NovaSchool Sunland International vs The Ark Christian School

	N NovaSchool Sunland International Malaga, Spain	T The Ark Christian School Malaga, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €6,706 - 7,742	Fees / year €4,545 - 9,005
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Catholic Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils 749	Pupils 350
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Spanish	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2001	Opened 2009
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located at Crta. De Cártama Estación a Pizarra, 29580, Cártama Estación, Spain, in the Málaga region, the Sunland campus spans 40,000 square meters of facilities surrounded by countryside. The catchment area covers the suburbs around the metropolitan area of Nueva Aljaima; the school operates nine bus routes across Málaga within about 30 km, with journeys of 45–60 minutes. A bus monitor accompanies students on each route, and routes serve Alhaurín de la Torre, Alhaurín El Grande, Benalmádena, Cártama, Coín, Málaga, Pizarra and Torremolinos.	Location Calle Río Darro, 1, 29651 Las Lagunas de Mijas, Málaga, Spain. The Ark Christian School serves students aged 3–18 and operates in the Fuengirola area on the Costa del Sol.
Stages	Stages Foundation (3–4 years old); Primary/Key Stage 2 (5–10 years); Secondary/Key Stage 3 and 4 (11–16 years, IGCSE); Sixth Form/KS5 (17–18 years, pre-university with AS/A Levels).	Stages Early Years; Primary; Secondary; A-Levels
School type	School type Private school in Málaga with a British Curriculum and the possibility to obtain a dual British-Spanish degree.	School type British international school; independent, charitable (non-profit) organisation
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation British
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Christian
School day structure	School day structure Preschool and Reception: 9:30am–4:00pm; Years 1–6: 9:30am–4:15pm; Years 7–13: 9:30am–4:30pm. Morning Classroom is offered from 7:45am.	School day structure Primary: 9:00am–3:00pm (Mon–Fri); Secondary: 9:00am–4:00pm (Mon–Fri)
Bus service details	Bus service details Sunland provides transport with 9 bus routes across Málaga within a 30 km radius; journey times range from 45 to 60 minutes; a bus monitor accompanies students on each route and the routes include Alhaurín de la Torre, Alhaurín El Grande, Benalmádena, Cártama, Coín, Málaga, Pizarra and Torremolinos.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Enrolment / Application fees - Enrolment fee (renewal for returning students): EUR 433. - Enrolment fee (new students, one-off at admission): EUR 630. - Timing: New students pay the enrolment fee at the time of enrolment; returning students pay the renewal enrolment fee in a single payment between 1 and 5 March each year. A commitment to remain for the full school year applies; if a pupil is withdrawn after 31 July a penalty of EUR 1,500 is charged immediately. Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts) - Preschool and Reception: EUR 6,280 per year. - Year 1 – Year 2: EUR 6,550 per year. - Year 3 – Year 4: EUR 6,970 per year. - Year 5 – Year 6: EUR 7,240 per year. - Year 7 – Year 9: EUR 7,520 per year. - Year 10 – Year 11: EUR 7,580 per year. (Note: Year 11 follows a different instalment schedule; see billing schedule.) - Sixth Form (Years 12–13): EUR 7,632 per year. - Canteen: the annual tuition figures above include the school canteen service valued at EUR 1,870 per year. Per term and per-instalment breakdown (by year group) Note: the school operates monthly instalments; for clarity the figures below show (A) a per-term estimate (annual divided by 3) and (B) the regular monthly instalment amount based on the school's billing schedules. - Preschool & Reception - Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 2,093.33. - Monthly instalment (10 monthly instalments, Sep–Jun): EUR 628.00. - Year 1 – Year 2 - Per term: EUR 2,183.33. - Monthly instalment (10 months): EUR 655.00. - Year 3 – Year 4 - Per term: EUR 2,323.33. - Monthly instalment (10 months): EUR 697.00. - Year 5 – Year 6 - Per term: EUR 2,413.33. - Monthly instalment (10 months): EUR 724.00. - Year 7 – Year 9 - Per term: EUR 2,506.67. - Monthly instalment (10 months): EUR 752.00. - Year 10 – Year 11 - Per term: EUR 2,526.67. - Monthly instalment for Year 10 (10 months): EUR 758.00. - Monthly instalment for Year 11 (9 instalments, Sep–May): EUR 842.22. - Sixth Form (Years 12–13) - Per term: EUR 2,544.00. - Monthly instalment (9 instalments, Sep–May): EUR 848.00. Billing schedule and payment terms - Regular billing method: fees are collected by direct debit. Monthly direct-debit collections run from the 1st to the 5th of each month. For most year groups payments are taken over ten monthly instalments (September–June). Year 11 and Sixth Form instalments are collected over nine monthly instalments (September–May). - Early-payment discounts for full-year payments: a 4% reduction applies to full-year payments made before 30 June; a 2% reduction applies to full-year payments made before 5 September. - The annual school services and extracurricular services are contracted on an annual basis. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; the school operates as a day school and offers day services only (transport, morning care, canteen, etc.). Other costs and optional services - Two-way school transport service (annual): EUR 1,850 per year (two-way service; subject to annual enrolment and deadlines). - Morning service (aula matinal) from 07:45: EUR 65 per month (the school lists a morning-care charge in its rates information). - Public/external examination fees (Years 11, Sixth Form and Checkpoint): charged separately and vary by subject. - Textbooks and materials: textbooks are to be purchased by parents; a book service is available from Preschool to Year 9. School materials (stationery, project materials, etc.) are purchased by parents. - Uniforms: compulsory for all pupils from Preschool through Year 13; uniforms are purchased from the school uniform shop (on-site and online). - Canteen: included within the annual tuition package (included value EUR 1,870). Additional optional activities, trips and overnight immersion projects (Novaschool Nature Classroom) may incur separate charges when applicable. Discounts and family reductions - Third and subsequent children from the same family receive a 44% discount on school tuition fees (this discount excludes the annual canteen amount of EUR 1,870, which remains payable). - Specific enrollment plans and other special discounts or agreements may be available under the school's special fees / enrollment plans. Refunds and withdrawal charges - Enrolment and fee commitments: enrolment is subject to a commitment to remain for the whole school year. If a pupil is withdrawn after 31 July a penalty of EUR 1,500 is charged immediately. (The school's published rates specify this withdrawal penalty.) - Public/external exam fees and certain trip charges are billed separately and are not necessarily refundable; specific refund conditions for trips, services or exam fees are applied according to the terms for each service. Payment methods and options - Regular recurring payments are collected by direct debit on the 1st–5th of each month. - Full-year payments are accepted and qualify for the stated early-payment discounts when paid by the deadlines listed. - Additional services (transport, morning care, exams, trips, books, uniforms) are charged separately and are payable according to the school's invoicing for those services.	Fee details Registration / Application Fees - Non‑refundable registration fee for a new student: EUR 500.00. - Registration fee for renewal: EUR 295.00. - If registration for Year 10 or Year 12 is completed after the first term, the registration fee is increased by EUR 400.00. Tuition fees by year group (annual and monthly breakdown) - Pre‑reception and Reception: Annual fee EUR 4,545.00 — billed as 10 monthly payments of EUR 454.50. - Years 1 and 2: Annual fee EUR 4,829.20 — billed as 10 monthly payments of EUR 482.92. - Years 3 and 4: Annual fee EUR 5,446.70 — billed as 10 monthly payments of EUR 544.67. - Years 5 and 6: Annual fee EUR 5,820.00 — billed as 10 monthly payments of EUR 582.00. - Years 7, 8 and 9: Annual fee EUR 7,003.00 — billed as 10 monthly payments of EUR 700.30. - Year 10: Annual fee EUR 7,850.00 — billed as 10 monthly payments of EUR 785.00. - Year 11: Annual fee EUR 8,829.00 — billed as 9 monthly payments of EUR 981.00 (special billing period applies). - Year 12: Annual fee EUR 8,883.50 — billed as 10 monthly payments of EUR 888.35. - Year 13: Annual fee EUR 9,005.40 — billed as 9 monthly payments of EUR 1,000.60 (special billing period applies). Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing: school fees are payable monthly, due before the 10th of each month. - Standard billing period runs from September to June. - Exception for Year 11 and Year 13: fees are billed from September to May (9 months). - Receipts are issued between the 1st and the 10th of each month. - On acceptance a deposit of EUR 1,000.00 is required. Boarding fees - The school operates as a day school (no boarding provision); no boarding fees apply. Other costs and routine extras - Early morning care (08:30–09:00): EUR 3.00 per day or EUR 45.00 per month. - After‑school club (15:00–16:00): EUR 6.00 per day or EUR 72.00 per month. - Examination fees for Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13 are charged separately and are payable in January of the year the examinations are taken. - Textbooks and materials are included in the published school fees. Discounts that affect fees - Sibling discount: 5% for the second child; 50% for the third child; 50% for the fourth child. - Full‑year payment discount: a percentage discount is applied if the full year is paid by the specified early‑payment deadline (discount deadlines and rates apply; check billing communications for the current deadline). Deposit and refund information - The acceptance deposit is EUR 1,000.00. - The deposit will be refunded when a student leaves after Year 11, Year 12 or Year 13 provided all fees have been paid in full. - The deposit will be refunded when a student leaves earlier if a full term's notice has been given and all fees have been paid in full. - If a student leaves without having given one term's notice, the deposit is forfeited. - If fees are in arrears when a student leaves, the deposit will be used to cover arrears and any remaining balance will be returned. - If the full year's fees are paid in advance and the student leaves early, the pre‑paid months are not refundable. - The registration fee is non‑refundable. Fee payment options and related terms - Payments can be made by bank transfer or by credit/debit card. - Receipts are issued monthly (between the 1st and 10th). - When paying by bank transfer, the student's full name must be provided and the payment concept specified. - The school reserves the right to withhold admission, notes, reports, or student records until financial obligations are met.
