I've heard from my father down there that there are schools in the Costa del Sol where there are 90% of children whose first language is not Spanish. Does anyone know if this is true or rumour?

I have also heard that in Costa Blanca South but not having children could not say how true it is!

Nearest school to here has 350 pupils, of these 300 are from countries other than Spain, BUT lessons are all in Spanish.

And so they should

There are schools in the UK with a large percentage of pupils whose first language is not English.

Probably referring to International Schools where the pupils are from world wide locations.
I personally do not like them as the children have no stability friend wise as when the holidays come along they all disperse to their respective countries. The local Spanish schools are first class especially when the children are under 10 or so as they pick up the language quickly.

Does anyone on here actually have a child at an international school near marbella? If we move next year I am hoping to send my son to one of them and would like your opinions. Thanks

My kids school for example - about the same percentage

No, I don't think my father - or rather the rumour - is referring to an International School - it's not a wealthy area - I think he means a normal school. Interesting that there are so few people who know anything about it really. Sort of indicates that it's not the case or if it is so it is very rare otherwise more people would have commented. Either that or it's one of these questions that gets up people's noses. Thanks for the replies however and interesting to see if any more come in. I'll grill my father to find out more about these mythical places.

Well im hoping that at the international schools the first language is english, for my sons sake. Of course I expect him to learn spanish as well, so would appreciate hearing from any of you.

The one near us is a Spanish state school. it's just the large number of 'immigrants' and it's not just Brits, there are plenty of German, Dutch, Scandinavian and people from places such as Columbia, Argentina etc, where Spanish is their first language, but they are not Spanish citizens.

The International schools all speak english but have spanish as second language and in some cases a third language.

Spanish state schools have spanish as first language and helpers. They are trying to get more english speaking tutors and intend to teach some lessons in english as well!

My daughter went to an International school in Valencia. More than 90% of the pupils were local Spanish children. All lessons taught in English.

I'd say it was common knowledge that the Spanish schools are struggling to cope with the influx of foreign children, unable to speak Spanish. On the east and south coast in particular.

Hi, We have lived on the costa del sol for 3 years now, and there are quite a few International schools in and around the Marbella area. Swans, English International college, The international college San Pedro, and Aloha college. I have my chrildren at the Internatonal college San Pedro, and they enjoy it. they are taught in english, but have spanish lessons every day.It's best to make a visit and arrange to view them. some of them have long waiting lists. what age is your son ?

Hiya, thanks for that. He is 15 and we thought of moving now so he could do his last year and maybe make some friends. He wants to be a golf pro at the end of the day, so in the right place I guess. Other son is 18.