Guide: Family & Daily Life
International Schools in Spain: IB, British, and American Curriculum Guide (2026)
A practical guide to international schools in Spain — comparing IB, British, American, and European curricula, costs, and what to look for.
Spain is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for families relocating from English-speaking countries, and education is usually near the top of every parent's planning list. The good news is that Spain has a well-established network of international schools offering curricula you already know. The harder part is understanding how they differ, what they cost, and which one fits your family.
This guide breaks down the main curriculum types, realistic cost ranges, accreditation bodies to look for, and a practical enrollment timeline so you can make a confident decision.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is most useful if:
- You are relocating to Spain with school-age children and want instruction primarily in English.
- You expect to move again within a few years and need a globally portable curriculum.
- Your child has specific academic needs that align better with a non-Spanish system.
This guide is less relevant if:
- You plan to stay in Spain long-term and prefer full immersion in the Spanish education system. In that case, see our guide to public, concertado, and private schools.
- Your children are under 3 and you need daycare rather than school placement.
Types of International Schools in Spain
Spain has over 300 international schools, concentrated in Madrid, Barcelona, the Costa del Sol (Malaga), Alicante, and the Balearic and Canary Islands. Most fall into one of five curriculum categories.
IB World Schools (International Baccalaureate)
The IB curriculum is the most globally recognized framework. Schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) offer one or more of three programs:
- Primary Years Programme (PYP) — ages 3 to 12
- Middle Years Programme (MYP) — ages 11 to 16
- Diploma Programme (DP) — ages 16 to 19
The IB emphasizes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and international-mindedness. The Diploma Programme is widely accepted by universities in the US, UK, Europe, and beyond. Spain has approximately 150 IB World Schools, making it one of the densest IB markets in Europe.
British Curriculum Schools
British schools follow the English National Curriculum, leading to IGCSEs (age 14-16) and A-Levels (age 16-18). Spain has one of the largest concentrations of British schools outside the UK, with the NABSS (National Association of British Schools in Spain) listing over 80 member schools.
Teaching is primarily in English, with Spanish as an additional subject. The structure is familiar to families from the UK, Ireland, and many Commonwealth countries. A-Levels are well recognized by UK and European universities, and increasingly accepted worldwide.
American Curriculum Schools
American schools in Spain follow a US-based curriculum, typically culminating in a US high school diploma. Many also offer AP (Advanced Placement) courses or the IB Diploma in the final two years. Instruction follows American grade levels (K-12) and grading systems.
These schools are a natural fit for families relocating from the US who plan to return or who want their children to apply to American universities. There are fewer American schools than British or IB options in Spain, with most located in Madrid and Barcelona.
French Lycee Schools
French schools operate under the French Ministry of Education and follow the national French curriculum, leading to the Baccalaureat. The AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) oversees accreditation. Instruction is primarily in French, with Spanish and English as additional languages.
France maintains a strong school network in Spain, particularly in Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga. These schools are ideal for French-speaking families or those planning to move within the Francophone world.
German Schools (Deutsche Schule)
German schools in Spain follow the German curriculum and are typically overseen by the ZfA (Central Agency for German Schools Abroad). Students work toward the Abitur, the German university entrance qualification. Instruction mixes German and Spanish, with English introduced progressively.
There are Deutsche Schulen in Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Valencia, Bilbao, and several other cities. They are particularly well-regarded for STEM education and tend to have lower fees than British or American counterparts.
| Curriculum | Final Qualification | Primary Language | Best Fit For |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB (International Baccalaureate) | IB Diploma | English (usually) | Globally mobile families, university flexibility |
| British (English National) | IGCSEs + A-Levels | English | UK/Commonwealth families, European university track |
| American (US-based) | US Diploma + AP/IB option | English | US families, US university applications |
| French (Lycee) | French Baccalaureat | French | French-speaking families, Francophone mobility |
| German (Deutsche Schule) | Abitur | German + Spanish | German-speaking families, STEM focus |
What International Schools Cost in Spain
International school fees in Spain vary significantly by city, curriculum, and age group. Madrid and Barcelona are the most expensive markets. Smaller cities and coastal areas tend to be more affordable, sometimes substantially so.
