened 1956
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Avda. Locutor Vicente Hipólito s/n, E-03540 Alicante, Spain	Location Lope de Vega International School is a private international school located at Av. Dr. Severo Ochoa, 9, 03503 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain. The campus sits on about 25,000 square meters in a privileged area of Benidorm, about 1,500 meters from the sea. It includes spaces for academics and student life such as classrooms, a library, a dining hall and cafeteria, and outdoor areas like an eco-garden. The site features a residence/boarding facility and a sports complex with a gym, a swimming pool, tennis and paddle courts, and an 8-a-side football pitch.
Stages	Stages Early Education and Primary; Secondary	Stages Infantil, Primaria, ESO, Bachillerato (including Dual Bachillerato), Ciclos Formativos
School type	School type European School (European Schools network)	School type Private international school with residence
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Psycopedagogical support available	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliated with the European Schools network	Country affiliation Spain
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Opening of the school gates 8:15; Early Education arrivals until 9:00 with departures at 16:15 on Mon, Tue and Thu and 12:45 on Wed and Fri; Primary arrivals at 8:45 with departures at 16:00–16:15 for P1–P2 and 16:15 for P3–P5 on Mon, Tue and Thu, and 13:00 on Wed and Fri; Secondary arrivals at 8:40 with departures at 16:15 on Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri and 13:05 on Wed	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details AMPA (Parents Association) organises the school transport service; routes and fees managed via the AMPA website	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - Category III (private) families: a non-refundable administrative enrolment fee of EUR 200 is payable when submitting the online enrolment application. This EUR 200 is deducted from the 25% prepayment invoice if the application is successful; the EUR 200 is non-refundable. Tuition fees by cycle (annual amounts and sibling reductions) — school year 2025–2026 - Nursery (per academic year): EUR 4,370.39 for the first child; second child receives a 20% reduction (EUR 3,496.31); third child onward receives a 40% reduction (EUR 2,622.23). - Primary (per academic year): EUR 6,009.36 for the first child; second child EUR 4,807.49 (20% reduction); third child onward EUR 3,605.62 (40% reduction). - Secondary (per academic year): EUR 8,194.57 for the first child; second child EUR 6,555.66 (20% reduction); third child onward EUR 4,916.74 (40% reduction). Per-term / invoicing detail (how the annual fee is billed) - A compulsory prepayment equal to 25% of the annual tuition is invoiced and must be paid before the stated deadline (example amounts for the 25% prepayment for 2025–2026: Nursery EUR 1,092.60; Primary EUR 1,502.34; Secondary EUR 2,048.64). This 25% prepayment is mandatory to confirm admission/continued admission for all Category III pupils and is non-refundable. - The remaining 75% of the annual tuition is invoiced for the new school year and is due before the stated deadline (see Billing schedule and payment terms below). Families may request, in writing and within the school's published deadline, that the October invoice (the 75% balance) be paid in three instalments; the school sets the instalment due dates. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoices are sent by e-mail to the person designated for billing. Normal payment term is 30 days. Payments must be made exclusively by wire transfer; cash payments are not accepted. - Typical deadlines given for 2025–2026 (as an operational example): the 25% prepayment due before June 30; the balance (75%) due before November 30; if instalments are approved, the instalment due dates are set by the school (example instalment dates: end of October, end of January, end of March). These specific dates are used as the billing framework for that academic year. - Billing contact for queries: Accounting / Payments — telephone +34 965 159 861 and e-mail ALI-BILLING@eursc.eu. Boarding fees - No boarding service is offered by this school; boarding fees are not applicable. Other mandatory costs and school charges (amounts where published) - These additional costs are mandatory, have no sibling reductions, are not pro rata, cannot be paid by instalments and are non-refundable. Examples for 2025–2026 include: - Nursery: School insurance EUR 5.50; Printing fees EUR 15.00; School diary EUR 9.10. - Primary: School insurance EUR 5.50; Printing fees EUR 18.00; Intermath EUR 31.00; School diary EUR 9.10. - Secondary: School insurance EUR 5.50; Printing fees EUR 21.00; School diary EUR 7.40; Extra-curricular activities contribution EUR 70.00. - Other specific one-off fees that may appear on invoices (examples): Music project (where applicable) EUR 560.00; Mediterranean World book (Human Science for S3) EUR 23.00; European Baccalaureate registration for S7 EUR 105.98; University application file management (S7) short file EUR 130.00, long file EUR 260.00. - School-canteen and extracurricular programmes are charged separately; canteen and activity registration information and fees are administered through the contracted providers identified by the school. Uniform and related costs - Physical-education uniform is required for specified cycles and activities. The uniform is obtained through the listed supplier (El Corte Inglés for this school). Specific uniform item prices are set by the supplier and are not published as