MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE
For many expat families, one of the biggest questions after moving to southern Spain is where their children will go to school.
With more than 300 international schools across the countrydozens on the Costa del Sol, alone - the choice can feel daunting.
Parents must weigh up British qualifications, the Spanish system, or, in some cases, the International Baccalaureate. Fees vary widely, curricula
The Olive Press guide on how to choose the best international school in Spain for your children
By Adam Husicka
differ, and every school has its own personality.
Each system offers distinct advantages. The British route, with GCSEs and A-levels, is internationally recognised and remains the gold standard for students planning to attend universities in the UK or beyond.
The IB, by contrast, is broader and more universal, requiring students to study subjects across sciences, arts, and maths – perfect for ‘all-rounders’, though demanding
for those who prefer to specialise.
The Spanish curriculum, meanwhile, may suit families who see their children staying in Spain long term, as it prepares them directly for Spanish universities through ESO and Bachillerato.
Many international schools along the Costa del Sol reflect this diversity, often combining different routes under one roof.
For instance, Laude San Pedro International offers both British and Spanish pathways, allowing students to switch tracks from Year 8 if they wish to pursue ESO and Bachillerato, or move, as some do, from the Spanish system to A-levels.
Annual fees here range from €11,178 in the early years to €24,690 in sixth form for the British track, while the Spanish system is slightly lower at €9,858 in ESO to €12,710 in Bachillerato.
Joe Short, Head of Secondary at Laude, says this flexibility is one of the school’s biggest strengths.
“We follow the British curriculum from early years through to sixth form, preparing students for GCSEs and A-levels, the gold standard for university entry.
“But from Year 8 onwards, pupils can also switch to our Spanish pathway, with ESO and Bachillerato, allowing them to access Spanish universities. There’s support in place for them in all of the pathways.”
THE BEST PLACE TO LEARN
STATE EDUCATION
VS
PROS
3 Your child will be involved in your local community
3 Their friends will live locally
3 They will quickly be fluent at Spanish / bilingual
3 There’s no need to transport your children to school
3 It is free of charge
CONS
2 Rigid structure based on continuous assessment
2 Difficult for parents who don’t speak Spanish to understand what’s going on
2 Not much creative learning, in terms of art, drama, etc.
2 It is relatively easy for your child to repeat a year. Re secondary education, the repetition rate is 5.5% for state institutions combined to 1.4% for independent.
Get to know the Spanish state system
There are four phases:
• Educacion Infantil (Preschool) - 3 to 5 years of age (inclusive, i.e. three years). This is optional.
• Educacion Primaria (Primary Education) - 6 to 11 years of age (six years). Compulsory.
• Educacion Secundaria Obligitoria or ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education) - 12 to 15 years of age (four years).
• Bachillerato (Post-Compulsory Schooling) - 16 and 17 years of age (two years).
The Pre-school stage (infantil or popularly known as pre-escolar ) is free for all children but not compulsory.
However, it is regarded as an integral part of the education system with infants’ classes at almost every primary school. There are some separate nursery schools, colegios infantile s, also.
The next two phases, primary ( colegio ) and secondary school ( instituto ) education are compulsory and free of charge. At the end of the ESO successful pupils are awarded a Secondary Education Certificate, which is necessary to enter the post-compulsory stage of schooling for their university or vocational studies. Alternatively they may leave school and get a job.
Once pupils have their Bachillerato they can take their university entrance exam.
He also highlights the school’s ‘Future Pathways’ programme, which helps teenagers with UCAS applications, personal statements, and university options abroad. Other schools lean more firmly towards one model.
Benalmadena International College, for example, follows the British system exclusively, taking pupils from nursery through to sixth form.
PRIVATE EDUCATION
PROS
3 Cambridge exams are provided
3 Caters for entry to UK universities
3 International Baccalaureate entry
3 Individualised learning plan
3 Constant contact with parents / partici- pation in the learning experience
3 Speak to educators in English
CONS
2 The cost each year
It also offers BTECs, giving older students a more practical option alongside traditional A-levels. Aloha College Marbella, by contrast, blends the British route with the International Baccalaureate in its upper school – providing students with the choice between depth and breadth in their final years.
2 Paying for school uniform, that your child must wear
2 Less immersion of your child in their local community
2 Friends might live further away
2 Child is less likely to be fluent at Span- ish
2 The need to transport children to school – possibly at a geographic dis- tance
2 The school holidays do not match Spanish holidays
According to the Good Schools Guide, past fees have ranged from €7,075 to €17,180 per year depending on the year group, though the school now asks parents to request full details directly.
