Best private schools in Spain 2025

In line with Spanish regulations, school education is divided into two main phases: primary and secondary. At the age of 6, children begin to study in the 1st grade of primary school, lasting for six years. Upon turning 11, they transition from primary to secondary school. This period of studying lasts for four years.

Upon turning 16, students culminate their secondary education in Spain. Afterwards, they are at a crossroads: they can either step into the workforce or undertake two more years of advanced studies, gearing up for admissions in top-ranking universities within Spain or abroad. Those eyeing the job market directly after secondary school often enroll in vocational courses to enhance their employability.

In the final years of studies at the best private schools in Spain, international students pinpoint a focus area— arts, humanities, or natural sciences. This is a strategic move to prepare for university admissions, diving deep into subjects linked with their chosen domain for the next two years.

Spain is globally known for its rich history and culture, offering an effective academic environment. Foreign students choose certain private schools depending on their comprehensive studying programs, various extracurricular activities, and international recognition. Below, there is a list of 10 best private schools in Spain:

• The American School of Barcelona (ASB): Located in Esplugues de Llobregat, near Barcelona, ASB provides education under an American-based studying program which includes elements of Spanish culture. While taking an International Baccalaureate (IB) program, students obtain a comprehensive and globally-recognized education.

• Kings College, Madrid: This school is connected with the top British institution, providing education under the English National Curriculum and A-level. It is an ideal option for students wishing to enroll in the UK universities.

• SEK International Schools: SEK has several campuses in Spain, in particular in Madrid and Barcelona, offering the IB program. Studying is conducted in a multicultural environment.

• Swans International School, Marbella: School’s location is in the center of Costa del Sol. Studying combines the English National Program with Spanish educational specifics. Thus, students are provided with comprehensive education.

• Hamelin Laie International School, Barcelona: Popularity of the school is stipulated by its emphasis on innovative pedagogical methods and languages. The students are provided with the opportunity to obtain a trilingual education (Catalan, Spanish, and English).

• Agora Portals International School, Mallorca: It is one of the most prestigious international schools in the Balearic Islands, which offers a bilingual educational program (Spanish and English) and the IB Diploma program.

• San Patricio School, Madrid: With a mix of national and international programs, San Patricio provides students with the tools they need for success in both Spanish and global contexts.

• El Limonar International School: Campuses are located in Murcia and Villamartin. ELIS provides education under the English National Program, simultaneously complying with Spanish educational requirements. It is an ideal option for students interested in a demanding career perspective.

• Albayzin School, Granada: The school offers bilingual education (Spanish and English), additionally students are provided with the opportunity to take the Spanish Bachillerato.

• Laude San Pedro International College, Marbella: The students emerge into a mix of the English National Program and the Spanish educational system. During studying, students achieve academic excellence and high extracurricular results.

Above, there is the list of the best private schools in Spain for foreign students. However,  it's required to select a school according to individual interests, future goals, and academic needs. Before making a decision, it is recommended to visit the campuses and get acquainted with the programs and school environment. It can help students and parents make an informed choice.

To successfully enter private schools in Spain, foreign applicants need to submit a package of documents and meet certain academic and linguistic requirements. Here's a typical list of the essential documents:

• A photocopy of the passport

• Grade reports for the preceding two academic years, and if applicable, quarter or trimester grades for the ongoing year

• An international language proficiency certificate

• Letters of recommendation from math and English educators. Occasionally, a recommendation letter from the school's headmaster might be required as well.

• Motivation letter

• Completed registration and school-specific forms

• A virtual interview, typically via Skype

Moreover, to assess students' level of preparation, prospective students often undergo in-house assessments in mathematics and English at the best Spanish schools.

Attending a renowned Spanish school on a full board basis will cost from 25,000 to 40,000 euros per academic year.  For a broader perspective, you might also want to explore private schools in Switzerland and Italy.

These educational institutions do not receive government funding and operate on the basis of paid educational services. They can offer both general education and specialized (for example, art schools or international schools).

While studying at a private school, students are provided with a more personalized approach to learning as they often have smaller classes. They can also provide more varied curricula and additional learning opportunities such as arts and sports.

A tuition fee varies widely, which is stipulated by various factors, including location, school reputation, and curriculum you have chosen. Average expenses can start from 30,000 euros per year.

By entering Spanish private school, you can obtain education at all levels, which include pre-school, primary, secondary and high school programs. In addition to it, you can take after-school programs, aimed at helping graduates to develop further in their chosen field.

Admission requirements may vary depending on a school you have chosen. But typically it is required to submit a completed application form, to take an interview with the student and parents, and possibly subject testing and a language proficiency test.

Besides tuition, parents must consider additional costs such as course materials, uniforms, fees for extra lessons or activities, and the participation in trips and excursions organized by a school.

Entering a private school allows students to study foreign languages. This may be part of a compulsory program or provided as an additional subject. For example, in some international schools studying is conducted in English.

Students can enter international schools in Spain, in which studying is conducted in English, French, German and other languages. Teaching is conducted in compliance with international educational standards, which can ease the transition of children studying in private schools into international education systems.

Private school graduates typically have good preparation and access to advanced educational opportunities, which can improve their job market prospects. However, success in the labor market depends on many factors, including personal effort and career choice.

Accreditation and license is an official recognition and authorization issued by the Spanish government that allows a school to provide educational services. It confirms that the school meets certain standards and requirements.