school-set fees. Refund information and non-refundable items - The 25% prepayment required to confirm admission for Category III pupils is non-refundable. The administrative enrolment fee of EUR 200 for Category III is non-refundable. Other mandatory additional charges listed as “Other fees” are non-refundable (the school states these items are non-refundable). Fee payment options and bank details (how payments are accepted) - Accepted method: bank/wire transfer only. Cash payments are not accepted; payments by other methods are not provided in the school's billing rules for the academic year referenced. - Bank details provided for the administrative enrolment payment (example instruction published for Category III applications): BANK: BBVA; IBAN: ES12 0182 5596 97 0290000330; BIC: BBVAESMM (applicants are instructed to indicate “Enrolment fee + full name and surname of the pupil” as the payment reference). The enrolment instruction indicates this amount is non-refundable and will be deducted from the 25% prepayment invoice if admission is confirmed. Key operational notes (concise) - Sibling reductions: second child 20% discount; third child onward 40% discount (applies to the published annual tuition rates). - Invoicing communication is by e-mail; contact ALI-BILLING@eursc.eu for billing enquiries. (Amounts and deadlines above correspond to the published invoicing and fee information for the 2025–2026 school year.)	Fee details Application / guarantee of place fee - A one-time guarantee of place (matrícula / reserva) is required at enrolment: EUR 526. This amount is paid once per pupil and is not refundable once the place is formalised. Tuition fees by school stage (academic year billed as annual total; also shown as 10 monthly instalments and term totals) - Educación Infantil (ages 3–5) - Total annual teaching cost: EUR 6,286. - Structure: Guarantee of place EUR 526 + 10 monthly instalments of EUR 576 (paid September–June). - Per-term aggregation of the monthly instalments (school year divided into three terms with months Sep–Dec = 4 months; Jan–Mar = 3 months; Apr–Jun = 3 months): - Term 1 (Sep–Dec): EUR 2,304 (4 × 576). - Term 2 (Jan–Mar): EUR 1,728 (3 × 576). - Term 3 (Apr–Jun): EUR 1,728 (3 × 576). - Note: annual total equals guarantee + 10 × monthly instalment (526 + 5,760 = 6,286). - Educación Primaria - Total annual teaching cost: EUR 6,846. - Structure: Guarantee of place EUR 526 + 10 monthly instalments of EUR 632 (paid September–June). - Per-term aggregation of the monthly instalments: - Term 1 (Sep–Dec): EUR 2,528 (4 × 632). - Term 2 (Jan–Mar): EUR 1,896 (3 × 632). - Term 3 (Apr–Jun): EUR 1,896 (3 × 632). - Annual total equals guarantee + 10 × monthly instalment (526 + 6,320 = 6,846). - Educación Secundaria (ESO) - Total annual teaching cost: EUR 8,326. - Structure: Guarantee of place EUR 526 + 10 monthly instalments of EUR 780 (paid September–June). - Per-term aggregation of the monthly instalments: - Term 1 (Sep–Dec): EUR 3,120 (4 × 780). - Term 2 (Jan–Mar): EUR 2,340 (3 × 780). - Term 3 (Apr–Jun): EUR 2,340 (3 × 780). - Annual total equals guarantee + 10 × monthly instalment (526 + 7,800 = 8,326). - Bachillerato - Total annual teaching cost: EUR 9,296. - Structure: Guarantee of place EUR 526 + 10 monthly instalments of EUR 877 (paid September–June). - Per-term aggregation of the monthly instalments: - Term 1 (Sep–Dec): EUR 3,508 (4 × 877). - Term 2 (Jan–Mar): EUR 2,631 (3 × 877). - Term 3 (Apr–Jun): EUR 2,631 (3 × 877). - Annual total equals guarantee + 10 × monthly instalment (526 + 8,770 = 9,296). Billing schedule and payment terms - The tuition fee structure is split into an annual guarantee of place plus ten equal monthly instalments due on the 1st of each month from September through June. Monthly payments are collected by direct debit (domiciliación bancaria). - Early-payment discounts (applied when paying the full tuition in advance) are offered in defined windows: common discount levels are 9%, 6% and 3% depending on the payment date windows published by the school for the year. The school publishes the exact calendar windows for advance-payment discounts annually. - Sibling discounts on the tuition monthly fee are available: 5% for the second sibling, 30% for the third sibling, and 100% for the fourth and subsequent siblings; these discounts do not apply to the guarantee of place and are applied to the younger sibling(s). Boarding / residence fees (where applicable) - Monthly boarding options and related fees (examples): - Student residence Monday–Friday: EUR 943 per month. - Student residence Monday–Sunday: EUR 1,570 per month. - Single-room supplement (Monday–Friday): EUR 1,100 per month. - Single-room supplement (Monday–Sunday): EUR 1,727 per month. - One-day student residence (weekday): EUR 54. - One-day student residence (weekends & holidays): EUR 87. - Residence deposit / fianza: EUR 943 (returned only in accordance with the residence terms; deposit may be forfeited if the pupil leaves the residence before the end of the school year). Other costs and recurring additional services - School meal (canteen): typical monthly price EUR 163; meal-ticket options are available (example: 22-ticket talonario around EUR 231; single ticket approx. EUR 10.50). - School transport: prices vary by route and ticket type. Example fares (illustrative by zone): - Benidorm: two-way EUR approx. 112; one-way EUR approx. 