AIS International School vs King's College The British School of Alicante

	A AIS International School Alicante, Spain	K King's College The British School of Alicante Alicante, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €6,600 - 7,350	Fees / year €6,100 - 12,800
Age range	Age range 6 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Waldorf Steiner Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 270	Pupils 1,240
Typical class size	Typical class size 16	Typical class size 24
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2012	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location AIS Altea International School is located at Camí de l'Ermita 12, Alfaz del Pi 03580, and Cautivador 18, La Nucía 03530, Alicante, Spain. It sits in the inland Costa Blanca area near Altea and Jávea, accessible by road. A bus service serves the school from Jávea, Calpe and Alicante, with stops in Villajoyosa, Cala Finestrat, Finestrat, Alfaz del Pi, Albir, Benissa, Altea, Mascarat, Villa Gadea and Teulada, subject to demand.	Location Glorieta del Reino Unido 5, Alicante 03008, Spain. King's College Alicante is located on the outskirts of Alicante with easy communication to the city by road and by public transport. It is housed in a modern, purpose-built building with state-of-the-art facilities designed for children between the ages of 2 and 18 (from Nursery to Year 13).
Stages	Stages Primary and Secondary levels for ages 6 to 18.	Stages Ages 2-18 (Nursery to Year 13). The school includes Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Sixth Form (Years 12-13).
School type	School type Private British school with Steiner-Waldorf inspired educational model.	School type British international day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Special and Additional Learning Needs Policy.	Additional learning support Dedicated pastoral and wellbeing leader coordinates support for pupils' needs within the curriculum.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation British	Country affiliation British
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Christian (ecumenical) values; teaching includes Christian Faith from an ecumenical point of view; other faiths may opt out.
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details There are three buses that serve the school. They come from/go to Jávea, Calpe and Alicante. Stops include Villajoyosa, Cala Finestrat, Finestrat, Alfaz del Pi, Albir, Benissa, Altea, Mascarat, Villa Gadea and Teulada; subject to demand.	Bus service details Bus service with modern buses; buses have seat-belts and are supervised by a responsible adult; pick-up and drop-off times are approximate.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration and Entry Fees - Annual registration fee (new and returning): EUR 525 (Primary, due by 5 March for 2026/27 places). - Annual registration fee (Secondary / A‑level): EUR 609 (where stated for Secondary and A‑Level). - One‑time administration fee at enrolment: EUR 100. - Refundable enrolment deposit for new students (when not exempted by pre‑payment): Primary: EUR 1,320; Secondary: EUR 1,470 (deposit amount applied at enrolment; deposit is refundable after withdrawal subject to deductions). Primary tuition (Class 1–5 / Year 2–6) - Standard monthly plan (Direct Debit SEPA only): EUR 660 per month, paid over 10 months (September–June) = EUR 6,600 per academic year. - Annual single‑payment option (early payment discount): example shown — EUR 6,270 (5% discount when paid by the specified early deadline). Alternative single‑payment deadlines and discounts are offered (different deadlines yield different percentage discounts). - Registration and extra enrolment charges: Annual registration EUR 525 (due by the school deadline) plus for new students the refundable deposit EUR 1,320 and the one‑time administration fee EUR 100 when applicable. - Summer school: one week of Summer School is included in the annual school fees for registered Primary families; additional weeks of Summer School are charged (standard published Summer School fee: EUR 135 per week). Secondary tuition (Class 6–10 / Year 7–11) - Annual tuition (standard): EUR 7,350 per year, payable in 10 monthly instalments from September to June (Direct Debit). - Annual registration fee: EUR 609. One‑time enrolment deposit: EUR 1,470 for new students (deposit refunded on withdrawal after deductions). One‑time administration fee: EUR 100. - Summer school: one week included in the annual fee for registered families. A‑Level tuition (Class 11–12 / Year 12–13) - Tuition is charged per subject: EUR 3,087 per subject per year. - Payment schedule for A‑Level tuition per subject: payable in 3 trimester instalments (due September, January and April). - Concessions shown: 10% reduction for the 2nd subject, 20% reduction for the 3rd subject. Annual registration fee for A‑Level: EUR 609. One‑time administration fee: EUR 100. Billing schedule and payment terms (general rules applied across programmes) - Monthly plan: 10 instalments, September through June; monthly instalments are taken by Direct Debit (SEPA) on the 1st of each month. Parents who do not use Direct Debit are required to pay at least a whole term in advance. - Trimester payments: accepted by bank transfer where offered; trimester due dates are the start of each term (example deadlines noted: 1 September, 1 January, 1 April). - Annual single payment: a single annual payment option is available with an early‑payment discount (example: 5% discount when paid by the school's stated early deadline). Families paying the whole year in advance may be exempt from the deposit requirement for new entrants. Other costs and what is not included in tuition - Not included in tuition: reading