Montessori British School Murcia vs The O'Brien International School
Montessori British School Murcia and The O'Brien International School are both in Alicante, about 28 km apart. Both schools offer British and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE programmes. Montessori British School Murcia also offers BTEC Qualification and Montessori, and The O'Brien International School also offers EYFS. Published annual fees are €3,500 - 20,000 at Montessori British School Murcia and €4,300 - 4,950 at The O'Brien International School, which puts Montessori British School Murcia roughly 154% higher. Montessori British School Murcia takes pupils from 3 to 18, and The O'Brien International School from 5 to 18. Montessori British School Murcia is the larger school, with around 70 pupils to The O'Brien International School's 50. Typical class sizes are 10 at Montessori British School Murcia and 12 at The O'Brien International School.
San Miguel de Salinas, Alicante, Spain. Located in the town of San Miguel de Salinas, about ten minutes from the city of Torrevieja.
Stages
Stages
Primaria (6–12 years); Secundaria (12–16 years, flexible); Bachillerato (16–18 years, flexible); Erdkinder (adolescent Montessori community with a residence).
Stages
Primary through college, including A-levels.
School type
School type
Private international school offering Montessori-inspired education with British curriculum elements; Official Pearson Edexcel exam center for iGCSE, BTEC and A-Levels; Erdkinder boarding program.
School type
British international school following the British curriculum.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
British School Overseas; follows UK education standards.
Country affiliation
United Kingdom (British curriculum).
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
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application / enrolment fees - Umbrella programme: a one-off administrative/registration fee of EUR 350 is charged and is paid with the first installment. - Microschools / franchise-type projects: an initial advisory/application payment of EUR 100 is charged. - Admission process: a completed registration form, required documentation and the first payment are required to confirm and reserve a place.
Tuition fees by programme / year group - Umbrella (virtual programme, Key Stage 2/3 — approx. ages 6–14): EUR 170 per month; annual cost stated as within the range EUR 1,500 to EUR 2,800 for the 2024/2025 academic year (monthly payment option available). - Umbrella Key Stage 4 (International GCSE preparation): EUR 310 per month; annual cost falls within the overall Umbrella range given for 2024/2025. - Other modalities (Early Years / Day School Campus / Primary / Secondary / Baccalaureate / BTEC / A‑Levels): no published per-term or per-academic-year tuition schedule for each specific year group or cohort was found. The school operates Campus (Day School), Online and Erdkinder (residential) modalities but a complete, year-group-by-year-group fee table is not published.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Umbrella billing options: monthly payments are available; a single full payment is accepted with a 3% discount applied for single-payment settlement. The stated annual price range for Umbrella (EUR 1,500–2,800) corresponds to the monthly plans and single-payment option for 2024/2025. An administrative fee of EUR 350 is charged with the first instalment. - Admissions confirmation requires submission of documentation and payment of the first instalment to reserve a place. Details of instalment schedules beyond the Umbrella programme (for campus or boarding tuition) are not published.
Boarding fees (Erdkinder) - Boarding options offered: individual and group rooms; full board (including weekends) or week-board (Sunday evening to Friday evening) options; campuses may be in Murcia or in Ireland depending on dates and availability. No published numeric boarding fees (per week, per term or per year) were found.
Other costs and extras - Administrative / registration: Umbrella administrative fee EUR 350 (paid with first instalment). Microschools initial fee EUR 100. - Exams: Pearson Edexcel examination sessions and private-candidate arrangements are listed (future exam sessions announced), but specific exam-entry fees are not published on the fee pages. - Camps and holiday programmes (summer/winter/half-term) and short-stay Erdkinder residencies are offered; fees for camps or short residential stays are not published on the programme pages. - Uniforms, textbooks, lunches, transport, extracurricular activity fees and other typical ancillaries: no published line-item amounts for uniform or routine ancillary costs were found.
Refunds and cancellation - No published refund or cancellation policy for tuition, boarding or programme fees was found on the public programme and FAQ pages. Admission requires an initial payment to reserve a place; the school does state the admission steps but does not publish a standard refund schedule.
Fee payment options - The school lists monthly and single-payment options for the Umbrella programme and notes that financing of course fees is available as an option, but explicit payment method details (credit card, bank transfer, direct debit) are not published on the programme or FAQ pages. Parents should expect that at least monthly instalments and single lump-sum payment choices are supported; financing arrangements are available.
