For many international families moving to Spain’s Costa Blanca, the dream of a Mediterranean lifestyle quickly meets the practical question: where can our children go to school? Beyond the turquoise waters and palm-lined promenades, the region offers a surprisingly diverse and high-quality selection of international schools on the Costa Blanca — British, French, Scandinavian, bilingual — many of them long-established and deeply rooted in their communities.

Choosing a school is often the cornerstone of settling in a new country. But for families who plan to stay long-term, it’s just as important to understand where to live around those schools. Whether you’re looking for a quiet residential area with sea views, a golf-side villa with gated security, or a family-friendly neighborhood with international amenities, Costa Blanca has something to offer.

In this article, we explore the top international schools on Costa Blanca and language-specific schools in the region — from Alicante to Jávea — and the premium neighborhoods that surround them.

1. King’s College Alicante – British Curriculum in the Heart of the City

A trusted name in international education, King’s College in Alicante offers the full British curriculum from Early Years through A-Levels. Its reputation for academic excellence and native-English instruction makes it one of the most respected schools in the region.

Ages: 3–18
Languages: English (primary), Spanish (complementary)
Curriculum: British (IGCSE, A-Levels)
Location: Alicante

Where to live nearby

• Vistahermosa: A peaceful, residential area just north of the city center with villas, green spaces, and easy access to private healthcare and shopping.
• Ensanche Diputación: Closer to downtown, this neighborhood offers elegant apartments and proximity to shops, parks, and the beach — ideal for city-lovers.

2. Lady Elizabeth School – A British Education Between Sea and Mountain

Located between Moraira and Jávea, Lady Elizabeth School is one of the most established private schools on the Costa Blanca. It offers a full British curriculum and a strong international ethos, with students from over 50 countries.

Ages: 2–18
Languages: English (primary), Spanish
Curriculum: British (IGCSE, A-Levels)
Location: Benitachell

Where to live nearby

• Cumbre del Sol: Perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, this residential area is known for its striking modern villas, international community, and secure environment.
• Moraira: A beautiful coastal town with a marina, sandy beaches, and upscale restaurants, popular among northern European families.

3. Xàbia International College (XIC) – A Small British School with Heart

In the seaside town of Jávea, XIC offers a close-knit, nurturing atmosphere with a strong focus on British education and cultural diversity. Its modest size is a strength for many families seeking individualized attention.

Ages: 2–18
Languages: English (primary), Spanish
Curriculum: British
Location: Jávea

Where to live nearby

• Portichol: Known for its blue waters and rocky coves, this area features luxury villas and tranquility — ideal for families wanting privacy and natural beauty.
• Montgó: Nestled at the base of the Montgó mountain, this green residential zone is known for its views, space, and calm — a top choice for expats.

4. Elian’s British School – Quality British-Spanish Education

Located in La Nucía, Elian’s offers a strong bilingual program that blends the British and Spanish education systems, ideal for families who want children to integrate academically in both languages.

Ages: 1–18
Languages: English and Spanish
Curriculum: British + Spanish Bachillerato
Location: La Nucía

Where to live nearby

• Altea Hills: One of the most prestigious gated communities on the Costa Blanca. With security, sea views, and elegant villas, it’s a favorite among international professionals.
• Sierra Cortina (Finestrat): A newer residential development with upscale homes, golf courses, and sea views — popular with families looking for luxury and convenience.

5. Costa Blanca International College – British Roots in Benidorm

This co-educational school in Benidorm offers the full British curriculum in a diverse environment, with a strong emphasis on community and extracurriculars.

Ages: 3–18
Languages: English and Spanish
Curriculum: British
Location: Benidorm

Where to live nearby

• Finestrat: A calm, scenic area just outside Benidorm, offering high-end developments with views of the sea and mountains.
• Villajoyosa: More traditional and low-key, this colorful town has grown in popularity thanks to its charm and quality of life.

6. Lycée Français International d’Alicante – French Curriculum by the Sea

Serving the Francophone community for over 50 years, this school offers the full French national curriculum and multilingual instruction in French, Spanish, and English.

Ages: 3–18
Languages: French (primary), Spanish and English
Curriculum: French national
Location: El Campello (Alicante)

Where to live nearby

• Playa de San Juan: A beachside area with excellent schools, public transport, and modern living — ideal for families who want city comforts by the sea.
• Cabo de las Huertas: Quiet, exclusive, and residential — this area offers elegant villas near rocky coves and natural landscapes.

7. European School of Alicante – For EU Institution Families (and Others)

Primarily serving EU institution staff, this school also accepts other students and delivers the full European Baccalaureate curriculum in several language sections.

Ages: 4–18
Languages: English, Spanish, French, German
Curriculum: European Baccalaureate
Location: Alicante

Where to live nearby

• Albufereta: A tranquil beachfront neighborhood close to the city, with excellent transport and a relaxed lifestyle.
• La Condomina: Residential and leafy, this area combines privacy with accessibility and proximity to schools and shopping.

8. El Limonar International School Villamartín – British in the Sout

Located near Orihuela Costa, this school provides British education while incorporating Spanish language and culture. The campus is modern and green, with strong ties to the international community.

Ages: 3–18
Languages: English and Spanish
Curriculum: British
Location: Villamartín (San Miguel de Salinas)

Where to live nearby

• Villamartín: Known for its golf course and social life, this residential area features villas, gated communities, and a strong expat presence.
• Las Colinas Golf & Country Club: A luxurious gated resort with top-tier villas, private security, and amenities — a standout for high-end buyers.

9. Den Norske Skole Costa Blanca – For Norwegian Families Abroad

This Norwegian school in Alfaz del Pi delivers the full Norwegian curriculum in Norwegian, offering a stable academic path for families from Norway and other Nordic countries.

Ages: Primary to Secondary
Languages: Norwegian
Curriculum: Norwegian National
Location: Alfaz del Pi

Where to live nearby

• Albir: A calm coastal town favored by Norwegian and Nordic families, with walkable services and a large community of seasonal and permanent residents.
• Altea Hills: Nearby and more exclusive, Altea Hills offers space, views, and high-quality homes in a protected, secure setting.

10. Skandinaviska Skolan Costa Blanca – Swedish-Language School in Orihuela Costa

Located in Playa Flamenca, this school serves children from Sweden, Finland, and Norway, following the Swedish curriculum and offering a supportive, familiar environment.

Ages: Preschool to Grade 6
Languages: Swedish
Curriculum: Swedish National
Location: Orihuela Costa

Where to live nearby

• Playa Flamenca: Coastal, vibrant, and full of life — popular with Scandinavian families and full of amenities, cafés, and parks.
• La Zenia: Known for its beach, large shopping mall, and upscale homes, this is one of the most attractive zones in the southern Costa Blanca.

Final Thoughts — Schools Shape the Experience, Neighborhoods Shape the Life

Choosing the right school for your children is often the first step. But where you live — your daily rhythms, your neighbors, your access to healthcare, nature, and community — will shape your family’s experience in Spain just as much.

The Costa Blanca offers not just academic excellence, but also options: international schools in several languages, coastal living or countryside retreats, lively towns or peaceful gated enclaves.

At Livin’Valencia, we don’t just advise you on houses. We help you imagine the life around them. And if you’re thinking about staying closer to the city, we’ve also written a guide on the best international schools and neighborhoods in Valencia city itself — for those who want a more urban Mediterranean experience.

👉 Explore our full guide to Valencia City’s best international schools →

Let’s talk. Book a one-to-one video call with our team — and we’ll help you find the school, the neighborhood, and the lifestyle that fits your family best.