books, workbooks and specialised materials for maths and art (compass, ruler, calculator, specialised art supplies) — these are charged separately. - Lunch service: a hot vegetarian lunch service is available; lunch registration and charges are handled through the school's chosen lunch provider. - Bus / transport: bus fees are charged separately and calculated by distance from the school; routes are operated subject to demand and paid in addition to tuition. - Extra‑curricular activities and selected packages (sports, music, arts, clubs) are additional and may be offered as discounted yearly packages if chosen. - Summer School (additional weeks beyond the included week): standard published rate EUR 135 per week (sibling discounts may apply). Refunds and deposit handling - Enrolment deposit: the deposit taken at enrolment is refundable on request after the student's withdrawal from the school; any outstanding fees or other payments owing to the school are deducted from the deposit before refund. - Deposit exemption: families who pay the whole year in advance (within the school's stated early‑payment window) are typically exempt from paying the deposit at enrolment. - Fees and withdrawal: the school's Fee Agreement contains the full withdrawal and refund schedule and the application of any discounts; the deposit refund procedure and deductions are administered in accordance with that agreement. Boarding - Boarding is not provided; the school operates as a day school with optional bus transport and on‑site lunch. Accepted payment methods and practical payment notes - Direct Debit (SEPA) is the required method for the monthly 10‑month plan. Trimester and single annual payments are accepted by bank transfer to the school account. For parents who decline Direct Debit, a whole term in advance payment is required. Specific bank account details and exact payment instructions are supplied in the school's Fee Agreement and payment forms. Notes on discounts and sibling concessions - Early‑payment discounts are applied for single annual payments (examples: 5% and other tiered discounts depending on payment date). Sibling discounts apply as stated in the school's Terms & Conditions and Fee Agreement; parents are required to follow the school's deadlines to secure discount rates.	Fee details Tuition fees (per term and per year by Year group — 2025–2026 academic year) - Pre‑Nursery (ages 2–3): €2,440 (Term 1) + €1,830 (Term 2) + €1,830 (Term 3) — Annual total €6,100. - Nursery (ages 3–4): €3,640 (Term 1) + €2,730 (Term 2) + €2,730 (Term 3) — Annual total €9,100. - Reception (ages 4–5): €3,640 (Term 1) + €2,730 (Term 2) + €2,730 (Term 3) — Annual total €9,100. - Year 1 (ages 5–6): €3,740 (Term 1) + €2,805 (Term 2) + €2,805 (Term 3) — Annual total €9,350. - Year 2 (ages 6–7): €3,820 (Term 1) + €2,865 (Term 2) + €2,865 (Term 3) — Annual total €9,550. - Year 3 (ages 7–8): €4,165 (Term 1) + €3,120 (Term 2) + €3,120 (Term 3) — Annual total €10,405. - Year 4 (ages 8–9): €4,180 (Term 1) + €3,135 (Term 2) + €3,135 (Term 3) — Annual total €10,450. - Year 5 (ages 9–10): €4,220 (Term 1) + €3,165 (Term 2) + €3,165 (Term 3) — Annual total €10,550. - Year 6 (ages 10–11): €4,320 (Term 1) + €3,240 (Term 2) + €3,240 (Term 3) — Annual total €10,800. - Year 7 (ages 11–12): €4,720 (Term 1) + €3,540 (Term 2) + €3,540 (Term 3) — Annual total €11,800. - Year 8 (ages 12–13): €4,790 (Term 1) + €3,595 (Term 2) + €3,595 (Term 3) — Annual total €11,980. - Year 9 (ages 13–14): €4,800 (Term 1) + €3,595 (Term 2) + €3,595 (Term 3) — Annual total €11,990. - Year 10 (ages 14–15): €4,960 (Term 1) + €3,720 (Term 2) + €3,720 (Term 3) — Annual total €12,400. - Year 11 (ages 15–16): €5,120 (Term 1) + €3,840 (Term 2) + €3,840 (Term 3) — Annual total €12,800. - Year 12 (ages 16–17): €5,575 (Term 1) + €4,180 (Term 2) + €4,180 (Term 3) — Annual total €13,935. - Year 13 (ages 17–18): €5,580 (Term 1) + €4,185 (Term 2) + €4,185 (Term 3) — Annual total €13,950. What the tuition covers - Tuition fees include school lunches, textbooks, materials and a technology fee. Application / enrolment fees - A non‑refundable enrolment fee of €1,550 per pupil is payable on acceptance of a place. No reimbursement is made in the event of cancellation. - An annual re‑enrolment fee is billed in the third term each year and is deducted from the first term's fees of the next academic year (amount shown on the school's re‑enrolment billing). Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are billed and paid termly (three terms per year). Receipts/invoices are presented at the start of each term — within the first ten days of September, January and April. - All fees (including bus service, optional classes and school visits) are payable by direct debit. A €15 charge applies for each rejected direct debit. Exceptions to direct debit require a written exception request to the school finance director. - If fees are unpaid seven days after the due date, the school may refuse attendance; if unpaid after fourteen days, the school may terminate the contract. Notice, withdrawal and refunds - Three months' written notice is required to withdraw a pupil; in lieu of notice three months' fees are payable. Parents must notify intent to leave in writing by the school's notified deadlines for June departure. - No refund is made for absence due to illness or other causes. No refund of the enrolment fee is made if a place is cancelled. No refund is made if notice of departure is given after April 1. - If the school makes a significant change to provision, parents who choose to withdraw within the permitted 21‑day period may do so without being required to give the three‑month notice. - The school will not be liable to refund fees in the event of temporary or permanent closure due to pandemic, terrorism or similar exceptional events. