The British College of Benalmádena vs The British International School of Marbella

	T The British College of Benalmádena Malaga, Spain	T The British International School of Marbella Malaga, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €4,000 - 7,000	Fees / year €6,000 - 14,500
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 805	Pupils 580
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 24
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Spanish	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2000	Opened 2010
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Urb. Torremuelle, Paseo del Genil s/n, 29630 Benalmádena Costa, Málaga, Spain	Location Main Campus: Calle Teba 4, Marbella 29602, Spain. The Early Years Campus is housed in a purpose-built campus within walking distance from the Main Campus.
Stages	Stages Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Reception; Primary School; Secondary School; AS/A Level	Stages Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Sixth Form
School type	School type British international school	School type British international day school offering education based on the National Curriculum of England and Wales.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Over 40 nationalities represented; the largest groups are Spanish and British	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Highly personalised, targeted interventions and adjustments in learning objectives coordinated by the special educational needs coordinator	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation British and Spanish	Country affiliation UK and Spain
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure School day starts at 09:00 and ends at 16:00. Infants, Primary and Secondary have a 20-minute break from 10:30 to 10:50. Nursery and Reception have lunch from 12:00 to 13:00 and a break until 13:30. Primary lunch is from 13:05 to 14:05. Secondary lunch is from 13:45 to 14:30. Secondary is divided into eight 45-minute periods; after-school activities and support lessons are offered daily.	School day structure The school day runs from 8:30am to 4:30pm. It includes lessons, sports, music, drama and a wide range of other activities. All pupils have lunch at school; some activities such as sports team training sessions continue until 5:30pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school has a bus service with two routes: Las Chapas – Torremuelle and Guadalmar – Torremuelle; pick-up and drop-off times/points are published for each school year	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / registration fees - The school does not publish a stated, public one‑time application or enrolment fee for the current academic year. External Costa del Sol school guides report that a one‑time registration/enrolment fee for similar British international schools typically ranges from approximately EUR 100 to EUR 2,000 (amounts vary by school). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term guidance) - The British College of Benalmádena does not publish a year‑by‑year, per‑term fee schedule that is publicly available for the current academic year. The following figures are market estimates from independent guides for this school and comparable British international schools on the Costa del Sol; they are presented as estimated annual tuition ranges by stage (not official published school figures): - Early Years / Nursery & Reception (Pre‑Nursery to Reception): approximately EUR 4,000 – EUR 9,000 per year. - Primary (Years 1–6): approximately EUR 6,000 – EUR 11,000 per year. - Secondary (Years 7–11 / Sixth Form Years 12–13): approximately EUR 7,000 – EUR 15,000+ per year depending on year group and programme. - Per‑term or per‑installment amounts are not published by the school. As a practical guide, if a school bills termly, expect roughly one‑third of the annual figure per term; if billed in 10 monthly instalments, expect roughly one‑tenth per month. Some regional school practices (examples from comparable British schools) include 10 monthly instalments or termly billing and discounts for a single annual payment. These are common regional billing patterns rather than the British College's published policy. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school's publicly accessible pages do not include a detailed billing schedule or formal payment terms for tuition (due dates, penalties, sibling discounts, etc.). Market guides indicate common local practice is annual, termly or multi‑instalment billing with a one‑time enrolment/matriculation payment in many schools; specific terms for this school are not publicly published. Boarding fees - The British College of Benalmádena operates as a day school; there is no published boarding provision or boarding fee schedule. Other costs and typical additional fees - Uniforms: Uniform items are mandatory and can be purchased at the school; no public price list is published for uniform items. - Lunch / catering: School lunch is compulsory for Nursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3; the school operates an in‑house catering service, but per‑pupil lunch pricing is not published. - School bus: The school runs bus routes (detailed routes/times are published), but bus fares / seasonal rates are not published on the site. - Extracurricular activities and clubs: The school offers extracurricular programmes; some activities may carry additional charges but specific prices are not publicly listed. - Examination and external assessment fees: External exam boards (IGCSE, A‑Level) typically charge per exam; exam fees for candidates are common at British international schools though the school's public pages do not list the amounts. Refund information - The school does not publish a public refund policy or a detailed statement of refund conditions for enrolment, tuition or ancillary charges in its publicly visible