Global Minds International School vs The A Level College of Altea
Global Minds International School and The A Level College of Altea are both in Alicante, about 15 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes. Global Minds International School also offers IB, and The A Level College of Altea also offers Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are €7,650 - 16,600 at Global Minds International School and €9,440 - 12,065 at The A Level College of Altea, which puts Global Minds International School roughly 13% higher. Global Minds International School takes pupils from 2 to 16, and The A Level College of Altea from 16 to 18. Typical class sizes are 20 at Global Minds International School and 7 at The A Level College of Altea.
Carretera Benissa - Jalón s/n, 03729 Llíber, Alicante, Spain. Located in the picturesque town of Llíber, the campus sits in natural surroundings with easy access to nearby coastal towns.
Location
The school is located in Altea. The address is Carrer Benidorm 3, Altea, 03590.
Stages
Stages
Ages 2 to 16 (early years through secondary).
Stages
A-level courses for 16-18 year olds taught in English.
School type
School type
International school
School type
A-level college.
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
Spain
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & Registration Fees
- A non-refundable registration fee of EUR 1,500 per student (new students only) is payable at the time of acceptance to secure a place. - A non-refundable re‑registration fee of EUR 1,000 is payable in March to guarantee a place for the following year.
Tuition Fees (by year group)
Annual tuition fees by age / year group (displayed as EUR amounts):
Per-term reference amounts (annual fee divided by 3, shown for each year group as a simple reference):
- Kindergarten 1 & 2: EUR 2,550 per term (EUR 7,650 ÷ 3). - Kindergarten 3 / Year 1 & 2: EUR 3,060 per term (EUR 9,180 ÷ 3). - Years 3 & 4: EUR 3,163.33 per term (EUR 9,490 ÷ 3). - Years 5 & 6: EUR 3,263.33 per term (EUR 9,790 ÷ 3). - Year 7: EUR 3,910 per term (EUR 11,730 ÷ 3). - Years 8 & 9: EUR 4,590 per term (EUR 13,770 ÷ 3). - Years 10 & 11: EUR 4,933.33 per term (EUR 14,800 ÷ 3).
Billing schedule & payment terms
- Tuition may be paid monthly (payments due on or before the first day of the month to which they relate) or as a single annual payment. - An advance-payment discount of 3% on tuition is applied if the full year's tuition is paid in advance by the published deadline for advance payment (the school's published deadline applies). This discount applies to tuition only and not to services, and is conditional on registration fees having been paid. - Sibling fee reductions apply: second child 5% reduction in tuition and re‑enrolment fee; third child 15% reduction; fourth child and subsequent children 30% reduction.
Boarding
- Boarding is not offered. The school operates as a day school with planned school-bus routes for surrounding towns; final bus routes and prices are to be announced.
Other costs and fees
- School lunches are required for all students and are charged at EUR 150 per month. - Transport (school buses) will carry an additional charge when routes and prices are finalised. - Uniforms, school trips, textbooks, specialist exam fees, extracurricular programme fees, and other incidental items are not listed in the school's public fee summary; parents should allow for these additional costs in the same way as with similar international schools.
Refund information
- The registration fee (EUR 1,500 for new students) is non‑refundable. The re‑registration fee (EUR 1,000) is non‑refundable. No additional public refund policy detail is provided in the school's fee summary.
Fee payment options
- The school publishes monthly and annual billing options but does not publish specific payment channels (for example, which credit cards, online payment processors, or bank account details) in its public fee summary. Parents should expect standard international-school payment methods such as bank transfer or card payment to be offered, with any applicable processing fees and instructions provided by the school.
If you need these figures placed into a database field-by-field, the key fee items are: registration fee EUR 1,500 (one-off); re‑registration EUR 1,000 (annual, non‑refundable); tuition by year group as listed above (annual); compulsory lunch EUR 150/month; sibling discounts and advance-payment discount as stated above; bus fees to be advised.