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable to this campus; fees and schedules above apply to day pupils. (The school operates as a day school with optional bus service and compulsory lunches included in fees). Transport (bus) fees and family discounts - Bus fees (listed as € per month) by route: Alicante €198 (return) / €130 (single); Torrevieja–Aspe–Monforte €222 (return) / €141 (single); Altea–Benidorm €244 (return) / €164 (single). Bus charges are payable by direct debit and family discounts apply to the bus service. - Family discounts on Education and Bus Service: 3rd child 10% discount; 4th child 15%; 5th and subsequent children 20%. Other charges and optional services - Induction English (per lesson): Individual €50; Small group €42. - External examination fees (GCSE, IBDP, Cambridge, national tests, etc.) are charged in addition and are included on termly bills where applicable. - Optional classes, extracurricular activities and certain school visits are charged extra; optional classes must be contracted termly or yearly and refunds are not possible for non‑attendance. - Uniform and sports kit are purchased through the school shop; parents are responsible for the cost of uniform and personal writing materials (some textbooks remain school property on loan). Refunds and special cases - No refunds for absence, illness, or where notice of withdrawal is provided after the stated deadlines; specific limited exceptions (e.g., permitted withdrawal after a significant change) are described in the school's terms and conditions. Payment options (practical summary) - Standard payment method: direct debit (mandatory for fees, bus, optional classes and trips). A €15 charge applies to each failed direct debit. Exceptions to direct debit are considered only by written request to the finance director. (End of fees overview)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details British National Curriculum taught with Steiner-Waldorf orientation and mindfulness integration; English is the medium of instruction. The primary curriculum offers a balanced mix of academics, art, music, drama, handwork and movement; Main Lesson blocks are used and the learning is holistic rather than fragmented. Subjects include maths, English, science, Spanish, Valenciano, German, music, art, crafts, ICT and PSHE, with language development support as needed. The transition to secondary maintains the Main Lesson style and introduces more formal study; the secondary program follows the English National Curriculum with Steiner-Waldorf and mindfulness influences, preparing students for IGCSE at age 16 and A levels at age 18, with subject options across core and arts subjects; English remains the medium of instruction and assessments include external examinations such as IGCSE and A levels.	Curriculum details King's College Alicante educates students from ages 2 to 18 (Nursery to Year 13). The school uses the English National Curriculum and delivers IGCSEs at the end of Year 11, followed by A-Level courses. It is an IB World School authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, including a bilingual Diploma option at the end of Year 13. French and German are also offered.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results IGCSE results are published annually. In 2025 overall 71% of entries achieved grades 9-4, with 67% in Science and 77% in Maths; 100% achieved 9-4 in English 2nd language. In 2024 overall 92.4% achieved grades 9-1, with 100% achieving 9-6 in German and 9-5 in English 1st language. (Subject and year specific figures are reported for multiple subjects in recent years.)	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression In secondary, graduates are adaptable and well-prepared for diverse higher education paths with opportunities within Spain and across the globe.	Higher education progression Ex-students have entered British universities and top institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College and LSE. Alumni have also progressed to Stanford University and Duke University, and to universities in Spain including UAM, the Complutense University of Madrid, and Carlos III.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Complete the online Enquiry Form. The school will respond with an invitation to a personal or online interview. The enquiry form is available online or by request from the administration office. 2. After submitting the application form, parents are invited for a visit to the school for more information and continuation of the admission process. This visit provides an opportunity to learn more about AIS and the next steps in the admissions process. 3. AIS welcomes children aged 6-18 years. Children can enrol at AIS up to Class 6 without needing to know English, but they must have a basic level of spoken and listening English when entering Class 7. If they enter Class 8 with a low level of English, intensive after-school classes are required, and progress will be assessed at the end of the first term to decide whether they can reach the level required to enter Year 9 and prepare for GCSE. 4. All classes are taught in English, except for languages, gardening and crafts.	Admissions Admissions include Open Days, Information on Fees, a Virtual Tour, Entry Requirements, Nsouli Scholars, FAQs, and Our Partners. A personalised admissions meeting on campus or online can be booked. An admissions appointment can be booked. A virtual tour is available to discover facilities.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Nsouli Scholars
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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