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The Benalmádena International College

Spain, Málaga

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Spanish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 300
Type Co-educational
Opened 1997
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish, French
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

The Benalmádena International College is a private, UK‑curriculum school for ages 3 to 18, located in Nueva Torrequebrada near Benalmádena Costa and Fuengirola. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Keith Ellis, the college operates on a single 17,500 m² campus with four buildings: Infants and Primary, Secondary, a Cafeteria and a Games Room. The school offers a British National Curriculum from Early Years Foundation Stage through Sixth Form, with elements of the Spanish curriculum, and provides a bespoke approach for students with SEN. The curriculum includes BTEC qualifications and A-Levels in Sixth Form. Facilities support age‑appropriate learning and social development, with close proximity to the beach and a coastal setting that enhances exploration. The college holds ISI inspection and British Schools Overseas accreditation and reports academic results well above the UK national average. Extra‑curricular activities include sports, theatre and an English club, plus international sports tournaments. Its campus inspires learners daily.

Nueva Torrequebrada, C. Catamarán, s/n, 29630 Benalmádena, Málaga, Spain

The Essentials

The Benalmádena International College has 300 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English, Spanish.

Location
Nueva Torrequebrada, Calle Catamarán, s/n, 29630 Benalmádena Costa, Málaga, Spain. The campus is just 300 metres from the beach and spans 17,500 m2 across four buildings.

Stages
Preschool / Early Years; Primary; Secondary; Sixth Form

Type
Private school following the UK national curriculum (British educational program).

Pupil Nationality Mix
Over 300 students and 53/54 nationalities.

Country affiliation
UK-affiliated education (British curriculum).
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform must be worn for each day and season, including sport days and seasonal variations.

Food Options
Lunch is provided in the on-site cafeteria. A monthly lunch menu is published; meals include meat, fish and vegetarian options.

House System
The school uses a house system with houses named Goya and Picasso, with House Points awarded to track achievement and behaviour.

Governance and Ownership
The school is privately owned and operated by The Benalmádena International College SL (CIF B92141514).
Fees

Annual tuition at The Benalmádena International College ranges from EUR 0 for 2026/27.

Application fees
- The school does not publish a publicly available, specific application or registration fee amount. Parents should note that no fixed application fee is published in the school's admissions or downloads materials.

Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year)
- The school does not publish a publicly available breakdown of tuition fees by year group or per term on its public admissions, downloads or general information pages. There are no publicly posted per-term or per-year figures for Preschool / Primary / Secondary / Sixth Form.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school does not publish a public, itemised billing schedule or standard payment-term summary (for example: termly dates, number of instalments, due dates, or penalties) on the public admissions or downloads pages. Specific billing schedules and payment terms are not available in the school's public documents.

Boarding fees (if applicable)
- The school does not list any boarding provision or boarding fees; there is no public information indicating the school operates a boarding programme. Therefore no boarding fees are published.

Other costs and typical extras
- Lunch: The school operates an on-site lunch service and offers a monthly meal menu; there is an option for students to bring lunch from home for a small monthly fee. Exact costs for lunch options are not published in the downloads or admissions pages.
- Uniform, books, exam fees, transport, extracurriculars and other ancillary charges: no public, itemised fees for uniform, learning materials, external exam entry (IGCSE/A-Level) fees, transport or extracurricular programme charges are published in the school's public downloads or admissions materials.

Refund information
- There is no publicly posted refund policy or specific information on refunds for tuition, deposits or other fees in the school's public admissions or downloads documents. Refund terms are not available in the published material.

Fee payment options
- The school does not publish a public list of accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, direct debit, credit card) or online payment portal details on its admissions or downloads pages. Contact channels for the school are provided for fee and admissions enquiries: admissions@bic-benal.com, info@bic-benal.com and telephone +34 952 561 666. Use these contacts to request the official fee schedule and confirmed payment methods.

Brief summary of what was searched and where information was not available
- Public pages checked included the school's admissions and downloads sections and the main school pages; these pages include contact and admissions procedure information but do not include an itemised, public fee schedule, termly or yearly tuition figures, published application fees, published payment terms, or a boarding programme. For that reason, there are no definitive per-term or per-year fee figures, payment-method lists, boarding fees or refund-terms that can be stated from publicly posted materials.
Academics

The Benalmádena International College teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The Benalmádena International College offers a comprehensive journey from Nursery through Sixth Form, following the UK National Curriculum complemented by elements of the Spanish curriculum. Early Years Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception) focuses on building foundational skills through play-based learning. Primary School (Years 1–6) provides a broad, balanced programme including English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Arts and Physical Education, with emphasis on critical thinking. Secondary School (Years 7–11) expands the subject range with English, Mathematics and Science as core subjects, alongside Humanities, Languages, Arts and Technology. Sixth Form (Years 12–13) offers A-Level courses with individualized guidance to prepare for higher education or vocational pathways.

