Estepona · Marbella · Costa del Sol
Swedish school in Estepona and Marbella
The Swedish curriculum in an international setting, with extended Spanish and English, small classes and the chance to combine studies with elite sport.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis – it's fine to start mid-term.
School facts
You can count on us.
The school in numbers – and what they mean day to day.
- Since2023A school since 2023 – now in our 1st school yearOur own school in Estepona – no franchise
- Class size16Maximum 16 pupils per classHigh teacher density – every child is seen every day
- Teachers100 %100 % certified Swedish teachersSwedish certification throughout the Swedish tuition – Spanish taught by Spanish teachers
- School day9–15School day 9–15, after-school club until 16.30The whole day in one place – calm mornings and afternoons
- OversightAuthorised and supervised by Junta de Andalucía (Spanish education authority)Regular inspections of the school
- ApprovalApproved by Skolverket for supplementary Swedish tuitionTeaching follows the Swedish curriculum
- ProfileFootball profile with Malmö FFTraining at the stadiums in Estepona and San Pedro Alcántara, 14–15 min away
- Year groupsPreschool (from 3) – year 6, secondary and upper secondary via Sofia Distans and HermodsA safe Swedish school path all the way
We work with
- Malmö FF
- Skolverket
- Junta de Andalucía
- Sofia Distans
- Hermods
- Villa Padierna
Why families choose us
A small school with a Swedish foundation, in the middle of an international everyday life on the Costa del Sol.
Small classes
A high staff ratio means the teacher sees every pupil every day – not just at the termly review.
Swedish curriculum
Syllabuses, timetable and grading follow the Swedish system, so returning to a school in Sweden is straightforward.
Spanish and English daily
The languages are used in everyday life, not only in lessons. Children find their way in the community around the school.
Three training sessions a week, on the timetable – for MFF and Padel
For students who have chosen the Malmö FF school academy or the padel and tennis profile, training sits inside the school day, not outside it. Sessions are scheduled in the morning and teaching is built around them.
Experienced teachers
Swedish-certified teachers with an average of 16 years' experience from schools in Sweden. The same curriculum, the same knowledge requirements, and teachers who have followed hundreds of pupils through their school years.
Close contact with home
Short decision paths and direct contact with teachers, mentor and principal – often the same day.
The school and our profiles
A school day that combines Swedish education with languages, culture and sport in southern Spain.
3–5 years
Preschool
Play and learning at the centre, with the Swedish curriculum and natural practice in Spanish and English.
Read more
5–6 years
Reception class
A gentle transition into school with play, language and social interaction at the centre.
Read more
Reception–Year 6
Primary school
Swedish curriculum, certified Swedish teachers and individually adapted teaching in small classes.
Read more
Sports profile
Malmö FF football academy
Training following Malmö FF's methodology combined with studies in an international setting.
Read more
Sports profile
Padel & tennis
Top-class training on the Costa del Sol, small groups and your own coach.
Read more
In partnership with Malmö FF
Sweden's first football academy abroad
In 2025, Malmö FF opened its first school academy outside Sweden – with us in Estepona. We are the club's 21st academy, and the only one outside Skåne. Students train three times a week on the timetable with coaches from Malmö FF at Estadio Municipal Francisco Muñoz Pérez in Estepona and Estadio Municipal Antonio Naranjo in San Pedro Alcántara, and study the Swedish curriculum with our teachers between sessions.
Malmö FF's school academies- First
- Sweden's first – no Swedish club had an academy abroad before us
- 3×
- Training sessions a week – on the timetable, not after school
- 2 arenas
- Estepona and San Pedro Alcántara – municipal stadiums with full-size pitches
Malmö FFMeet some of our teachers
Certified teachers who know every pupil – and every family – by name.
