International Schools in and around Benahavís
Moving to Benahavís with family? You’ll find a strong mix of international and bilingual schools across Benahavís, Nueva Andalucía, San Pedro and Marbella — many offering British, IB or Spanish pathways.
Families seeking a more local experience also have the excellent CEIP Daidín primary school right in Benahavís village.
How to Choose the Right School
- Curriculum fit: British (IGCSE/A-Level), IB (PYP/MYP/DP) or Spanish ESO/Bachillerato. Align with university goals.
- Admissions timing: apply early — Jan–Apr for September entry; waitlists common at popular schools.
- Location & transport: private buses cover Benahavís, La Quinta, Los Arqueros, Atalaya and San Pedro.
- Language pathway: bilingual support for newcomers; Spanish immersion at CEIP Daidín and bilingual privates.
- Co-curricular & pastoral: check sport, arts, SEN and university guidance programs.
Quick Comparison Table
Guide only — we’ll confirm the latest details directly with each school.
| School | Curriculum | Nearby Areas | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atalaya International College (AIC) | British / IB | La Alquería, Atalaya, El Paraíso, Los Flamingos | Balanced academics, excellent for Benahavís corridor |
| Aloha College | British / IB | La Quinta, Los Naranjos, Puerto Banús | Established reputation, strong results |
| Swans International | British / IB | Sierra Blanca, central Marbella | Two campuses (primary / secondary) |
| Laude San Pedro | British / bilingual | San Pedro, Guadalmina | Wide bus coverage |
| Mayfair International Academy | British | Atalaya / El Paraíso | Creative, smaller environment |
| BISM – British International School Marbella | British | Central Marbella | Compact city campus |
| CEIP Daidín (Benahavís) | Spanish (public primary) | Benahavís Village | Municipal school up to age 12; Spanish curriculum |
Spotlight: Atalaya International College (AIC)
AIC sits just below La Alquería and is popular with Benahavís-based families thanks to its
British / IB pathway, easy school runs from La Alquería, Los Flamingos and El Paraíso,
and welcoming international community.
- Curriculum: British + IB Diploma; strong language program.
- Commute: 5–10 minutes from most Benahavís urbanisations.
- Admissions: apply early; we coordinate tours and availability checks.
Local Option: CEIP Daidín (Benahavís Village)
CEIP Daidín is the municipal state school located in the heart of Benahavís village.
It offers education from early years through age 12 (Infantil and Primaria) under the Spanish national curriculum,
with small class sizes and a welcoming community atmosphere.
- Curriculum: full Spanish (ESO continues in nearby San Pedro secondary schools).
- Environment: nurturing and familiar; excellent for integrating children locally and learning Spanish naturally.
- Facilities: modern classrooms, playgrounds and after-school activities managed by the Ayuntamiento.
- Admissions: enrolment typically opens each spring through the Junta de Andalucía’s online portal.
Many international families start their younger children at CEIP Daidín for early immersion before moving to an international secondary later on.
Other Popular International Schools
- Aloha College (Nueva Andalucía): British/IB; well-established, strong academics.
- Swans International (Marbella): British/IB; bilingual focus and excellent reputation.
- Laude San Pedro: British/bilingual; wide bus routes and community feel.
- Mayfair International Academy: British; creative curriculum and smaller size.
- BISM: British; compact campus near Marbella centre.
Fees, Calendar & Transport
- Fees: billed termly; usually excludes lunches, uniforms and transport.
- Calendar: September–June (three terms); summer camps offered by most schools.
- Transport: private buses serve Benahavís village, La Quinta, Los Arqueros, La Alquería, Atalaya and San Pedro.
Where to Live for Easy School Runs
- La Alquería & Atalaya / El Paraíso: ideal for AIC & Mayfair.
- La Quinta & Los Arqueros: close to Aloha and AIC.
- Los Flamingos: central for AIC and Mayfair.
- Benahavís Village: walking distance to CEIP Daidín; community-oriented living.
Related:
Golf in and around Benahavís
Outdoor & Wellness
Visa Options
Need help comparing schools or scheduling tours?
Darren & Angelina — your Personal Property Concierge — will connect you with admissions teams and coordinate visits.
Get in touch →