As Short puts it: “A-levels are about depth of knowledge; the IB is about breadth. A-levels are better for many of the students that we have come through, because they can be specific.
“On the other hand if you’ve got an all-rounder,
someone who’s good at everything, IB gives you more kudos; it’s a full package.”
For families, this variety can be both a blessing and a challenge.
One long-term expat mother, based in Estepona, who has guided three children through a mix of Spanish and international schools, says the right choice often depends on timing.
“To begin with, we chose the Spanish system because our kids were born here. We wanted them to integrate and not live in a bubble,” explained the Belgian businesswoman.
“As they got closer to university, we left the choice to them, but ultimately they all went the private route.
“My eldest son (now at university in Scotland) preferred A-levels because he was very focused on certain subjects.
“With the Spanish system, you sort of have to choose between a scientific bachillerato, an artistic bachillerato, or humanities, and you can’t really mix them. That’s why the IB appealed to my second son, where he could choose whatever subjects he wanted to do, aside from the core subjects.”
While she values the private options, she remains an advocate of the state system too:
“I would really encourage kids to go into a Spanish school, public or private at first. Even if you want your children to end up studying in English, you could do primary in Spanish and then switch to an international secondary.
“Having a good base in Spanish is
a huge advantage if you’re raising your kids here,” she stresses. Ultimately, the decision comes down to priorities. Do you want the broad, global focus of the IB? The rigorous specialisation of A-levels? Or the rootedness of the Spanish system?
Schools like Laude, Benalmadena, and Aloha show the spectrum of what’s available – but they are just examples of a much wider picture. What matters most is not the label on the curriculum, but whether children feel supported, challenged, and equipped for the future. On the Costa del Sol, expat families have more options than ever to make sure they do.
CYBER SCOURGE
THE greatest threat to 21st century schoolkids is still cyberbullying – and in 2025, the problem is bigger, faster and harder to control than ever before. This insidious form of antisocial networking can happen relentlessly, anytime and anywhere. What was once a whispered insult or playground punch now follows children home, invading their bedrooms via mobile phones and social media.
Spain’s National Police say smartphones were the ultimate game-changer. Today, most bullying cases involve an online element, often escalating from schoolyard taunts into 24/7 harassment.
“The talks we once gave to 15-year-olds, we now give to eight- and nine-year-olds,” a spokesman warned. “Parents hand over smartphones without thinking – it’s like giving a child the keys to a car without teaching them the rules of the road.”
Mobile phones for minors
is ‘like giving kids a car without explaining the rules of the road’
The numbers are stark. A 2024 report from Spain’s Ministry of Education revealed that half of children now own a mobile phone by the age of 10. By 12, that figure shoots up to nearly 80%, and by 14 it is virtually universal. Not having a phone, ironically, can itself become a reason for exclusion. Spain has tried to fight back. In 2020, Madrid banned mobile phones inside classrooms, following regions like Galicia and Castile-La Mancha. More than 1,700 schools and some 800,000 pupils were affected. Since then, other regions have followed suit, and in late 2023 the national government announced plans to extend the ban
to all public primary and secondary schools. The Education Ministry said the measure was aimed not only at raising academic performance but also at cutting off the channels through which bullying spreads. But critics argue that the real battlefield is outside the classroom walls – on WhatsApp groups, TikTok, Instagram and, increasingly, anonymous platforms where abuse is harder to track. The COVID pandemic only accelerated the crisis. Children stuck at home became more reliant than ever on social media, apps and video calls. A 2024 study by EU Kids Online found that cyberbullying cases in Spain had risen by nearly 65% since 2019, with girls disproportionately affected. And while platforms claim to be cracking down, new apps and encrypted messaging services make it harder than ever to monitor.
BE PREPARED
AS ‘Back to school’ season is right around the corner, parents all over the country will be fretting about the upcoming school year while their children are glued to their tablets. To help soothe this arduous season, the Olive Press has created a list of important tasks to tackle to ensure a smooth sailing start to the year.
BUYING UNIFORM/NEW CLOTHES
One very important thing to remember when preparing your child for going back to school is clothing. Even if your school does not require a uniform, children grow very quickly in very short periods of time. New clothes that are adequate for all weather types and that fit your child perfectly are necessary for back-to-school prep.
EQUIPMENT
The list of equipment your child needs will grow exponentially as they get older. Helpfully, schools sometimes send out lists of what you will need, from pencils to protractors. It may also be helpful to
ask your child if there is anything they personally would add; not every child is the same, and some may work better with extra or different items.
