There are now numerous international schools in Mallorca offering high-quality education with internationally recognized qualifications such as the IB (International Baccalaureate), A-Level (General Certificate of Education Advanced Level), or the German Abitur. This diversity in Mallorca's educational landscape is a result of the international community that wishes to enjoy the amenities Mallorca has to offer, either temporarily or permanently.
In addition to the international schools in Mallorca, there are also Spanish state schools (Colegio Público) and Spanish private schools (Colegio Privado), which differ not only in terms of their sponsorship (public versus private) but also in terms of cost. Spanish public schools are free of charge and offer instruction in Catalan, while Spanish private schools charge fees and also offer subjects taught in English.
The international and immigrant population often prefers one of the private international schools, as these offer an international qualification that enables students to pursue an internationally recognized university education later on.
Key differences between the two international qualifications, the IB Diploma and A-Level
The A-Level (General Certificate of Education Advanced Level) is, alongside the International Baccalaureate (IB), the highest school-leaving qualification in the UK (equivalent to the German Abitur or Austrian and Swiss Matura). The A-Level takes two years to complete – from 12th to 13th grade. A-Levels were introduced in the early 1950s and can be taken in various subjects. Many universities expect certain minimum grades for the A-level. The qualification is comparable to the German Abitur or the Austrian and Swiss Matura. Since 2001, in order to obtain an A-level, a course consisting of six modules must be completed over a period of two years. The first three modules are assessed after the first year and form a separate qualification as an AS-level, while the three modules of the second year are assessed as an A2-level. The A-level is awarded once an AS-level and an A2-level have been completed in the same subject. It is possible to repeat AS-level courses in the second year if the exam results in the first year did not meet the student's expectations.
The two-year IB curriculum, on the other hand, was developed in the 1960s, initially as a school-leaving program for diplomats' children who had to attend school in different countries. This IB program requires students to choose six subjects from at least five different subject areas. In addition, every IB diploma student must complete anextended essay and the Theory of Knowledge course, which is designed to encourage critical and international thinking. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular social activities through CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). To successfully complete CAS, a group project covering at least two of the three sub-areas and requiring approximately 50 additional hours in each of the three sub-areas is necessary.
The IB program is offered in English or Spanish in Mallorca.
When choosing a school for your children in Mallorca, you should first ask which language the school offers the IB in.
Both qualifications, the IB and the A-Level, offer access to international universities upon successful completion. However, it should be noted that the choice of subjects for the A-Level corresponds to later academic studies (a mathematics degree without mathematics at A-Level will not be recognized).
How do I find the right international school in Mallorca and what schools are there?
Since there are different school systems with different qualifications in the international schools in Mallorca, it is important to carefully select the right school for your children. Key criteria include:
- the desired school-leaving qualification
- the language of instruction
- class size
- teacher training
- At what age does the school accept children?
- the cost of training
- Additional offerings: Sports; art, other languages
- the location of the school
In addition to the above criteria, most international schools have long waiting lists and certain admission requirements. In particular, admission to the upper grades is often only possible after passing specific entrance exams. For this reason, it is important to apply for a place at the school of your choice as early as possible, as well as to visit some schools in person to get your own impression. We recommend arranging a meeting with the school management (or their representative) to discuss your child's admission. The registration deadline at many international schools in Mallorca is May for the respective school year.
The respective international schools are listed below with links to their websites, where you can find further information and contact them if necessary.
Green Valley School
Cami de La Vileta 210
07011 Palma – Son Puig
Tel.: +34 971 160 817
This international all-day school teaches according to the British education system and offers the internationally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. Apart from the Ágora school in Portals Nous, it is the only school in Mallorca that offers the IB. The school opened in 2017 and is located in a historic 19th-century mansion in the Palma suburb of Son Puig. The curriculum is influenced by both Montessori pedagogy and multiple intelligence theory, which assumes that traditional intelligence tests are insufficient for identifying and appropriately promoting skills.
The languages of instruction are English and Spanish. Maximum class size is 24 students.
Number of students: around 200
Requirements: basic knowledge of English
Baleares International College
Calle de Marià Villangómez, 17,
Sant Agustí, 07015,
Palma De Mallorca
Ctra. Cala Figuera, 3A,
Sa Porrassa, Calvià,
07181
Baleares International College offers a British-style international education for boys and girls aged 3 to 18. We have two schools: one in Sa Porrassa, a very accessible and beautiful area on the southwest coast of Mallorca, Calvià, and the other in Sant Agustí, conveniently located on the outskirts of Palma in the coastal town of the same name, Sant Agustí.
The independent all-day school Balearen International College was founded in 1957 and teaches students aged 2 to 18 according to the British curriculum. Lessons are held in English and taught by experienced English teachers. Spanish, German, and French are taught by native speakers. The college has the latest technology and well-equipped sports facilities, including a sports hall, swimming pool, and playing fields.
Number of students: 290
Requirements: Basic knowledge of English
Bellver International College
C./ Josep Costa Ferrer, 5
E-07015 Marivent-Cala Mayor
Tel.: +34 971 401 679
Bellver was founded in 1950 and is the oldest private British school in Spain. All students are taught using the British school system curriculum, bilingually in English and Spanish. French, German, and Catalan are also offered. The school is an official Cambridge & Edexcel examination center.
Number of students: 320 between the ages of 3 and 18
Requirements: Entrance exam from age 6 in English and other subjects
King Richard III College
C./ Oratorio, 4
E-07181 Portals Nous
Tel.: +34 971 675 850
This is an independent all-day school offering a complete education up to 13th grade. In addition to English, Spanish, French, and German are also taught.
Number of students: 270 between the ages of 3 and 18
Requirements: Entrance exam in English and mathematics
Queens College
C./ Juan de Saridakis 64
E-07015 Palma de Mallorca
Tel.: +34 971 401 011
info@queenscollege.es
Founded in 1977, Queen's College currently has 315 students aged 3-18. It prepares students for the English GCSE and A-levels, as well as equivalent qualifications in the Spanish education system. Languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Catalan.
Number of students: 350
Agora Portals
Carretera Vella Andratx, s/n
E-07181 – Calvià (Portal Nous)
Tel.: +34 971 684 042
info@agoraportals.edu.es
This private school opened in 2008 and is designed for 1,400 students aged 0-18. In addition to Spanish, English, German, French, Catalan, and Mandarin (Chinese) are also taught.
