Top international schools on Costa Blanca: King's College Alicante (British, IB, ages 2-18, €6-14k/year, Alicante), Elian's British School La Núcia (British, IB, ages 2-18, €7-12k/year, Costa Blanca North), Newton College (IB, British, ages 2-18, €8-13k/year, Alicante area), Xàbia International College (British, ages 2-18, €6-10k/year, Jávea), Sierra Bernia School (British, ages 3-18, €7-12k/year, Altea), Laude Lady Elizabeth School (British, IB, ages 3-18, €7-11k/year, Altea area), AIS Altea (Waldorf-inspired, ages 3-12, €5-9k/year, Altea), Phoenix International (British, ages 2-18, €5-9k/year, San Miguel de Salinas), American International (American curriculum, ages K-12, €7-14k/year, Alicante), British International (British, IB, ages 2-18, €6-13k/year, Alicante). Costs vary by age, with primary cheaper than secondary.
Moving your family to Costa Blanca brings many decisions, with school choice among the most important. International families have excellent options, with schools offering British, American, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Waldorf curricula. Most international schools teach in English while incorporating Spanish language and culture, easing the transition for expat children.
This guide covers the top 10 international and British schools on Costa Blanca, comparing curricula, facilities, age ranges, fees, and locations. Understanding your family's educational priorities—language support, curriculum type, boarding options, sports programs—helps identify the best fit.
1. King's College The British School of Alicante – Premier British IB Education
King's College represents Costa Blanca's flagship British international school, located on the outskirts of Alicante with modern, purpose-built facilities. The school serves ages 2-18 with progressive curriculum progression and excellent examination results.
Curriculum & Age Range: British National Curriculum (Early Years through Year 6), International Baccalaureate Primary (IPC), Middle Years Programme (MYP, Years 7-10), IB Diploma (Years 11-13). Ages 2-18.
Facilities & Campus: Modern 25-hectare campus with purpose-built classrooms, science laboratories, sports complex, swimming pools, tennis courts, drama studios, music facilities, cafeteria, and outdoor learning spaces.
Languages & Support: English medium instruction; Spanish taught from Early Years; Mandarin Chinese option from Year 7; excellent EFL support for newcomer students; bilingual pathways available.
Annual Fees (2026): Early Years €6,100-7,500; Primary €9,200-10,500; Secondary €11,800-13,950; Sixth Form €13,500-14,200. Fees increase annually; additional costs for uniforms, books, activities.
Examination Results: Strong IB results (average 34-36 points), excellent British GCSE and A-Level achievement, university placements at top UK institutions and international universities.
Location: Outskirts of Alicante city, approximately 20-30 minutes from coastal towns; convenient for families in Alicante area, 50-60 minutes from Torrevieja.
Extracurriculars: Extensive sports (football, basketball, tennis, swimming, athletics, hockey); music and arts programs; Model United Nations; outdoor education programs; cultural trips.
Boarding: Day school only; some host families available for overseas students.
Best For: Families seeking top-tier British education with IB pathway; university-focused parents; those prioritizing examination results; English-speaking families wanting Spanish integration.
2. Elian's British School La Núcia – Quality British Education with Spanish Balance
Elian's British School provides British National Curriculum enriched with International Baccalaureate, serving ages 2-18 in a supportive, community-focused environment. The school emphasizes bilingual education and Spanish culture integration alongside excellent academics.
Curriculum & Age Range: British National Curriculum (Early Years through Year 6), IPC enrichment, Middle Years Programme (Years 7-10), IB Diploma (Years 11-13). Ages 2-18. Strong emphasis on Spanish curriculum integration.
Facilities & Campus: Modern facilities in La Núcia (mountain village setting), purpose-built classrooms, science labs, sports grounds, swimming pool, music studios, drama facilities, outdoor spaces.
Languages & Support: English-medium instruction combined with Spanish curriculum throughout; Mandarin Chinese from primary; EFL support available; bilingual methodology emphasizes both languages equally.
Annual Fees (2026): Early Years €7,365; Primary €8,600-9,800; Secondary €10,200-11,655; Sixth Form €11,800-12,450. Registration fees and activity costs additional.
Examination Results: Strong IB and British curriculum results; excellent bilingual progression; good university placements; strong Spanish university acceptance.