Brief summary of what is available and what is not published - Available and published: Umbrella programme monthly rates (EUR 170/mo for Key Stage 2–3; EUR 310/mo for KS4), the Umbrella annual range for 2024/2025 (EUR 1,500–2,800), a EUR 350 administrative fee (Umbrella), a EUR 100 initial advisory fee for Microschools, boarding options (full board or week‑board) and the admission requirement that the first payment accompanies documentation. - Not published (no line-item figures located): a full per-term or per‑year tuition table by specific year group for on-campus Day School (Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Baccalaureate), numeric boarding fees (weekly/term/year amounts), itemised costs for uniform, meals, transport, extracurriculars, explicit exam entry fees, a formal refund/cancellation schedule, and explicit payment-method options (card / bank-transfer details).
If you require these missing line-item figures on record, they are not published in the public programme and FAQ pages for the current academic year; the published items above are the definitive fee figures and billing rules that are publicly available.
Fee details
Application / Registration fee
- Registration (non-refundable): EUR 450.00.
Tuition fees by year group (quoted amounts and annual equivalents)
- Primary: EUR 430.00 per month. Annual equivalent (monthly × 10 months): approximately EUR 4,300.
- Secondary: EUR 495.00 per month. Annual equivalent (monthly × 10 months): approximately EUR 4,950.
- A-Level programme (4 A-Levels): EUR 565.00 (quoted for the 4-subject A-Level package). Annual equivalent (if billed over a 10-month academic year): approximately EUR 5,650.
(Annual totals above are shown as monthly rate multiplied by 10 months to give a standard academic-year equivalent; the school publishes the monthly figures and published yearly ranges align with these annual equivalents.)
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is quoted on a per-month basis. Specific term invoicing frequencies are not listed alongside the monthly figures on the published fee schedule.
- Exam fees: all exam fees must be paid by 31 January in the year prior to taking the examination. Late entries incur penalties (100% penalty for late entry periods as stated). Amendment fees apply when changing entry level and equal the entry fee plus any penalties incurred. An "Exams Fees in Advance" scheme is offered (payments from September to January may be accumulated for subsequent exam fees).
- A 5% sibling discount applies to tuition.
Boarding fees
- No boarding provision or boarding fees are published for The O'Brien International School. No boarding fees are listed in the school's published fee material.
Other costs and fees
- Stationery fee: EUR 135.00 per annum.
- Exam entry fees: charged per subject; costs for language and some international exam entries vary by exam board and subject (languages, Art & Design and some optional courses may have higher charges). These subject-specific exam charges and optional course costs are applied in addition to tuition and may require separate payment.
- Optional additional costs: some optional courses may require study or investigation trips at additional cost; Art & Design and some international language exam entries can be markedly more expensive.
Refund information
- The registration fee is explicitly non-refundable. Exam-entry penalties for late entries are charged at the stated percentages and are not refundable. No separate general tuition refund policy is published alongside the fee schedule.
Fee payment options
- No specific payment methods (for example, bank transfer or credit card) are listed on the published fee pages. Contact details for the school's admissions/accounts team are provided for arranging payment and enquiries: telephone 965 076 678, mobile 615 466 398; e-mails theobrienlanguagecentre@gmail.com and info@theobrienlanguagecentre.es.
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 uses personalized learning journeys instead of a standardized curriculum. Secondary (12–16) follows Pearson Certification: IGCSE and BTEC L2. Sixth form (16–18) offers Pearson Certification: A-Levels and BTEC L3. The school is an Official Pearson Edexcel Examination Center enabling international exams (IGCSEs, BTECs, A-Levels) with flexible paths, including university entry without exams through portfolios. Academic results are important to prepare students for college, career and life. Online classes run in synchronous blocks no longer than 50 minutes, led by Montessori-trained and/or English-speaking or bilingual teachers; Nomad Programs offer virtual and on-campus options, including Earth Children Erdkinder and on-campus Murcia activities.
