How to Choose an International School in Seville: 2026 Family Guide

Quick answer: How do I choose an international school in Seville? Start with the qualification your child will need at 18, then match it to a school: IB at San Francisco de Paula, British curriculum at St Mary's or Europa International School, or Spanish Bachillerato with strong English. Check the commute, since several schools are in the Aljarafe, and budget roughly 5,000 to 13,000 euros a year.

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Emma from ISA. Fee ranges are indicative; always confirm with the school.

Seville is a city of around 680,000 people with a small but solid international school scene. Knowing how to choose an international school in Seville comes down to three decisions: which qualification your child needs at 18, which side of the city you will live on, and how much Spanish you want in the school day. This guide walks through each decision and compares four schools listed on International School Advisor for 2026.

Understand Seville's school geography

Seville's international schools are split between the city itself and the Aljarafe, the plateau of towns to the west such as Espartinas, Bormujos, Tomares and Mairena del Aljarafe. Many expat families live there in houses with gardens and pools, which make the long, hot summers easier. Others prefer city neighbourhoods like Los Remedios, Nervión or Triana, closer to work and the historic centre.

The bridges over the Guadalquivir and the access roads to the Aljarafe can be busy at school times. If you will work in Cartuja or the city centre, test the morning drive before signing a lease.

Step 1: decide on the qualification

International Baccalaureate: best for families who may move country again or aim for universities worldwide.
British curriculum (IGCSE and A Levels): the natural choice for UK-bound students or children coming from British schools.
Spanish Bachillerato in a bilingual or international school: ideal if your child will go to a Spanish university and you plan to stay long term.
Dual programmes: some schools combine British exams with the Spanish Bachillerato, giving access to both systems.

Step 2: compare the schools

Colegio Internacional de Sevilla San Francisco de Paula

San Francisco de Paula is the reference IB school in Seville, with a long history in the city centre and the IB programmes alongside the Spanish curriculum. It suits families who want an international qualification while staying connected to Spanish culture. Its verified profile lists a monthly fee in the lower band for the city.

St Mary's School Sevilla

St Mary's is a British school with a warm, community feel, following the English National Curriculum from the early years. It is a common first choice for British families and for Spanish parents who want their children to learn in English from age three.

Europa International School

Located in the Aljarafe, Europa International School offers a British-based education with Spanish integrated into the programme. Its setting suits families living west of the river, and its outdoor spaces are a real plus in Seville's climate.

International College of Seville

The International College of Seville is a smaller option with an English-language programme. Smaller schools can offer more individual attention, so it is worth visiting if your child prefers a close-knit environment. Ask about the range of exam subjects in the senior years.

Step 3: check fees and extras

Fees are quoted in euros, usually as ten monthly payments. As a rough guide for 2026:

Bilingual and smaller international schools: roughly 5,000 to 8,000 euros per year.
British schools, primary: roughly 7,000 to 10,000 euros per year.
Secondary, A Levels or IB years: roughly 9,000 to 13,000 euros per year.

Extras that families often forget:

Registration fee and annual enrolment fee.
Dining room (comedor), which is almost always extra.
School bus from the Aljarafe or the city, uniforms, trips and Cambridge or IB exam fees.

If your child will apply to a Spanish university, note that Royal Decree 534/2024 introduced the new PAU university entrance exam from 2025, replacing the EBAU with a stronger focus on competencies. International students can still enter through UNEDasiss with IB or A Level results, but schools differ in how well they prepare students for each route.

Step 4: ask the right questions on your visit

How many hours are taught in English, and from what age? Some "international" schools teach mainly in Spanish with English as a strong subject. Ask for the timetable.

What did last year's graduates do? A school's university destinations tell you more than its marketing. Ask how many went to Spanish, UK and other universities.

How does the school support new arrivals? Children arriving mid-year without Spanish need a clear plan for language support and integration.

Step 5: think about daily life

The school day and the heat. Seville is one of the hottest cities in Europe, and many schools adapt their timetable in June and September, finishing earlier in the day. Ask about air conditioning, shaded outdoor areas and what happens on very hot days. Families with working parents should check after-school care during these shorter weeks.

Lunch culture. Spanish schools usually serve a full hot lunch in the comedor, and in Seville lunch is taken later than in northern Europe. If your child has dietary needs, ask to see the menu and how allergies are handled.

Extracurricular life. Football, swimming, flamenco and music are common activities, and some schools offer Chinese or German as extra languages. A rich extracurricular offer helps children make friends quickly, especially if they arrive mid-year.

Community and integration. International schools in Seville have a mix of Spanish and foreign families, and the balance varies. Some parents prefer a school where most classmates are Spanish, to speed up integration; others want a more international peer group. Ask about the share of international students in your child's year group.

Calendar. Andalusian schools follow a calendar from mid-September to late June, with holidays for Christmas, Semana Santa and the Feria de Abril week in Seville, when many families travel.

A final check before you decide. Once you have a shortlist of two schools, ask each one for a full cost sheet for the next three years, a sample timetable for your child's year and the contact of a current parent willing to talk. Speaking to a family who arrived recently, ideally from your own country, tells you more about language support, homework and friendships than any brochure. Many schools in Seville are happy to arrange this, and the conversation often settles the decision.

Compare all schools in Seville

To see every school we list side by side, visit our ranking of the best international schools in Seville, with verified profiles and family reviews.

More guides to schools in Seville

Frequently asked questions

How much does an international school in Seville cost?

For 2026, international and British schools in Seville charge roughly 5,000 to 13,000 euros a year, depending on the school and the stage. Registration fees, lunch, bus and exam fees are usually extra, so ask each school for its full cost sheet.

Is there an IB school in Seville?

Yes. Colegio Internacional de Sevilla San Francisco de Paula offers the International Baccalaureate alongside the Spanish curriculum. Families who prefer a British pathway can look at St Mary's School or Europa International School, both of which teach mainly in English from the early years.

Where do international families live in Seville?

Many live in the Aljarafe towns west of the city, such as Espartinas, Bormujos and Tomares, which offer houses with gardens near several schools. Others choose Los Remedios, Nervión or Triana for a shorter commute to work. Test the morning drive across the river first.