Location: La Núcia mountain village, 10km inland from coast, approximately 20 minutes from Altea, Calpe, 30 minutes from Benidorm, 40-50 minutes from Torrevieja.
Extracurriculars: Comprehensive sports programs, arts and culture, outdoor education, outdoor adventure programs, Model United Nations, bilingual cultural events.
Boarding: Day school; host families available for international students.
Best For: Bilingual family development; Spanish cultural integration; families wanting British curriculum with Spanish emphasis; parents prioritizing balanced bilingual education; mountain location appeal.
3. Newton College – IB and Spanish Curriculum Integration
Newton College provides a unique hybrid curriculum combining International Baccalaureate with Spanish National System education. The school serves ages 2-18 with strong emphasis on university preparation and curriculum flexibility.
Curriculum & Age Range: International Early Years and Primary Programmes (IEYC and IPC), Middle Years Programme (MYP) combined with Spanish secondary, IB Diploma Programme plus Spanish Bachillerato option. Ages 2-18.
Facilities & Campus: Modern facilities with well-equipped classrooms, science laboratories, sports facilities, swimming pool, arts studios, technology center, outdoor spaces.
Languages & Support: English-medium instruction; Spanish integrated throughout curriculum; language support for new students; option to take exams in English or Spanish.
Annual Fees (2026): Early Years €6,500; Primary €8,200-9,500; Secondary €10,800-12,600; Sixth Form €12,500-13,200. Annual increases; additional activity and material costs.
Examination Results: Strong dual qualification possibilities (IB Diploma AND Spanish Bachillerato); excellent university placement options in Spain and internationally; recognized by both educational systems.
Location: Alicante area, convenient for families throughout central Costa Blanca, approximately 25-35 minutes from coastal towns.
Extracurriculars: Sports programs, arts and music, outdoor education, cultural exchanges, Model United Nations, science clubs.
Boarding: Day school; some host family options.
Best For: Families planning long-term Spain residence wanting dual educational pathways; Spanish university aspirations; curriculum flexibility and dual qualifications; parents wanting children integrated into Spanish education system.
4. Xàbia International College – North Coast British Education
Xàbia International College is the only international school in Jávea, founded in 1994 to provide British education within an international environment. The school serves ages 2-18 with strong academics and Mediterranean lifestyle integration.
Curriculum & Age Range: British National Curriculum (Early Years through Year 6), International Baccalaureate Primary Curriculum (IBPC), Middle Years Programme (Years 7-10), IB Diploma (Years 11-13). Ages 2-18.
Facilities & Campus: Modern facilities in Jávea location, purpose-built classrooms, science laboratories, sports facilities, swimming pool, drama studio, music facilities, outdoor learning spaces, Mediterranean gardens.
Languages & Support: English-medium instruction; Spanish taught from Early Years; additional language support; international student integration programs.
Annual Fees (2026): Early Years €5,800-6,800; Primary €7,800-9,200; Secondary €8,900-10,500; Sixth Form €9,800-11,200. Fees vary by age; additional costs for activities and materials.
Examination Results: Good IB results and British curriculum achievement; strong university placements; Mediterranean location contributes to holistic education.
Location: Jávea (Xàbia), north coast premier location, beautiful Mediterranean setting, approximately 20 minutes from Calpe, 30 minutes from Benidorm, 60-70 minutes from Torrevieja.
Extracurriculars: Beach and water sports, hiking, outdoor adventure, arts and culture, sports programs, Model United Nations.
Boarding: Day school; some host family arrangements available.
Best For: Families relocating to Jávea or north coast; lifestyle-focused families wanting education in Mediterranean setting; smaller school community preference; excellent quality with less crowding than larger schools.
5. Sierra Bernia School – Established North Coast Institution
Sierra Bernia School is a privately owned coeducational institution offering British education to pupils ages 3-18 from all nationalities. The established school attracts families across a wide geographic area, with students traveling from Javea, Moraira, and Calpe.
Curriculum & Age Range: British National Curriculum (Nursery through Secondary), Cambridge International Examinations (IGCSE, A-Levels), some IB elements. Ages 3-18.
Facilities & Campus: Established facilities in north coast location, classrooms, science labs, sports facilities, outdoor spaces, art studios, music facilities.
Languages & Support: English-medium instruction; Spanish taught throughout; EFL support for new students; bilingual development programs.