Fee details
Application / Registration Fee
- Registration fee: €500.
Tuition Fees (by year group and per term)
- Year groups covered: A-level students aged 16–18 (both first and second year of A-level study are charged under the college fee structure). - Annual tuition (base fee, includes three A-level subjects, selected extra-curricular activities, and university application mentoring): €9,440 per academic year. - Per-month instalment option (charged over 10 months, September to June): €944 per month. - Per-term (standard three-term academic year): €9,440 ÷ 3 = €3,146.67 per term (calculated from the published annual fee).
Optional / Additional Annual Charges
- PCE / Selectividad preparation: +€1,050 per year. - Each extra A-level subject beyond the included three: +€1,050 per year. - Extra English or Spanish lessons: +€525 per year. - Fees are exclusive of coursebooks and official exam entry fees; families should budget separately for textbooks, examination entries and similar consumables.
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms
- Billing options: pay the full annual tuition in a single payment, or spread the annual tuition over 10 monthly instalments from September through June at €944 per month. - The registration fee is charged in addition to the annual tuition.
Boarding Fees
- Boarding is not offered under the college fee schedule; there are no published boarding fees.
Other Costs and Typical Additional Expenses
- Coursebooks and official examination entry fees are excluded from the published fees and must be paid separately. - Uniform costs are not listed in the published fee schedule; families should allow for potential costs for clothing, study materials, transport and extracurricular activities.
Refunds and Cancellations
- There is no publicly published refund policy or detailed refunds/cancellation terms in the published fee information; specific refund conditions for registration or tuition payments are not specified.
Fee Payment Options
- The published fee information specifies payment in full or by 10 monthly instalments (September–June), but specific accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, direct debit, or credit/debit card) are not specified in the published fee material.
Summary of Key Figures (one-line reference)
- Registration fee: €500. Annual tuition (base): €9,440. Monthly (10 months): €944. Per standard term (3-term division): €3,146.67. Optional extras: PCE/Selectividad +€1,050; extra A-level +€1,050; extra language lessons +€525. Coursebooks and exam entries excluded.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
Lunches are provided and required for all students. Meals are prepared by professional chefs using fresh ingredients. The price is 150€ per month.
Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school has a board. Induction includes meeting some of the board members.
Governance and ownership
ALCA is a school created by teachers who have the sole objective of putting EDUCATION FIRST.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school teaches a curriculum that integrates the British National Curriculum with the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It serves students aged 2-16 (as of September 2026). Class sizes are under 20 students, supporting personalised learning.
Curriculum details
ALCA offers internationally recognised A-level qualifications for students over 16. The A-levels are taught in English to 16–18 year-olds. The school offers Mathematics, History, Travel & Tourism, Business Studies, Physics, Spanish, Media Studies, Psychology, Art & Design, and Sport & PE (AS only). Optional extras include Extra Spanish/Extra English, Selectividad Preparation, and GCSE resits. If a subject is not offered, Kings Interhigh Online School can provide additional options. Class sizes are limited to 10 students, and students receive more timetabled time with teachers than at most local schools, with qualified native-English-speaking teachers and a personalised approach that prepares them for university applications.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Small class sizes under 20 students.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
The A-level courses prepare students for university applications and provide access to universities in the UK, Spain and around the world.
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
Global Minds International School focuses on holistic education that supports academic excellence, personal growth, and global awareness. The school aims to develop critical thinking and essential life skills through a dynamic, future-focused curriculum. Learning is personalised with pathways that set individual goals and adapt teaching methods. Collaborative learning and interdisciplinary projects foster teamwork, communication, and social skills. An emphasis on digital literacy and real-world connections helps students become responsible global citizens. Wellbeing, global citizenship, and languages are central to the school's approach.
Social & emotional learning
The school supports students' social and emotional development by providing a structured learning environment led by experienced teachers committed to student well-being.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
The school offers education for 16–18 year olds through English-taught A-levels with native-English teachers, focusing on individualised curriculums and academic support.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school places a strong emphasis on learning multiple languages.
