AIS International School and Lady Elizabeth School are both in Alicante, about 27 km apart. Both schools offer British, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels programmes. AIS International School also offers Waldorf Steiner, and Lady Elizabeth School also offers IPC and EYFS. Published annual fees are €6,600 - 7,350 at AIS International School and €6,580 - 14,900 at Lady Elizabeth School, which puts Lady Elizabeth School roughly 54% higher. AIS International School takes pupils from 6 to 18, and Lady Elizabeth School from 2 to 18. Lady Elizabeth School is the larger school, with around 1,300 pupils to AIS International School's 270. Typical class sizes are 16 at AIS International School and 20 at Lady Elizabeth School.
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Waldorf Steiner Curriculum
Curriculum
IPC (International Primary Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
270
Pupils
1,300
Typical class size
Typical class size
16
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, Spanish
Opened
Opened
2012
Opened
1987
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
Alicante, Spain. The school is located at Entrada, Urb. Cumbre del Sol, s/n, Alicante.
Stages
Stages
Primary and Secondary levels for ages 6 to 18.
Stages
Early Years (2–6), Primary School (6–11), Secondary School (11–16), Sixth Form (16–18).
School type
School type
Private British school with Steiner-Waldorf inspired educational model.
School type
British international school; boarding available from age 13.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
Over 60 nationalities represented; a diverse international community.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Special and Additional Learning Needs Policy.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
British
Country affiliation
British
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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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
The bus service covers a wide area from Benidorm to Gandia. Routes include Alfaz del Pí (Motorway), La Nucia (Motorway), Calpe (Secondary), Calpe/Altea (Primary), Gandia (Motorway), Denia (Secondary), Denia (Primary), Oliva, Pego, Alcalalí, Jávea (Ermita), Jávea (Puerto), Moraira, Calpe/Altea (Secondary). Each bus is equipped with a monitor to ensure students' wellbeing and good behaviour during the journey.
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
Application & registration fees
- Registration fee (new student, one-time, non-refundable): EUR 1,650. - Annual re/enrolment fee (charged each year to reserve a place): EUR 1,100 (applies to all year groups).
Tuition fees by year group (academic year 2025/2026)
- One-off registration fee for new students: EUR 1,650 (listed above). - Lunch (compulsory for specified year groups): Early years & Primary: annual EUR 1,550 (monthly EUR 155); Secondary: annual EUR 1,700 (monthly EUR 170). - Bus service (optional): annual EUR 1,750 (monthly EUR 175). - Early Drop-Off Club (07:45–08:30): annual EUR 550 (monthly EUR 55). - Items and services that are commonly charged separately (may incur additional cost): school uniform, examination fees, private medical insurance, airport transfers and certain field trips. Boarding packages explicitly list which items are included/excluded.
Boarding fees (where applicable)
- Boarding is available from age 13; two boarding options are offered: Full (7 days/week) and Weekly (5 days/week). Included and excluded items are specified in the boarding fee schedule. - Boarding fees 2025/26 (by year group shown in the boarding fee schedule): - Full boarding (annual): Year 8–Year 13 range: EUR 38,010 to EUR 40,300 depending on year. - Weekly boarding (annual): Year 8–Year 13 range: EUR 32,511 to EUR 34,801 depending on year. - Boarding packages include tuition, shared accommodation, meals, laundry, local trips, textbooks and study materials, transport to/from school, supervised study support, extracurricular weekend activities and school insurance. Items not included: school uniform, private medical insurance, examination fees, airport transfers and some field trips. - For boarders who do not hold Spanish residency there is a student resident-permit processing fee of EUR 1,000 (new boarders where applicable).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing frequency options: monthly instalments (typically 10 monthly payments across the school year) or single annual payment. Monthly instalments are collected by SEPA direct debit within the first five days of each month. - Annual payment timing and discounts: a 5% advanced-payment discount applies when the full tuition (and enrolment/re-enrolment fee) is paid in advance by the stated deadline for the advanced-payment discount (deadlines referenced in the school fee schedules; advance-payment timing is specified per year). - Important dates and deposits (boarders and general): all fees must be paid before 31 July (date specified in the fee documents); for re-enrolling students a re-enrolment charge is billed during the second term (and specific boarding-place deposits are required to secure boarding places on the dates shown in the boarding schedule). For boarding the fee schedule shows the re-enrolment invoice date and an anticipated EUR 5,000 deposit by mid-April to secure a boarding place. - Payment method for monthly instalments: SEPA direct debit is the standard monthly collection method; bank details must be provided at registration. Returned direct debits or unpaid instalments may incur additional charges. - Late payment and interest: the school may charge interest on unpaid fees (up to 3% per month) and may suspend educational services for non-payment; suspension for non-payment can lead to termination after the applicable notice period set out in the Parent Contract. Parents remain legally liable for fees even if a third party pays and then defaults.