80; 10-trip pass approx. EUR 52. - Villajoyosa / Altea and other zones: zone-specific fares apply (see published route fares). - Extras not included in the tuition price: school supplies, specific course materials, and uniform. Uniform is supplied through the external supplier indicated by the school. Families purchase uniform items separately. Refund and cancellation rules (fees) - The guarantee of place (matrícula / reserva) is not refundable once the place has been formalised and paid. - Residence deposit/fianza is not refundable in the event of voluntary withdrawal from the residence before the end of the school year or for disciplinary reasons. - Any refunds for other items (meals, transport passes, extras) follow the school's standard administrative rules for cancellation and are handled according to the contract terms for each service. Accepted payment methods and practical payment notes - Monthly tuition instalments are collected by direct debit (domiciliación bancaria) as the standard method for the 10 monthly payments. Advance-payment options with defined discounts are available when families pay the agreed amount within the published advance-payment windows. Specific payment arrangements (for example, one-off payments for residence, special programmes, or dual-diploma fees) are handled by the school's administration and may require separate agreements. Sibling discounts and special notes on reductions - Sibling discounts on tuition apply as a percentage on the monthly tuition component (5% second sibling, 30% third sibling, 100% fourth and subsequent siblings). These discounts are applied to the younger sibling's monthly tuition and do not reduce the guarantee of place.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school is a day school with no boarding facilities; a school bus service is available.	Boarding arrangements The boarding school offers accommodation during the whole school term, including weekends and the summer months, on a campus of 25,000 m² with a complete sports complex located 1,500 metres from the sea. Rooms are single or double with full bathrooms; exterior, heated and air-conditioned, and recently renovated; daily cleaning and weekly changes of bed linen and towels. Tutored and personalized study is supervised by educators; the schedule varies by educational stage (3 hours in the afternoon for the 2nd cycle of ESO and Bachillerato; 2 hours in the 1st cycle of ESO; extendable). The boarding operates on weekends with study, leisure and socio-cultural outings, and is closed during Christmas, Easter and Benidorm fiestas.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Pupils wear a uniform for physical education and, where applicable, for other activities. Early Education and Primary: Babi is obligatory; Shorts are obligatory in Early Education and Primary; a Polo or short-sleeved T-shirt (at least one) is obligatory in both cycles; Long trousers are obligatory in both cycles; Sweatshirt and long-sleeved T-shirt are optional. Secondary: a Polo or short-sleeved T-shirt is required for PE; S1–S3 wear the PE uniform. The uniform is purchased through El Corte Inglés.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school canteen is operated by Ausolan RCN, S.L.U. under a concession since 2023–2024; meals are prepared in the school kitchen. Infants and Primary students eat in the canteen under supervision of monitors from the catering company and some tutors; Secondary students eat in the canteen under supervision. The service is available to students with a full day or afternoon activities; registration information, prices and instructions are provided via a form. Contact admin_alicante@ausolan.com and +34 671 484 180.	Food options There are two school canteens: one for Infants and the first cycle of Primary, and another for the rest of the pupils; together they have a capacity of about 400. The school menus are prepared daily in the school kitchen, with attention to quality and balance. Food analysis is carried out every week to ensure the food is in perfect condition. Monthly planning is supervised by cooks, dieticians and nutritionists who prepare balanced menus; special diets are available for students with allergies and intolerances, with a form at Concierge or Customer Service; parents of children in the Infancy Stage are informed daily.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The European School of Alicante was established by the Board of Governors of the European Schools in November 2000, within the framework of the Statute of the European Schools. It is the only establishment in Spain delivering this type of education and serves the children of EU institutions; pupils obtain the European Baccalaureate.	Governance and ownership The school is owned and governed by Centro de Estudios Lope de Vega International School S.A.U. Four generations have led the Lope de Vega International School since 1956.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Education starts at age 4 in the Early Education cycle and culminates with the European Baccalaureate Diploma in year 7 in Secondary. The Primary cycle lasts five years for pupils aged 6 to 10. Secondary is organized in three cycles: Observation (years 1-3, ages 11-13), Pre-orientation (years 4-5, ages 14-15), and Orientation (years 6-7, ages 16-18). All European Schools follow harmonised programmes, with the exception of the LI programme; the harmonised programmes are identical and updated under the supervision of Education Inspectors of the member countries. The European Baccalaureate diploma is awarded at the end of Secondary and is recognised by EU member states.	