Mallorca is the largest and most sophisticated of the Balearic Islands. In the past, it was occupied by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors and the residue of this cultural cocktail - combined with its natural charm - make it a magnet for expat families. In turn, this has led to several international schools popping up.
The appeal of Mallorca to northern Europeans, and indeed most nationalities, is as strong as ever, despite the conversion from agriculture to tourism. Naturally, this appeal has encouraged professional educators to open up international schools to cater for the demand.
A mecca for foreign house hunters since the start of the 20th century, you have a fantastic choice of seaside or countryside for your base. But if you want to send your children to an international school that is easy to reach, life is less stressful if you live in Palma or the peninsula to the southwest of the city.
Escuela pública is a less popular option for expats (unless Spanish is already part of daily life) as there is no guarantee that the teachers will speak English. Smaller children tend to adapt and become integrated more easily and it is a good solution (particularly at the primary stage) if you intend to stay for a long time and want your child to speak fluent Spanish. It is also easier to move from state to private than vice-versa.
In addition, and probably more appealing to expats, are private Spanish schools (escuelas privadas), which are mainly co-ed, day schools, used by about a third of Spanish families.
Most (not all) the international schools are all fairly close to central Palma, with the majority on the southwestern edge of the city or further along the coast towards Magaluf. There are just two schools in the direction of Inca, which is diagonally opposite.
Possibly due to the number of British residents over the years, A levels predominate as the qualification at 18, unlike in most European cities.
Be aware that the standards of Escuela pública can vary dramatically but will probably be higher if in an area favoured by expats and wealthier Spaniards. Also, remember that the Balearic Islands are an autonomous region with responsibility for its own education system and that here, most lessons are taught in Catalan rather than Castilian.
Green Valley International School operates a pre-school in Palma called Happy Faces Kinder.
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE; ages 2-16; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 330 students
Opened in 1985, as a nursery school with just 25 pupils, on an old property in Marratxi, 15 minutes by car from Palma. English curriculum up to IGCSEs, mainly taught in English with additional classes in Spanish and Catalan. Relaxed school with outdoor lessons, golf, riding (ponies on site) and gardening.
Adapted curriculum/ IB Diploma/ Spanish Bach; ages 1-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 370 students
One of the group of Agora schools, owned by Globeducate. Founded in 2008 and located near the coast at Portais Nous, near Calvià, in slightly unexciting but very well-equipped new buildings. Offering the alternative of the International Baccalaureate Diploma or the Spanish Bachillerato as well as a full Music, Sports and Arts programme. Not externally accredited but a member of the British Independent Schools Association and the Best Schools in Spain.
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma; ages 12-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 150 students
Newish on the Balearic scene, only opened in 2016. In the grounds of the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor and set up under the guidance of Academy International School, with the option of enrolling in a professional tennis programme. The curriculum is designed around the America Reaches Out (AERO) framework and delivered in English but students also have to take three Spanish subjects and study Spanish as a foreign language, in senior school. Swiftly accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).
EYFS/ Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ A Level; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 450 students
Founded in 1957 on two campuses. A larger all-through campus in Sa Porrassa and a smaller nursery and primary in Sant Agusti on the outskirts of Palma. An Orbital International Education school and a member of (although not accredited by) the Council of British Overseas Schools (COBIS). Nearly 40 per cent of students tend to achieve A*-A at IGCSE with around 25 per cent achieving the same grade at A Level.
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ A Level; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 250 students
Longest established, privately owned, British school in Spain, founded in 1959. Located in residential Marivent on the western edge of Palma. Classes taught in English and Spanish but the Selectividad (Spanish university entrance exam) is due to be phased out, leaving A Level as the only range of courses taught in the sixth form. Limited sports facilities, so students have to be bussed to a sports centre in Palma.
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ Spanish curriculum/ IGCSE/ A Level; ages 3-16; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 270 students
Established in 2008 and moved to new premises on the outskirts of Palma in 2013 in order to accommodate a secondary section. School buildings are simple, as their commitment to nature means that classes are often conducted outdoors. Wide range of workshops from art courses to web design, theatre and sport.
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ candidate IB Diploma; ages 6-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned
Only opened in 2017 and currently applying for authorisation to teach the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. They also operate a pre-school in Palma called Happy Faces Kinder. Green Valley was recommended by a parent but as yet there is little information about the school.
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ Spanish curriculum/ IGCSE/ A Level/ Spanish Bach; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 350 students
A bilingual Spanish school, opened in 1969. A member of and inspected by the National Association of British Schools in Spain and also authorised by the Spanish Ministry of Education. They offer the choice of A Levels or the Spanish Bachillerato and exams overseen by the Associated Board of the Royal College of Music and the Duke of Edinburgh international awards.
French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 540 students
Currently located in El Terreno on the western edge of Palma but a new school is under construction and intending to open in Sa Teulera, in 2021. The new site will provide the capacity to teach 750 students. A member of the network Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) and accredited by the French Ministry of Education. A few subjects are taught in Spanish and Catalan is taught from age six.
EYFS/ adapted National Curriculum for England/ GCSE; ages 3-16; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 200 students
Slightly confusing, for the outsider, to be sure about the official name of this new school. Opened in 2016, as the first private, international school in the north of the island. Originally teaching nursery and primary years, it has now expanded organically into a secondary school. A member of the National Association of British Schools in Spain and recognised by the Balearic Ministry of Education.
Montessori; ages 3-16; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 90 students
Opened in 2015 and located on a rural site on the outskirts of Santa Maria in the middle of the island. Pupils are taught in English, Spanish and Catalan but the school operates as a British school in Spain in line with the National Curriculum for England.
IGCSE/ A Level/ BTEC; ages 16-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned;
Small, dedicated sixth form college based in the heart of the city, opened in 2012. Classes are taught in English and they run a tutorial system. BTEC Sports is also available as are a few IGCSE subjects including English, Maths, French, German and Spanish. Over 20 nationalities at the college.
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ Spanish curriculum/ IGCSE/ A Level; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 400 students
Founded in 1977, in a beautiful location overlooking the bay of Palma. Impressive exam results with around 50 per cent achieving A*-A at A Level in a recent year. Graduates mainly move on to British (often leading institutions) or Spanish universities with the occasional US destination. Approximately 50 per cent of the students are Spanish nationals.
A snapshot of international schools in Valencia that are considered (although not necessarily chosen) by English-speaking expat parents, with the best visited and reviewed by The Good Schools Guide International.
Find top international, British, IB and American schools in over 40 countries. The Good Schools Guide International publishes impartial and forthright reviews of international schools across the world.
A snapshot of international schools in Barcelona and Cataluna that are considered (although not necessarily chosen) by English-speaking families, with the best visited and reviewed by The Good Schools Guide.
A snapshot of international schools on the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida that are considered (although not necessarily chosen) by English-speaking families, with the best visited and reviewed by the Good Schools Guide.
A snapshot of international schools on the Costa del Sol that are considered (although not necessarily chosen) by English-speaking families, with the best visited and reviewed by the Good Schools Guide.