Refunds, withdrawal and notice
- Refunds for early withdrawal: withdrawing a pupil before the end of the school year normally results in a refund for the remaining months, but refunds are reduced by any annual-payment discounts previously applied. Failure to provide the required notice of withdrawal will trigger fees in lieu of notice which are deducted from refundable amounts. - No refund/waiver in normal circumstances: fees will not be refunded or waived for absence due to sickness, for shortened terms, or for temporary school closures except in exceptional cases at the Principal's discretion or where a legal obligation requires a refund. - Re-enrolment / registration payments are non-refundable, except for narrow circumstances defined in the school contract; returning the re-enrolment payment within a short statutory window may be treated as unilateral termination without penalty (see the parental contract terms).
Discounts and sibling policy
- Sibling discounts: the third child from the same family receives a 15% discount on tuition and registration/re-enrolment fees; the fourth child and subsequent children receive a 50% reduction on tuition and registration/re-enrolment fees. - Advance-payment discount: a 5% discount on tuition (and enrolment/re-enrolment fees) is applied if the full year is paid in advance by the advanced-payment deadline specified in the school fee schedule.
Fee payment options
- Monthly instalments: SEPA direct debit (monthly) is the standard method; bank details are provided at registration. - Annual payments: single annual payments are accepted (timing and invoicing procedures are set by the accounts office). In some published fee schedules the school also documents the acceptance of bank transfer or credit card payments (credit card or certain non‑SEPA methods may carry an administrative surcharge per invoice). Contact channels shown in the school fee documents are used to arrange annual payment by bank transfer or card where allowed.
Summary
- Registration (new student): EUR 1,650 (one-time) and annual re/enrolment: EUR 1,100. Tuition varies by year group (Early Years through Year 13) as listed above. Monthly collection is typically via SEPA direct debit; annual-payment discounts and sibling discounts apply under the stated rules. Boarding is charged separately (full and weekly rates) and has its own inclusions/exclusions and deposit/timing requirements. Refunds and withdrawal liabilities are governed by the School's Parent Contract terms summarized above.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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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
From age 2 to 18, Lady Elizabeth School follows a British pathway enriched with IPC and Spanish, with English and Spanish at the core of language learning. Early Years (Ages 2–6) use the EYFS framework in a bilingual environment. Primary School (Ages 6–11) combines the IPC with the British National Curriculum to develop language skills, leadership and independence. Secondary School (Ages 11–16) prepares students for GCSEs through the British and Spanish curricula, with opportunities to explore additional languages and engage in life skills through extra-curricular programmes. Sixth Form (Ages 16–18) offers specialised A Level courses, with mentoring, charity events and leadership opportunities and guidance for top universities worldwide. Multilingualism is central, with English and Spanish at the core; learners also study German, Russian and French.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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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
GCSE and A Level results are consistently among the best in the world, and students gain entry to top universities.
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
Future Pathways provides personalised guidance for university and career choices. With specialist guidance and industry connections, students gain valuable insights, refine their goals and access opportunities aligned with their ambitions. Through exclusive scholarships, they have opportunities to study with some of the world's most renowned institutions, gaining skills for emerging careers and industries globally.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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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
1. Contact us. Reach out to schedule a visit to our school or arrange a virtual call, especially if you are currently abroad. The admissions process is simple, personalised and attentive to the needs of each family. Multilingual support is available to assist international families. 2. School tour/virtual call. Discover our school during this stage, where we get to know you and your child better. Explore our curriculum and facilities, gaining insight into our vibrant learning environment. This stage is part of the admissions journey. 3. Assessment/taster day. Submit your child's previous school reports, and if needed we will organise placement tests. Additionally, we may invite your child for a taster day to experience our community firsthand. The assessment informs the next steps in the enrolment process. 4. Acceptance. Receive a written offer once the assessment process is successfully completed, giving you a fixed period (between 5 to 10 days) to secure your child's place as you proceed with the registration process. 5. Enrolment. Celebrate! Your family is now part of our School Community. Enrolment completes the admissions journey.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
Scholarships, Bursaries and Discounts: Every scholarship, bursary or other award or concession is a discretionary privilege, subject to high standards of attendance, diligence and behaviour on the Pupil's part, and to the Parents treating the School and staff reasonably. The terms on which such awards are offered and accepted will be notified to Parents in writing at the time of offer.
