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Sotogrande International School

Spain, Málaga

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees €9,840 - 28,255
Ages 0 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1000
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1978
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Cambridge A Levels, Reggio Emilia Approach
Taught languages English, Spanish, Russian, French, German, Mandarin
Typical class size 24
Strengths Sport, STEM, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Sotogrande International School (SIS) is an international day and boarding school in Spain that educates from 6 months through 18 years. It operates an IB continuum with the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), and offers an American High School Diploma and an A-level route. The campus supports over 1,300 students in a multilingual, globally minded community, with English as the primary language of instruction and some subjects taught in Spanish; first languages include English, Spanish and Russian, and second languages include English, Spanish, French, German and Mandarin. Facilities include modern STEM laboratories, art studios, versatile teaching spaces, a 5-a-side astro turf pitch and a multi-surface leisure area. The school provides day and boarding (Boarding House for 160+), with extensive university placement services, the Kindred Project, and plans to remodel the library and expand the Primary division to a 4-form entry for its students.

Av. de la Reserva, s/n, 11310 Sotogrande, Cádiz, Spain

The Essentials

Sotogrande International School has 1,000 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
Av. de la Reserva, s/n, 11310 Sotogrande, Cadiz, Spain. The school serves students from 6 months through 18 years, from Early Years to High School. It offers day and boarding options. Private bus services cover Tarifa, Gibraltar, Nueva Andalucia and Estepona.

Stages
Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, and High School. It is an IB World School offering PYP, MPY and the DP programmes.

Type
International Day and Boarding School

Pupil Nationality Mix
The SIS community represents 50 nationalities.

Additional learning support
Comprehensive language acquisition programme to support students with additional language needs.

Country affiliation
Spain

Bus service
Three private, air-conditioned bus services cover Tarifa, Gibraltar, Nueva Andalucia and Estepona; one-way or return options.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school offers on-site boarding with Full Boarding, Weekday Boarding, and Flexi-boarding. The Boarding House provides a safe, welcoming space with on-site staff, common rooms, and a wide range of evening and weekend activities for boarders.

Uniform Requirement
The school uniform is mandatory and can be purchased from El Corte Inglés stores in Algeciras and Marbella or online.

Food Options
Home-made food is prepared on-site with a monthly menu designed by a specialist nutritionist, using fresh ingredients.

Governance and Ownership
Sotogrande International School is a member of Inspired Education, one of the world's largest and most innovative school groups, with over 80 premium schools across five continents.
Fees

Annual tuition at Sotogrande International School ranges from EUR 9,840 to EUR 28,255 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration and Membership Fees

- Registration fee (non-refundable, payable on submission of the application): EC1–P6 €350; M1–D2 €550.

- Membership fee (single payment on admission, per family): EC1–P6 €3,000; M1–M5 €4,000.

Deposits

- Standard deposit (single payment, refundable on departure in accordance with the school's terms and conditions): Day students EC1–P6 €2,000; Day students M1–D2 €2,500; With boarding M1–D2 €5,000. The deposit may be used to cover any damages caused during the stay.

- Early Years specific deposits: Early Years deposit €500 per student. If a child continues in Early Childhood 1 (3 years old before September) the registration fee (€350) and the membership fee (€3,000) are waived, but a refundable deposit of €1,500 is required under the school's terms and conditions.

Tuition fees by year group (annual, EUR)

- Early Childhood: EC1 €9,840; EC2 €10,485.

- Primary: PYP1–PYP2 €15,650; PYP3–PYP6 €16,810.

- Secondary (MYP): MYP1–MYP3 €20,575; MYP4–MYP5 €23,100.

- IB (DP): D1–D2 €28,255.

Early Years term fees (per term; Early Years operates three terms per school year)

- Standard day programme (09:00–15:10):
- 5 days: 1st term €2,920; 2nd term €2,190; 3rd term €2,190.
- 3 days: 1st term €2,490; 2nd term €1,870; 3rd term €1,870.
- 2 days: 1st term €2,170; 2nd term €1,625; 3rd term €1,625.

- Extended day programme (09:00–17:00, 5 days): 1st term €3,650; 2nd term €2,740; 3rd term €2,740. After-hours programme (monthly fee, 15:10–17:00): €225 per month.

Boarding fees and boarding-related services (annual unless stated otherwise)

- Annual boarding standard pack (Templeton House – Standard Pack): €22,720. Includes: all term meals; ensuite shared-room accommodation; transport to activities within a 10 km radius; dedicated supported study time; airport–school transport provision within set dates; weekend activities & entertainment; term-time medical & health insurance.

- Guardian pack for non-EU members (adds dedicated guardian services, visa and residency permit support, notary expenses): €26,810 (annual).

- Weekly boarding house (Monday–Friday, annual fee): €18,350. Extra night for weekly boarders: €115 per night. Flexi-boarding / double room (daily fee, subject to availability): €115 per night; flexi-boarding is for short stays (2–14 days maximum) and is not available during school holidays.

