The Costa Blanca corridor around Alicante has one of the highest concentrations of international and bilingual schools in Spain. British retirees brought the original demand; Scandinavian, Dutch and remote-working families have expanded it. In 2026, families have a genuine choice between traditional British schools, trilingual British-Spanish-Valencian programmes and continental European schools that mix Spanish with another mother tongue. This 2026 guide explains the bilingual education models, what to look for and how fees and admissions compare across the Alicante province.
How bilingual schools work in Alicante
Three patterns dominate:
- British-medium with Spanish and Valencian as additional languages: the dominant model, used by King's College, Newton College and Lady Elizabeth School. Children sit IGCSE and A Levels in English plus the Spanish Bachillerato endorsement.
- Trilingual British-Spanish-Valencian: roughly 60-70 percent of the day in English, with structured Spanish and Valencian for Spanish curriculum compliance.
- European bilingual (French / Scandinavian / German): lycées and Skandinaviska Skolan teach mother-tongue plus Spanish, with English as the third language.
Top bilingual and international schools in Alicante for 2026
King's College, The British School of Alicante
One of the most established British schools on the Costa Blanca, in El Campello. Full English National Curriculum from Early Years through A Level, with strong UCAS support. School profile on ISA.
Laude Newton College
British school in Elche running EYFS through Year 13. Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels with Bachillerato endorsement. School profile on ISA.
Lady Elizabeth School
British school in LlĂber and Benitachell with a small-school feel, strong sports and arts and English National Curriculum. School profile on ISA.
European School Alicante
A publicly funded European School with language sections (English, Spanish, French, German). European Baccalaureate at age 18. Prioritised for EU agency staff but open to fee-paying families. School profile on ISA.
Lycée Français International d'Alicante
The French school of Alicante, following the French national curriculum with Spanish and English. Routes to the French Baccalauréat. School profile on ISA.
How the bilingual day looks in practice
At a typical British school in Alicante, the timetable for primary years is roughly 80 percent English with daily Spanish lessons and Valencian (compulsory in the region). From Year 7 onwards, the timetable holds at around 70 percent English with Spanish Lengua y Literatura and Valencian still daily. The European School operates in a child's section language for half the day and Spanish for the other half. The French Lycée operates almost entirely in French with Spanish and English as language subjects.
Recognition and exam pathways
- British schools: IGCSE and A Levels (UK), plus Bachillerato endorsement for Spanish university access.
- European School: European Baccalaureate (EB), recognised by all EU universities and most US, UK and Canadian institutions.
- French Lycée: Baccalauréat français with international section option, recognised globally.
All these routes work for Spanish university access via the Selectividad equivalency process.
2026 fee bands
- King's College Alicante: EUR 8,800 – EUR 16,500 per year.
- Laude Newton College: EUR 7,500 – EUR 13,500 per year.
- Lady Elizabeth School: EUR 8,000 – EUR 14,500 per year.
- European School Alicante: free for EU agency dependants; EUR 7,500 – EUR 11,500 for fee-paying families.
- Lycée Français Alicante: EUR 5,500 – EUR 8,500 per year (subsidised by AEFE).
Add EUR 800 – EUR 1,400 for school bus and EUR 700 – EUR 1,100 for lunch per child per year. IGCSE / A Level exam fees in exam years can reach EUR 1,500 – EUR 2,500.
Admissions process and timeline
For September 2026 entry:
- October 2025 – February 2026: open days, registrations and document submission.
- January – April 2026: English and Spanish assessments, plus interview.
- March – April 2026: offers issued with deposit due in 15-30 days.
- September 2026: term begins.
King's College and Newton College often waitlist Year 7 by January. The European School runs its own calendar tied to the EU agency cycle; check directly for the section your child needs.
Where to live
- El Campello / San Juan: easy commute to King's College Alicante.
- Elche / Santa Pola: catchment for Newton College.
- Jávea / Moraira / Benitachell: Lady Elizabeth, ELIS VillamartĂn, Xabia International College.
- Alicante city: European School and Lycée Français both in town.
Compare schools side by side
See the full ranking on International School Advisor's best schools in Alicante for fees, parent reviews and curricula.
Frequently asked questions
Do my children have to study Valencian?
Yes — Valencian is compulsory in all schools in the Valencian Community, including international schools in Alicante province. Most schools teach Valencian for two to four hours per week and accept that international students reach functional rather than native level.
Can I switch from a British school to a Spanish state school later?
Yes, especially in primary years. Children need to complete the homologaciĂłn process to convert their British qualifications. By A Level, switching becomes harder; families usually stay in the British system or move at GCSE.
How much Spanish do parents need?
Day-to-day admin works in English at all of the schools listed above. Parents picking up children, paying for trips and reading school comms can manage in English. Spanish is useful for medical, legal and rental dealings outside the school.