LUNCH
Lunch is a big part of the school day, and sometimes it is a child's favourite hour. Whether pack-up or school dinner, making sure they have either money or food is essential. For school dinners, it's pretty simple—setting aside some money every day for them. Packed lunches are a little more complicated, but they are great for picky eaters or for you to keep tabs on what your child is eating. Some schools have some strict rules about the contents of the lunchbox, so check in to see if anything is prohibited.
TRAVEL
Whether your child is starting at a new school and you haven’t decided on the best way to get them there or you need to get them a bus pass, having travel to school sorted is imperative. It’s the first obstacle for your young ones on their first day back and having an
THE BENALMÁDENA
September 2025
Half a dozen things to think about before starting school, with Kayleigh Beardsley
easy experience with the bus or already being familiar with their walk will make them feel well prepared for their first day back.
PREP THE UNIFORM
Children may not like having tags in their clothes as it is not ‘cool’ but having your child's name in their uniform can be a game-changer. No more rummaging around in a pile of jumpers left in a pile at school. In addition to adding their names to their clothes, getting them to wear in their shoes is a life saver. The first day of school may be daunting for them anyway, why add uncomfy shoes to the mix? Letting them wear their shoes means no blisters on the first day and one less thing for them to worry about.
PRINT OUT A TIMETABLE
As soon as your child has got one, print out a timetable so you can keep up to date with what they need everyday. Gone are the days of being told they have no ingredients for their food tech lesson or PE kit for their PE lesson. Not only does this help for classes but also for any after school clubs.
Spanish takeover
MORE than 136,000 stu -
dents entered Spanish for their GCSE exams this year, according to new figures from the UK’s Joint Council of Qualifications. That puts it just ahead of French, which recorded a little under 133,000 entries. It is the first time Spanish has officially moved past French, which for decades had been the leading modern language in British schools. German has continued its decline, falling to just over 33,000 entries.
Teachers and language experts say Spanish’s global reach, spoken widely across Spain, Latin America and the Caribbean, has given it an advantage.
Many pupils also feel it is easier to pick up. One London student explained that Spanish pronunciation made more sense to him than French, and that he saw it as more useful for travel.
The British Council highlighted how cultural influences have boosted the appeal of the language in recent years.
Holidays in Spain and the Canary Islands remain a big draw, while music, films, and US media featuring Spanish have added to the influence too.
Most expensive in history
FAMILIES face record bills for kitting out their youngsters, with the average cost of going back to school now hitting €486 per student, according to consumer group OCU. That figure doesn’t include extras like uniforms, excursions or lunches – and the single biggest burden is still textbooks.
Spanish parents pay on average €327 for books alone, up nearly 6% on 2023 and more than 20% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Unlike in the UK and much of northern Europe, families in Spain are expected
to foot most of the bill for their children’s books.
“Spain continues to have some of the highest textbook prices in the EU, and it’s a direct hit to household budgets,” warned Idealo’s Kike Aganzo.
The squeeze isn’t felt equally everywhere. Several regions, such as Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura, subsidise or lend out books, while others like Valencia, Navarra and Catalunya remain among the most expensive for parents. And books are only the start. The
National Catholic Confederation of Families and Parents of Students (CONCAPA) says this September will be ‘the most expensive school year in history’.
President Rafael Araujo explained:
“It’s not just the cost of textbooks – families are also paying more for buses, canteen meals, uniforms, extracurricular activities, excursions, insurance and AMPA (par-
ent-teacher association) fees. Everything is going up.”
Consumer groups are urging parents to shop around online, buy second-hand where possible, or use book exchanges organised by parent associations.
SWITCH TO PRIVATE
FALLING birth rates are having a ‘profound impact’ on public education, with over 340,000 fewer children in kindergartens and primary schools today compared to 2018.