information. Regional practice for comparable schools commonly treats certain one‑time enrolment/matriculation fees as non‑refundable, but no specific published refund rules for this school were found. Fee payment options - The school's public pages do not list accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, credit/debit card, direct debit). Contact details are published for direct enquiry (telephone and email) for admissions and accounts, but explicit payment method options are not posted. Brief summary of availability and reliability of the figures provided - A complete, itemised, year‑by‑year and per‑term fee schedule for the current academic year is not published in the school's publicly available materials. The tuition ranges above are independent market estimates from Costa del Sol and international school guides and should be treated as indicative rather than official school rates. Key operational items (uniform purchase at school, compulsory early‑years lunch, school bus service and day‑school status) are stated by the school in its public pages.	Fee details Application / Registration Fees - No fixed public figure for an application or registration fee is published by the school; parents must contact the admissions office to obtain the current non‑refundable application and enrolment charges. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term estimates) - Early Years / Foundation Stage (ages 2–5): EUR 6,000 – EUR 9,000 per year. Per term (three terms assumed): approximately EUR 2,000 – EUR 3,000. - Primary (Years 1–6): EUR 8,000 – EUR 12,000 per year. Per term: approximately EUR 2,666 – EUR 4,000. - Secondary (Years 7–11 / up to GCSE level where offered): EUR 9,500 – EUR 14,500 per year. Per term: approximately EUR 3,166 – EUR 4,833. - Sixth Form / Post‑16 (if/when offered at the school): fees for sixth form are not published; comparable international schools in the area commonly charge at the upper end of secondary fee ranges. Use the secondary range above as a local market reference. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school's published admissions material states that families should contact the school for a full fees schedule and that discounts are available for siblings and for payment made annually. Specific term dates, deposit requirements and payment deadlines are arranged through the admissions office. Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed as an offering for The British International School of Marbella; the school operates as day campuses (EYFS campus and Primary & Secondary campus). Therefore boarding fees are not applicable. Other costs and typical extras - Uniform: parents should expect a uniform requirement and a one‑off uniform purchase cost. Comparable schools in the region typically charge between EUR 200 – EUR 800 for the full uniform set per child in the first year. - Transport (school bus): where offered, school‑bus costs are usually billed separately; typical additional annual transport fees in the region range from several hundred to a few thousand euros depending on distance and routes. - Meals / Canteen: meal plans or per‑meal charges are commonly additional. Regionally, canteen costs typically amount to EUR 100 – EUR 300 per month. - Exam, materials and activity fees: exam entry fees (e.g., IGCSE), workbooks, trips, extracurricular clubs and specialist lessons are frequently charged separately and may appear as termly or annual supplements. Budget for additional extras during the year. Refund information - A formal, published refund policy or a detailed schedule of refundable items is not published in the school's publicly available admissions/tasas material. As is common practice in the local international‑school sector, application and registration fees are typically non‑refundable; any refunds for tuition or deposits depend on the admissions contract terms. Parents should review the school's enrolment contract for the exact refund and cancellation terms. Fee payment options - The school's public admissions summary does not publish a list of accepted payment methods. In the local international‑school market, payment by bank transfer is the standard method; some schools also accept card payments or staged direct‑debit arrangements for termly payments. Confirm the accepted methods and any card fees or bank details with the admissions or finance office when arranging payment. Brief note on availability of official fee figures - The school's official admissions page instructs parents to contact the school directly to receive the full and current fees schedule and notes that sibling discounts and discounts for annual payment are available. Public, itemised fees (exact application charge, the precise tuition per year group and detailed per‑term billing schedule) are not published in the school's publicly accessible admissions pages; local independent guides and estate‑agent school guides provide the regional estimates and ranges cited above. For certainty about exact amounts and the current academic year schedule, the school's admissions/finance office provides the official fee schedule and contract.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Boys: Checked trousers up to year 1, grey trousers from year 2 onwards, beige long-sleeved shirt or polo shirt in hot weather, green V‑neck jumper, winter coat, tie, green socks, and black shoes. Girls: Checked skirt with straps up to year 1, beige long-sleeved shirt or polo shirt in hot weather, green V‑neck jumper, winter coat, tie, green socks or tights, and black flat shoes. PE kit: White T‑shirt with red and green details, green shorts or tracksuit, green socks, and white trainers. All items can be purchased at school.	Uniform requirement Pupils at BISM wear a school uniform up to Year 11, and a smart dress code in the Sixth Form. Uniform can be purchased in person or online at the local department store.
