The A Level College of Altea vs Xábia International College - Infants & Primary Campus
The A Level College of Altea and Xábia International College - Infants & Primary Campus are both in Alicante, about 26 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes. The A Level College of Altea also offers Cambridge A Levels, and Xábia International College - Infants & Primary Campus also offers BTEC Qualification and EYFS. Published annual fees are close, at €9,440 - 12,065 for The A Level College of Altea and €5,900 - 14,800 for Xábia International College - Infants & Primary Campus. The A Level College of Altea takes pupils from 16 to 18, and Xábia International College - Infants & Primary Campus from 1 to 11. Xábia International College - Infants & Primary Campus is the larger school, with around 450 pupils to The A Level College of Altea's 24. Typical class sizes are 7 at The A Level College of Altea and 20 at Xábia International College - Infants & Primary Campus.
British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
24
Pupils
450
Typical class size
Typical class size
7
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, Spanish
Opened
Opened
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Opened
1994
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
The school is located in Altea. The address is Carrer Benidorm 3, Altea, 03590.
Location
Infants & Primary Campus is Calle Lago Victoria, 3-5, 03738 Jávea; Secondary & Sixth Form Campus is Carrer Cantallops, 37, 03738 Jávea. Xàbia (Jávea) is in Alicante, Spain. Bus routes cover Jávea, Denia, Moraira, Benissa, Calpe, Gata de Gorgos, Ondara, and Pedreguer, with a shuttle connecting the Infants & Primary campus to the Secondary & Sixth Form campus.
Stages
Stages
A-level courses for 16-18 year olds taught in English.
Private, international, co-educational school offering both the British National Curriculum and the Spanish Curriculum
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
Over 20 nationalities represented; diverse international community.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
Spain
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
Our dedicated bus routes cover Jávea, Denia, Moraira, Benissa, Calpe, Gata de Gorgos, Ondara, and Pedreguer, with a shuttle bus connecting the Infants & Primary and Secondary & Sixth Form campuses.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
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.
Fee details
Registration & Re‑registration fees - Registration fee: €1,000. Paid once at the time of first enrolment; non‑refundable and non‑deductible. EYFS (Pre‑Nursery, Nursery and Reception) do not pay this registration fee. - Re‑registration (annual) fee: €630. Non‑refundable; charged on re‑enrolment and deducted from September tuition when applicable. - Reservation for Early Years: Pre‑Nursery, Nursery and Reception pay a reservation fee of €600 at enrolment; this €600 is deducted from the September tuition.
Tuition fees by year group (monthly, per‑term totals calculated, and annual equivalents) Note: Tuition is expressed as a monthly fee for the period September to June (10 monthly instalments). Annual and per‑term figures below are calculated from that monthly figure: annual = monthly × 10; per‑term totals are shown as: Autumn term (September–December = 4 months), Spring term (January–March = 3 months), Summer term (April–June = 3 months). These per‑term month counts follow the school's September–June monthly instalment structure. - Pre‑Nursery - Monthly (Sep–Jun): €590. - Annual (10 months): €5,900. - Autumn (4 months): €2,360; Spring (3 months): €1,770; Summer (3 months): €1,770. - Nursery - Monthly: €720. Annual: €7,200. Autumn: €2,880; Spring: €2,160; Summer: €2,160. - Reception - Monthly: €720. Annual: €7,200. Autumn: €2,880; Spring: €2,160; Summer: €2,160. - Year 1 - Monthly: €920. Annual: €9,200. Autumn: €3,680; Spring: €2,760; Summer: €2,760. - Year 2 - Monthly: €920. Annual: €9,200. Autumn: €3,680; Spring: €2,760; Summer: €2,760. - Year 3 - Monthly: €955. Annual: €9,550. Autumn: €3,820; Spring: €2,865; Summer: €2,865. - Year 4 - Monthly: €955. Annual: €9,550. Autumn: €3,820; Spring: €2,865; Summer: €2,865. - Year 5 - Monthly: €955. Annual: €9,550. Autumn: €3,820; Spring: €2,865; Summer: €2,865. - Year 6 - Monthly: €955. Annual: €9,550. Autumn: €3,820; Spring: €2,865; Summer: €2,865. - Year 7 - Monthly: €1,180. Annual: €11,800. Autumn: €4,720; Spring: €3,540; Summer: €3,540. - Year 8 - Monthly: €1,380. Annual: €13,800. Autumn: €5,520; Spring: €4,140; Summer: €4,140. - Year 9 - Monthly: €1,380. Annual: €13,800. Autumn: €5,520; Spring: €4,140; Summer: €4,140. - Year 10 - Monthly: €1,475. Annual: €14,750. Autumn: €5,900; Spring: €4,425; Summer: €4,425. - Year 11 - Monthly: €1,475. Annual: €14,750. Autumn: €5,900; Spring: €4,425; Summer: €4,425. - Year 12 - Monthly: €1,480. Annual: €14,800. Autumn: €5,920; Spring: €4,440; Summer: €4,440. - Year 13 - Monthly: €1,480. Annual: €14,800. Autumn: €5,920; Spring: €4,440; Summer: €4,440.