| Curriculum | Lower Range | Mid Range | Upper Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB World Schools | EUR 8,000 | EUR 12,000-15,000 | EUR 20,000+ |
| British Curriculum | EUR 6,000 | EUR 10,000-14,000 | EUR 18,000+ |
| American Curriculum | EUR 10,000 | EUR 14,000-18,000 | EUR 25,000+ |
| French Lycee | EUR 5,000 | EUR 7,000-10,000 | EUR 14,000+ |
| German Deutsche Schule | EUR 4,000 | EUR 6,000-9,000 | EUR 12,000+ |
!Fees are only part of the cost
Most international schools charge additional fees on top of tuition. Expect a one-time enrollment or registration fee (EUR 1,000-5,000), plus annual costs for lunch (EUR 1,000-2,000), school bus transport (EUR 1,000-3,000), uniforms, textbooks, and extracurricular activities. For a full picture, request the school's complete fee schedule before committing.
Some schools offer sibling discounts (typically 5-15% for the second child), and a few have bursary or financial aid programs. These are worth asking about during the admissions process, though availability varies widely.
Accreditation Bodies to Look For
Accreditation matters. It determines whether your child's qualifications will be recognized by universities and school systems in other countries. When evaluating an international school in Spain, look for authorization or accreditation from at least one of these bodies:
- IBO (International Baccalaureate Organization) — authorizes schools to teach PYP, MYP, and Diploma programs. Verification is available on ibo.org.
- NABSS (National Association of British Schools in Spain) — the main quality body for British curriculum schools in Spain. Members undergo periodic inspection.
- CIS (Council of International Schools) — a global accrediting body with rigorous standards. CIS accreditation is widely respected for university admissions.
- NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) — a US-based accreditor common among American international schools. NEASC accreditation ensures the diploma is recognized by US colleges.
- ECIS (Educational Collaborative for International Schools) — provides membership services and quality benchmarks, though it is not a formal accreditor in the same way CIS or NEASC are.
iCheck accreditation status directly
Some schools advertise that they are "working toward" accreditation or are "candidates." This is not the same as being fully accredited. Always verify current status on the accrediting body's website, and ask the school directly what stage they are in.
In addition, all schools operating in Spain — including international ones — must be registered with the relevant Autonomous Community's education authority (Consejeria de Educacion). This registration is separate from international accreditation and is required by Spanish law.
International Schools vs Spanish-System Schools
Choosing between an international school and the Spanish public or concertado system is one of the biggest decisions expat families face. Both paths have genuine strengths and real tradeoffs.
Pros
- +Instruction in English (or another home language) eases the transition for children
- +Globally recognized qualifications make future moves and university applications smoother
- +Smaller class sizes and more individualized attention in most international schools
- +Established communities of other expat families who understand the relocation experience
- +Curriculum continuity if you have moved or plan to move between countries
Cons
- -Annual fees of EUR 6,000-25,000+ per child, compared to free public or low-cost concertado schools
- -Children may integrate more slowly into Spanish language and culture
- -Smaller school communities can mean fewer extracurricular and social options
- -Geographic concentration — outside major cities and coasts, options are limited
- -Waiting lists at popular schools can be 1-2 years in high-demand areas like Madrid and Barcelona
There is no universally right answer. Families who plan to stay in Spain long-term and want deep language and cultural immersion often find that the Spanish system (especially concertado schools) offers an excellent education at a fraction of the cost. Families who expect to relocate again within a few years, or whose children would struggle with a sudden switch to all-Spanish instruction, typically benefit from an international school.
+The hybrid approach
Some families start with an international school for the first year or two to ease the transition, then move their children into the Spanish system once their Spanish is strong enough. Others choose a bilingual international school that blends English instruction with meaningful Spanish integration. Ask schools about their Spanish-language program — the range is wide, from token classes to near-bilingual immersion.
How to Evaluate and Choose an International School
Visiting a school in person (or attending a virtual open day) is essential, but structured research beforehand saves significant time. Here is a practical evaluation framework.
1. Confirm accreditation and registration
Verify the school's current accreditation status with the relevant body (IBO, NABSS, CIS, NEASC). Confirm it is registered with the regional education authority in Spain. This protects your child's qualifications.
2. Match the curriculum to your family's trajectory
Think about where your child will go next. If university in the UK is likely, A-Levels or the IB Diploma are strong choices. For US universities, AP courses or the IB Diploma work well. If you are unsure, the IB Diploma is the most universally accepted qualification.