Food options	Food options The school provides a three‑course lunch cooked fresh daily in the school kitchen and served in the dining hall. Menus are planned following the Diet Therapy guidelines of the University of Navarra and are supervised by AENOR. The cafeteria also offers sandwiches, snacks and drinks. Pupils may bring their own packed lunch, except for Nursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 where school lunch is compulsory.	Food options All pupils have lunch at school. Lunches are prepared on site in our kitchens. Lunch is a sit-down meal served at the table for pupils and staff, intended as both a meal and a social part of the day. The menu provides a healthy, balanced diet drawn from local and international cuisine. Vegan and gluten-free options are provided. Allergies and intolerances are carefully observed and catered for.
House system	House system —	House system BISM operates a four-house system. The House Sports Competition runs all year. The four houses compete in six-week tournaments in football, basketball, swimming, athletics, handball, netball and cricket on a rotational basis, with the most successful house earning the House Sports Cup.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Family owned.	Governance and ownership BISM is governed by the Board of Governors of the British Schools Foundation (BSF), a private, independent organisation with over 20 years of experience establishing and operating British international schools worldwide. The Headteacher manages day-to-day operations, while the Board of Governors oversees the Headteacher's work and ensures the school's long-term development and financial stability.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The British College of Benalme1dena follows the Cambridge curriculum pathway. After being awarded the IGCSE certificate, students undertake a two-year AS/A Level course leading to Cambridge GCE Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level examinations. A broad range of AS/A Level subjects is offered, including English Language, English Literature, History, Geography, Mathematics, Global Perspectives, Biology, Spanish, Physics, French, Chemistry, Art and Design, Business Studies, Physical Education, Travel & Tourism, Music, Information Technology, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Digital Media and Design, and Economics. The senior pathway combines IGCSE preparation in the secondary years with progression to A Levels in the Sixth Form. The curriculum is delivered across Pre-Nursery to Primary and Secondary School levels, culminating in Cambridge qualifications at AS/A Level.	Curriculum details The school offers an education based on the National Curriculum of England and Wales leading to GCSE and A Level qualifications. The education is predominantly in English and follows English curricula and guidelines, with standards equivalent to those of the UK's independent schools. Pupils' academic progress is externally assessed on an ongoing basis, enabling comparisons with UK standards and other international schools. Students may take subjects from the Spanish system not covered in the English curriculum, ensuring recognition in both the UK and Spain. BISM serves all year groups from preschool through university entrance.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results IGCSE results 2025 show 97 students sat IGCSEs, with 78% achieving A–C grades; First language English achieved 97% A–C; Co-ordinated Sciences 92% A/A/B; Extended Mathematics 98% A–C; Additional Mathematics 100% A/B; History 99% A–C; Art and Design 99% A–C; French 100% A–C. AS/A Level results 2025: 96 students sat four AS/A Level examinations; 97% of students passed all subjects; Mathematics 100% pass rate; Further Mathematics 99% A*; Chemistry 100% pass; Physics 100% pass; Biology 99% pass; History 100% pass; Art and Design 100% A/B.	Exam results A Level Results – 2025: A–A 34%; A–B 72%; A–C 88%; A–E 100% (Pass = A* to E). GCSE Results – 2025: A–A 65%; A–C 95% (Pass = A* to C).