Materials, lunch and other recurring costs - Materials: included in the tuition. - School lunch (optional canteen service): €157 per month (optional; billed monthly). Occasional single‑day use is billed at a higher monthly rate. - School bus (optional): - Routes within Jávea: €85 per month. - Routes outside Jávea: €160 per month. - Bus places are booked and billed per the school's transport process. - Extracurricular activities, trips and short courses: charged separately and billed before the activity; these are termly/occasional charges depending on the activity. - Uniforms: full uniform is compulsory from Foundation Stage through Year 11 and must be purchased via the college uniform shop; prices are set in the uniform store.
Discounts - Third sibling and subsequent children (for existing families): 15% discount on tuition. - Annual (full‑year) tuition payment discount: 5% discount if the full year's tuition is paid by 30 June.
Billing schedule & payment terms - Tuition for the academic year is covered by the published fees and divided into 10 monthly instalments (September–June). Payments are normally collected by direct debit/standing order; exceptions (e.g., bank transfer) require a written request. Late payments incur penalty charges and interest; rejected direct debits incur a €20 administrative charge and ongoing interest as specified in the school's terms. - Advance (full‑year) payment is accepted by bank transfer and qualifies for the early‑payment discount when received by 30 June.
Refunds, cancellations and notice - Registration and re‑registration fees are non‑refundable. No refunds are provided for absences due to illness. - Withdrawal: one full academic term's notice is required for permanent withdrawal. If notice is not given in the required timeframe, one term's fees will be charged in lieu of notice. Temporary leaves and reservation options are detailed in the school's terms.
Fee payment options and currency handling - The school collects regular tuition by direct debit/standing order; bank transfer is permitted by written request. In addition, a foreign‑currency payment service (Foreign Currency Direct) is available to facilitate discounted currency exchange and international payments; local contact details are provided by the college for that service.
If you need the exact monthly or term totals copied as presented above for specific year groups, those amounts are the sums shown and calculated from the monthly fees provided by the college.
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
Full uniform is compulsory for all students from Foundation Stage up to Year 11, and uniforms are purchased online via the College uniform shop with on-site fittings. Long hair must be tied back and only discreet earrings are allowed; all items must be labelled with the student's name. For Key Stage 5, dress code is not compulsory, but students should dress appropriately.
Food options
Food options
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Food options
Thomas Franks is the college's catering partner. All meals are prepared daily in-house, ensuring high quality and nutrition, and the menu is designed to nourish and provide an exciting culinary experience tailored to the diverse tastes of the international community.
House system
House system
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House system
The School uses a House System. Each student is allocated a House—Gaudi (Yellow), Picasso (Red), Dali (Green) and Goya (Blue)—and siblings are placed in the same House. House teams earn points through sport and other activities, and the House Cup is presented at the end of the year.
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
ALCA is a school created by teachers who have the sole objective of putting EDUCATION FIRST.
