Aloha College Marbella vs The British School of Málaga
Aloha College Marbella and The British School of Málaga are both in Malaga. Both schools offer British, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels and EYFS programmes. Aloha College Marbella also offers IB and IPC, and The British School of Málaga also offers Pearson Edexcel IGCSE. Published annual fees are €4,825 - 18,940 at Aloha College Marbella and €8,780 - 11,080 at The British School of Málaga, which puts Aloha College Marbella roughly 20% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 840 and 960 pupils. Typical class sizes are 20 at Aloha College Marbella and 23 at The British School of Málaga.
The school has over 50 nationalities represented and more than 25 languages spoken.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
SEN is supported within the mainstream classroom; families must provide full written documentation of any known SEN at registration.
Additional learning support
The school has an ALN Department providing support for ALN, including English as an Additional Language (EAL) and signposting to professionals such as psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and play therapists.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
British international education (UK curriculum elements such as English National Curriculum and IPC).
Country affiliation
The school has a British affiliation.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Primary day runs 9:00–15:40 (with supervision from 8:30 and until 16:00); Secondary day runs 9:00–16:00.
School day structure
The school day runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with a Breakfast Club from 8:00 am and a Snack Club from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Yes. Supervised bus routes from Fuengirola and Estepona.
Bus service details
The school has a bus service with seven routes.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and Admissions Prepayments
- Application fee (non‑refundable): EUR 200, payable on submission of the application. - Reservation (firm offer) fee: EUR 2,500, payable on acceptance of a firm offer and deducted from the first invoice. - Waiting list holding fee: EUR 1,250 — refundable only if a place is not offered; once a firm place is offered this becomes part of the reservation fee and non‑refundable. - Administration fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): EUR 195, payable with the first invoice. - Inscription (enrolment) fee for new pupils / re‑enrolment after an absence (one‑time, non‑refundable): 1st child EUR 3,000; 2nd child EUR 2,250; 3rd child EUR 1,800. - Chromebook (required for all students joining Secondary): EUR 599, payable with the first invoice; the device is supplied and configured by the school and is assigned to the pupil.
Tuition fees — Primary (per term and annual total)
Invoices and payments are issued termly. Payment due dates shown in the schedule are: 1st Term due by 15/06/2025; 2nd Term due by 01/12/2025; 3rd Term due by 02/03/2026. (Below each line shows the three term amounts followed by the calculated annual total.)
- Nursery (Half Day): 1st Term EUR 1,925; 2nd Term EUR 1,450; 3rd Term EUR 1,450. Annual total: EUR 4,825. - Nursery (Full): 1st Term EUR 3,115; 2nd Term EUR 2,345; 3rd Term EUR 2,345. Annual total: EUR 7,805. - Reception: 1st Term EUR 3,495; 2nd Term EUR 2,620; 3rd Term EUR 2,620. Annual total: EUR 8,735. - Year 1: 1st Term EUR 3,805; 2nd Term EUR 2,850; 3rd Term EUR 2,850. Annual total: EUR 9,505. - Year 2: 1st Term EUR 3,895; 2nd Term EUR 2,930; 3rd Term EUR 2,930. Annual total: EUR 9,755. - Year 3: 1st Term EUR 4,240; 2nd Term EUR 3,180; 3rd Term EUR 3,180. Annual total: EUR 10,600. - Year 4: 1st Term EUR 4,345; 2nd Term EUR 3,265; 3rd Term EUR 3,265. Annual total: EUR 10,875. - Year 5: 1st Term EUR 4,575; 2nd Term EUR 3,440; 3rd Term EUR 3,440. Annual total: EUR 11,455. - Year 6: 1st Term EUR 4,630; 2nd Term EUR 3,470; 3rd Term EUR 3,470. Annual total: EUR 11,570.
Tuition fees — Secondary (per term / invoice and annual total)
Invoices and payments are made termly for Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12; Years 11 and 13 are invoiced twice a year. Payment due dates shown in the schedule are: 1st Term / 1st Invoice due by 15/06/2025; 2nd Term due by 01/12/2025; 3rd Term due by 02/03/2026; second invoice for Year 11/13 due by 05/01/2026. (Below each line shows the invoice/term amounts followed by the calculated annual total.)