Higher education progression	Higher education progression In 2023/2024, 100% of Year 13 students gained places at universities for entry at the start of the 2024/2025 academic year. Graduates attend a range of universities including the University of Westminster, IE University (Madrid), University of Granada, University of Manchester, and others listed on the school's progression page.	Higher education progression Our graduating pupils go on to study at universities around the world.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards celebrate high achievement by our students; Cambridge Examination Board information shows that each year some students achieve Top in Spain or Top in the World for IGCSE, AS and A Level. Notable examples include Top in Spain for Cambridge A Level Business Studies (June 2025) and Top in the World for Cambridge IGCSE Foreign Language Mandarin Chinese (June 2024). The school credits students and teachers for these achievements, reflecting the school 0s commitment to high attainment.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Respect for the individual, a love of learning, and a caring environment where students feel valued and learn to love and respect others.	Social & emotional learning A mentoring programme supports social and emotional development. Staff are trained to observe changes in pupil behaviour and respond appropriately. Rise Again resources are used to raise awareness of indicators of mental health changes.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Support is provided through highly personalised, targeted interventions, with adjustments to learning objectives coordinated by the special educational needs coordinator.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Education is delivered in English and the curriculum is bilingual in English and Spanish.	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing A psychology department is run by a clinical psychologist to support student wellbeing; PSHE is a high-profile part of the curriculum, encouraging responsible and respectful behaviour.	Mental wellbeing Mental health and wellbeing are supported through the mentoring programme and staff training; the Designated Safeguarding Lead coordinates training and support resources, including Rise Again, to raise awareness of indicators of mental health changes.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding policies and procedures are thorough and a high priority for all staff; there is a fully equipped infirmary and a full-time doctor on site; staff working with younger pupils have high awareness of child protection issues; a guardian angels system provides help and support for new pupils.	Safeguarding The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Tracey Thomas (Headteacher). Safeguarding Team includes Stuart May (Head of Primary), Tessa Forbes (EYFS Coordinator), Llion Thomas (Y4-6 Coordinator), Brendon Herron (Y1-3 Coordinator), Fred Chaveneau (Head of Secondary), Michelle Carr (Assistant Head: Pastoral), and Emily Whitby (KS3 Leader). A Designated Safeguarding Governor is Ola Natvig. The safeguarding policy references Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025). Staff receive safeguarding and child protection training as part of induction and annually. Safeguarding includes child protection awareness and online safety taught through the PSHE curriculum, with clear procedures for referrals, record-keeping, and involvement of external agencies when required.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Modern classrooms are equipped with large interactive whiteboards. The school has three science laboratories with the latest technical devices, a big gymnasium, a music room, and an art room. Primary and Secondary libraries are on site, along with three fully-networked computer resource centres. There is a totally equipped infirmary and a concert and drama hall. The campus includes seven play areas with sports facilities, the main one being a large, shaded park with a multi-sports area.	Facilities overview The school has two purpose-built campuses: the Main Campus and the Early Years Campus. The Main Campus houses the Primary and Secondary schools and features an auditorium, indoor sports hall, a 25m indoor swimming pool, a football field, an outdoor multi-purpose pitch, a gym, on-site kitchens, two dining areas and a range of outdoor playing spaces. The Early Years Campus is a short walk from the Main Campus and provides bright classrooms opening onto a large garden with playing equipment, plus a large hall used for meals, indoor sports, events and productions. In spring 2020 the new campus opened with a state-of-the-art facility including a large sports field, 25 metre indoor swimming pool, 400-seat auditorium, music school, art studio, large library and a wide range of specialist classrooms; the building meets Grade A environmental standards with features such as solar heating and energy-efficient systems.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The campus has seven play areas with sports facilities across age groups. The main park is large and shaded and includes a multi-sports area.	Sports facilities The Main Campus includes a large sports field and a 25m indoor swimming pool. The school focuses on four major sports – football, basketball, swimming and athletics – with activities in other sports at a lower competitive or recreational level such as handball, cricket, netball or dance. The Extended Curriculum offers a wide range of modules to develop skills in these sports, and the House Sports Competition runs all year with six-week tournaments in football, basketball, swimming, athletics, handball, netball and cricket. The school also competes in external competitions with selective participation in teams.