Why join for free?
Already have an account? Log In
Spain, Alicante
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development is part of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The Early Years curriculum is delivered in English, with 10–15% of the Early Years curriculum taught in Spanish. Primary and Lower Secondary follow the English National Curriculum, taught primarily in English, with 80% of the 35-period week in English and 20% in Spanish. PSHE is included in the curriculum to support social development and oracy. The school values pupil voice, with pupil input actively encouraged and students involved in setting personal outcomes. The SEND policy describes a holistic approach to development, including emotional and social well-being.
The O'Brien International School provides Psychopedagogical Attention and Guidance with a dedicated Psychopedagogical Office to support learning, personal, emotional, and social development. Individualized Action Plans and tailored strategies address each pupil's needs, with comprehensive guidance for students and families. In-school support is provided during school hours with a constant support team, and external experts in neurodevelopmental disorders collaborate as needed. No child is refused admission based on SEND. SEN is led by a SENCo and follows a graduated Assess–Plan–Do–Review cycle, with collaboration with external agencies as required. The school is accessible, with wheelchair access and disabled toilet facilities, and ongoing accessibility improvements.
As a British School Overseas, the school follows the British Council Curriculum, with the English Early Years Foundation Stage and the English National Curriculum through to Year 11. Early Years instruction is delivered in English, with 10–15% of the Early Years curriculum taught in Spanish. Primary and Lower Secondary instruction is taught primarily in English, with 80% of the 35-period week in English and 20% in Spanish. Upper Secondary typically offers 10 IGCSE subjects, with ESL listed as an optional examinable subject. The curriculum supports bilingual and bicultural learning.
The Psychopedagogical Attention and Guidance Office provides psychosocial support and guidance focusing on academic, personal, emotional, and social development. An individualized action plan approach and ongoing support are offered, with teacher training and family involvement. Pupil voice is valued, with pupil input and personal outcomes incorporated into planning. PSHE and Citizenship content in the curriculum support well-being and social development. Safeguarding and welfare are central to the school's approach.
Safeguarding policy was updated in July 2025; a safeguarding statement was published in August 2022. The O'Brien International School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, with comprehensive policies covering signs of abuse, responding to abuse, safe recruitment, bullying, online abuse, image use, and whistleblowing. Designated Safeguarding Lead is Sabrina Patiño, with contact details provided. The school complies with Spanish Ley Orgánica 8/2021 and UK Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, including staff DBS checks where applicable. Staff must report safeguarding concerns to the DSL, with clear procedures for initial reporting and escalation. Security Lead Officer Cristina Viera oversees security, conducts risk assessments, and provides training.
The O'Brien International School and College is a small, close‑knit British international school located in San Miguel de Salinas, ten minutes from Torrevieja. It delivers the English National Curriculum from Early Years through Upper Secondary, with Edexcel GCSEs and A‑Levels prepared for progression to higher education. The Early Years Foundation Stage is taught in English, with 10–15% of the curriculum delivered in Spanish to support bilingual and bicultural learners. Primary and Lower Secondary follow the English National Curriculum, taught mainly in English, with about 80% of the weekly 35 periods in core English subjects and 20% allocated to Spanish language and cultural studies. Upper Secondary (Years 9–11) offers around 10 International GCSE subjects, including English, Mathematics, and Spanish as compulsory, plus optional subjects such as Computing, Geography, and Art. The school emphasises personalised instruction, UK‑qualified staff, and a UK‑style academic calendar, alongside individualised career guidance and planning for post‑16 study.