English as an additional language
A-level subjects are taught in English by qualified, experienced native-English teachers, with the option to tailor curriculums and include extra English or Spanish support.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Focus on wellbeing is a central part of the educational project. A healthy mind and body are considered crucial for effective learning. Regular activities such as yoga, mindfulness, and outdoor adventures help students manage stress and build resilience. The approach also integrates physical education and mental health to support overall wellbeing.
Mental wellbeing
The school operates a learning environment designed to support students' mental well-being, anchored by qualified staff and supportive practices.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding and student well-being are addressed through policies and practices implemented by the school to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Located in Llíber, the campus sits in a valley between mountains, trails, ravines, and vineyards. It spans over 32,000 m² of outdoor space and includes a vegetable patch, a swimming pool, a theatre, an indoor gymnasium, and outdoor sports courts. The facilities include a state-of-the-art food science kitchen and well-equipped science laboratories. Additional spaces include a dance studio, music rooms, and a cafeteria with its own kitchen, plus a restaurant. Other notable facilities include a technology room, a STEAM hub, biology/chemistry/physics laboratories, an art room, a natural forest, large classrooms, and workshops.
Facilities overview
The A-Level College of Altea is a small, intimate campus in the heart of Altea, located on Carrer Benidorm. The site is undergoing renovations, and its interior design is inspired by modern British colleges. It features modern classrooms, a quiet library and study space, and vibrant common spaces. Common spaces include a pool table.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Outdoor sports courts are available for PE and team sports. The indoor gymnasium supports campus fitness activities. A semi-Olympic swimming pool provides aquatic programs.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The learning program integrates the British National Curriculum with the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, providing an international educational experience. Class sizes are under 20 students, enabling personalised learning. A focus on critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving underpins the curriculum. Large classrooms and dedicated science and technology spaces enhance academic work.
Academic facilities
Modern classrooms support teaching and learning. There is a quiet library and study space for individual study and group work. The spaces are designed to support independent study and collaboration. The environment focuses on focused study and learning.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Theatre, a dance studio, and music rooms support performing arts and cultural activities. Outdoor spaces and the natural forest enable outdoor education and exploration. The cafeteria and on-site restaurant support school life and events.
Extra curricular facilities
Free sailing lessons on a 52ft sailing boat with instruction from Capitan Guillermo, a business partner. Regular hikes are organized to exercise, bond and explore the local area. Africa Exchange is a cultural exchange project with a school in Africa.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Global Minds International School was founded by Amy McRae Johnson and Yago Escrivà Sastre, who previously walked these halls as students and are now founders of the school. They established Global Minds to provide an education that transcends conventional standards and prepares students for tomorrow's world. The school is built on the principles of partnership and collaboration, with educators who bring an international perspective to the classroom. The founders invite families to partner with Global Minds to build a future for student success.
History
The A-Level College of Altea (ALCA) focuses on education for students over 16 by offering internationally recognised A-level qualifications to prepare for university applications. A-level courses are the UK equivalent of Bachillerato in Spain. Our students join after completing GCSE (Year 11) or 4ª ESO at other schools, in the year they reach the age of 16. ALCA is a school created by teachers who have the sole objective of putting education first. At ALCA, our dedicated Sixth Form site offers a different type of experience, combining a social setting with space to work independently.
Community
Community
Global Minds International School emphasizes a strong and supportive family spirit and a diverse, inclusive student body. Our teachers are dedicated mentors who invest in each student's personal and academic growth, fostering a culture of compassion, respect, and encouragement. Learning at Global Minds includes outdoor activities and field trips that connect students with real-world experiences and strengthen bonds within the 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 STEAM Programme (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) is integrated with the curriculum. Students engage in coding, robotics, and engineering projects, as well as visual arts and performing arts. Interdisciplinary learning fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and connections across subjects.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Visual arts and performing arts are embedded in the STEAM Programme. A dance studio and music rooms, along with a theatre, provide spaces for creative expression. The campus supports arts-based projects that run across disciplines.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Languages are emphasised alongside studies in global politics, culture, and history to cultivate international-mindedness. The school focuses on learning multiple languages and developing global citizenship.