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Three science laboratories are equipped with the latest devices. There are three fully-networked computer resource centres with the latest computing equipment. Classrooms feature large interactive whiteboards. The school also has a music room and an art room. An infirmary is on site, and there is a concert and drama hall.	Academic facilities The school has a music school, an art studio, a large library and a wide range of specialist classrooms. Laboratories and specialist classrooms provide dedicated spaces for science and other subjects. The curriculum follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, leading to GCSE and A Level qualifications. Pupils' academic progress is externally assessed on an ongoing basis.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities Sports, music, drama and outdoor activities begin in the Early Years and continue through the Sixth Form. Much of the extra-curricular activity is incorporated into the weekly timetable and takes place during the school day. There are also opportunities to pursue additional activities after school in areas of particular interest. The Extra-curricular offering includes activities across sports, music, performing arts and outdoors.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Established in September 2000, The British College of Benalmádena is family-owned. It is housed in a purpose-built building in Torremuelle on the coast of Benalmádena. The school has grown to about 805 pupils aged 1–18 and represents more than 40 nationalities, with the largest groups being Spanish and British.	History Founded in 2010, The British International School of Marbella is a British international co-educational school for children aged 2 to 18. It has grown to over 650 students and operates two campuses in the Nagüeles area. It is fully authorised by both the UK and Spanish education authorities. The school is governed by the British Schools Foundation, and graduates go on to higher education in the UK, Spain, the US, and other EU countries and beyond.
Community	Community The British College of Benalmádena fosters a diverse and inclusive school community. It aims to create a happy and caring learning environment, where diversity is celebrated and an understanding of difference is promoted. Pupils are encouraged to become confident, knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and responsible adults who can contribute to modern society, with empathy for diverse cultures and a passion for learning. Parents participate in school life through assemblies and events, such as Our carnival party and La Chandeleur, and attend foundation and primary assemblies.	Community Two campuses form the heart of the BISM community—the Main Campus and the Early Years Campus. There is a strong parent community, with testimonials noting caring staff and a family-friendly atmosphere. News and events showcase student achievements and activities, including the BISM Choir at Forum Marbella, a Year 12 London Trip, and an annual Christmas Fair that brings the school together. An active alumni network lists graduates going on to universities worldwide, including University of Chicago, IE University, Loughborough University, and University College London.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Following the British Curriculum alongside the Spanish Curriculum, The British College of Benalme1dena delivers Cambridge IGCSEs and GCE AS/A Levels, with Spanish Language and Literature, Geography and History taught in Spanish. This dual qualification pathway enables access to universities in Britain, Spain, the United States or elsewhere, with direct access to Spanish universities for those choosing Spain. From Year 7, a second language is introduced and students can opt for French. The average class size is around 20 pupils, and the pupil-to-staff ratio is about 13:1 to 14:1, enabling tailored support.	Academic & intellectual Robotics, Drama, Taekwondo, Football, Chinese, French, Spanish and Russian are available as after-school activities. Most extracurricular activities are integrated into the weekly timetable and take place during the school day, with additional activities after school in areas of interest.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Extra-curricular activities include singing in the choir, music lessons, ballet, drama club and art club, with IT club and homework club among other options. A range of arts opportunities is provided to enrich creative development beyond lessons. The theatre is featured through theatre trips and related events as part of the enrichment programme.	Arts & creative Music is part of the Extended Curriculum with instrumental lessons, choirs, ensembles and frequent performances. Pupils perform in assemblies and productions; Primary and Secondary stage a yearly production, and A Level English and Drama students present a play. Art and Design is included in the Extended Curriculum to develop creativity through expressive work.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language From Year 7, a second language is introduced and students can opt for French. French cultural activities, such as La Chandeleur, are part of school life.	Cultural & language Chinese, French, Spanish and Russian are offered as extracurricular language activities. Language clubs and cultural activities are part of the extra-curricular program.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Every weekday, from Monday to Friday, between 4 and 5 p.m., Nursery to Year 13 pupils may join a wide range of after-school activities, including choir, music, ballet, IT club, art club, homework club, chess club and drama club.	Social & hobbies Drama and theatre, music ensembles and outdoor activities form the social and hobby-oriented side of the program. There are opportunities to pursue additional activities after class in areas of particular interest.
