International Schools in Southern Spain: Why Families Choose El Altillo International School

Southern Spain has become one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations for relocating families, and for good reason. With over 300 days of sunshine, safe cities, excellent transport links and an outstanding quality of life, Andalucia ticks a lot of boxes. But for many families, the most important decision of all is finding the right school.

El Altillo International School in Jerez de la Frontera has been helping both local and international families do exactly that since 1998. The only trilingual international school in the province of Cádiz, it offers a continuous educational journey from age 1 to 18, combining academic rigour, genuine multilingualism and a close-knit community that families rarely find elsewhere. Here, Head of Admissions Pilar Vergara shares what makes the school stand out. 

For many international families, moving to Spain is about finding a better quality of life, a welcoming community and, above all, the right school for their children. This especially can make the difference between simply settling into a new country and truly feeling at home. At El Altillo International School, we have spent more than 25 years helping both local and international families build that future with confidence.

An international education with strong local roots

Located in Jerez de la Frontera, in the province of Cádiz, El Altillo International School offers something that is increasingly difficult to find: a genuinely international education within a close-knit, family-oriented community.

Founded in 1998, our school welcomes children from 1 to 18 years of age, providing a seamless educational journey from Early Years through to university entrance. Families particularly value this continuity, allowing their children to grow academically and personally within the same supportive environment throughout their school life.

As part of International Schools Partnership (ISP), one of the world’s leading groups of international schools, our students benefit from global learning opportunities whilst enjoying the warmth and personalised attention of a school with its own unique identity.

ISP’s international programmes promote multilingualism, international learning opportunities, life competencies and future pathways, ensuring that every student develops the knowledge, skills and mindset needed to succeed anywhere in the world.

More than bilingual: a truly trilingual education

One of the first questions families ask when relocating abroad is: “Will my child settle in quickly?”

At El Altillo, languages are not a barrier, they are an opportunity. Our students learn in English, Spanish and French, developing confidence and fluency in all three languages from an early age. English is used as a language of instruction across much of the curriculum, whilst Spanish enables students to connect naturally with the local culture and French completes a genuinely multilingual education.

For students joining us from overseas, our English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme provides personalised support, helping children integrate confidently both socially and academically. This individual approach ensures that international students quickly feel part of our community.

Preparing students for a global future

Beyond simply choosing a school, today’s families are choosing opportunities. That is why our educational philosophy extends far beyond academic achievement.

As one of the pioneering ISP schools implementing the Life Competencies Programme, we intentionally develop the personal qualities that universities and employers increasingly value: leadership, communication, resilience, creativity, collaboration, responsibility and global citizenship.

Students participate in international projects, leadership initiatives, STEAM programmes, coding, robotics, volunteering, environmental projects and international exchanges that enable them to apply their learning well beyond the classroom.

At El Altillo International School, we believe that learning is about far more than acquiring knowledge. It is about developing understanding, building skills and continually improving throughout life. That is why our entire educational approach is built around Learning First, the educational philosophy of International Schools Partnership. Learning First places learning, not teaching, at the centre of every decision we make.

Through continuous analysis of learning evidence, classroom Learning Visits, reflective teaching practice and highly personalised support, we ensure every student experiences meaningful, challenging and lasting learning.

Personalised learning for every child

Every family has different expectations and every child learns differently. This belief shapes everything we do. Our teachers get to know every student personally, enabling us to provide the right level of support, challenge and guidance throughout their educational journey.

Students who require additional support benefit from our Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision. Highly able learners are encouraged to reach their full potential through our Talentum Programme, whilst international students receive dedicated language support through EAL.

Every learner benefits from an individualised approach designed to help them flourish academically, socially and emotionally.

An education that opens doors worldwide

For internationally minded families, university destinations really matter and our students leave El Altillo exceptionally well prepared for higher education both in Spain and overseas.

The combination of the Spanish National Curriculum, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and our trilingual approach provides students with internationally recognised qualifications, outstanding language skills and the global perspective required by leading universities across Europe, the United Kingdom, North America and many other destinations.

Alongside academic excellence, our Future Pathways Programme provides personalised university and careers guidance, helping every student discover their strengths, explore future possibilities and make informed decisions about their next steps.

Living in Jerez: an exceptional quality of life

Choosing El Altillo also means choosing a way of life. Jerez de la Frontera combines the authenticity of Andalucia with the infrastructure and services international families expect.

Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, equestrian tradition, gastronomy and welcoming atmosphere, Jerez also enjoys a strategic location close to the beautiful beaches of the Costa de la Luz and within easy reach of Seville, Cádiz, Gibraltar and several international airports.

Children grow up in a safe environment where they can enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year while maintaining a healthy balance between academic success, personal wellbeing and family life.

A school where families belong

Perhaps what international families value most cannot be measured by rankings or examination results, but is a sense of belonging. At El Altillo International School, new families quickly become part of a warm and welcoming community where teachers, students and parents know one another by name.

We believe that education is strongest when schools and families work together, building relationships based on trust, communication and shared values. This genuine sense of community is precisely what many international families are searching for and what they ultimately find at El Altillo.

Looking for an international school in Southern Spain?

If you are planning a move to Spain and are looking for a school that combines academic excellence, multilingual education, personalised learning and a genuinely international outlook, El Altillo International School offers an educational experience designed for globally minded families.

Because choosing a school is about choosing where they will grow, where they will belong and where they will discover everything they are capable of becoming.

To find out more, visit www.altillointernational.com or contact the Admissions Team by email at admissions@altillointernational.com.

About Pilar Vergara, Head of Admissions:

Pilar Vergara de la Vega is the Admissions Director at El Altillo International School. With more than a decade of experience welcoming families to the school, she is dedicated to making every admissions journey personal, supportive and seamless. Combining in depth knowledge of the school with a warm and approachable style, Pilar helps families find the educational pathway that best suits their children while showcasing the school’s innovative, multilingual and internationally minded learning environment.

Frequently Asked Questions about El Altillo International School

What ages does El Altillo International School cater for?

The school welcomes students from age 1 to 18, offering a continuous educational journey from Early Years all the way through to university entrance.

What languages are taught at El Altillo?

El Altillo is the only trilingual international school in the province of Cádiz, teaching in English, Spanish and French. A dedicated EAL programme supports international students who are new to English.

What curriculum does El Altillo follow?

The school follows a coherent international framework: the IEYC in Early Years, the IPC in Primary, the IB Middle Years Programme in Secondary and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Sixth Form, alongside the Spanish National Curriculum.

Is El Altillo part of a wider school network?

Yes. El Altillo is part of International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global community of more than 120 schools. This gives students access to international learning opportunities, global collaborations and innovative programmes.

Where is the school located?

El Altillo is located in Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucia, close to the beaches of the Costa de la Luz and within easy reach of Seville, Cádiz and Gibraltar.

What support is available for students with additional needs?

The school offers a Special Educational Needs (SEN) programme, a Talentum Programme for highly able learners, and dedicated EAL support for international students.

What does the admissions process involve?

The process is personalised and includes an initial enquiry, a school visit, a family interview and an age-appropriate assessment where required. Fees vary by year group and are available directly from the Admissions Team.

Read more articles about international education on the MumAbroad blog