Exam Results
Academic results are well above the UK average. This level of attainment supports university placement worldwide.

Higher Education Progression
Academic attainment enables admission to universities worldwide. The college notes that students secure places at universities around the world.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Benalme1dena International College promotes the holistic growth of students by combining the International Baccalaureate with the British curriculum to support both academic and personal development. The school emphasizes personal development alongside academic achievement and fosters an inclusive, stimulating learning environment guided by core values of academic excellence, integrity, respect and diversity. Extracurricular activities complement the curriculum and help students develop leadership, empathy and resilience. The school supports pupils on their educational and personal journey, offering a setting where they can learn, grow and thrive. Emotional and social development is supported through targeted SEN provision and regular meetings with the SENCO, as part of a broader approach to student wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The SEN policy explains how the school will support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities in line with the SEND Code of Practice and local regulations. The SENCO is Julie Tyreman and coordinates SEN provision, working with staff, parents and external agencies to ensure appropriate support and high-quality teaching. A pupil has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability requiring special educational provision. The school uses a graduated approach with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and reviews progress regularly, adapting provision as needed. The school differentiates the curriculum and provides additional support, including staffing and resources, and collaborates with external services to support pupils with SEN so they can engage in all school activities. Contact details for SEN support and safeguarding leads are published and the policy is reviewed annually.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The EAL policy outlines practices to support learners for whom English is an additional language and to ensure access to a broad, balanced curriculum. Aims include promoting equality of opportunity and helping EAL students reach their full potential. Pupil grouping is considered by cognitive level, with Spanish language development facilitated alongside English through dedicated language lessons, and provision of age-appropriate, linguistically and culturally suitable resources. The policy requires language and literacy to be taught within context across subjects, with strategies such as visuals and bilingual support to aid access to learning. Staff receive professional development in EAL pedagogy, and there is active liaison with parents to support home learning and provide bilingual information for events. Beginner EAL learners are integrated into mainstream teaching to develop fluency, aided by targeted classroom strategies and parental involvement.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental health is recognized as part of the school2
cutes safeguarding and welfare commitments, with aims to safeguard and promote the welfare, health (including mental health) and safety of pupils. The safeguarding policy explicitly supports emotional and social development and includes mechanisms for pupils to talk to trusted adults and to seek help. The school maintains a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and provides support for emotional and social development through SEN provision and pastoral structures. The designated safeguarding leads, together with ongoing staff training, coordinate safeguarding across the school and liaise with external agencies when needed. Designated safeguarding contacts and emergency protocols are published to ensure timely responses to concerns.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding and Child Protection is a formal policy aimed at preventing harm and promoting welfare, health and safety for all pupils. The policy outlines three primary aims: prevent harm, protect pupils from harm, and support pupils and staff when safeguarding incidents occur. It requires robust recruitment, excellent pastoral care, open communication, and a culture of reporting concerns to designated safeguarding leads. The school designates a Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Safeguarding Lead, with clear contact details and roles for escalation to external agencies when necessary. It aligns with Keeping Children Safe in Education (UK guidance) and Junta de Andalucía procedures, and provides local and national safeguarding contacts and emergency numbers (e.g., Emergencies 112). The policy also covers low-level concerns, disciplinary processes, safeguarding training, and safe recruitment practices.
Parent Experience

History
The Benalmádena International College was founded in 1997 by Mr. Keith Ellis. It began in Arroyo de la Miel in a small apartment block, with five children; it grew to over 100 students in a few years. The Ayuntamiento of Benalmádena Costa helped construct the present school. The college is located in Nueva Torrequebrada between Benalmádena Costa and Fuengirola, on about 17,500 square metres with four buildings: Infants and Primary, Secondary, Cafeteria and Games Room, and it currently serves over 300 students from 33 nationalities. It is registered with the Spanish authority to teach to university level in Spain and has ISI inspection and British Schools Overseas accreditation; academic results are well above the UK national average.

Community
The BIC is integrated into the Benalmádena community, offering opportunities for families to connect and participate in local life. The BIC organises events and activities for families, such as cultural festivals, school fairs and sporting events. The BIC encourages volunteering and works with local businesses and organisations to provide learning and development opportunities for its students.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Located in Benalmádena Costa, The Benalmádena International College occupies a 17,500 m2 campus and sits just 300 metres from the beach. The facilities consist of four distinct buildings. The Infant and Primary Building serves younger students, while the Secondary Building provides space for older students and for advanced subjects and extracurricular activities. The Cafeteria serves as a social hub, and the adjacent games room provides recreational space. The campus combines its physical environment with the academic program to support students' social, academic and personal development, while drawing on its coastal location to inspire exploration.

Academic Facilities
The Infant and Primary Building provides the base for younger students' learning. The Secondary Building is equipped with modern facilities to support senior students and advanced subjects. The campus is arranged into four buildings to meet the needs of different age groups. The proximity to the beach and the campus design supports integrated, age-appropriate learning environments.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Benalmádena International College offers a wide range of extracurricular activities. It includes sports, theatre and an English club, along with academic support. The school participates in various coastal tournaments and organized the Costa del Sol athletics competition. These clubs and activities promote personal growth and linguistic development.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Benalmádena International College offers a broad range of extracurricular activities designed to promote excellence in all areas of student life. Extracurricular activities cultivate skills, values and experiences that last a lifetime. The program supports academic development and language skills through clubs and academic support. These activities complement classroom learning and prepare students for global opportunities.

Arts & Creative
The school includes theatre and other creative clubs as part of the extracurricular program. These clubs provide opportunities to develop creative skills and express ideas through performance and the arts. Participation in theatre and arts activities enhances confidence and collaborative abilities. Creative activities enrich learning beyond the classroom.

Cultural & Language
English club and language-focused activities help strengthen language skills. The program supports cultural exchange and language development through clubs and collaborative projects. Students engage with languages in a practical, social setting beyond the classroom. These activities contribute to cultural awareness alongside academic study.

Social & Hobbies
Extracurricular activities promote student life and provide space to explore personal interests. A wide range of clubs and activities enables students to pursue hobbies beyond sports, including theatre and language clubs. Students develop social and teamwork skills through collaborative clubs and group activities. These opportunities support well-rounded personal development outside the classroom.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sport is a fundamental pillar of the extracurricular program, with the college actively participating in tournaments along the coast to provide competitive opportunities. The school pioneered the Costa del Sol athletics competition, a highlight of the school calendar, reflecting the importance of physical education. The program promotes physical fitness and well-being through regular sport and athletic events. These activities contribute to student resilience, teamwork and healthy competition.
Languages

Language Provision
English and Spanish are taught, with French also taught. English is the school's everyday language. Language support is available through English and Spanish classes for students who need to improve their language skills.

Bilingual Teaching
The school aims to make all students completely bilingual in English and Spanish. English is the everyday language at school. French is taught, and examinations are offered in a wide variety of home languages.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
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Admissions

Admissions
1. Download and complete the Admission Form after accepting our privacy policy. The form is available in the Admissions section and must be signed. The data protection information is included, and the data will be processed by The Benalme1dena International College to respond to the information request and to provide the contracted service. The data will be kept for as long as the contractual relationship is maintained and for the period required to comply with legal obligations.

2. Prepare the required documentation: birth certificate, pupil and parent/guardian passports or IDs, and vaccination record. Create a digital folder with the pupils name to store all documents so they can be sent together in a single email. Ensure all documents are clear and legible when attaching to the email to avoid delays. Include any additional documents requested by the Admissions team.

3. Email the completed form along with the required documentation using a clear subject line and a brief message following the schools suggested format to ensure a prompt response. The Admissions team will acknowledge receipt and outline the next steps.

4. When the school has received all information, they will contact you to continue with the admissions process. Follow the guidance provided by the Admissions team regarding any further information or actions needed. Additional information or clarification may be requested to complete the assessment.

5. Interview and school visit: The Admissions team will arrange a visit and interview, during which questions will be addressed and course details explained. This visit provides an opportunity to discuss the curriculum, pastoral support and integration into the school community. Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate and observe the learning environment.

6. Sign the School and Parent Agreement: The agreement sets out the commitments of the school, the student and the family. Read carefully and clarify any questions before signing. After signing, the school will provide guidance on the next steps for enrolment and transition.

Waitlist
Waiting lists are established in the event of a course reaching maximum capacity.
School Events
The school has not added events
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