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Curriculum British Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School
Introduction
Located in Estepona on Costa del Sol, The International School Estepona is a British School in Spain founded in 2004. It serves ages 2 to 12 and follows the English National Curriculum for Primary (KS1 and KS2) while applying Montessori principles in the Early Years (Nursery and Reception). Foundation Stage 1 (2–3 years) focuses on emotional well‑being and safety; Stage 2 (3–5) covers personal and social development, language and literacy, Spanish, mathematics, knowledge of the world, creative development, physical development and music. Primary subjects include Mathematics, English, Spanish, Physical Education, Science, History, Geography, Art, Design Technology, Music, Drama, Information Technology and Personal, Social and Health Education. The campus is a 3,700 sq m site, with digital interactive smart boards and a computer suite, plus outdoor garden and an all‑weather sports ground. Summer School and Holiday Clubs run year‑round; the school is licensed with Junta de Andalucía and Consejería de Educación.
The International School Estepona has 100 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.
Location
Calle Azahar – Urbanisation El Paraíso, Estepona 29688 Málaga – Spain. The International School Estepona is located in Estepona on the Costa del Sol, within El Paraíso on the New Golden Mile. The campus sits on a secure, fenced site of 3,700 square metres with ample car parking.
Stages
Nursery and primary school
Type
British School in Spain; follows the British National Curriculum
Country affiliation
British (UK)
Fees
Annual tuition at The International School Estepona ranges from EUR 1,690 to EUR 3,150 for 2026/27.
Registration / Application fee
- EUR 1,050.00 payable once at registration (one-time payment). The registration fee is non-returnable unless the school is unable to offer a place.
Tuition fees (per term and per academic year by year group)
- Foundation Stage 1 (ages 2–3) - Tuition per term: EUR 1,690.00. - Tuition per academic year (3 terms): EUR 5,070.00.
- Foundation Stage 2 and Academic Years 1–2 (ages 4–6) - Tuition per term: EUR 2,695.00. - Tuition per academic year (3 terms): EUR 8,085.00.
- Academic Years 3–6 (ages 7–12) - Tuition per term: EUR 3,150.00. - Tuition per academic year (3 terms): EUR 9,450.00.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition and other term fees are payable three times per year, prior to the start of each term. Fee due months are November, March and June; exact due dates are set on the school fee reminder documents. Fees must be paid strictly prior to the commencement of the relevant term; failure to pay on time may result in withdrawal of educational services for the child.
- The school does not charge a deposit but requires written notice of leaving one term in advance. The accepted notice deadlines are: - By 30 April to notify non-return the following September. - By 30 September to notify non-return the following January. - By 30 January to notify non-return the following April.
Boarding fees
- Not applicable. The International School Estepona operates as a nursery and primary day school (early years and primary education); no boarding provision is offered.
Other costs and routine additional charges
- Uniform: Children must wear the school uniform. Uniform items are available for purchase on school premises. The school is not responsible for loss of uniform or personal belongings.
- Extra hours / wraparound care: Extra hours beyond core school hours are available by arrangement and are charged as an extra; these must be paid in advance.
- Holiday clubs and summer school: Holiday-club and summer-school sessions are charged separately. The Summer School option is priced at EUR 40.00 per session or EUR 950.00 for the full five-week programme (lunch included); summer/holiday-club places and payments must be made in advance and are non-returnable.
- Specialist assessments and external professional reports: If the school requires a specialist professional assessment for a child, the cost of that assessment must be paid by the parent.
- Damage or wilful loss: Parents are liable for costs arising from wilful damage to school books, equipment or property.
Sibling discount
- A 10% reduction in term fees applies to the second and subsequent children from the same parents for school-age term fees. No sibling discount is given on Nursery or Pre-Reception (Early Years) fees.
Refund and cancellation information
- Registration fee: non-refundable except where the school is unable to offer a place. If a place is offered and not taken up by the family, the registration fee remains non-refundable. Term and registration fees once paid are not returnable.
- Fees due to absence or illness: Fees are not refundable for absence due to illness.