Curriculum details The school offers an international bilingual curriculum across all educational stages. Infantil features English immersion with native English-speaking teachers in 75% of classes. Primary Education is taught in Spanish and English, exceeding the mandatory curriculum by more than 270 hours annually, with language progress certified through external exams (Trinity College, Cambridge University, or Instituto Cervantes; the school is an Official Exam Center). In Secondary Education, the international program continues, with French introduced from 1st year of ESO, and opportunities for intercambios and Erasmus+. Language certificates are available from Cambridge University, l'Alliance Française, and the Instituto Cervantes. Bachillerato provides both the Spanish Bachillerato and a Bachillerato Dual Español-Americano (dual diploma) option, taught in English for the Dual track and enabling access to US universities. Ciclos Formativos include the following programs: TGA (Administración y Finanzas), TSAF, TGUMN (Técnico Guía en el Medio Natural y de Tiempo Libre), y TSEAS (Técnico Superior en Enseñanza y Animación Sociodeportiva).
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results BAC results are published on PDFs for multiple years, including 2009-2019 and 2021-2023. The Baccalaureate requires an overall mark of 50% to receive the diploma.	Exam results The school has a 100% pass rate in the university entrance PAU examinations.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The European School of Alicante provides information about access to European universities by country. France uses Parcoursup; Spain uses UNEDasiss (and UNED) for university access; Germany uses the DoSV pathway for many programs; information is provided for other countries as well.	Higher education progression 100% PAU pass rate; Bachillerato Dual Español-Americano opens access to US universities; Erasmus+ exchanges support international study opportunities; language certifications through Cambridge, Alliance Française, and Instituto Cervantes bolster admission to 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 The school has a Department of Inclusion and Wellbeing that provides a support service to students, families and tutors, promoting the full development of the student's personality in line with their abilities and interests. The department's work focuses on supporting the teaching–learning process, the Academic and Vocational Guidance Plan, and the Values Formation Plan. The department is an interdisciplinary team of professionals including Eva Pedreño, a psychologist and sociologist, with external collaborators such as psychopedagogists, speech therapists, optometrists, and specialists in special education. The aims include preventing the appearance of maladjustments and school failure, and the early detection of learning difficulties with the development of recovery programs; school, vocational and/or professional guidance; advisory support to teachers in socio-psychopedagogical matters; and guidance to families. It also promotes spiritual formation within the Educational Community and advises the leadership on aspects that help achieve the center's general objectives. Key actions include the Values Education Plan, the Personal Improvement Plan for the student, orientation for students, parents and tutors, coordination and advisory work in ACIS, a Plan for study and vocational/professional orientation, a Parents School, and the Center's Convivencia Plan; neurological tests; tests of competencies and learning abilities; coordination with tutors and external professionals in intervention cases; and leadership and monitoring of preventive plans.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has a Department of Inclusion and Wellbeing with an interdisciplinary team of professionals including Eva Pedreño, a psychologist and sociologist, and external collaborators such as psychopedagogists, speech therapists, optometrists, and specialists in special education. It conducts socio-psychopedagogical evaluations of students with difficulties and develops recovery programs. It provides orientation and guidance to students and families, and offers advisory and technical support to teachers in socio-psychopedagogical matters. It coordinates with tutors and external professionals in intervention cases. It aims to prevent maladjustments and school failure and to identify learning difficulties early to put recovery plans in place. It promotes a holistic approach to education by addressing both academic and emotional needs within the school community.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school has four language sections: German, English, French and Spanish. Language I is taught from nursery and is the language of the section in which the pupil is enrolled. SWALS pupils receive Language I in their mother tongue, and Language II is the language of the section. The School reserves the right to determine the pupil's dominant language and language section.	English as an additional language Lope de Vega Language School is the only Official Cambridge English Exam Preparation Centre in Benidorm and the Marina Baixa. The school offers English classes at various levels for both enrolled students and external learners to support successful Cambridge exam outcomes. All students of the Lope de Vega Language School receive timely information about Cambridge exam convocations. Cambridge ESOL certificates assess reading, listening, writing and speaking, and exams are administered at the Lope de Vega International School. Students begin taking Cambridge exams from third grade onward (Young Learners). Open enrollment for Cambridge official exams runs from October 23 to November 18, with the start of the preparation classes around November 17; exam dates include Starters, Movers, Flyers, and higher-level certificates (KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE).
