Inaugurated in 1978 by the founders of Sotogrande, the Sotogrande International School (SIS) has developed into one of the leading international schools in Spain, enjoying a stellar reputation for academic excellence, while benefitting from the lifestyle advantages of it privileged locationsurrounded by nature and just minutes away from a stunning stretch of the glorious Costa de la Luz.
Built on a solid educational foundation, thanks to the dedication of long-term teachers and staff, SIS prides itself on being fully integrated into the local community, while its students – of multiple nationalities – develop excellent intercultural awareness and language skills for our increasingly globalized society.
Forming part of the Inspired Education Group since 2018, the school prides itself on offering an exceptional academic programme, opening opportunities for students on a global scale and encouring children to “seize their inspiring futures”. Offering the widely praised International Baccelaureate qualification, 95 per cent of the group’s IB students gain access to their first choice of University.
Uniquely, SIS is one of very few academic facilities in Europe to offer an Elite Sports Programme. This allows children who excel at sports to train in the school’s exceptional grounds and the wider sporting paradise that is Sotogrande including championship golf courses, polo and showjumping tennis, watersports and sailing.
Thriving on a “culture of happiness”, enthusiastic School Director, Rachel Dent, gives us the inside track on this flourishing community of 1300 students and exciting new developments and facilities coming up at the school in 2026.
Sotogrande Life – How has your experience of Sotogrande International School been since being appointed Director of the school in 2023? Has it been an easy transition from being in similar roles in the UK and abroad?
Rachel Dent – I definitely benefited from having already been an international head before joining SIS. I also had tremendous support from the school community, particularly the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) and my STL (Senior Leadership Team).
SL – Established for more than four decades, the SIS has an excellent reputation. From your experience, what sets the school apart?
RD – It is genuinely an international school but uniquely also very much at the heart of the local Sotogrande community. Many staff have worked here for almost all of their career giving the school stability and a family orientated focus. As part of the Inspired Education Group the school offers a unique exchange programme for students to experience an exchange with any other school in the group worldwide. It also allows for global teacher training and forums, as well as excellent educational opportunities.
SL – In a leadership role at a school offering the International Baccalaureate, how do you feel this qualification differs from A-Levels in its preparation for student’s futures?
RD – The IB Diploma is a full programme not individual subjects. As such, students remain broad taking 6 subjects and a core. They also adhere to the IB values which include risk taking, inquiry and being open-minded. The school community and culture is very much aligned to the values of the IB and, as such, we are international, outward looking and every child matters. Our staff are very much front and centre of all we do, acting as role models for tomorrow´s leaders.
SL – With an intake of multiple nationalities in the school – approximately 20 per cent Spanish and 20 per cent British – are the students naturally globally minded?
RD – Yes and once again this is encouraged by our curriculums. English is our language of instruction and we also very much celebrate our home here in Southern Spain. again creating a multi cultural mindset. While the school community is growing, our student profile has not changedconsiderably. Over 20 per cent of our students are still from a UK background, another 20 per cent Spanish and the remainder of our students comprise 65 different nationalities. Approximately 12 per cent of our students are boarders.
SL – Impressively, SIS offers first language English and Spanish qualifications, as well as other languages. How important is it for school leavers to speak languages and be internationally minded in today’s society?
RD – There has never been a better time for students to be more outward facing and internationally minded. We want our students to be global citizens and, as such, languages are, of course, very important as a means of communication. However, we also want our students to share common goals and understand that respect is the right of all citizens of the world.
SL – The sports facilities at SIS are legendary – covered swimming pool, running track, football pitches, athletics facility, sports hall, basketball court – golf, polo, tennis thanks to the wider resort of Sotogrande. How does the school’s Elite Sports programme work?
RD – The Elite sports programme is a bespoke SIS programme which allows talented sports students to pursue their academic studies alongside enhanced sporting programmes. Our most popular sports are golf and tennis with the aim of students successfully graduating and going on to secure sports scholarships in the USA.
SL – Integration into the local community is important for schools. How do you connect the SIS with local families and businesses?
RD – Our PTA (parent teacher association) is also extremely active in organizing community events, school parties, cultural activities and charity events, keeping the local community extremely engaged with the school. We do see ourselves as very much a part of the Sotogrande community.
SL – Do you have a long-term plan for the school with a view to exciting new facilities, for example?
RD – Yes the school has embarked on a multi-million euro building project with state-of-the-art facilities opening in 2026. These will include brand new science laboratories, a cantina and a performing arts centre. The school fosters a holistic approach to education, integrating academic excellence with personal growth and the development of our students’ talents and passions in a nurturing environment.
SL – And on a personal level, what has this role at SIS, and the lifestyle in Sotogrande brought to you?
RD – A real love for Spain and in particular this area, as well as the chance to see some of the most incredible birdlife. I never tire of watching the soaring eagles or migrating swallows.