They say school days are the best days of your life. For families living on the Costa Blanca, several local schools have once again been recognised among Spain’s best.
For the sixth year running, Forbes has published its ranking of the 100 best national and international schools in Spain for 2026.
The list focuses on private and state-funded schools and uses a detailed evaluation based on 36 different criteria.
How the ranking is calculated
A panel of education specialists reviews each school using a scoring system that examines academic performance, teaching quality, facilities and student support.
The largest weighting, about 30%, focuses on classroom conditions. This includes student-teacher ratios, class organisation, support for pupils with special educational needs and the percentage of students who complete their studies.
Academic performance accounts for 23% of the total score. This includes average results in university entrance exams and overall marks in both primary and secondary education.
Another 18% evaluates educational resources, such as language options, virtual classrooms, remote learning technology, Baccalaureate programmes and extracurricular activities.
Facilities and services represent 12% of the evaluation. Judges consider infrastructure, school transport, medical support and additional services such as physiotherapy or nutritional advice.
Student wellbeing also plays a role. Around 10% of the score looks at tutoring systems, diversity policies, psychological support and training in areas like personal safety and cybersecurity.
Other factors include school fees, waiting lists, notable former students and the number of alumni who later enrol their own children. Smaller criteria also examine financial education, whether the school is secular and whether uniforms are required.
Five Costa Blanca schools among Spain’s best
This year five schools from the Costa Blanca appear in the ranking, all of them private institutions. The previous list included six, but Xàbia International College does not appear in the 2026 edition.
Limonar International School Villamartín
Limonar International School Villamartín, located in San Miguel de Salinas, offers both Spanish and British qualifications.
The school provides a bilingual Baccalaureate programme, with around 80% of teaching delivered in English. Students can also take part in work placements, volunteering projects, international trips and the The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Facilities include music studios, dedicated study areas and a renovated performance space used for drama and events.
King’s College School Alicante
Another school recognised in the ranking is King’s College School Alicante, located in Alicante.
The school follows the British curriculum from the age of two and is the only school in the province offering both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Classrooms use modern technology, including artificial intelligence and virtual reality tools. However, early-years education remains screen-free.
Lady Elizabeth School
Also included in the ranking is Lady Elizabeth School.
The school offers a wide choice of languages and participates in several international academic programmes. Students benefit from sports opportunities, educational trips abroad and modern facilities.
The learning environment also follows a strict mobile phone-free policy.
Newton College
In Elche, Newton College also appears in the Forbes ranking.
The school combines the Spanish National Baccalaureate with the International Baccalaureate programme. It places strong emphasis on languages, creativity and technology.
Among its extracurricular activities, the school even runs its own girls’ cricket team.
La Devesa School
Also in Elche is La Devesa School Elche, part of the Grupo Sorolla Educación.
The school follows a teaching model focused on experiential learning and active classroom methods. The approach aims to develop wider skills alongside academic knowledge.
Facilities include a STEAM classroom, language laboratory, music and creativity spaces, and a Smart Lab.
Costa Blanca strengthens its education reputation
The presence of five schools in the Forbes ranking highlights the growing reputation of the Costa Blanca as a destination not only for lifestyle and climate, but also for high-quality international education.