Community & service	Community & service PSHE is given a high profile and pupils have opportunities to develop confidence; assemblies celebrate learning and support character development. The school has participated in Save the Children activities and Ukraine relief efforts, acting as an ambassador in Spain for Save the Children and raising funds and purchasing medical equipment for Ukraine.	Community & service School trips combine culture, physical endeavour and community service. Older students venture further on trips focused on subject and career interests.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Head girl and head boy, their deputies and prefects actively organise events such as the Christmas concert and the summer fair. A Sixth Form career advisor team provides assistance with university applications and career guidance. Leadership development is also fostered through experiential trips, such as the Sierra Nevada trip that encourages leadership and camaraderie.	Leadership & professional The International Duke of Edinburgh Award is available for students over the age of 14 and includes an important outdoor component, supporting leadership development and self-reliance.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing PSHE forms an integral part of the curriculum at all levels, promoting personal, social and health development. Healthy eating and physical exercise are emphasised, and safeguarding policies are thorough. The campus includes a full-time doctor, an infirmary, and a guardian angels system to help new pupils feel at home.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The sports programme centers on football, basketball, swimming and athletics, with other sports offered at lower competitive or recreational levels. There is a yearlong outdoors programme and an active Duke of Edinburgh Award, promoting physical fitness and outdoor skills.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Spanish Language and Literature, Geography and History are taught in Spanish. From Year 7, an additional language is introduced and students may opt to study French. The curriculum follows the British Curriculum, leading to Cambridge IGCSEs and GCE AS and A Levels, while Spanish-language subjects contribute to the Spanish Certificate of Secondary Education and Spanish Baccalaureate.	Language provision English and Spanish are studied. The school uses the English National Curriculum and emphasises a second language in the primary years, leading to GCSE and A Level qualifications in secondary. Daily Spanish lessons are provided.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school uses a dual British-Spanish curriculum. Subjects from the British Curriculum are taught, while Spanish Language and Literature, Geography and History are taught in Spanish. From Year 7, an additional language is introduced and students can opt for French.	Bilingual teaching The school teaches English and Spanish from the primary level. Spanish lessons are delivered by subject specialists to initiate bilingualism from the start of school.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations The British International School of Marbella is fully recognised and accredited by the UK Department for Education through the British Council and by the Spanish Ministry of Education through the Department of Education of Andalucia. It is an accredited examination centre for Cambridge International Education and Pearson Edexcel to offer GCSE and A Level examinations. BISM is a member of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and the National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABSS). The school is inspected regularly by NABSS on behalf of the British Council, by COBIS and by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Fall 2025/2026 applications are now open. Registration can be completed by calling the school office to make an appointment, or through the school's web page. If you request a place online, fill in the corresponding form. The school will contact you after receiving your request. 2. To register a student, the father/mother/guardian must make an appointment with the principal and come accompanied by the child. This is listed as part of the admissions process. The appointment takes place at the school to begin the registration. You will receive further instructions after the appointment. 3. Depending on the year you are requesting a place for, the student might need to sit an entrance examination. The entrance exam is noted in the admissions information. Exams may be described as part of the entry requirements for certain cohorts.	Admissions 1. Submit application (including last school report if applicable). The admissions process is designed to be quick and straightforward. Applications can be submitted at any time. The next step is the family interview. 2. Family interview. The family interview is part of the admissions process. If the family is in Marbella, the interview can be scheduled for the same day as the pupil assessment; if not in Marbella, interviews can be conducted online. 3. Pupil assessment. Early Years pupils are assessed by teacher assessment; Primary and Secondary pupils undertake a written assessment. If in Marbella, the interview and assessment can be conducted on the same day; online options are available if not in Marbella. The results lead to the school's decision. 4. Decision communicated by school. The school communicates the admission decision. Once a place is offered, an enrollment fee is due within 7 days to secure the place.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →