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The British International School of Marbella

Spain, Málaga

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €6,000 - 14,500
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 580
Type Co-educational
Opened 2010
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages Spanish, Mandarin
Typical class size 24
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

The British International School of Marbella is a British international day school for ages 2 to 18, delivering the National Curriculum of England and Wales from Early Years through GCSE and A Levels. Instruction is predominantly in English, with provision for Spanish subjects to secure recognition in both the UK and Spain. Founded in 2010 and governed by the British Schools Foundation, the school operates two purpose-built campuses in Nagüeles: a Main Campus housing Primary and Secondary, and an Early Years Campus nearby. Facilities include a 25‑metre indoor swimming pool, indoor sports hall, football field, outdoor multi-use pitch, gym, on-site kitchens and dining spaces, a large auditorium, music school, and art studio. A spring 2020 campus expansion added a 400-seat auditorium and extensive specialist spaces alongside Grade A environmental features. Extracurriculars span sports, music, drama and outdoor activities, with leadership and service programs such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Urbanizacion Rocio de Nagüeles, C. Teba, 4, 29602 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

The Essentials

The British International School of Marbella has 580 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.

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
Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Sixth Form

Type
British international day school offering education based on the National Curriculum of England and Wales.

Country affiliation
UK and Spain

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.
Diving Deeper

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
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
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
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.
Fees

Annual tuition at The British International School of Marbella ranges from EUR 6,000 to EUR 14,500 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

The British International School of Marbella teaches British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
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.

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
Our graduating pupils go on to study at universities around the world.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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.

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
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.
Parent Experience

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
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.
Facilities

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
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
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
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.
Extra-Curricular Activities

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
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
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
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
School trips combine culture, physical endeavour and community service. Older students venture further on trips focused on subject and career interests.

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
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.
Languages

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
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.
Reputation

Awards
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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
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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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