- Year 7: 1st Term EUR 5,290; 2nd Term EUR 3,975; 3rd Term EUR 3,975. Annual total: EUR 13,240. - Year 8: 1st Term EUR 5,430; 2nd Term EUR 4,075; 3rd Term EUR 4,075. Annual total: EUR 13,580. - Year 9: 1st Term EUR 5,520; 2nd Term EUR 4,140; 3rd Term EUR 4,140. Annual total: EUR 13,800. - Year 10: 1st Term EUR 5,980; 2nd Term EUR 4,495; 3rd Term EUR 4,495. Annual total: EUR 14,970. - Year 12: 1st Term EUR 7,495; 2nd Term EUR 5,630; 3rd Term EUR 5,630. Annual total: EUR 18,755. - Year 11: 1st Invoice EUR 7,640; 2nd Invoice EUR 7,640. Annual total: EUR 15,280. - Year 13: 1st Invoice EUR 9,470; 2nd Invoice EUR 9,470. Annual total: EUR 18,940.
Optional services and recurring extras
- School lunch (Primary): Nursery–Year 2 — 1st Term EUR 615; 2nd Term EUR 450; 3rd Term EUR 440. Years 3–6 — 1st Term EUR 650; 2nd Term EUR 480; 3rd Term EUR 470. - School lunch (Secondary): Year 7–10 & 12 — 1st Term EUR 650; 2nd Term EUR 480; 3rd Term EUR 470. Year 11 — 1st Invoice EUR 795; 2nd Invoice EUR 795. Year 13 — 1st Invoice EUR 700; 2nd Invoice EUR 700. - School bus (priced by geographical zone): for Years 7–10 & 12 the per‑term amounts are: Zone A EUR 480 / EUR 350 / EUR 350; Zone B EUR 605 / EUR 445 / EUR 445; Zone C EUR 685 / EUR 505 / EUR 505; Zone D EUR 760 / EUR 560 / EUR 560. Bus charges for Years 11 and 13 are invoiced per the two‑invoice schedule with amounts varying by zone (see the invoice schedule). - Chromebook: Secondary students EUR 599 (one‑off, payable with first invoice). - The tuition and optional service fees listed include accident insurance, textbooks and exercise books, subject materials and all compulsory curricular day trips and enrichment events unless otherwise noted.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Invoices are issued according to the term/ invoice schedule shown above (1st term/invoice in mid‑June; further invoices in December, March or early January for two‑invoice year groups). - For Years 7–10 and 12 invoicing is termly; Years 11 and 13 are invoiced twice a year. - A surcharge of 5% is imposed on fees not fully paid by the due date stated on the invoice. - Inscription, administration and Chromebook charges are payable with the first invoice or as stated in the enrolment prepayment terms.
Boarding
- Aloha College Marbella operates as a day school; boarding is not provided.
Refunds and non‑refundable items
- Application fee (EUR 200): non‑refundable. - Reservation fee (EUR 2,500): non‑refundable once a firm offer is accepted (the reservation fee is deducted from the first invoice). - Waiting list holding fee (EUR 1,250): refundable only if a place is not subsequently offered; once a firm place is offered it becomes part of the reservation fee and is non‑refundable. - Administration fee and inscription fee: one‑time and non‑refundable, payable with the first invoice. - Other refund entitlements for tuition after a pupil has started are governed by the school's enrolment and payment terms (specific conditions such as refunds on withdrawal or term‑time changes are set out in the school's policy documents). A 5% late payment surcharge applies for late settlement.
Fee payment notes and options
- Fees are invoiced in EUR according to the billing schedule above; invoices must be settled by the due dates shown. - The published fee documents present the invoicing schedule, fee amounts and the late‑payment surcharge. For the available payment channels (for example bank transfer, card payment via the parent portal or other methods) families should use the school's invoicing and parent‑portal arrangements when settling invoices.
Other practical costs
- Uniform: the school operates a second‑hand uniform shop and maintains uniform guidance; costs for new uniform items are not listed in the fee schedule and vary by item and supplier. - External optional activities (some trips, examinations, external providers or certain co‑curricular items) may carry separate charges where explicitly stated. - The fee documents include details of compulsory items (textbooks, subject materials) in the fee inclusions; additional discretionary costs (private tuition, optional external programmes, non‑compulsory trips) are billed separately where applicable.