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing The Inclusion and Wellbeing Department provides broad support to promote students' wellbeing and personal development, including a Plan for Values Formation and a Center Convivencia Plan to foster a safe and respectful school environment. The department coordinates orientation for studies and careers, supports families, and works with teachers to strengthen social and emotional development. The Parents School and ongoing family guidance help extend wellbeing principles beyond the classroom. The department aims to prevent difficulties by early identification of needs, supports the academic and personal growth of students, and promotes spiritual formation within the community. It operates as an integrated part of the school's broader wellbeing strategy, reinforcing a healthy, inclusive culture across all activities.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The Center runs an Inclusion and Wellbeing program that safeguards students by providing a support service to pupils, families and tutors and by guiding the educational process with a focus on safety, inclusion and well-being. The department's objectives include preventing maladjustments and ensuring a safe, respectful school climate, early detection of difficulties, and coordination with tutors and external professionals for intervention when needed. The Center's Convivencia Plan and ongoing parental engagement (Escuela de Padres) are central to safeguarding, as is the advisory support offered to families and the school leadership to promote a protective and supportive environment for all students.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Two libraries serve the school: the Primary Library in the primary building (about 50 reading places) and the Secondary Library in the secondary building. The Library Service has more than 25,000 items in 12 languages, including reference books, subject books, and children's and youth literature, plus magazines, newspapers, CDs and DVDs. All pupils and teachers may use the Libraries for reading, research and loans; the Primary Library includes a story-telling area and a Teacher's Library for teaching resources. The school canteen is run by Ausolan RCN, S.L.U. on a concession since the 2023-2024 school year; lunches are prepared in the school kitchen and served to Nursery/Primary and Secondary pupils with supervision. El Faro provides after-school care after the school day (16:15–18:30; on short days 13:00–18:30) for eligible pupils, organized in collaboration with EUIPO and the European School. Extracurricular activities for Nursery and Primary are contracted to AUCA projectes educativos, S.L. from January 2025, with sessions on Wednesday and Friday afternoons; Secondary activities are contracted to Mundosport gestión deportiva, S.L.U., Monday–Friday after school from October to May; enrolment forms and fees are published via AUCA or Mundosport.	Facilities overview Facilities overview: Lope de Vega International School has a 25,000 m² campus in a privileged area of Benidorm, 1.5 km from the sea, integrating spaces for academics and school life (classrooms, library, dining hall and cafeteria), plus outdoor areas such as the eco-garden. The campus also includes a residence/boarding facility with single and double rooms and rest and study areas, and a sports complex equipped for multiple disciplines, with a gym, swimming pool, and dedicated areas such as tennis and paddle tennis courts and an 8-a-side football pitch, enabling year-round activities and events.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Sports facilities include a sports complex with a gym, swimming pool, tennis and paddle tennis courts, and an 8-a-side football pitch, supporting a variety of activities and events throughout the year.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school operates two libraries (Primary Library on the first floor of the Primary building and Secondary Library in the Secondary building) to support reading and learning. The Primary Library has about 50 reading places and a story-telling area; the Secondary Library provides loan services and computers for pupils. The Library stock includes more than 25,000 items across 12 languages (including dictionaries, atlases and encyclopedias) and multimedia resources; a Teacher's Library is available for teaching resources; all pupils and teachers may use the Library for reading, research and loan. The school also provides psycopedagogical support and infirmary services as part of its educational support framework. The library hours and borrowing rules apply to both locations.	Academic facilities Classrooms are provided for instructional activities. The library supports study and research. The campus includes dining facilities (a dining hall and a cafeteria) for student meals. Outdoor spaces such as the eco-garden are part of the on-site environment.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities for Nursery and Primary are organised by AUCA projectes educativos, S.L. under a concession from January 2025; activities take place Wednesday and Friday afternoons after school; enrollment forms and fees are available via AUCA's site or by contacting coordinadora-eu@auca.es. Secondary extracurricular activities are organised under Mundosport gestión deportiva, S.L.U., with families contributing to costs; activities run Monday through Friday after school from October to May. The El Faro after-school class provides supervision after school hours (16:15–18:30 on most days, 13:00–18:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays) for eligible pupils, with enrollment procedures and contact details published by the school and EUIPO.	