What is included / not included in fees

- Included in published tuition and boarding packages: all term meals and compulsory curriculum-related trips (boarding standard pack details listed above). Boarding packs also include medical & health insurance during term time where specified.

- Not included: devices (e.g., personal laptops/tablets), uniform, transport (where not included in a boarding pack), external examination fees and charges, and other optional extras. Early Years notes specify lunch and uniform are not included in Early Years term fees.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Full payment option: full payment of fees before 15 August.

- Instalment options for tuition fees: three instalments payable on 15 August, 15 December and 15 March. Payments must be arranged by direct debit.

- IB Diploma (D1 & D2) instalment option: D1 and D2 fees are payable in two instalments on 15 August and 15 December.

- Boarding fee instalments: boarding fees are payable in three instalments with the first instalment due 15 March (preceding year), then 15 December and 15 March.

Refunds and cancellation-related points

- Registration and membership fees are non-refundable and payable on submission of the application or admission. The deposit is a single payment that is refundable on departure in accordance with the school's terms and conditions; the deposit may be used to cover any damages caused during the stay. Early Years has a specific refundable-deposit arrangement (€1,500) when registration/membership are waived for children continuing into EC1.

Fee payment options and required payment method

- Required method: payments must be arranged by direct debit (SEPA / direct debit arrangements are required). Instalment schedules described above assume direct-debit collection. The published fee materials set direct debit as the payment arrangement.

Other costs and optional charges

- Additional or optional costs may include: uniform, personal devices, optional external examination or certification fees (where applicable), optional after-hours programs for Early Years (monthly fee €225), extra boarding nights beyond contracted weekly boarding, transport outside included provisions, and any optional extracurricular or elite-sports programme fees where applicable. Specific items listed as not included in the fee schedules are devices, uniform, transport and external examination fees.

(End of fee overview.)
Academics

Sotogrande International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Cambridge A Levels, Reggio Emilia Approach for students aged 0 to 18.

Curriculum
The school is an IB World School offering PYP, MPY and the DP programmes and follows an internationally-recognised curriculum.

Exam Results
In 2025 IB graduates achieved an average point score of 33.5 and a highest Diploma score of 43.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates progress to top universities around the world, including US Ivy League, UK Oxbridge and Russell Group universities.

Gifted and Talented
The school facilitates the development of unique gifts and talents.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SIS provides a child-centered, holistic education with a robust pastoral framework. Personal Advisors in the Secondary School and Class Teachers in the Primary School are the main points of contact for parents and students, ensuring daily support and encouragement. The school emphasises wellbeing and personal development, with strong pastoral guidance, and develops leaders and global citizens through programmes like the Global Citizenship Programme and service learning. The SIS community represents 50 nationalities, contributing to intercultural awareness and mutual respect.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Dedicated Student Support Services and an English Language Development department provide support for learners, including those with additional language needs. The school offers personalised learning with flexible language groupings and extra ELD classes led by specialist teachers. Early Childhood includes immersion for English language development to support language acquisition. Students can access targeted language and learning support as part of a broader inclusive education approach.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Although the main language of instruction is English, SIS is committed to multilingualism and intercultural understanding. The English Language Development (ELD) programme supports learners who do not have English as a first language, with personalised learning to improve English while maintaining cultural diversity. Language learning is embedded across the curriculum, with English language development available as a dedicated department and additional language opportunities (Spanish, French, German, Mandarin).

Mental Wellbeing
Pastoral care is a core part of SIS, with Personal Advisors and Class Teachers supporting students' wellbeing and development. The school emphasises a safe, supportive environment and fosters a culture of happiness as part of a comprehensive pastoral provision. Pastoral guidance is highlighted as an area of strength alongside academic achievement, contributing to student wellbeing and personal growth.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding and child protection are paramount at SIS. The school has a Safeguarding Team and trained staff who act when there is a risk of harm, working with external agencies to safeguard students. The aim is to create a school environment where students feel safe, healthy and well-supported.
Parent Experience

History
Founded over four decades ago, Sotogrande International School serves children from 6 months in the Early Years division to 18 years in the High School, and offers day and boarding options. It is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The school is described as a vibrant, inclusive community of over 1,300 students, with a culture of happiness and a focus on nurturing each student's talents and ambitions.

Community
The school is a vibrant, inclusive community of over 1,300 students and emphasizes a culture of happiness, aimed at nurturing every student's talents and ambitions. The learning environment is shaped by the IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP).

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The PTA welcomes all parents and staff as members and organizes fundraising and social events throughout the year, with funds used to provide resources for students, such as extra playground equipment, table tennis tables, and Go Pros. The Parent Ambassador role promotes the school and represents SIS, helping to share experiences and support families.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Sotogrande campus serves children from 2 to 18 years and supports 21st‑century learning with versatile spaces for engaging lessons. An expansion added a new building with 20 additional secondary classrooms, allowing each academic department to occupy a distinct part of the school. The campus provides modern learning spaces, bright offices and staff rooms, a welcoming entrance and a common room for senior students. Exterior and interior facilities include modern STEM laboratories, art studios, and spacious outdoor playgrounds. The sports facilities include a 5-a‑side astro turf football pitch and a multi‑surface leisure area, and the main building is planned to be remodelled to upgrade the library facilities and extend the primary division to a 4‑form entry school.