In just the past five years, enrolment in schools for ages three to six has dropped by 160,000 pupils, while there are nearly 180,000 fewer children in the six-to-12 age group. The downward spiral shows no sign of slowing: Spain registered just 322,075 births in 2024, the lowest figure since records began. The decline is already reshaping the school map. According to Education Ministry fig-
OP QUICK CROSSWORD
Lower
birth rates mean state school closures while independent sector booms
By Alex Trelinski
ures, 126 public schools have closed in the past decade –many in rural communities hit hard by depopulation. By contrast, around 100 new private schools have opened, mostly in urban areas catering to more affluent families, and offering full service from nursery through to secondary. Spain currently has 13,360 public primary schools –
6 Native of Munich, for example (8)
8 Clothed (4)
9 Such as “Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells” (6-6)
10 Darts out - it’s a fiddle (5)
11 Raining hard (7)
14 Most favourable (7)
16 Honour --- thieves (5)
19 Such as lathes and drill presses (7,5) 21 Isle of Wight bay (4) 22 Kind of glacier (3,5)
1 Seasoned smoked beef (8)
2 Docking spots (5)
3 Weather-beaten Gran led revolution (7)
4 “Get lost!” (4)
5 Rabbit residence (6)
7 Spook (5)
12 Pleistocene beasts (8)
13 Neighbour of Algeria and Libya (7)
15 Spot (6)
17 Nick ---, “Lorenzo’s Oil” actor (5)
18 Assailed on all sides (5)
20 Draw near (4)
around 30 fewer than a decade ago – but the national figure hides sharp regional differences. Madrid, the Basque Country, Aragon and the Balearic Islands are the only regions where the number of public schools has actually risen. Aragon’s former education minister Felipe Faci previously admitted the political sensitivity of the closures. “We had a policy where just three pupils were enough to keep a rural school open. When one closes, it impacts not only families but also canteens, transport and community life,” he said. “The last thing parents want is
for their children to travel 30 kilometres a day.”
But many experts argue that keeping tiny schools afloat is unsustainable. Lucas Gortazar, head of education at Madrid’s Esade Centre for Economic Policy, described the falling birth rate as ‘the greatest educational challenge of our time’.
Further learning
SPANISH and British students can continue crossing borders for higher education under a landmark deal signed between the two countries in 2023.
The agreement ensures that school-leaving qualifications – Spain’s Bachillerato and the UK’s A-levels – are mutually recognised for entry into universities. It means that Spanish students can still apply to British universities using their Bachillerato results, while UK students with A-levels can access Spanish universities without having to sit the country’s general entrance exam (EBAU).
Instead, A-level results are directly converted into Spain’s entry points system, worth up to 10 points out of the maximum 14. However, for competitive courses such as medicine, law or engineering, UK applicants may still need to take the specific (optional) part of the Spanish exam in order to reach the highest scores.
He said: “The decline means more money per student –but the debate is how to spend it. Do we reduce class sizes, invest in technology, expand extracurriculars, or increase scholarships? The wrong choice could waste an historic opportunity.”
In larger towns and cities, the picture is different. Falling rolls have seen schools merged and staff redistributed, with many teachers facing larger, more mixed-age classes. Meanwhile, private schools are expanding, positioning themselves as stable, long-term options for middle-class families.
With Spain’s birth rate now among the lowest in Europe –just 1.2 children per woman in 2024 – demographers warn the trend will only accelerate. For the country’s schools, the next decade could mean fewer pupils, fewer teachers – and a radically different education system.
Maths and reading targeted
THE Spanish government has targeted the three Rs as it tries to improve academic results.
IT recently announced an initiative aimed at improving students’ math, reading and writing skills.
According to Education Minister Pilar Alegría the programme will focus on providing students with the tools and resources they need to excel in these essential subjects.
“We're seeing too many kids struggling with basic maths and
1 1 1 1 2 3
reading,” the minister said. “This is unacceptable. It's time for a change.” Resources will be devoted to teacher training and the programme will target younger students to ensure they have a strong foundation in these subjects from an early age. The minister also indicated that children who need extra support will have access to after-school tutoring and mentoring programmess, and parents will be encouraged to take a more active role in their children's education.
CLOSING: State schools are shutting but private facilities take up slack
Girls in Science
S Spain’s new academic year gets underway this September, one issue remains stubbornly unresolved – the gender gap in science and technology.
Despite girls performing just as strongly as boys in maths and science at school, only three in ten young women in Spain choose to pursue STEM careers.
The result is a shortage of female role models in labs, lecture halls and tech companies – a problem that experts warn is holding back innovation at a time when the world desperately needs
Women need science, and science needs women
By Yzabelle Bostyn
more scientific talent to tackle climate change, energy security and health crises.
Globally, the picture is much the same. Just 33.3% of scientific researchers worldwide are women, while only 35% of STEM students are female. Yet studies continue to show that girls and boys achieve similar results in science and mathematics during their school years.
The challenge is turning that talent into lasting careers.
“Women need science, and
science needs women,” UNESCO has warned. “Only by tapping into all sources of knowledge and talent can we unlock the full potential of science and meet the challenges of our time.”