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities include a Debates club and a Youth Volunteers program. The Debates club develops argumentation and public speaking, while the Youth Volunteers program promotes community service and social responsibility.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The European School of Alicante was established by the Board of Governors of the European Schools in November 2000, within the framework of the Statute of the European Schools. It began activities in September 2002 for Early Education and Primary, and in September 2003 for Secondary. The first European Baccalaureate pupils left the school in 2005–2006. It is the only European School in Spain of this type, founded in Alicante in 1996 to support the European agency's presence. The school has four language sections—Spanish, English, French and German—and the European Baccalaureate diploma is recognized for university entrance across EU member states.	History Four generations have led Lope de Vega International School, dedicating themselves to improving this international educational institution, where the transmission of traditional values has long stood as a solid foundation of innovation. Since its beginnings in 1956, the school has stood out for its innovative character, its educational methodology, and its leadership in pedagogical advances, especially in language teaching, personal development, integration of sports, and daily health. It also develops the skills necessary to achieve the motivation and inspiration that lead to excellence. The school is owned and operated by Centro de Estudios Lope de Vega International School S.A.U.
Community	Community KiVa is an anti-bullying program developed in the University of Turku, Finland, and is evidence-based. A KiVa team meets weekly to discuss reported cases and determine appropriate actions, including KiVa interventions or other supports. El Faro is an after-school class set up with EUIPO and the European School to provide after-hours care for EU staff and school personnel. It runs after-school hours with activities and homework support.	Community As an international school, we cover all stages (Infant, Primary, Secondary, Bachillerato and Ciclos Formativos). Our objective is to promote academic and personal success for every student, offering a comprehensive and personalized education in a multicultural and dynamic environment. The campus spans 25,000 m² in Benidorm, 1,500 meters from the sea, with spaces for academics and student life (classrooms, library, dining hall and cafeteria) as well as outdoor spaces such as the ecohuerto. The facilities include on-site residence/boarding and a sports complex with a gym, swimming pool, tennis and paddle courts, and a football pitch, enabling year-round activities. Open Day on March 25, 2026, and ongoing events such as Ecosystems in Action, Debates Club and Jóvenes solidarios enrich the school community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school has a Parents Association, A.M.P.A.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school runs a Creative Writing Competition to foster literary creativity in multiple languages. There are three language-based categories across S1–S2, S3–S4, and S5–S7, with first and second prizes awarded. All entries must be original and submitted digitally. Winners may be published on the European School of Alicante website and on social networks. The school also runs a Philosophy Essay Prize to stimulate critical and autonomous thinking, with topics such as artificial intelligence, freedom, and fear as discussion prompts, and rules and specific conditions published for participants. The competition is designed to encourage thoughtful writing, with a final jury decision and formal entry procedures. The Photomath competition offers a mathematics photography challenge open to secondary students in S1–S7, with two categories (A for S1–S3 and B for S4–S7), deadline windows in February–March, and prizes plus diplomas for winners. The contest bases, participation rules, and award details are published for participants.	Academic & intellectual The international project centers on language learning with Spanish and English, and French is introduced from Year 1 of ESO. Language levels are certified through official examinations from Cambridge University, l'Alliance Française, and the Instituto Cervantes. The school uses active methodologies that promote autonomy, discovery, critical thinking, and teamwork, linking learning to the surrounding environment. In Secondary Education, students use iPads in the first year and Chromebooks in the remaining years, and in Bachillerato each student provides their own computer to work autonomously.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Photomath is a mathematics photography contest run by the school, inviting secondary students to submit original digital photographs with an accompanying mathematical explanation. It has two categories (A: S1–S3 and B: S4–S7) and deadlines in February and March, with diplomas awarded to winners. The Creative Writing Competition promotes literary creativity in several languages, with prizes and a published result. The school uses visual and literary creativity as part of its extracurricular offer.	Arts & creative The Mathematics Project uses new teaching dynamics and materials created by teachers to present mathematics in a relatable way, making it one of the more popular subjects with positive results. In Bachillerato, music, art, and theatre are part of the program.