Sports Facilities
The campus sports facilities include a 5‑a‑side astro turf football pitch and a multi‑surface leisure area. These facilities are part of the extensive exterior and interior facilities of the campus, reflecting ongoing updates to accommodate a growing student body.

Academic Facilities
Classrooms are high‑quality and equipped with advanced technology, including whiteboards, computers and music and design programmes. Selected classrooms have tiered seating and foldable tables to support presentations and group work. The school environment is designed for learners at every educational level, with modern STEM laboratories and art studios on site. Remodelling plans aim to enhance Primary School provision and update library facilities, enabling the Primary division to extend to a 4‑form entry school.

Extra Curricular Facilities
SIS offers a full and varied extracurricular activities programme to provide opportunities for students to follow their passion and develop their potential. Activities range from music and expressive arts to pre‑engineering club, chess and various sporting clubs. The SIS Activities Programme is coordinated by lead persons for each activity, with Primary School Activities and Secondary School Activities detailing age‑appropriate options.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Sotogrande International School is an independent IB World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP). The school also offers an American High School Diploma route and an International A-level route for high school students. The average IB Diploma score is 34 points. The school emphasizes holistic, inquiry-based learning and enrols students from 6 months through 18 years.

Arts & Creative
The school provides a broad range of activities across performance arts, sports, and service, with academies in Golf, Tennis, Soccer and Water Sports to support competitive participation and personal development.

Cultural & Language
The school is multilingual and internationally minded; its primary language of instruction is English, with some subjects taught in Spanish. First languages offered include English, Spanish and Russian, and second languages include English, Spanish, French, German and Mandarin.

Social & Hobbies
The school offers extensive extracurricular activities across a wide range of interests to support student passions beyond the classroom.

Community & Service
The Kindred Project, an independent NGO run by students since 2010, supports projects in Ecuador, India, Morocco, Spain and Uganda as part of the school's global citizenship activities.

Leadership & Professional
The school supports leadership development and university/career guidance through its pastoral system and university placement services, with a strong emphasis on preparing students for international higher education.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
SIS provides boarding facilities (Boarding House for 160+ students) alongside day schooling, supported by a focus on safeguarding, well-being and a holistic, inclusive school culture.
Languages

Language Provision
The main language of instruction is English, and the school maintains a multilingual environment. Spanish is offered from age 3 as either First Language or Additional Language. Russian is offered as a First Language, while French, German and Mandarin are offered as Second Languages. An English Language Development program supports non-native English speakers.

Bilingual Teaching
The school is bilingual, with English as the main language of instruction and Spanish taught in some subjects. A second language is used in daily routines and in classroom learning. The school employs native-English teachers to support language development and maintains a multilingual environment. This bilingual approach supports multilingualism across the curriculum.

Immersion Programs
English immersion is used in Early Childhood for learners who do not have English as a first language. In Early Childhood, English is introduced through the immersion programme. In Primary, English Language Development provides more specialised language support.
Admissions

Admissions
Register Your Interest by completing the Enquiry Form and arranging a visit. Open Days are held throughout the year on Saturdays. Complete the Application Form on the Open Apply platform and upload the last two years of school reports translated into English; a registration fee is due: Primary €350 per child; Secondary €550 per child. Examinations: Primary students entering PYP5 (9 years) and PYP6 (10 years) complete an online Cognitive Test invigilated by Admissions. Secondary students aged 11–15 take an online Cognitive Test plus the iDAT 360 assessment. Diploma and A‑level students aged 16–18 complete an online assessment including Cognitive, English and Maths. Admissions Review and Conditions: The Admissions Committee reviews applications and assessments and informs the outcome; Diploma students have an online interview with the IB Coordinator. Successful Application: You receive an email with the offer letter and payment conditions. Upload to OpenApply the following documents: copy of student's passport, copies of parents' passports, student NIE, parents' NIE, contract signed by both parents, and Image Consent Form. All documents must be received before your child starts at SIS; if relevant information is withheld, the school reserves the right to withdraw from the place offered.

Scholarships
Nsouli Scholars Programme enables 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend Inspired schools on a full scholarship for the duration of their education. Scholarships at Sotogrande International School are merit‑based and cover reduced IB tuition fees for students who excel in academics, expressive arts and sport; learners of all ages may apply. Complete the Scholarships Application Handbook and the Scholarships Application Form to be considered; download the Scholarship Guide 2026 - 2027. Bursaries: SIS provides financial assistance to families; to be considered, students must have completed at least one full academic year; download the Economic Aid Guide 2025 - 2026.
School Events
The school has not added events
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