In Spain, the imbalance is particularly stark. While women dominate in care-related professions such as nursing – making up around 82% of the workforce – they remain under-represented in fields like engineering, physics, computer science and technology. Only one in four Spanish university professors are women, and just a quarter of scientists cited in the Spanish press are female. There are signs of progress. A study by the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos found that the proportion of female scientists in Spain rose from 9% to 34% between 2015 and 2020, a trend that campaigners hope to
UNIVERSITY BOUND
TMatildas, a campaign tackling the so-called ‘Matilda Effect’ – the tendency for women’s scientific achievements to be overlooked or attributed to male colleagues. The group has developed storybooks reimagining famous discoveries with women at the forefront, alongside an annex to Spanish textbooks that restores female scientists left out of the historical record. Their message is clear: inspiring today’s girls requires showcasing yesterday’s forgotten pioneers. Spain is not alone in its struggle. In the UK, for example, women make up just 31% of STEM higher education students, and only a quarter of those graduates go on to work in related fields. Across Europe, the gender gap is seen as a brake on progress. Clearly, the problem is international – and the solutions will need to be too. As the #NoMoreMatildas campaign puts it: “It makes no sense to use just half of the minds we have at our disposal to fight the challenges we face.
ment and Leadership Team
HERE was an extraordi nary 20% improvement in A Level results at Laude school, in Marbella, this year.
The big increase saw 67% of their grades from A* to C, while a quarter were either A* or A.
In eight subjects, including History, Geography and Com puter Science, 100% of pupils attained a grade C or higher.
The results left principal Mandy Palmer (right)
‘delighted’ af ter she was promoted into the position in January 2025.
Top Costa del Sol school, Laude San Pedro, sees giant improvement in A Level results
across the UK, Spain and worldwide.”
Palmer, from Cheltenham, was initially recruited as the Deputy Head
“These results are a reflection of the dedication of our wonderful teaching team and our students’ hard work, resilience and aspiration.
brant school, in San Pedro.
Mandy Palmer
“I am very proud of them and they are now ready to take the next step to top universities
teacher retention.
“We must be doing something right,” in sists Palmer.
Palmer - who has owned a holiday home in Estepona for years - is sup ported by her Se nior Leadership Team, which includes Nicky de Comarmond (top left), who has been at the school for 21 years, who is Assistant Head and responsible for Safety and Wellbeing.
The school continues to grow both in student numbers and in stability of
Principal
EARNING a language is hard. Luckily for us living here in Spain, Spanish is one of the easier languages to pick up. But we are all busy and despite having the best of intentions it can be difficult to find the time to learn and improve. Below we have rounded up four top tips which will let you learn the lingo that much faster.
BE OPPORTUNISTIC
Try to take advantage of opportunities to speak Spanish whenever you can. Chat to the locals in the bus queue, in shops and in the street. Look up local conversation classes or ‘intercambios’, where groups of English and Spanish meet for a copa or cana to practice each other’s languages. You should also try living with a Spanish speaker which will force you to speak the lingo on a daily basis and will naturally improve your vocabulary.
DEDICATE TIME TO LEARNING
Putting money towards lessons can really help you prioritise your learning and is especially helpful if you’re just starting out. Learning in a group can be a really fun way to learn. If you can’t afford lessons, make a weekly timetable and set aside at least four hours a week to learning. Make sure you nail the basics and try to set yourself daily targets of X amount of new words.
Joe Short (middle) meanwhile, is the Head of Secondary and 6th Form, in cluding ESO and Bach, while Aran cha Barrasa (bot tom) is the Head of EYFS and Primary.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Don’t underestimate how important it is to practice - constantly and consistently. Throw yourself out there and speak to the bus driver, hairdresser, shopkeeper or anyone who will lend an ear. If you’re not in a Spanish speaking country, then repeat phrases in front of the mirror, to family and friends or even your dog—basically anyone who will listen! Don’t be scared, the more you practice the more confident you become.
MAKE IT YOUR ROUTINE
Try to incorporate Spanish into your everyday routine. This means playing a language app like Duolingo everyday, listening to Spanish music and/or radio and watching your Netflix or TV with Span
ish subtitles. Pick out the odd word and translate it and add it to a vocab list either on
Food for thought
AS the school year kicks off and children return to classrooms across the country, one of Spain’s leading paediatric endocrinologists is sounding the alarm on an issue that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: how children’s diets are silently shaping their brains, bodies, and futures.