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Intercambios (exchanges) run mobility programs within the European Schools network, with contacts for coordinating student exchanges and information available for the 2026–27 cycle. The mobility programme offers opportunities for pupil exchanges across European Schools, with application processes and guidelines available to participants. The program is overseen by named coordinators and includes a formal presentation and guidelines for organizing pupil mobility. The school coordinates these exchanges to support intercultural experiences for students.	Cultural & language The international project includes language learning in Spanish, English, and French from the start; language levels are certified by Cambridge University, Alliance Française, and Instituto Cervantes. The exchanges and short- and long-term stays at European schools strengthen these linguistic aims and foster European citizenship and autonomy. Secondary students participate in the Erasmus+ program and can begin Dual Bachillerato, enabling a dual qualification in Spanish Bachillerato and the United States.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Extracurricular activities in Secondary are organized under a concession to Mundosport Gestión Deportiva, S.L.U., and run after school from Monday to Friday, October to May. The program involves a registered coordinator and a registration dossier for the 2025–2026 school year, with contact details provided for inquiries. Activities take place after school hours and may include after-school care and various workshops as scheduled. Families contribute to the cost of these activities as part of a solidarity arrangement.	Social & hobbies Infant education is bilingual (English and Spanish) with 70% of classes taught in English, learned naturally through the UK literacy approach (Phonics, Read&Write Inc.) so five-year-olds can read and write in English. The Infant project and the language plan are built on five active principles, based on executive brain functions to support effective learning. Extracurricular offerings include clubs such as Debates and Jóvenes Solidarios, complemented by a program that emphasizes critical and creative thinking, ICT use, values education, and experiential activities.
Community & service	Community & service KiVa is the anti-bullying program used at the school, based on an evidence-based approach from the University of Turku, Finland. It provides tools and materials to tackle bullying, with KiVa teams in both primary and secondary sections and a structured prevention and intervention process. The KiVa team meets weekly to discuss cases, and multiple staff members coordinate KiVa activities for different year groups. The program emphasizes early identification, informed intervention, and open communication to maintain a healthy school climate.	Community & service The Inclusion and Wellbeing Department provides support to students, families, and tutors to foster the full development of each student's personality according to their abilities and interests. Its activities include support for the learning process, the Academic and Career Orientation Plan, and the Values Education Plan, all delivered by a multidisciplinary team that includes psychologists and external specialists.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Educational work experience is compulsory for all 6th-year secondary students, typically conducted in the last two weeks of the school year and during BAC oral exams. The school informs students and families, supports students in finding a placement, and requires students to submit a presentation letter and guidance documents to the host company. A formal agreement, insurance coverage, and an evaluation report from the company are completed, with teachers monitoring progress throughout the placement. The experience is designed to develop professional attitudes, language skills, and personal attributes such as reliability, punctuality, initiative, flexibility, and tolerance.	Leadership & professional Leadership-oriented opportunities include Debates and Jóvenes Solidarios clubs as part of the school's clubs program, encouraging student initiative and social engagement. The European exchanges and Erasmus+ participation further develop student autonomy, citizenship, and cross-cultural collaboration, alongside dual Bachillerato pathways that broaden post-secondary options.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Eurosport is a European Schools-organised competition held every two years to promote sport as a healthy leisure activity and intercultural exchange between European schools. Host schools select two team sports (basketball, volleyball, small-sided football, or handball) and include additional events such as badminton or table tennis and aquathlon. The competition emphasizes fair play and intercultural collaboration, with a formal selection protocol and a published handbook for participants. El Faro is the after-school class offering care after the official timetable, with activities, snacks, homework support, and opportunities for crafts and outdoor time from late afternoon through early evening, helping families manage care after school. *	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school provides extensive sports facilities across roughly 25,000 square meters, with 16 sports programs and a comprehensive offering of specialized sports training. The campus frequently hosts major events at federative and international levels. Facilities include a residence, classrooms, a library, a cafeteria, and an eco-garden, supporting physical, social, and environmental wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school offers four language sections: German, English, French, and Spanish. All language sections follow the harmonised European Schools programmes, with the LI programme treated separately. SWALS pupils may enroll in the Spanish language section if Language II is EN, FR, or DE. From nursery through year 7, SWALS pupils receive Language I classes, provided the school has or can contract a qualified LI teacher; enrollment requires a meeting with the Deputy Head to determine host language, mother tongue and Language II; the School Management reserves the right to determine the dominant language, and may test if needed.	