Annual Fees (2026): Nursery €5,500-6,500; Primary €7,200-8,800; Secondary €8,500-11,500; Sixth Form €10,000-12,200. Fees increase annually; additional costs for materials and activities.
Examination Results: Strong Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level results; good university placements; established track record over decades.
Location: North coast between Altea and Javea, approximately 15-20 minutes from Calpe, 10-15 minutes from Moraira, 25-30 minutes from Benidorm.
Extracurriculars: Comprehensive sports (football, basketball, tennis, swimming), arts and music, outdoor education, cultural trips, Model United Nations.
Boarding: Day school; some boarding options available.
Shuttle Service: Established school bus service between Calpe, north coast, and school.
Best For: Families in north coast towns (Calpe, Moraira); families valuing established school reputation; Cambridge examination focus; longer established international community.
6. Laude Lady Elizabeth School – North Coast with IB Prestige
Laude Lady Elizabeth School represents a prestigious educational institution recognized for British approach combined with International Baccalaureate. Located near Altea with 20-minute drive to Jávea, the school serves ages 3-18 with strong academics and holistic development.
Curriculum & Age Range: British educational approach (Early Childhood through Secondary), International Baccalaureate Primary (IBPC), Middle Years Programme (MYP), IB Diploma Programme. Ages 3-18.
Facilities & Campus: Modern, well-equipped campus with classrooms, science laboratories, sports facilities, swimming pool, drama studio, music facilities, outdoor learning areas.
Languages & Support: English-medium instruction; Spanish taught throughout; language support programs; international student orientation.
Annual Fees (2026): Early Childhood €6,200-7,200; Primary €8,200-9,500; Secondary €9,800-11,200; Sixth Form €10,500-12,000. Fees increase; additional activity costs.
Examination Results: Strong IB Diploma results; excellent British curriculum progression; good university placement track record; recognized by top UK universities.
Location: Altea area, north coast, approximately 20-minute drive to Jávea, 15 minutes to Calpe, 30 minutes to Benidorm, 60+ minutes to Torrevieja.
Extracurriculars: Comprehensive sports, arts and music, outdoor education, Model United Nations, cultural programs, exchange opportunities.
Boarding: Day school; some host family support available.
Best For: North coast families wanting IB education; higher academic focus; families planning university in UK or internationally; locations serving Altea, Jávea, Calpe area families.
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Book Free Consultation7. AIS Altea International School – Waldorf-Inspired Alternative Approach
AIS Altea International School provides a unique educational experience combining Waldorf-inspired methodology with international education principles. The school serves ages 3-12 with emphasis on creative development, nature connection, and holistic learning.
Curriculum & Age Range: Waldorf-inspired curriculum (Nursery through Year 6), integrated arts and academics, nature-based learning, international perspective. Ages 3-12.
Facilities & Campus: Facilities designed with Waldorf principles, outdoor spaces emphasizing nature connection, art studios, music areas, garden spaces, outdoor learning environments.
Languages & Support: English-medium instruction; Spanish taught through immersion; Waldorf language methodology emphasizes communication over grammar.
Annual Fees (2026): Nursery €5,000-5,800; Primary €5,800-8,500; Upper Elementary €6,500-9,200. Lower fees than traditional international schools reflecting alternative approach.
Educational Philosophy: Waldorf education emphasizes creativity, imagination, and holistic development; arts-integrated curriculum; developmentally appropriate progression; nature-connection philosophy; strong emphasis on character and social-emotional development.
Location: Altea, north coast, approximately 20 minutes from Jávea, 15 minutes from Calpe, 30 minutes from Benidorm.
Extracurriculars: Outdoor nature programs, arts and music, movement and dance, gardening, environmental education.
Upper School Transition: School ends at Year 6; families typically transition to IB schools (Lady Elizabeth, Sierra Bernia, Xàbia) for secondary education.
Best For: Families valuing alternative education philosophies; parents prioritizing creative and holistic development; nature-focused families; those seeking lower fees with quality education; families wanting arts-integrated approach.
8. Phoenix International School – South Coast British Education
Phoenix International School serves the southern Costa Blanca communities, located in San Miguel de Salinas. The school provides British education to students from Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, and surrounding areas, offering ages 2-18 with accessibility from south coast locations.