Maria Wikström
Principal – 17 years in school leadership
Bojan
PE teacher and after-school educator
Anna
Head of preschool – 21 years of experience with children
Svetlana
Class teacher, Years 4–6 – 17 years in education
Featured review
“It is important to us that our child feels safe, comfortable and happy at school – a place where he can learn at his own pace and where we know he is seen and heard. The small classes make that calm and secure environment possible. …”It is important to us that our child feels safe, comfortable and happy at school – a place where he can learn at his own pace and where we know he is seen and heard. The small classes make that calm and secure environment possible. We appreciate the school's ambition to keep developing and improving, and we like being able to take part – for example by contributing ideas or getting involved in parent groups. We also value the open, close dialogue with the teachers, the daily updates we receive and the "fika with the principal" concept, which creates a warm and inclusive feeling. The schoolyard with its many activities, the proximity to the Villa Padierna facilities and the short walk to the quiet beach make the school's location truly unique.
Voices from our families
“It is important to us that our child feels safe, comfortable and happy at school – a place where he can learn at his own pace and where we know he is seen and heard. The small classes make that calm and secure environment possible. …”It is important to us that our child feels safe, comfortable and happy at school – a place where he can learn at his own pace and where we know he is seen and heard. The small classes make that calm and secure environment possible. We appreciate the school's ambition to keep developing and improving, and we like being able to take part – for example by contributing ideas or getting involved in parent groups. We also value the open, close dialogue with the teachers, the daily updates we receive and the "fika with the principal" concept, which creates a warm and inclusive feeling. The schoolyard with its many activities, the proximity to the Villa Padierna facilities and the short walk to the quiet beach make the school's location truly unique.
“A wonderful and safe atmosphere at the school. High expectations for learning. We feel secure with all the teachers and our son really enjoys the school and his friends. A big plus is the football – he gets to train with Malmö FF. The best choice we have made!”
Feeling safe
New school. New country. And still – at home within weeks.
Fitting in matters more than anything when you're a child. That's why our classes are small enough that everyone is noticed, everyone counts and nobody has to fight to belong. New pupils get friends – and adults who keep an eye out – from day one.
- Buddy classmates and a mentor who guides your child into the group from day one
- Zero tolerance for bullying – with adults who see what happens between lessons too
- Teachers who know every child by name and notice immediately if someone is struggling
- Calm after-school care until 4:30pm – the day ends safely, not abruptly
A word from the principal
Maria Wikström
Principal · Teacher · Special needs educator
17years of experience as a principal in Sweden
After many years as a principal in Sweden, I know what a difference a safe school, engaged teachers and close relationships can make. Here we have the opportunity to really get to know each pupil – their strengths, needs and ambitions. Our size allows us to be personal, flexible and act quickly when something needs to change. For me, collaboration with families is a natural part of a good school. You should feel that we know your child, that we listen and that it is always easy to get in touch with us.Meet the whole team
Swedish school or a local alternative?
Both paths work – it depends on how long you're staying and what happens next. Here's how the setup differs in practice.
Curriculum
With us
Swedish curriculum and Swedish syllabuses
Local or international school
Spanish or international curriculum
Language of instruction
With us
Swedish, with Spanish and English every day
Local or international school
Spanish or English
Teachers
With us
100 % certified Swedish teachers in the Swedish tuition
Local or international school
Varies between schools
On moving back to Sweden
With us
The pupil follows the same syllabus throughout
Local or international school
Often adjustments and catch-up work needed
Group size
With us
Small groups, max 16 pupils per class
Local or international school
Often larger classes
Secondary school and sixth form
With us
Swedish distance studies with on-site support
Local or international school
Local system or IB
The comparison is general. Provision varies between individual schools in the area – feel free to visit several before you decide.
Read the full comparison: Swedish, international or Spanish school
Teaching with Swedish roots
- Swedish curriculum, syllabuses and timetable – every teacher holds Swedish certification.
- Extended Spanish and English from reception year to Year 6.
- Written assessments in every year group up to and including Year 6.
- Digital tools – iPads and computers are part of learning.
- Small classes with a high teacher-to-pupil ratio and age-integrated activities.
Health, safety and community
- Well-cooked school meals and healthy snacks every day.
- An outdoor yard for play and movement, including basketball and table tennis.