A prerequisite for all children, without exception, is to receive secondary education in schools. On the contrary, kindergarten attendance is not compulsory. If you want to become a student of a top-rated university in Spain or other countries, you must study for two years in a "higher school". For all other children and adolescents, it is mandatory to receive incomplete secondary education in Spanish schools.

Thus, under Spanish law, basic schooling consists of two stages, namely primary and secondary. When a child reaches 6 years old, he begins studying in 1st grade of primary school, which lasts for 6 years. Thus, upon reaching the age of 11, the adolescent moves from primary school to secondary school, the duration of which is 4 years. At the age of 16, the process of obtaining a secondary education is completed, and graduates are faced with a choice: to complete the educational process and find a job, or to study for two years of higher school to enter a ranked university in Spain or other countries. However, for successful work and employment, it will be necessary to complete several courses at a vocational school in Spain.

Please note that when a foreign teenager reaches the age of 11, the supervision of the class of schoolchildren is assigned to one teacher, who teaches all disciplines in accordance with the educational program of one of the Spanish schools. In particular, he is responsible for teaching lessons in Spanish, literature, mathematics, natural history and music. Upon reaching the age of 8, elite private boarding schools in Spain provide for the start of teaching foreign languages such as English, French, German.

Until a foreign teenager reaches the age of 15, the second stage of obtaining a prestigious secondary Spanish education lasts. It is at this stage that different teachers  responsible for teaching various academic subjects are included. During the last year of study in the top private boarding schools in Spain, foreign teenagers choose a specialization, namely art, humanities, natural sciences pre-university preparation for successful admission to a prestigious university in Spain. As part of training in the classes of higher education in Spain, for two years, an in-depth study of disciplines related to the chosen discipline takes place.

Esther Diaz

Education specialist, career coach and consultant. She worked for Inspired Education Group and directed the admissions department at the International School san Patricio Toledo.

What do parents consider when choosing a Spanish school, in addition to the qualifications of teachers?

International families often pay attention to inclusion and national diversity, individualization of learning, emotional support for each student, and compliance with safety protocols. Assess the level of immersion in the Spanish language and culture, the opportunity to receive career/educational advice. Of course, they also look at the location, capabilities and equipment of the campus - what sports facilities there are, how the Arts Center is equipped, whether there are e-learning opportunities. An added bonus is the availability of personal development programs that will help students get the most out of their time at school and succeed.

The boarding schools are classified into three types, namely public, private, and semi-private. The target audience for public schools is Spanish children and teenagers. For a foreign teenager, the process of entering a Spanish school is quite difficult. So, for successful enrollment in a leading public school in Spain, you will need to have a residence permit. Education in public Spanish schools is free of charge, additional payment for a set of textbooks and participation in extracurricular activities is provided. If the family faces financial struggles, Spanish public schools organize free rental of textbooks. The main disadvantage of public schools is that they do not have the highest level of education.

As for semi-private schools in Spain, they combine some characteristics of public and private schools. Thus, the state partially finances this type of schools. In addition, charitable committees and the church act as sponsors on a partial basis. Thus, because of this fact, the teaching of religion in Spanish schools is a compulsory subject. Please note that education in the semi-private boarding schools in Spain is conducted on a paid basis. At the same time, compared to private Spanish schools, the cost of education is significantly lower. It should be noted that prestigious semi-detached boarding schools in Spain accept foreign teenagers too.

Now let's move on to the third type of Spanish educational institutions, namely private boarding schools. This type of Spanish school is characterized by a high level of education and discipline, while at the same time the cost of education increases significantly. The target audience for admission to top-rated private boarding schools in Spain are foreign children and teenagers. As practice shows, everywhere it is private boarding schools that receive the status of the best educational institutions in Spain. Over the years, according to most of the rankings developed, the status of the best boarding school has been awarded to the Colegio Lauaxeta, located in Vizcaya. In addition, on an ongoing basis, the English-speaking school Caxton College, located in Valencia, receives only positive feedback from foreign students. Special attention should be paid to the prestigious Spanish private Montessori boarding school in Girona, within the walls of which an individual approach to each student is practiced, creating conditions for the full development of innate abilities and talents. It is this school that has developed its own, truly unique teaching methodology.

It is worth noting that not only the elite private boarding schools of Barcelona and Madrid took top positions and received 96 points, but also the prestigious Meres school, located in Asturias. Thus, private Spanish schools located in the northern regions of Spain were the most highly rated, in particular educational institutions in Madrid, the number of which prevails in the TOP-10 list.

The Claret boarding school, which is located in Seville, is rightfully recognized as the best private school in Spain, and has been assigned 80 points. Next are private schools in Madrid and Barcelona, namely Joyfe (80 points) and SEK Cataluna (80 points). Special attention should be paid to such Spanish private boarding schools as:

• MaterInmaculata – located in Madrid, 80 points obtained
• HamelinInter. LaieSchool – located in Barcelona, 79 points received
• CardenalSpinola - located in Madrid, 79 points.

The following leading boarding schools in Andalusia, such as Aloha College Andalucia and Sotogrande Andalucia, deserve special attention. In addition, the Canary Islands are home to prestigious educational institutions such as Oakley College Canarias and American School.

When deciding to get a prestigious secondary education in a private boarding school in Spain, we advise you to be guided by the results of this rating.

• The opportunity to continue your studies at a prestigious university in Spain. It should be noted that the price of education is lower compared to the average European
• In general, Spain is characterized by a low cost of obtaining a prestigious secondary education compared to other EU countries
• Effectiveness of improving the level of Spanish, English, German or French
• There are quite loyal requirements for foreign children and teenagers.

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