Curriculum & Age Range: British National Curriculum (Early Years through GCSE and A-Levels), Cambridge International Examinations focus. Ages 2-18.
Facilities & Campus: Facilities in San Miguel de Salinas location, classrooms, science labs, sports facilities, outdoor spaces.
Languages & Support: English-medium instruction; Spanish taught throughout; language support for new students; bilingual development.
Annual Fees (2026): Early Years €5,200-6,200; Primary €6,800-8,500; Secondary €7,500-9,200; Sixth Form €8,800-10,200. More affordable than north coast schools reflecting inland location.
Examination Results: Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level examinations; good university placement track record; solid academic achievement.
Location: San Miguel de Salinas (inland), convenient for south coast families, approximately 15-20 minutes from Torrevieja, 10-15 minutes from Orihuela Costa, 20 minutes from Guardamar.
Extracurriculars: Sports programs, arts and music, outdoor activities, cultural programs.
Boarding: Day school; some host family options available.
Best For: South coast families (Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Guardamar area); families wanting British education with more affordable fees than north coast; English-speaking expat communities in south coast towns.
9. American International School Costa Blanca – American Curriculum Option
American International School provides American curriculum education with American teaching methodologies, serving ages K-12. The school offers families planning return to USA or seeking American educational approach an excellent option on Costa Blanca.
Curriculum & Age Range: American National Curriculum (Kindergarten through Grade 12), SAT and AP preparation. Ages 5-18.
Facilities & Campus: Modern facilities with American-style classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, sports facilities, sports courts.
Languages & Support: English-medium instruction; Spanish taught as foreign language; ESL support available.
Annual Fees (2026): Elementary €7,200-9,500; Middle €9,800-12,200; High €10,500-14,200. Comparable to British schools; higher secondary costs.
Examination Results: SAT focus; AP exam preparation; strong university placement particularly to American universities; some acceptance to UK universities.
Location: Alicante area, approximately 25-30 minutes from coastal towns.
Extracurriculars: American-style sports programs, arts and music, Model United Nations, college preparation programs.
Boarding: Day school only.
Best For: American expat families; families planning USA university education; families wanting American curriculum and teaching methods; parents prioritizing SAT/AP pathways; temporary residents planning return to USA.
10. British International School Alicante – Additional British Option
British International School represents an additional British curriculum option in Alicante, offering ages 2-18 education with British National Curriculum and IB pathway. The school serves families throughout Costa Blanca seeking flexible British education.
Curriculum & Age Range: British National Curriculum (Early Years through Year 6), International Baccalaureate Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. Ages 2-18.
Facilities & Campus: Modern facilities in Alicante location, purpose-built classrooms, science labs, sports facilities, swimming pool, music and art studios.
Languages & Support: English-medium instruction; Spanish taught throughout; language support programs; international student transition support.
Annual Fees (2026): Early Years €5,900-6,900; Primary €8,400-9,800; Secondary €10,200-13,500; Sixth Form €12,200-13,800. Fees reflect quality facilities and Alicante location.
Examination Results: Strong IB results; good British curriculum progression; solid university placement record.
Location: Alicante city, accessible to all Costa Blanca regions, approximately 25-35 minutes from major coastal towns.
Extracurriculars: Comprehensive sports, arts and music, outdoor education, Model United Nations, cultural programs.
Boarding: Day school; some host family arrangements.
Best For: Families seeking additional British IB option; Alicante area residents; those valuing flexibility in school choice; families wanting variety of curriculum options.
The Bottom Line
Costa Blanca offers excellent international school options serving expat families moving to the region. North coast schools (Jávea, Calpe, Altea area) provide premium locations with Mediterranean lifestyle integration. South coast schools (Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa area) offer more affordable options with strong academics. All schools teach in English while developing Spanish language skills, easing the transition for international families.
Choosing the right school depends on family priorities: curriculum preference (British, American, IB, Waldorf), budget constraints, location convenience, facilities quality, extracurricular programs, and long-term plans (university destination, length of stay in Spain). Visiting schools, meeting teachers and current families, and understanding your family's educational values guides the decision.
Most international schools support families in broader Costa Blanca relocation, with many offering host family connections and integration programs. School choice significantly impacts family lifestyle and community integration—selecting the right fit contributes to successful relocation to Costa Blanca.
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