3. Assess language provision
How much Spanish instruction does the school offer? For families settling in Spain, a school that teaches meaningful Spanish (beyond a single weekly lesson) will make a significant difference in your child's integration and daily life.
4. Visit and observe
Ask to observe a lesson, not just tour the facilities. Pay attention to class size, teacher engagement, and how students interact. Meet the admissions team and ask about teacher retention — high turnover is a warning sign.
5. Understand the full cost
Request the complete fee schedule including registration, tuition, lunch, transport, uniforms, books, and activities. Calculate the total annual cost per child, not just the headline tuition figure.
6. Talk to current parents
Ask the school to connect you with current expat parents. Online forums and local expat groups can also provide candid feedback. Ask specifically about communication quality, how the school handles new students, and whether families feel supported.
7. Check logistics
Consider commute time, bus routes, and after-school care availability. A school that is perfect on paper but requires a 90-minute daily commute may not work for your family in practice.
Browse the School Directory
Compare international schools across Spain by city, curriculum, and price range.
Enrollment Timeline and Waiting Lists
International schools in Spain typically follow this annual enrollment cycle:
- October-January — Open days and school tours for the following academic year.
- January-March — Application submission window for most schools. Some schools accept applications year-round but prioritize early submissions.
- March-May — Assessment days, interviews, and admissions decisions.
- May-June — Confirmed offers, deposits paid, and enrollment finalized.
- September — Academic year begins.
!Waiting lists are real in popular areas
The most sought-after international schools in Madrid, Barcelona, and the Costa del Sol routinely have waiting lists. For top-tier IB and British schools, families sometimes register interest 1-2 years before the planned start date. If you are targeting a specific school, begin the process as early as possible — even before your move date is confirmed.
Mid-year enrollment
Many international schools will accept mid-year applications if space is available. This is more common in smaller or newer schools. Larger established schools are less likely to have mid-year openings, especially in popular year groups (Reception/Year 1, Year 7, and Year 12 in British schools; equivalent entry points in other curricula).
If you are arriving mid-year, contact your target schools immediately. Be prepared to be flexible on your first and second choices, and have a backup plan in case your preferred school is full.
Documents typically required for enrollment
- Completed application form
- Copy of child's passport
- Previous school reports (last 2 years, translated into English or Spanish if needed)
- Proof of address in Spain (or intended address)
- Vaccination records
- Reference or recommendation letter from current school
- Language assessment results (some schools conduct their own)
iHomologacion may not be required for international schools
Unlike enrollment in the Spanish public system, most international schools do not require formal homologacion (official validation) of foreign school records. However, if your child later transfers to a Spanish-system school or applies to a Spanish university, homologacion may be needed at that point. See our guide to validating foreign school records for details.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Starting the search too late. Begin researching schools 6-12 months before your planned move, especially for Madrid and Barcelona.
- Choosing on reputation alone. A school that is well-known is not necessarily the best fit for your child. Visit, observe, and ask questions.
- Ignoring the Spanish-language program. If you plan to stay in Spain, your child's Spanish ability will matter enormously for daily life, friendships, and future flexibility.
- Underestimating total costs. Tuition is only part of the picture. Add enrollment fees, transport, meals, and extras to get the real number.
- Not having a backup school. Waiting lists are common. Apply to 2-3 schools to give yourself options.
- Assuming all "international" schools are equal. Accreditation, teacher quality, and school culture vary widely. A school calling itself international does not guarantee any specific standard.
What to do this week
- List your family's non-negotiables: curriculum type, language, budget ceiling, and maximum commute time.
- Check the IBO, NABSS, and CIS directories for accredited schools in your target city.
- Request full fee schedules from your top 3 schools — including all extras beyond tuition.
- Book open day visits or virtual tours for the schools on your shortlist.
- Join local expat parent groups (Facebook, WhatsApp) in your target city and ask for honest school reviews.
- If targeting a high-demand school, submit an inquiry or pre-registration form now — even if your move date is months away.
Related guides
- Public vs Concertado vs Private Schools in Spain
Compare the three tiers of the Spanish school system and understand the real costs and tradeoffs.
- School Enrollment Windows in Spain by Region
Key dates and deadlines for enrolling children in Spanish schools, region by region.
- Validating Foreign School Records for Enrollment in Spain
How to get your child's previous school records officially recognized in the Spanish system.
- Homeschooling in Spain and Transitioning to Local Schools
What the law says about compulsory schooling and how to transition smoothly.