Language provision Spanish and English are taught in Primary Education; French is introduced from 1st ESO. Language progress can be certified through official examinations by Cambridge University, Trinity College London, and the Instituto Cervantes. The school is an Official Examination Centre for the Instituto Cervantes. The international program includes language exchanges and Erasmus+ activities.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school has four language sections: German, English, French, and Spanish. Each section follows the harmonised European Schools programmes with Language I taught in the section. The School Management reserves the right to determine a pupil's dominant language and to place them in the appropriate language section. SWALS pupils may enroll in the Spanish language section if Language II is EN, FR, or DE.	Bilingual teaching Primary Education is taught in Spanish and English, with all areas of learning conveyed in both languages. British immersion with native teachers is used in Primary Education, and Secondary Education and Bachillerato also feature British immersion with native teachers. Language progress can be certified through internationally recognized external examinations offered by Trinity College London, Cambridge University, or the Instituto Cervantes, and the school is an Official Examination Centre for the Instituto Cervantes.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs British immersion with native teachers is used in Primary Education. Secondary Education and Bachillerato also feature British immersion with native teachers. From 1st ESO, French is introduced as part of the language program.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The European School of Alicante does not allow pre-enrolments and does not have a waiting list. The school has four language sections: German, Spanish, French and English. Age conditions: Pupils are admitted to nursery at the beginning of the school year in September of the calendar year in which they reach 4 years of age; pupils are admitted to Primary year 1 at the beginning of the school year in September of the calendar year in which they reach 6 years of age; as a general rule, entry to subsequent years follows the same age requirement; in principle, no pupil may be admitted if they are older than the normal age by more than two years. Enrolment policy for 2026-2027 should be consulted before applying for enrolment. A Vademecum for 2026-2027 will be published shortly. Enrolment procedures and deadlines: Pupils already enrolled do not need to repeat the enrolment process for the following school year. Enrolment of Category III families without siblings: From April 17 to May 8, 2026; Category III families should follow the steps: read the Enrolment Policy 2026-2027, read the circular about class availability, fill in the online application for available classes, and wait for email communication after the deadline indicating admission; the school can consider applications for at least one full school year; there are no open days or face-to-face appointments for Category III enrolments; for doubts, contact +34 965.26.95.95 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm; enrolment applications received after the deadline will not be considered.	Admissions 1. Request information and schedule an interview. Families interested in enrolling must contact Lope de Vega International School to request information and arrange a personal interview. The interview introduces the educational project and facilities and collects information about the student. For students who do not speak Spanish, a DELE language immersion commitment may be required as part of the admission process. 2. Attend the interview with the student. The interview is conducted with the student and family to understand expectations and values and to evaluate compatibility with the school's educational approach. If additional support is needed, a meeting with the Inclusion and Wellbeing Team may be arranged. 3. Deliver the latest academic reports and language information. The family must submit the latest academic report with comments on the student's competencies. Language proficiency in the language of instruction will be assessed if necessary, and any official language certifications (Cambridge, TOEFL, DELF, etc.) will be considered. 4. Await admission confirmation. The center will inform families whether the student has been accepted based on availability of places in the requested course and other criteria. 5. Upon acceptance, provide the required documentation. Deliver the necessary documentation (passport, NIE, visa if foreign) and, where required, medical insurance; sign the admission agreement where applicable. 6. Pay the place reservation deposit. After providing the documentation, pay the seat reservation deposit to secure the student's place.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships The school offers sibling discounts on tuition: 5% for the second child, 30% for the third child, and 100% for the fourth child and all subsequent children.
Waitlist	Waitlist The European School of Alicante does not have a waiting list.	Waitlist —
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