Cultural & language
Africa Exchange is a cultural exchange with a school in Africa. It offers students an opportunity to understand a totally different way of life.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
Community service is an integral part of the educational project, together with environmental stewardship. The school emphasises social responsibility and opportunities for students to contribute to the community.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
Personalised support with university applications is provided.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Health, fitness, and sports are emphasised to build discipline, teamwork, and well-being. The campus features facilities including a semi-Olympic swimming pool, indoor gymnasium, outdoor sports courts, a dance studio, music studios, and a theatre to support well-being.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Free Sailing Lessons are offered through a local business partnership, with sailing on a 52ft boat and instruction from Capitan Guillermo. Regular Hikes provide exercise, bonding, and opportunities to explore the local mountains. These experiences supplement classroom learning with outdoor activity and practical experiences.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
We place a strong emphasis on learning multiple languages, paired with studies in global politics, culture, and history. Language and Literature are taught as core subjects within an interdisciplinary curriculum, and language proficiency is a focus of our program. Global citizenship and languages are central to the learning experience.
Language provision
A-level subjects are taught in English. Spanish is offered as a subject. Optional extras include Extra Spanish/Extra English, Selectividad Preparation, and GCSE resits. Other subjects can be offered through Kings Interhigh online courses.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
The A-Level College of Altea teaches A-level subjects in English to 16-18-year-olds. The teaching team includes qualified, experienced native English-speaking teachers. Curriculums can be tailored to include extra English or Spanish, or preparation for PCE exams. The college emphasises personalised learning and university preparation.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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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
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Apply. Start by completing our application form. When we receive your application, we will be in touch to arrange a Family Conversation. Given our unique approach to a child's education, it is important that both the school and family applying have ample opportunity to explore ideas, questions, thoughts, and feelings, and our application serves as a springboard for those later conversations. Spaces for September 2026 are limited and we are following a first-come-first-serve policy.
2. Family Conversations. A Family Conversation is arranged to explore ideas, questions, thoughts, and feelings and to help both sides understand needs and aspirations.
3. Offer and acceptance. Once we have all relevant information and a place is available, we will issue a formal offer of a place in the form of a letter. To accept a place, parents are asked to pay the registration fee and sign the acceptance form confirming their agreement to the school's Terms and Conditions.
4. Registration. After the offer, a personal meeting is arranged to deepen understanding of our approach and clarify needs and aspirations. We will provide open days very soon. A New Joiners' Information pack is sent to parents with details about the school day, uniform, clubs and other extra-curricular opportunities. There is a comprehensive induction period to allow all students to familiarise themselves with teachers, peers, families, the campus, and board members.
Admissions
1. The school provides a personalised approach to education. A meeting with parents and students is arranged to create a personalised curriculum that best suits their needs. This process ensures the programme is tailored to the student's goals and learning style. 2. Academic requirements: The school is primarily an A-level college, so enrollees should have the capacity, work ethic, and attitude required for the courses. The school can consider students over 16 who may need to resit GCSE exams or require help with the university application process. A meeting is arranged to discuss further. 3. Enrolment for September 2026/2027. The base fee includes three A-level subjects, some extra-curricular activities, and university application mentoring and guidance. Registration is €500 and annual fees are €9,440, payable in full or over 10 months (€944 per month). Additional charges cover PCE/Selectividad preparation (€1,050 annually), extra A-level subject (€1,050 annually), and extra English/Spanish lessons (€525 annually). Fees exclude coursebooks and exam entries. 4. Contact for more information or to arrange a visit. Phone: +34 629 617 417. Address: Carrer Benidorm 3, Altea, 03590.