After the UK government imposed the 20% VAT in 2024, many domestic families had to switch from private to public schools. As for international families, many decided to switch and change destination. Guess what? They turned to Spain, country with amazing climate, cuisine and excellent private boarding schools.
Did you know that you can attend in Spain schools with IB program, American curriculum and British as well? There are quite a few British schools with native speaker teachers for both GCSE and A-level program. Our psychologists can help you determine education system that suits you best. This is a tentative list of schools we work with in Spain. Should you not find your desired school on the list, feel free to contact us for more details.
List of boarding schools in Spain
- King’s College Soto de Viñuelas Madrid (UK and IB curriculum)
- Sotogrande International School Cádiz (IB and specialised diploma program for Elite Sports Academies)
- Sage College Cadiz (UK and US curriculum for elite sports academy students)
- Lady Elizabeth School Alicante (UK curriculum)
- International School San Patricio Toledo (IB diploma)
- Hamelin-Laie International School Barçelona (IB and Spanish curriculum)
- Aquinas American School Madrid (US curriculum and IB program)
- Yago School Sevilla and Málaga (IB program and Spanish curriculum)
- SEK Catalunya (US curriculum)
- SEK El Castilo Madrid (IB program + Sports International Academy)
All the schools we listed here we work with directly. We have met their representatives in person and visited some campuses too.
The application process is very straightforward.
Sudents must:
- submit application either online or as a pdf document
- provide academic transcripts for the past 2 to 3 years of school
- write an essay in the form of Motivation letter (Personal Statement)
- provide a passport copy together with parents’ passport copies
- provide an international birth certificate
- take tests (usually English and Maths)
- have an interview with a school Principle
Academic consultants (Prestige Education team members):
- carefully select and suggest school for the student and the family
- where needed provide career tests and counselling, prior to school selection
- assist throughout the application process
- check documents and make corrections where needed
- teach students how to write personal statement and CV and make corrections before they are sent to the school for evaluation
- organize mock interview with the student before the official one with the Principle
- invigilate tests sent by the school so that students do not take them at official testing centre and pay for that service additionally
Boarding
Most of the schools are campus style. In rare cases (ex. Lady Elizabeth Alicante) boarding facilities are not connected with school but students use school bus to get to and from the school. Either way, students are safe and comfortable at all times.
Boarding houses are modern, equipped with amazing facilities so that international students feel like at home. They have common areas, lounges, TV rooms, school canteens, laundry rooms, excellent sports facilities. Rooms are usually shared between two or more students with en suite or shared bathrooms.
Spain is famous for excellent sports, so it comes as no surprise that many of these boarding schools offer Elite Sports Academies playing sports at a professional level (golf, tennis, horse riding, football (soccer), basketball, sailing, pollo, swimming). The curriculum is specially designed for students around the practice and game schedule. Most of these students get sports scholarships for universities.
House/dorm parents
Every boarding house has staff members living with students 24/7. Girls and boys are usually on separate floors and depending on the school, they can mix in common areas. Staff members live on each floor monitoring safety of students but also assisting them with homework and assignments.
Food in Spain is delicious, healthy and meals well balanced. Schools can accommodate students with special requests and dietary restrictions. The cost of food is included in the school fees.
Plan early
Most of the boarding schools welcome students from years 9-13. Students can start high school programs from the day one or come for the last 2 years of education (for A-level or IB). You should start planning preferably two years in advance and start a process a year before desired entry date.
When school provides scholarships, they are usually assigned before the end of the year. Applications usually open in September for the next school year. Most schools have rolling admissions which means they take students while they have places. Bear in mind that Spain is among most popular countries for education at the moment, so beds fill up quickly and often you will see waiting lists. Plan early and well in advance.
Fees
Spanish schools are considered to be affordable. The total cost is around 40.000€ per year (includes everything). The cost also varies depending on the grade student is enrolled in (lower cost is in the lower grades). DP program usually has extra costs for IB examinations.
The most affordable school is Sage (total cost around 34.000€). On the other hand, Sotogrande is one of the most expensive ones (over 50.000€). Please note that there is a small difference in fee structure for EU and non EU students. Therefore, when inquire, always state your nationality.
Summer camp = taster program
The best way to taste boarding school life is through a summer camp program. Spend two or more weeks in the school that you find suitable, and you will know for sure if you should enrol or not.
The full cost for 2 week summer program is between 2500 and 3500€ roughly depending on the activities and chosen academics.