Fee details
Application / Registration Fees
- Registration fee (one-off, new students only): EUR 1,100 per child. The registration fee is a single, non‑refundable payment. - Annual enrolment fee (renewal): EUR 1,100 per child, charged each year for enrolled students.
Tuition fees by year group (published annual amounts, and monthly / per‑term conversions)
Note: The school publishes annual tuition and offers a default 10‑month instalment option; the monthly figure below is the published annual fee divided by 10. The per‑term figure below is the published annual fee divided by 3 (three academic terms) and is shown for convenience.
- Early Years - Nursery (age 3): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 8,780. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 878. Per term (approx.): EUR 2,927. - Reception (age 4): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 8,780. Monthly: EUR 878. Per term (approx.): EUR 2,927.
- Primary (Ages 5–11) - Year 1 (age 5): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 9,530. Monthly: EUR 953. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,177. - Year 2 (age 6): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 9,530. Monthly: EUR 953. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,177. - Year 3 (age 7): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 9,780. Monthly: EUR 978. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,260. - Year 4 (age 8): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 9,780. Monthly: EUR 978. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,260. - Year 5 (age 9): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 9,980. Monthly: EUR 998. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,327. - Year 6 (age 10): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 9,980. Monthly: EUR 998. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,327.
- Secondary (Ages 11–16) - Year 7 (age 11): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 10,680. Monthly: EUR 1,068. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,560. - Year 8 (age 12): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 10,680. Monthly: EUR 1,068. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,560. - Year 9 (age 13): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 10,850. Monthly: EUR 1,085. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,617. - Year 10 (age 14): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 11,650. Monthly: EUR 1,165. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,883. - Year 11 (age 15): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 11,650. Monthly: EUR 1,165. Per term (approx.): EUR 3,883.
- Sixth Form / A‑Levels (Ages 16–18) - Year 12 (age 16): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 12,050. Monthly: EUR 1,205. Per term (approx.): EUR 4,017. - Year 13 (age 17): Registration EUR 1,100 • Enrolment EUR 1,100 • Annual tuition EUR 12,050. Monthly: EUR 1,205. Per term (approx.): EUR 4,017.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Default billing method: 10 monthly instalments (September to June inclusive) by direct debit. Returned direct debit charge: EUR 20. Unpaid invoices must be settled within 10 days; a 3% interest is applied to outstanding amounts. Annual upfront payment (paid in full before 31 July) receives a 5% discount. Third‑child discount: 50% discount applicable from the third child on the enrolment fee and tuition fees only. Annual payments are non‑refundable.
Boarding fees
- Boarding: not applicable. The published fee schedule lists day‑school tuition and additional day services (bus, clubs, breakfast/snack) but does not list boarding facilities or boarding fees.
Other costs and additional fees
- School lunch: included in the published tuition fee (school lunch is mandatory and included). - School accident insurance: included. - Uniform: compulsory for Nursery through Year 11; uniform must be purchased through the school (prices not listed in the fee schedule). - Chromebook/device: compulsory purchase required for students in Year 3 through Year 11 (price not listed in the fee schedule). Chromebook licences and some digital licences are included in the listed “included” items. - Intensive EAL (English as an Additional Language) programme (for new students): EUR 1,150 per year in KS1 and EUR 2,200 per year in KS2 and KS3; payable in monthly instalments. - External examinations (IGCSE, A‑levels, and official validations) are not included in the published tuition and are charged separately. School trips are not included. - After‑school clubs and extra activities: charged separately. Sample published rates (termly / additional services): - Breakfast/Snack Club (termly): Single ticket EUR 6; 1 day/week EUR 65; 2 days/week EUR 110; 3 days/week EUR 155; 4 days/week EUR 185; Full week EUR 200 (combined with bus or after school lower rates apply). - After‑school general activities (termly, sample): Standard (2 sessions/week) EUR 175; Basic (1 session/week) EUR 145; Extended (3 sessions/week) EUR 205. - Other activities (termly, sample): Standard EUR 200; Basic EUR 170; Extended EUR 220. - School bus (annual/termly options shown as published): Local stops (within Málaga city): Return EUR 555; One‑way EUR 345. Suburban stops (outside Málaga city): Return EUR 600; One‑way EUR 390. (September only/first month pro‑rata termly figures are listed separately in the schedule.)
