Españaula Blog: Your Guide to Schools & Education in Málaga & the Costa del Sol

If you’re planning a move to Spain, one of the earliest, and most important if this is the educational route you have chosen, is securing a spot in a private or international school. Unlike the public and concertado schools, private schools operate on their own timelines, admissions criteria, and waitlist structures. For many families relocating from abroad, the biggest question is: “Can we complete the process from afar?”

The good news is: yes, you can. While many schools require tours and interviews, and sometimes entrance exams, this can all be done virtually and it is not uncommon to do so. But there are some key things to know so you can set realistic expectations and put your family in the best position during application and enrollment season.

In this post, we’ll walk through:

• When private schools open applications
• What the process looks like if you’re still abroad
• What documents you’ll need
• How waitlists work (and how common they are)
• What to expect in interviews, assessments, and follow-up steps
• Tips to increase your chances of securing a spot

1. When Private Schools Open Applications

Many private international schools begin accepting applications as early as October or November, and high-demand international schools can fill early, with some schools nearly always maintaining waitlists at certain grade levels.

Key points to know:

• The earlier you inquire, the better. If there is a school you are extremely interested in, don’t hesitate in starting the process.
• As with most schools, schools often prioritize siblings first, then new students.
• Mid-year entry is possible, but availability varies widely by grade.

If you’re moving in the summer, it’s ideal to begin outreach during the autumn or winter preceding your move.

2. Can You Apply and Enroll From Abroad?

In most cases, yes. Private and international schools are accustomed to families relocating from other countries and typically offer:

• Online or video-based admissions interviews
• Virtual campus tours
• Digital submission of documents
• Email or portal-based communication
• Remote assessments for certain grades

Schools understand the relocation process and rarely require an in-person meeting before offering a place, especially for younger students.

However, some schools may request:

• A brief evaluator chat with your child
• A language assessment
• A family interview
• Previous school reports before confirming placement

All of this can be completed online.

3. Documents You’ll Need to Provide

Every school requests slightly different paperwork, but general items to have ready:

• Passport copies (parents + child)
• Birth certificate
• Current and previous school reports
• Teacher recommendations (more common in international schools)
• A recent photograph
• Medical or vaccination records (sometimes)
• Any evaluations or support documents
  (e.g., speech therapy, developmental reports and diagnoses)

4. What to Expect in the Application Process

Private school admissions typically involve a few steps:

Step 1: Inquiry / Information Request

You reach out, share your child’s age, planned arrival date, and grade level. Schools reply with availability (some schools might only be taking waitlist applicants for the grade level, others might know they will have available slots) and timelines.

Step 2: Formal Application

You submit the application form, documents, and sometimes an application fee.

Step 3: Interview or Online Meeting

A short meeting with the admissions team to learn more about your child and family, sometimes this step happens before the application is submitted.

Step 4: Assessment (if needed)

Some schools evaluate:

• English or Spanish language levels
• Basic academic skills
• Social-emotional readiness

Step 5: Offer or Waitlist

If accepted, you’ll receive an admissions offer with:

• Start date
• A deadline to confirm
• Registration or enrollment fees

5. Understanding Waitlists

Waitlists are very common—especially in:

• Grades 1–3
• International schools, specifically curricula and educational systems that are in short supply (i.e. a region with only one American or British school)
• Schools with specialized programs or supports
• Smaller or more selective private schools

Important to know:

• A waitlist is not a rejection. Movement happens all the way through June and July, and even the start of the school year.
• Sibling priority can shift lists quickly.
• Multiple waitlists increase your chances, families often decline when they receive an offer elsewhere.

Some schools will accept a student on a waitlist pending space opening before the school year begins. Typically, you will pay a deposit fee to hold the potential slot, however if the slot never opens up by the time you need it, the fee can be refunded.

6. Can You Hold a Place Without Being in Spain?

Almost always, yes.
What you’ll typically need:

• A non-refundable registration or enrollment fee
• A signed contract or acceptance form
• A tentative arrival date

Schools understand that families may still be finalizing housing or visas and will allow you to complete final steps once you arrive.

7. Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Here’s how to put your family in the best position:

✔ Start outreach early

By the time applications open, many grades already have interest lists.

✔ Be transparent about your timeline

Schools appreciate honesty about arrival dates, housing, and paperwork.

✔ Send complete documents

Missing items often slow down the process.

✔ Ask about language support and be transparent about specific needs.

Especially if your child is switching languages or is coming from a school with special supports, it is possible this new school can’t realistically meet these needs, and it is important for all parties to know this beforehand.

✔ Don’t rely on one school

Families who inquire at 3–5 schools have the best outcomes.

✔ Keep communication warm and responsive

Admissions teams remember families who communicate well.

8. When to Consider a Consultation or Full School Search

If you’re unsure about:

• Which schools best meet your child’s needs
• Which neighborhoods align with your preferred schools
• Whether a British, American, Spanish, or IB curriculum is best
• How grade equivalencies work
• What to expect academically or socially
• When to apply based on your move date

A consultation or school search package can save hours of research and prevent missteps.

Españaula works directly with relocating families to help them understand their best-fit options, communicate with schools, initiate and facilitate connection with admissions, and support and give advice through the full application and enrollment process.

Private and international school admissions can feel overwhelming, especially from another country, but with the right timeline and preparation, it’s absolutely possible to secure a spot before you arrive. Schools are used to working with relocating families and will guide you through each step.

If you’d like personalized guidance or help with school research, admissions outreach, or enrollment support, you can always book a consultation or explore Españaula’s private school packages.