Else Beekman
As parents across Málaga gear up for the next school year, many are thinking hard about where to enrol their children. And now, thanks to Forbes magazine, there’s a little extra guidance. Five schools from the province have made it onto the publication’s annual list of Spain’s 100 best schools.
The 2025 ranking features standout schools known for high academic standards, a strong international outlook, and a rich variety of activities beyond the classroom. Whether you’re in Marbella or the city centre, Málaga offers some top-tier options.
Five local schools that made the cut
Aloha College Marbella
A private school in Marbella, Aloha College, is run as a non-profit foundation and follows the International Baccalaureate programme. Pupils can get involved in a wide range of activities, from boxing and photography to cooking and student journalism. Notable alumni include actress Millie Bobby Brown and footballers Dean Huijsen and Bernardo Espinosa.
Laude San Pedro International College
This private international school in San Pedro Alcántara blends British and Spanish curricula to offer a bilingual, well-rounded education. Students can choose from electives such as Art, Business Studies, or Chinese. Meanwhile, after-school clubs include golf, fencing, and even acrobatics.
The British School of Málaga
Based in the heart of Málaga, this private school combines the British education system with Spanish studies, allowing students to graduate with dual qualifications. Extracurriculars include football, judo, arts, dance, and language clubs.
Los Olivos
Located in Puerto de la Torre, Los Olivos is a semi-private (concertado) school that follows the Andalucian curriculum. It offers three types of baccalaureate programmes: Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Students can also take part in sports, robotics, drama, languages, and the DIAL programme. Actor Fran Perea and regional tourism delegate Gemma del Corral are among its former pupils.
Lycée Français International de Málaga
This private school in Málaga delivers a French-style education. After-school activities range from capoeira and sailing to robotics, theatre, and CrossFit. Singer Pablo Alborán studied here, as did athletes like Fabrice Olinga, Kaya Forson, and Teresa Díaz Moreno.
How Forbes puts the list together
To create the ranking, Forbes looks at 86 different criteria, grouped into seven main categories. These include things like class sizes, student-teacher ratios, academic results, language offerings, and support for pupils with special needs. They also assess extracurricular options, facilities, and services like on-site medical care.
For families in Málaga, this recognition confirms what many already know: the province is home to some of the finest schools in the country.
Spain’s best schools
While the Forbes list doesn’t rank schools in strict order, a few names consistently appear in top educational rankings across Spain. These include Agora Barcelona International School, known for its multilingual approach and international programmes; SEK Ciudalcampo near Madrid, part of the prestigious SEK group; Colegio Internacional Meres in Asturias, praised for its academic innovation; Colegio Vizcaya in the Basque Country, recognised for its cooperative ethos; and El Limonar International School in Murcia, which offers a solid British education.
Each of these schools brings something unique to the table, showing just how varied and high-quality education can be across the country.
Bronnen: Forbes, Málaga Hoy
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