Refund information
- The registration fee is explicitly non‑refundable. Annual payments per child are stated as non‑refundable. No other refundable amounts or a broader refund schedule is published in the school's fee document. Returned direct debit charge and late‑payment interest provisions apply as noted under billing terms.
Fee payment options
- Published payment options and mechanics: default method is 10 monthly instalments by direct debit; the school accepts an annual upfront payment (with a 5% discount if paid before 31 July). The published fee document specifies returned direct debit penalties and late‑payment interest. Specific alternative payment channels (for example, credit card or bank transfer) are not detailed in the published fee schedule.
If you need these amounts presented in a different format (for example, separated by monthly instalments per line or per‑term rows for a database import), the figures above are given as published (annual), with the monthly instalment shown as the published annual fee divided by 10 and the per‑term figure shown as the published annual fee divided by 3 for convenience.
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
The school offers a British international education for students aged 3 to 18. From Early Years to Year 6, the English National Curriculum is followed with the International Primary Curriculum. In Years 10–11, students prepare for IGCSEs. In Sixth Form (Years 12–13), they can choose between the International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) or the International A-Level programme.
Curriculum details
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) British curriculum with language immersion. Primary School uses the British national curriculum, complemented with Spanish Language and Cultural Studies. Secondary School progresses with the British national curriculum and leads to IGCSE results, while continuing Spanish classes and ESO preparation. Sixth Form advances to A Level and Spanish university access exams, with a personalised curriculum and the option to study Spanish alongside English to support access to universities in Spain and worldwide. The school holds accreditations from Cambridge International Examinations, Pearson Qualifications, AQA, Cambridge English, and OxfordAQA.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Average class size: Years 7–11, 16 pupils; Years 12–13, 10 pupils.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
2024 Exam Results: the school achieved a 100% pass rate across IB, A-Level and IGCSE examinations. In the IB programme, the average score was 35.56 points, with nine students exceeding 40. In A-Level, 31% of examinations were awarded A* to A, with a 100% pass rate. In IGCSE, 93% of examinations were graded 4–9, with 46% achieving 7–9, and all early-entry Spanish candidates earning top grades (8–9). 2025 Exam Results: published with continued strong achievements.
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
96% of the 2024 cohort progressed to their first-choice universities. 17 graduates pursued UK universities including Oxford, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol. About 69% studied abroad in the US, Canada, Europe and beyond. 77% chose Arts and Humanities degrees and 23% pursued STEM fields.
Higher education progression
Graduates progress to universities in Spain and worldwide.
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. Enquiry Stage. The process starts with an enquiry on the school's site. OpenApply provides access to upload documents, track progress, and complete the application. The most recent school reports, copies of passports (child and both parents), and proof of English proficiency for Year 1 and above (if English is not the first language) are requested. There are two application periods: 1 November–31 January for entry in the following academic year and 1 March–31 May; applications outside these periods may be considered subject to availability.
Admissions
01 Get in touch today. Get in touch to schedule a campus visit or online meeting, or participate in our monthly virtual open days. Enrolment is open all year round, and the admissions team provides personalized guidance throughout the onboarding process. 02 Join us for a tour. Visit the campus in person to gain a deeper understanding of your child's needs and interests. We discuss the curriculum and show the facilities, offering a glimpse into the learning environment. 03 Taster Day/Online interview. Your child's previous school report may be requested if applicable. We may invite them to experience a taster day at the school or arrange an online interview with the admissions team. 04 Acceptance. After the taster day or online interview, you'll receive a written offer. You'll have 10 days to accept and proceed with the registration process while a registration fee is mandatory to secure a place. 05 Welcome. Congratulations! You're now part of the BSM Family. Families are welcome to attend a Taster Day to experience firsthand how a school day operates, and ongoing communication with the school supports the onboarding journey.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
Scholarships & university partnerships exist as part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP) network. The school has 100+ global university partnerships that open doors to top institutions, with students awarded over €2.6 million in scholarships to support their success. Through exclusive scholarships, students have opportunities to study with some of the world's most renowned institutions.
Waitlist
Waitlist
Waiting list. If no place is available, an offer is made on the waiting list. To accept, pay €1,250 within one week; this payment is refundable if no place is offered. If a place becomes available, the remaining €1,250 must be paid within 48 hours to secure the spot.
