Are you an expat family moving to Spain and looking for the best educational opportunities for your child? Spain offers a wide range of international schools with English as the primary language of instruction. Whether you plan to stay in Spain long term or for a shorter period, finding a school that meets your child’s needs is crucial. In this article, we will explore some of the top English-speaking schools in Spain, providing you with detailed information to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- Spain offers a wide range of international schools with English as the primary language of instruction.
- It is crucial to find a school that meets your child’s needs, whether you plan to stay in Spain long term or for a shorter period.
- In this article, we provide detailed information about some of the top English-speaking schools in Spain to help you make an informed decision.
When searching for the best English-speaking schools in Spain, it’s essential to consider your child’s needs and interests. From American to British curricula and International Baccalaureate programs, these top schools offer quality instruction in English. Review the fees and consult with fellow expats to make the best decision for your family.
English Speaking Schools in Spain
Benjamin Franklin International School, Barcelona
Located in Barcelona, the Benjamin Franklin International School is a truly international American school. The curriculum includes the International Baccalaureate (IB), American, and Spanish programs. The school caters to students aged 3 to 18 and offers a personalized approach to education. The yearly fees range from €13,200 to €19,630.
The Benjamin Franklin International School has a strong academic program that emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The school’s mission is to prepare students for leadership roles in an increasingly global society. With a low student to teacher ratio, students receive individual attention and tailored instruction to suit their learning needs. The school also promotes extracurricular activities, such as drama, music, and sports, to encourage well-rounded development.
The school’s modern facilities include a science lab, an art studio, a music room, and a library. The campus also has a sports field, a basketball court, and a playground. The school offers transportation services and extended day care to accommodate the busy schedules of working parents.
The Benjamin Franklin International School’s educational programs prepare students for advanced studies in top universities worldwide. Through a nurturing learning environment and a commitment to excellence, the school ensures its students become confident global citizens with a passion for lifelong learning.
St. Peter’s School Barcelona
St. Peter’s School in Barcelona is an IB World School that prepares students from 12 months to 18 years old for the challenges they will face throughout their lives. The school offers a multicultural environment where students can develop their creativity, critical thinking, and global awareness. With English as the language of instruction, the school provides an internationally recognized education that prepares students for higher education.
The school’s primary years programme (PYP) caters to children aged 12 months to 12 years old. The middle years programme (MYP) is for students aged 11 to 16, and the diploma programme (DP) is for those aged 16 to 18. These programs foster the development of well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of community service, academic excellence, and leadership skills.
St. Peter’s School’s yearly fees for the 2023/2024 academic year range from €10,100 to €20,300, depending on the child’s grade level and whether they are full-time or part-time students.
The school’s facilities include modern classrooms, a library, a gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, dance, and drama, providing students with a holistic education that caters to their interests and talents.

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St. Peter’s School in Barcelona provides a quality education with an international perspective. Its commitment to creating well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of community service and leadership skills makes it a top choice for parents seeking the best English-speaking schools in Spain.
International School of Madrid
The International School of Madrid has been offering a quality British education since 1971. The school caters to children aged 2 to 18 and follows the British curriculum. The school’s mission is to foster lifelong learning in a supportive and caring community. The school is known for its child-centered approach and high standards of academic achievement.
The school offers a broad range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama. The school also has a strong commitment to service learning, encouraging students to give back to the community. The school’s facilities include a library, science labs, computer labs, and a sports center.
The school’s fees vary depending on the age of the child and the program they are enrolled in. For the 2022/2023 academic year, the yearly fees range from €5,765 to €13,370. The school also offers scholarships for high achieving students with financial need.
If you’re looking for a school that provides a quality British education in Spain, the International School of Madrid is an excellent choice. With a child-centered approach and high standards of academic achievement, this school provides an outstanding education for children aged 2 to 18.

CBS, The British School of Seville
Located in Seville, CBS is a bilingual British and Spanish school that offers instruction in both English and Spanish. Serving students aged 1 to 18, the school focuses on providing a happy learning environment that inspires students to achieve their goals. With small class sizes and a personalized approach to education, CBS ensures that students receive the individual attention they deserve. The school also offers a range of extracurricular activities and opportunities for student leadership, enabling children to develop their social, creative, and critical thinking skills.
As a British and Spanish bilingual school, CBS provides a unique educational experience that prepares students for success in a multicultural and globally interconnected world. The school follows the British and Spanish curricula, providing students with a broad and balanced education that fosters intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and social responsibility.

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While the fees for CBS are not publicly available, this school’s commitment to providing a high-quality bilingual education makes it worth considering. With its welcoming and inclusive culture, CBS offers an exceptional learning environment that enables students to achieve their full potential.
American School of Barcelona
The American School of Barcelona (ASB) attracts international and Spanish families seeking quality instruction and a whole-child philosophy. The school follows the IB and American curricula and provides instruction in English. ASB caters to students aged 3 to 18, and the yearly fees for the 2023/2024 academic year range from €14,279 to €25,741.
ASB encourages students to explore their interests and provides opportunities for intellectual, artistic, and athletic growth. With a focus on holistic education, the school emphasizes the development of the whole child, nurturing essential life skills such as empathy, communication, and critical thinking.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including Model United Nations, robotics, and music. ASB also provides support services for students with special needs and has a dedicated learning support team to ensure that all students thrive.
ASB’s campus is situated in a peaceful and beautiful location outside of Barcelona, with state-of-the-art facilities, including a new, modern Performing Arts Center. The school prides itself on its welcoming and inclusive community, which values diversity and respect for all.

