For many families moving to Sotogrande, the local school is one of the main reasons they choose the area.
After years of working with families who have relocated to the Costa del Sol, one thing has become clear: parents are looking for more than just academic results — they also want safety, international exposure, sports opportunities and more quality time together.
Sotogrande International School (SIS) is one of the best-known international schools in southern Spain and welcomes over 1,300 students from more than 50 different countries.
It combines academics, sports, technology and global education in a highly international environment.
- 🏫 Location: Av. de la Reserva s/n, 11310 Sotogrande, Cádiz, Spain
- 📍 Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2VH7fL7jGUNNKUY9A
- 🌐 Website: https://www.sis.ac
- 📞 Phone: +34 956 79 59 02
- ✉️ Email: info@sis.gl
Quick Overview
Founded: 45+ years ago
Age range: 6 months – 18 years
Students: 1,300+
Nationalities: 50+
Curriculum:
- Early Years
- Primary School
- Middle School
- High School
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- A Levels
- American pathway
- Elite Sports Programme
SIS is also Spain’s first Apple Distinguished School.
What Makes SIS Different?
The school philosophy is simple:
Happy children usually perform better.
The approach focuses on:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership
- Global citizenship
- Child-centered learning
- Emotional wellbeing
- Real-life skills
Students are encouraged not only to study but also discover their own passions and authentic voice.
The school also created The Kindred Project, an independent NGO supporting projects in:
- Spain
- Morocco
- Ecuador
- Uganda
- India
Education Structure
Early Years (6 months–5 years)
Focus:
- Play-based learning
- Creativity
- Languages
- Social skills
- Personal development
Primary School
Focus:
- Core academic subjects
- Technology
- Inquiry-based learning
- Creativity
- Team projects
Middle School
Students gradually move toward:
- Independence
- Leadership
- Research
- International thinking
High School & IB Programme
Older students can choose:
- International Baccalaureate Diploma
- A Levels
- American pathway
Average IB score reported by SIS:
34 points
The school regularly sends students to leading universities worldwide.
Elite Sports Programme
SIS offers one of Spain’s strongest integrated sports programs.
Available areas include:
- Golf
- Tennis
- Football
- Swimming
- Performance coaching
- Professional athlete support
Elite tuition fees listed for M4-M5 and A-Levels are approximately €20,830 yearly.
Boarding School Options
SIS also offers boarding for international students.
Options:
Full Boarding
Stay all week on campus.
Weekly Boarding
Monday–Friday.
Flexi Boarding
Short stay options available.
Boarding includes:
- Meals
- Accommodation
- Study support
- Weekend activities
- Airport transfers
- Health insurance
- Security
Annual boarding package from approximately €22,720–€26,810.
The campus sits among golf courses and green surroundings only:
- 30 minutes from Gibraltar
- 1:15 min from Málaga Airport
- 1 hour from Jerez Airport
School Fees (Simple Overview)
Approximate annual tuition:
Early Years
- EC2: €9,840
- PYP1–PYP2: €10,485
- PYP3–PYP6: €15,650–€16,810
Secondary
- MYP1–MYP3: €20,575
- MYP4–MYP5: €23,100
- D1–D2: €28,255
Additional fees:
Registration:
- Primary: €350
- Secondary: €550
Membership:
- €3,000–€4,000 depending on level
Deposit:
- €2,000–€5,000 depending on programme
Not included:
- Uniform
- Transport
- Devices
- External exam fees
Extracurricular Activities
This is where SIS becomes different from many schools.
Students can participate in:
- Golf
- Football
- Tennis
- Horse riding
- Global camps
- Exchange programs
- Cooking classes
- Scuba diving
- Kitesurfing
- Helicopter flying
- Cultural trips
- Weekend adventures
- Live sports events
Boarding students also have evening activities daily from 20:30–21:30.
How To Apply
The process is relatively simple.
Step 1
Submit an enquiry and register interest.
Families can also attend Open Days.
Open Day booking:
📅 https://www.sis.ac/visit-us/open-days
Step 2
Complete application through OpenApply.
Upload:
- Last two years school reports
- English translations
- Passport copies
- Parent documents
Step 3
Student assessment
Depending on age:
- Cognitive tests
- English tests
- Maths assessments
- Interviews
Step 4
Admissions review
The school evaluates:
- Academic fit
- Family fit
- Student profile
Final Thoughts
For many families relocating to Sotogrande, buying or renting a property near SIS becomes one of the smartest lifestyle decisions.
Less commuting means:
- More family breakfasts
- More evenings together
- Less stress
- Better work-life balance
- More outdoor activities
Education is one of the most important long-term investments a family makes.
Owning or renting near Sotogrande International School gives families something many people eventually prioritize: time together while building the next generation and protecting family wealth.
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