Governance and ownership
Xàbia International College is part of Affinitas Education, an international group of bilingual and international schools. Affinitas supports and strengthens each school by providing resources, training, and an international network, while respecting each school's identity.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
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.
Curriculum details
From Early Years to Sixth Form, Xàbia International College provides a seamless educational journey with specialist teachers and a clear pathway to higher education. The school delivers the British National Curriculum across all stages, complemented by Spanish language lessons and cultural studies, preparing students for universities and careers across the globe. The curriculum combines the British and Spanish systems, offering KS1 to Sixth Form pathways including GCSEs, A-Levels, ESO, and Bachillerato. This approach supports personalised learning and a smooth transition to higher education.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
Small class sizes and dedicated teachers support personalised learning.
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
Class of 2025 achieved outstanding results with a 100% pass rate, 40% of grades at A*-A, and 81% of grades at A*-C.
Higher education progression
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.
Higher education progression
A clear pathway to higher education; prepares students for universities and careers across the globe.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
The school supports students' social and emotional development by providing a structured learning environment led by experienced teachers committed to student well-being.
Social & emotional learning
The Culture of Care ensures students and all adults feel safe, supported, and valued every day. It is a lived ethos, not a separate program, grounded in relationships and mutual respect. Students can raise concerns and be heard, with adults acting in their best interest. Real preparation for life includes building resilience, confidence, and emotional intelligence. The safeguarding commitment emphasizes student safety and wellbeing physically, emotionally, and mentally, and includes a personal, social, health and wellbeing programme. The safeguarding curriculum comprises Relationship & Sex Education, Protective Behaviours, and Digital Safety & Citizenship.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
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.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school operates a learning environment designed to support students' mental well-being, anchored by qualified staff and supportive practices.
Mental wellbeing
Student safety and wellbeing come first—physically, emotionally, and mentally. A Culture of Care makes wellbeing a core value; staff wellbeing is supported so they can care for students effectively. Safeguarding policies are translated into daily actions, with ongoing training and clear behaviour standards. The 3-part safeguarding curriculum delivers Relationships & Sex Education, Protective Behaviours, and Digital Safety & Citizenship as part of Personal, Social, Health and Wellbeing education. This approach aims to develop resilience, confidence, and emotional intelligence to thrive beyond school.
Safeguarding
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
Students are valued, heard and supported by trusted adults. Staff are supported to thrive professionally and emotionally. Families are welcomed as trusted partners. Safeguarding policies are turned into daily, visible, proactive actions. Ongoing training is provided, clear behaviour standards are set, and these are applied consistently by all staff. Safer recruitment follows international best practices, including identity checks, qualifications, references, background screening, and social media reviews, guided by core safeguarding values of Trust, Responsibility, and Equality & Diversity.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
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.
Facilities overview
XIC operates two campuses in Jávea: Infants & Primary Campus at Calle Lago Victoria, 3-5, 03738 Xàbia, and Secondary & Sixth Form Campus at Carrer Cantallops, 37, 03738 Xàbia. In Early Years, indoor spaces include role play areas, small-world activities, and sensory play, while outdoor spaces support gross motor development. The school provides a bilingual Foundation with daily exposure to both Spanish and English in the early years. The British National Curriculum and the Spanish Curriculum are taught across the College. Small class sizes and the use of the latest technology support learning.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
Beyond the Classroom describes an after-school sports programme with volleyball, girls' football, netball, and basketball. Breaks and lunchtimes include sports activities for all ages and abilities. The College also has strong links with local sports clubs to expand the XIC sports offering.
Academic facilities
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.
Academic facilities
The new Sixth Form Centre offers state-of-the-art facilities, modern learning spaces, and dedicated study areas. The Sixth Form curriculum includes A Levels alongside Spanish ESO and Bachillerato. The school operates dual pathways, combining English National Curriculum with the Spanish curriculum. Small class sizes and the use of the latest technology support teaching across stages. The Spanish Department provides tailored support for language learners.
Extra curricular facilities
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.
