Are you moving to Alicante? Find the best school for your children

Among the most established options for families arriving in the province of Alicante is our school, Lady Elizabeth School.

Choosing a school for your children in Alicante can become a real headache. In Alicante, you have everything: public schools, state-funded private schools, traditional private schools, British schools and international schools. There are so many options that it is perfectly normal not to know where to even begin when it comes to narrowing them down. Ultimately, it is not about looking for the "best" school in the world in the abstract, but rather the one that best suits your child's personality and your family's pace of life.

This diversity multiplies the chances of making the right choice, but it also adds complexity to the process of analysing and narrowing down the options.

The main criteria to consider when choosing a school

When assessing the options available in Alicante, proximity is usually the first factor we take into account. This is logical, since a short journey makes the family routine easier, avoids long commuting times and allows children to get more rest. However, proximity should not be the only selection criterion.

It is essential to analyse the educational programme in depth: language teaching, methodology, personalised attention and the atmosphere of the school. For this reason, attending open days or requesting a personalised visit is a key step. It is at this point that you can observe first-hand the interaction between teachers and students, see how the school's values are conveyed and get a sense of the school's real atmosphere.

Another relevant aspect is continuity. Many families prefer a school that covers everything from Early Years through to Sixth Form in order to provide their children with a stable environment without disruptions. Others, on the other hand, prioritise schools specialising in specific educational stages. What matters is that the educational programme evolves at the same pace as the student, providing the necessary tools at each stage of their learning.

Educational methodologies and innovation

The methodology determines how students learn on a day-to-day basis. Nowadays, the term "educational innovation" is very common, but it is important to understand that innovation does not simply mean incorporating digital devices or eye-catching activities into the classroom. True innovation consists of improving the way students understand, apply and connect knowledge.

Some schools maintain a more traditional approach, based on structured lessons, regular assessments and the gradual acquisition of content. Other schools opt for active methodologies, such as project-based learning, collaborative work, research and practical experiences. No model is inherently better than another; the key is to identify whether the student develops better in a highly structured environment or whether they are able to maximise their abilities in a flexible context based on experimentation.

Language immersion from Early Years

Language learning is one of the factors most highly valued by today's families. Language immersion from Early Years allows children to become familiar with a second language naturally, especially when the language is part of their daily routine and social environment rather than being limited to a theoretical subject.

A school with a strong language programme should clearly explain the number of hours taught in each language, the level students achieve at the end of each stage, the profile of the teaching staff and how students who join with different levels of language knowledge are supported. At international and British schools in Alicante, English has a predominant role from the earliest years, which promotes fluency, confidence and the ability to communicate successfully in multicultural environments.

School values

The values of a school should not remain solely in the mission statement on its website; they should be evident in daily life, in the relationship between teachers and students, in communication with families and in the resolution of everyday conflicts.

Some families look for programmes with a clear international focus, while others prioritise factors such as academic rigour, creativity, social responsibility, sport or education based on mutual respect. There is no single correct option, but it is essential that the school's values are aligned with the educational principles of the family home.

Emotional education and holistic development

Academic performance is a priority, but it cannot be separated from emotional well-being. A student who feels safe, valued and supported at their school is in the best possible position to learn, participate and face the challenges of school life.

For this reason, emotional education should be a highly relevant criterion when choosing a school. It is advisable to ask whether the school has a strong counselling and guidance department, behaviour and coexistence programmes, tutoring plans and clear protocols for identifying and supporting any personal or academic difficulties.

Holistic development means educating every dimension of the student: intellectual, emotional, social and physical. Subjects and disciplines such as music, sport, art, technology and debate help students discover their individual strengths and interests.

Quality of the facilities

Infrastructure alone does not define the quality of education, but it does have a significant impact on the educational experience. Classrooms with natural light, well-equipped laboratories, modern libraries, sports facilities, green areas and spaces for collaboration enrich students' day-to-day experience.

The key is to assess whether the spaces are genuinely designed to support the educational programme. During a visit to the school, it is advisable to observe whether the facilities promote students' safety, independence, creativity and harmonious coexistence.

Teaching staff

Teachers are the most decisive factor in a school's success. Teachers do not simply deliver the academic curriculum; they are responsible for motivating and guiding students, identifying difficulties in good time and supporting the development of each individual student.

A good school should have qualified, committed and stable professionals, ensuring internal coordination between teachers, tutors and counsellors, particularly when students move from one educational stage to another. Trusting the teaching team is fundamental to building a positive and lasting educational experience.

Don't choose a school based solely on its reputation: examine its educational programme

Recommendations from people you know and the school's external reputation are an excellent starting point, but they should not be the only criteria for making the final decision. A highly recognised school may not be the most suitable one for a particular student's profile.

Every child has their own personality, learning pace and emotional needs. Some students require a more structured and clearly organised environment in order to concentrate, while others develop more successfully in more flexible settings that encourage their independence. It is essential to choose the school according to the child's characteristics, ensuring that the educational programme fits their personality.

Which is better: a public, private or state-funded private school?

There is no single answer, as all three models offer quality educational programmes under different organisational structures:

• Public school: An ideal option for families who prioritise geographical proximity, diversity and integration into their local community.
• State-funded private school: Combines public funding with private management, usually offering educational programmes with a clearly defined identity or set of values.
• Private school: Offers greater autonomy in designing the curriculum, methodologies, advanced language immersion, hiring native-speaking teachers and the quality of extracurricular activities and facilities.

At Lady Elizabeth School, we offer an excellent international education for your children

For families looking for a private international education in Alicante, the ISP Schools network offers two established options, designed to enhance students' futures from different methodological perspectives. At Lady Elizabeth School, we follow the British education system from Early Years through to Sixth Form.

The programme stands out for its complete immersion in English with native-speaking teachers. During the final two pre-university years, students focus on A-Level examinations, a model characterised by its high level of specialisation and flexibility. Students select only the three or four subjects in which their strengths lie and which they need for their chosen career, creating an excellent academic record that is fully recognised both within the Spanish university system and by institutions abroad.

Also in Alicante, and part of ISP Schools, Newton College in Elche offers a very comprehensive and structured mixed pathway. In Early Years, it implements the International Early Years Curriculum, centred on active learning; in Primary, it combines the British curriculum with the essential studies of the Spanish system; in Secondary, it integrates the national curriculum with the Middle Years Programme (MYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB); and finally, in Sixth Form, it offers the flexibility to choose between the Spanish pathway or the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It is an ideal model for those looking for the highest level of English without losing their connection with the national education system.

To make family planning easier, enrolment for the new academic year is already open at both schools. This allows parents to request information, arrange visits to the facilities and complete admissions interviews sufficiently in advance to ensure a smooth and positive transition to a new school.