“ASB’s commitment to whole-child education and constant innovation prepares students for success in today’s fast-paced, global world.”
The Global College, Madrid
The Global College is an innovative IB boarding and day school located in the center of Madrid. It offers a personalized curriculum and superb career guidance for students aged 16 to 18. The school focuses on providing an outstanding pre-university experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared for higher education. The curriculum includes the IB diploma program, which is highly regarded by universities worldwide. The yearly fees for this school remain consistent at €17,700, providing an excellent value for the high-quality education offered.

Fontenebro International School, Madrid
Fontenebro International School is a private bilingual (English/Spanish) co-educational day school located in Moralzarzal, in the northwest of Madrid. It belongs to the International Schools Partnership and imparts the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). The school provides German and French as Second Language instruction, along with emotional education and a Baccalaureate in Arts. The yearly fees for the 2022/2023 academic year range from €3,560 to €6,220.
As a bilingual school, Fontenebro International School ensures that students become fluent in both English and Spanish. The school’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education is part of what makes it one of the top English-speaking schools in Spain. The school’s international curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills.
At Fontenebro International School, students engage in a range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, arts, and sports. These activities help students develop their unique talents and interests while fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
With its focus on bilingual education and a well-rounded curriculum, Fontenebro International School is a great option for families seeking an excellent education for their child. Its location in Madrid’s beautiful northwest is an added bonus, offering a vibrant and culturally rich environment.

The Scandinavian School of Madrid
The Scandinavian School of Madrid promotes happiness, respect for others, creativity, independent thinking, lifelong learning, and empathy. Founded in 1962, this school has been providing quality education for over 50 years. It offers a unique blend of British and Swedish curricula, aimed at ensuring greater intellectual growth. The school emphasizes bilingual development, ensuring that students learn both English and Spanish, with additional language classes available in Swedish and French. The school caters to students aged 2 to 18, and yearly fees for the 2023/2024 academic year range from €7,340 to €10,965.

The school’s focus on well-being, mental health, and creativity ensures that students receive an all-rounded education. The school offers a broad range of cultural and extracurricular activities, including music, chess, coding, and sports. The school has a teacher-student ratio of 1:15, ensuring personalized attention and guidance. The school’s emphasis on well-being and happiness has earned it a reputation as a model school, with many international schools using it as a benchmark for success.
Queens British Grammar School, Malaga – Costa del Sol
Queens British Grammar School specializes in delivering a high-quality education based on the English national curriculum. With qualified teachers who have English as their first language, the school ensures excellent academic guidance and personal counseling. The school serves students aged 3 to 17, and the yearly fees for the 2023/2024 academic year range from €6,889 to €16,695.
The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum in English, including core subjects such as English, mathematics, and science. It also offers Spanish, French, and German as foreign languages. The school ensures that each child receives personalized attention, with small class sizes, individualized learning plans, and dedicated staff.
Queens British Grammar School is dedicated to providing a holistic approach to education, focusing on academic, physical, and emotional well-being. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art, and emphasizes the importance of outdoor education and environmental awareness. The school also provides pastoral care and counseling services, ensuring that each child receives the support they need to thrive.
With a reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to student well-being, Queens British Grammar School is an excellent choice for any expat family seeking an English-speaking school in Malaga – Costa del Sol.

Conclusion
These top English-speaking schools in Spain provide a variety of educational programs, ensuring that you can find the right fit for your child. It’s essential to consider all factors, including location, fees, and curriculum, to make the best decision. Talking to other expats can also provide valuable insight into the experiences of attending a particular school.
Remember to review admissions requirements and the availability of extracurricular activities, as these can greatly impact your child’s educational experience. With so many excellent options available, expat families can rest assured that they will find the right educational opportunity for their children in Spain.
FAQ
Q: What are the top English-speaking schools in Spain?
A: Some of the top English-speaking schools in Spain include Benjamin Franklin International School in Barcelona, St. Peter’s School Barcelona, International School of Madrid, CBS – The British School of Seville, American School of Barcelona, The Global College in Madrid, Fontenebro International School in Madrid, Scandinavian School of Madrid, Queens British Grammar School in Malaga-Costa del Sol, and Casvi International American School in Madrid.
Q: What curricula do these schools offer?
A: The schools offer a range of curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), American, British, and bilingual programs.
Q: What age ranges do these schools cater to?
A: The age ranges vary depending on the school, but typically span from early years education (ages 2-3) to secondary education (ages 16-18).
Q: How much are the yearly fees for these schools?
A: The yearly fees vary depending on the school and academic year. It is best to consult the specific school’s website or admissions department for the most accurate and up-to-date fee information.
Q: Can expat families enroll their children in these schools?
A: Yes, these schools are open to expat families and provide an international educational environment.
Q: What languages are the schools instructed in?
A: The schools primarily provide instruction in English, with some schools also offering bilingual options in Spanish or other languages.
Q: How can I choose the best school for my child?
A: Consider your child’s interests, review the curriculum, compare fees, and consult with fellow expats or school admissions departments to make an informed decision that suits your child’s needs.