Curriculum details
The O'Brien International School follows the British Council School Curriculum from the English Early Years Foundation Stage through Year 11, with mandatory Spanish instruction to ensure bilingual and bicultural learners. Early Years (Reception) is delivered in English, with 10–15% of the EYFS curriculum taught in Spanish. Primary and Lower Secondary (Key Stages 1–3) follow the English National Curriculum, taught primarily in English, with 80% of the 35-period week focused on core subjects in English and 20% dedicated to Spanish language and cultural studies. Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4 – Years 9–11) typically offers 10 International GCSE subjects, with 8 compulsory—English Language, Mathematics, Single Science, and Spanish—and 2 or more optional subjects including Computing, Economics, History, Geography, Sociology, Statistics, ESL, Business, Art, Music, Psychology, Physical Education, and Religious Studies; Career Guidance begins in Year 9 through the PSHE/Tutorial Programme and continues in Year 11 for post-16 planning. Sixth Form (Key Stage 5 – Years 12–13) requires English, Spanish Language, and Mathematics plus one from Business, Spanish, Geography, Economics, History, or Sociology, with individualised career counselling and university guidance to prepare for higher education. The curriculum includes a broad range of subjects across the arts, humanities, and sciences, with a strong emphasis on bilingual education and global citizenship.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Students are guided toward higher education, with pathways to university through official UK exams (IGCSEs, BTECs, A-Levels). There are also options for university entry without exams by developing professional portfolios in vocational areas. The school emphasizes preparing graduates for college and future careers.
Higher education progression
All Sixth Form students receive individualised career counselling and university guidance to prepare for higher education.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
The Nomad Program is described as suitable for talented students seeking a personalized approach. The program supports flexible online and on-campus learning to accommodate travel and other commitments.
Gifted and talented
The school provides for students who are particularly talented.
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. Registration form is the initial step in the admissions process. An online registration form is provided for interested families to begin the process. The form helps understand the student's needs and the family's expectations. Completing the form starts the admissions journey.
2. Documentation Request follows registration. An email requests the necessary documentation, including ID or Passport, Birth Certificate, Enrollment Contract, and other relevant forms. Providing complete documentation is essential to move forward. This step ensures the school has the information required to assess the application.
3. Return of Documentation and First Payment confirms commitment. Families return all completed and signed documentation and make the first payment. This step reserves the student's place at the center. The submission of documents and payment enables the school to proceed with the registration review.
4. Review and Confirmation occurs after submission. The submitted documentation and first payment are reviewed to ensure they are complete and correct. A copy of the registration contract stamped by the center is issued as confirmation of admission. This provides formal confirmation of the student's place and guides the next steps.
5. Information for the Start of Classes is provided once admission is confirmed. An email is sent with information and instructions needed to connect to the classes. The guidance covers whether the student will participate in person, online, or at the residence. Start details may include login instructions, timetables, and orientation materials.
Admissions
1. The school uses rolling admissions; applications are evaluated as they are received, interviews are conducted, and admissions are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all class places are filled. Families are encouraged to submit an application and participate in an initial discussion to assess whether the school can meet the child's needs. 2. If places are not immediately available, the child's name will be added to a waiting list upon receipt of the application and the registration fee. Parents may request to remove their child's name from the waiting list at any time. 3. Upon offer and acceptance, families agree that their child will be subject to the school's Rules and Regulations. The school promotes values such as Respect, Honesty, and Consideration for others; bullying and all forms of anti-social behaviour are strictly unacceptable. 4. The Head has sole authority to exclude a student from the school. Exclusions may be fixed-term (up to 45 school days in one academic year) or permanent for serious misconduct. Before expulsion, a meeting is typically held with the student and parents; the Head may expel immediately if warranted. The Head informs the Proprietor of exclusions and, where applicable, the management reviews to determine reinstatement; there is a right to appeal.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Scholarships or financial aid are not offered. The school is funded entirely through tuition fees and the services provided. Financing options are available to spread the course fee over time.
Scholarships
Scholarship Information: The school invites Year 11 students from the local area to apply for the annual Scholarship Program. The scholarship is open to students from any local school, and the award is valued at over €11,900. To register interest or reserve a place, contact 615 466 398, or visit the school website. Past scholarship winners include Logan Barbour and Rosanna de Leo (joint) – 2025, Ellie Warren – 2024, Taylor Hirst – 2023. Register now to take the Scholarship Examination during May half-term.
Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
Rolling admissions policy means applications are evaluated as they are received and interviews are conducted, with admissions on a first-come, first-served basis until all class places are filled. If places are not immediately available, the child's name is added to a waiting list upon receipt of the application and the registration fee. Parents may remove their child's name from the waiting list at any time. Offers are made as places become available.