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 Novaschool Sunland International follows a British International Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18, with an adapted programme in courses equivalent to Spanish Secondary and Baccalaureate that allows students to obtain IGCSEs and A Levels through Cambridge and to homologate their studies to the Spanish university system. Foundation starts at age 3 (Preschool) and ends at age 4 (Reception); a bilingual Infant School, Novaschool Baby Sunland, supports early English learning. Key Stage 2 (ages 5-10) covers Years 1-6, Key Stage 3 and 4 (ages 11-16) provide IGCSEs, and Sixth Form (ages 17-18) follows the Cambridge International Examinations for AS/A Levels. The British curriculum is aligned with Spanish ministry requirements and the school enables access to both Spanish and international universities. The campus has 40,000 square meters of facilities surrounded by countryside.	Curriculum details British National Curriculum for ages 3-18, leading to IGCSE and A Level examinations; British and Spanish Curriculum.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Sixth Form follows the Cambridge International Examinations curriculum, obtaining AS / A Levels. Students decide whether to pursue Spanish or foreign universities, with study plans adapted in Years 12 and 13 to their future goals. The school also hosts UNITOUR university fairs in Málaga to support higher education progression.	Higher education progression Graduates have access to universities in the United Kingdom, Spain, and globally. Students typically choose four A Level subjects and must pass at least three to gain direct access to Spanish public universities. In the United Kingdom, admissions follow the UCAS points system. The school assists with university entry, including EVAU-related registration through UNEDasiss in Malaga.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented The curriculum develops each child's individual talents.
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 Novaschool Sunland International welcomes students between the ages of 3 and 18 whose needs can be served by the School, regardless of race, nationality or religion. Admission decisions are determined by the Principal in consultation with the Heads of Primary and Secondary and families seeking admission for their child(ren) and should make an appointment with them via the school secretary. It is sometimes possible and desirable by prior agreement for a prospective student to spend a day at the school. Admission is based on previous school reports and references and a statement from the parents and a self-written essay (for students aged 8 and above). The School seeks to admit students of good academic ability, with the appropriate motivation and self-disciplinary skills to participate in and benefit from an international education. All students are eligible for admission if it is believed that the school can meet their particular needs. Students with learning difficulties who meet the above criteria may apply. If a student requires the help of a support teacher, this will incur an additional charge that reflects the costs to the School. All children whose native language is not English and who are older than 10 years must take an oral and written assessment to determine whether they can be admitted. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support may be recommended and can be available to a limited number of students in the school but at additional cost to parents. Students are admitted throughout the year, subject to the availability of places. Applications are normally considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Siblings may be given priority provided the school is given at least two terms notice. Otherwise sibling admissions are subject to the availability of space in the class. Where a class is full a waiting list will be created, again on a strictly first-come basis. Placement in all classes will be made on the basis of the student's previous record and the assessment of the school. The initial placement is tentative, and the school may advise a change of class after the student's abilities have been thoroughly observed. Year level placement is normally always on the basis of chronological age. If a student is not placed in a year by age it is because his/her level of emotional and social development and/or academic ability does not warrant it. Year placement is the prerogative of the Principal upon consultation with staff, parents and others concerned.	Admissions —
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Where a class is full a waiting list will be created, on a strictly first-come basis.	Waitlist —
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