- A safe environment where every pupil is seen, both physically and psychosocially.
- Close teacher contact so parents can easily follow their children's studies.
- After-school care until 4:30pm with activities after the school day.
Holidays and camps
During the holidays the school arranges a football camp together with Malmö FF – four days of training for both outfield players and goalkeepers, in the sun on the Costa del Sol. This year's camp took place in mid-June.
Read more about the football camp
A small school – by choice
Marbella has large international schools, and they suit many families well. We are something different: a small Swedish school in Estepona where personal attention is the whole idea.
- Small classes – nobody is overlooked
- The principal and teachers answer directly, often the same day
- Flexible start – shorter stays work too
- A calm setting in Estepona, about 20 minutes from Marbella
Three steps to starting school
- 1
Submit an application
Fill in the form – you'll see the fee right away.
- 2
Visit the school
Come in person or meet us online.
- 3
Confirmation of a place
We'll get back to you with a decision and start date.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis – it's fine to start mid-term.
Included
A 45-minute briefing before the move
Included if you'd like it, for families enrolling at least one child full-time for at least one term (not short stays). You tick the session in the application form, and after acceptance and payment of the enrolment fee you get a 45-minute personal briefing – practical advice on the move, schooling and everyday life in Spain. Held at a time that suits you, in person or online.
The briefing is general guidance from the school and does not replace legal or financial advice. Read more about the briefing.
Our history
From an idea in 2023 to an established Swedish school
The idea was born in 2023 and that same autumn we welcomed our first pupils. Since then the school has received official approval, a committed leadership and a sports profile that today includes Malmö FF, padel and tennis.
Read the full history of the school →- 2023
The school is founded in Estepona and welcomes its first pupils.
- 2024
Approval from Junta de Andalucía and the official inauguration on 31 May.
- 2025–2026
A new principal, MFF's first school academy outside Sweden, plus padel and tennis.
Go deeper
The Knowledge Hub – for families moving here
The guides on this site give you the overview. The Knowledge Hub goes deeper: four detailed guides on the move itself, paperwork and authorities, everyday life and security in Spain. Free access via email.
- The relocation checklist: 12 months to move-in 8 min
- Paperwork and authorities: NIE, TIE, padrón and school 9 min
- Everyday life in Spain: housing, banking, cars and routines 8 min
- Safety and key numbers in Spain 6 min
Four guides, 12–16 minutes each.
Open the Knowledge HubGuides for families moving here
Moving to Spain with children
Timeline, choosing a school and practical steps for families planning a move to the Costa del Sol.
Read the guideSwedish, international or Spanish school?
A neutral comparison of curriculum, language, moving back and integration for the three options.
Read the guideSwedish school in Spain
How the Swedish curriculum works abroad, supplementary Swedish tuition and returning to Sweden.
Read the guideSchools in Marbella and Estepona
A local guide to areas, commuting and school options between Marbella and Estepona.
Read the guideSwedish school near Marbella
Distances, travel times and why families from Marbella and San Pedro choose the school.
Read the guideSchool in Estepona
Our location in Cancelada, travel times within the municipality and the local school options.
Read the guideSchool in Cancelada
The neighbourhood, walking and cycling distance and the logistics of the school day.
Read the guideNIE and registration in Spain
An overview of the NIE, empadronamiento and healthcare when your family settles in Spain.
Read the guideDistance learning abroad
How secondary school and sixth form work at our school via Sofia Distans and Hermods.
Read the guideSwedish preschool in Spain
How Swedish preschool pedagogy works abroad – daily rhythm, languages and settling in.
Read the guideLiving in Cancelada and Estepona
An area guide to Cancelada, Estepona and the New Golden Mile for families with children.
Read the guideChoosing a school abroad
Swedish, international or Spanish school? The questions that decide it for your family.
Read the guide
Want more detail? The Knowledge Hub explains each topic step by step.
Ready to take the next step?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and it's fine to start mid-term.
No commitment – we normally reply within one working day. info@sweintschool.com