- Holiday clubs / Summer School: payments for holiday clubs or the summer school are required in advance and are not returnable once paid.
Fee payment options
- Published fee documents and terms set the timing and conditions of payment (termly in advance) but do not list specific accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, card, direct debit) in the publicly posted fee and terms pages. Parents should use the school's admissions or admin contact channels to confirm the available payment methods and any required payment references.
Notes on enforcement and changes
- The school reserves the right to amend or change the fee structure at any time. Late or non-payment may lead to suspension or withdrawal of schooling until accounts are settled.
Academics
The International School Estepona teaches British Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum for students aged 2 to 12.
Curriculum
The school follows the English National Curriculum (KS1 and KS2) and employs Montessori principles in Early Years (Nursery and Reception). Foundation Stage 1 (2-3 years) focuses on emotional well-being, development, keeping safe and healthy choices. Foundation Stage 2 (3-5 years) covers personal and social development, language and literacy, Spanish, mathematics, knowledge and understanding of the world, creative development, physical development and music. Primary KS1 & KS2 (5-12 years) include Mathematics, English, Spanish, Physical Education, Science, History, Geography, Art, Design Technology, Music, Drama, Information Technology, and Personal, Social and Health Education. Early Years classrooms use Montessori materials and teacher-led activities to promote learning through play and exploration, with teachers extending experiences through structured/academic and group activities, and Spanish language and culture are taught.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school supports social and emotional learning through Positive Behaviour and Emotional Well-being. The safety, happiness, and well-being of pupils are at the heart of school life. Children learn best when they feel confident, supported, and understood. The Behaviour Policy promotes kindness, respect, and responsibility, with restorative conversations and age-appropriate consequences. A school counsellor provides support when needed, and the Anti-Bullying Commitment ensures early identification of concerning behaviour and regular monitoring, with strong partnerships with parents.
Mental Wellbeing
The school places emphasis on mental well-being as part of the curriculum. Foundation Stage 1 includes Emotional Well-being. In Primary, personal, social and health education supports students' emotional development. A school counsellor provides support when needed. The school maintains a nurturing environment with restorative conversations and emotional coaching to help pupils manage challenges.
Safeguarding
The school maintains rigorous safeguarding procedures and follows safer recruitment practices. Staff receive regular training in child protection, behaviour management, and health and safety. The safety, happiness, and well-being of pupils are at the heart of school life. There are immediate reporting and recording procedures for concerns, and close communication with parents. Procedures are aligned with Spanish child-protection law.
FAQs
What age range does The International School Estepona serve?
The school serves children aged 2 to 12, covering Foundation Stage 1 and 2 and Primary Key Stages 1 and 2. It is a British school in El Paraiso, Estepona.
What curriculum does the school follow?
The English National Curriculum for Primary with Montessori principles in Early Years. Foundation Stage focuses on emotional wellbeing, while Primary covers core academics plus Spanish.
How much are the fees?
Registration EUR 1,050 one-time. Foundation Stage 1 EUR 5,070/year. Foundation Stage 2 and Years 1-2 EUR 8,085/year. Years 3-6 EUR 9,450/year.
What are the school facilities like?
A luxury, purpose-built campus of 3,700 square metres, fully air-conditioned and heated. Digital smart boards, computer suite and all-weather sports ground.
Is there a school counsellor?
Yes. A school counsellor provides support when needed. The school's behaviour policy uses restorative conversations and age-appropriate consequences.
Is a uniform required?
Yes. The school has a strict uniform policy with no alternatives available.
What after-school activities are offered?
Homework Club, Drama Club, Drawing Club, Sports Club and more run Monday to Friday from 4:00 to 5:00pm. Summer School and Holiday Clubs also available.
What languages are taught?
English is the language of instruction. Spanish is taught as a subject from Foundation Stage 2 through Primary.
What is the school's approach to wellbeing?
Safety, happiness and wellbeing are at the heart of school life. Positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing are promoted with an anti-bullying commitment and early identification approach.
When was the school founded?
Founded in 2004 in El Paraiso, Estepona, on the New Golden Mile of the Costa del Sol. Fully licensed with Junta de Andalucia.