Extra curricular facilities
XIC Extra offers after-school clubs on campus, ranging from robotics to arts and crafts. Programs span diverse interests, including sports, music, languages, and creative arts. Easter Camp and Summer Camp provide additional activity opportunities. Examples of clubs include Bytebots and Megabots, Lego Club, Yoga & Mindfulness, Drama Club, Football, Karate, and Dance. Wraparound care is available.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
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.
History
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Community
Community
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Community
XIC has a diverse international community with over 20 nationalities represented. Students graduate to pursue courses and careers all over the world. The school delivers the British National Curriculum and the Spanish Curriculum across three purpose-built campuses in Jávea, providing a safe, inspiring learning environment. Small class sizes and a warm, family-like atmosphere support personal growth and a sense of belonging.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
Family@XIC is the Parents Association at XIC, including parents, staff and children. It is the space where social, sporting and creative events are organised and provides networking and engagement opportunities for the school community. Events include International Day, Christmas Fair, Coffee Mornings, Seasonal Socials and a Parent Quiz. Parents connect through the official XIC Parents Facebook Group, and Family@ welcomes ideas and volunteers to join the committee, meeting a few times per term. The Association also links with charity work, such as Project 4 All, with fundraising at events like Festive Fair that support local community needs. To join, email family@xabiainternationalcollege.com.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
XIC Extra offers robotics and STEM-focused after-school activities. Robótica Bytebots serves Years 1–3 and Megabots serves Years 4–7, providing hands-on engineering and problem‑solving experiences. The program includes Lego Club, which supports building and collaborative thinking. These clubs extend practical science and technology learning beyond classroom time.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
XIC Extra provides a broad range of arts and creative activities. Music options include Saxophone, Piano, Guitar, and Singing Lessons, along with dance and drama opportunities such as Commercial Dance Junior and Drama Club. Visual arts and crafts are offered through Painting Lessons, Arts & Crafts for Reception to Year 7, Christmas Arts & Crafts, and Stitch & Style. These activities foster creativity and performance skills across age groups.
Cultural & language
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.
Cultural & language
Hablemos español/ Let's talk Spanish is a language club available to students, supporting practical Spanish language use. The clubs welcome participation from multiple year groups, reinforcing bilingual or multilingual communication. Cultural enrichment is embedded through language practice offered alongside other extracurricular programs.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
Students can join a wide array of social and hobby clubs, including Drama Club and various sports clubs. Football is offered for different age groups, including Girls Football Club (Secondary) and general Football for Years 1–3 and Years 8–10. Other activities include Muay Thai, Karate, Handball, Table Tennis, and Sailing. There are also hobby-oriented clubs like Stitch & Style, Lego Club, Arts & Crafts, and Little Wheels Skating Club.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
XIC Extra emphasizes community engagement and fosters strong connections with families and the school community. The program offers Easter Camp and Summer Camp, providing safe, engaging experiences for students and opportunities to participate in the wider school community.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Personalised support with university applications is provided.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Yoga & Mindfulness is offered across Years 2–4 and 5–7 to promote wellbeing. Physical activities include Muay Thai and Karate (Juniors and Secondary), as well as sailing and other sports clubs. The program supports an active, balanced lifestyle for students along with after-school care options.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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.
Language provision
British National Curriculum across all stages, complemented by Spanish language lessons and cultural studies.
Bilingual teaching
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.
Bilingual teaching
Spanish language lessons are provided alongside the British National Curriculum; a formal bilingual program is not described.
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. 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.
Admissions
01 Enquire: Complete the Enquiry Form with basic details about your child. This helps Xàbia International College understand your needs and prepare the right information for you. You can access the Enquire Now button to start.
02 Visit: Experience XIC. The best way to discover what makes XIC unique is by visiting us. During the visit, you will meet our Director, the Heads of Primary or Secondary.
03 Offer: After we have reviewed your information and confirmed availability, we will send you a formal offer and a Registration Form. Please also review our Terms and Conditions.
04 Register: To secure your child's place, return the signed Registration Form with a copy of your identification (Passport, NIE or DNI).