In an exclusive interview, Dr Aurora Mesas, a specialist in Paediatric Endocrinology at Hospital QuironSalud Marbella, laid bare the truth about what our kids are eating – and what it’s doing to them.
According to Dr Mesas, nutrition isn’t just about growing tall or staying slim. It’s about brain function, emotional regulation, and classroom focus. “The brain depends on a steady supply of nutrients,” she explains. “Without a balanced diet, a child’s academic performance will inevitably suffer. A poor diet
can also affect mood, concentration, and sleep –especial-
Getting back into the school routine doesn’t just mean sharpening pencils and buying lunchboxes. It’s about fuelling the next generation – one proper meal at a time
ly when it’s overloaded with sugar and processed foods.”
Although the link between sugar and hyperactivity is debated, she points out that blood sugar spikes from sweet snacks can leave children irritable and unfocused. Worse, diets heavy in refined sugars often crowd out the nutrients essential for growth and development. And when it comes to malnutrition, it’s not just about eating too little – overnutrition, especially the rise in childhood obesity, is what she calls the ‘true pandemic of our time’.
Back-to-school season, she warns, is often a nutritional minefield.
“During the holidays, routines vanish. Bedtimes are later, meals irregular, and processed foods creep in. So when September arrives, it’s no surprise that children skip breakfast or grab sugary snacks on the go.
“This disorganisation undermines healthy habits, especially in families juggling work and childcare.”
She is adamant about the importance of breakfast – not just any breakfast, but one with complex carbs, quality proteins, healthy fats, and micronutrients.
“Breakfast breaks the overnight fast and fuels the body and brain. It’s crucial for concentration and energy,” she says. Too
often, though, children leave the house with only a pastry or a glass of milk.
“Breakfast in the car is symbolic of our rushed lives – it usually means processed junk and missed opportunities for family connection and good habits.”
Her ideal breakfast? Wholegrain cereals, fruit, dairy, and proteins such as eggs or cheese. What to
avoid? Sugary cereals, processed juices, sweetened yoghurts, cold cuts, and pastries. And it doesn’t stop there. All five daily meals – breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner – matter. The often-overlooked mid-morning snack, she says, helps prevent dips in energy, headaches, and irritability – symptoms teachers regularly see.
Dinner is equally crucial. “Children need a protein-rich evening meal with vegetables. Protein helps trigger the release of growth hormone, which peaks during deep sleep. Skimp on a proper dinner and you risk stunting growth without realising it.”
Supplements are rarely needed with a balanced diet, though she concedes omega-3 may help teenagers, especially in families where fish isn’t on the menu.
Exercise, she insists, is inseparable from diet. “It regulates metabolism, boosts mood, reduces stress, and encourages healthy growth. It’s not just about weight – physical activity improves mental wellbeing, builds confidence, and strengthens social skills.”
Children learn by imitation. Parents’ poor food choices stick
When it comes to lunchboxes, Dr Mesas is blunt: “Packaged juices, biscuits, and industrial pastries should be avoided. These foods are marketed to kids but are full of sugar and unhealthy fats. Schools should be allies in promoting good habits, not bystanders to bad ones.”
So what should parents pack? Natural yogurt or kefir with fruit, fresh seasonal fruit, raw veggies like carrots or cherry tomatoes, wholegrain sandwiches with protein fillings, and nuts or seeds for older kids.
These, she says, provide sustained energy, healthy fats, fibre, and protein.
She also warns against fad diets. Gluten-free or lactose-free eating without medical need can strip children of vital nutrients and mask real health problems. Vegetarian and vegan diets, meanwhile, are viable but only with proper planning and supplements, especially vitamin B12 and iron.
Parents and schools, she adds, are at the centre of this challenge. “Children learn by imitation. If parents make poor food choices, those habits stick. Schools, too, are ideal for instilling healthy routines through cooking workshops, gardens, and food education.”
Hydration is another overlooked area. “Children don’t drink enough. Many aren’t even getting half their daily needs. This affects digestion, energy, and brain function. They should carry water – ideally in reusable bottles – and remember that fruit and vegetables also keep them hydrated.”
One of her greatest concerns is hidden sugar. “Parents don’t realise how much is in ‘healthy’ products
like yoghurts, cereals, sandwich bread, and sauces. Carbohydrates should come from whole foods, not free sugars in processed items.”
Learning to read labels, she says, is essential. Sugar hides under names like glucose, fructose, syrup, nectar, saccharose, and galactose. Even socalled healthy products can exceed a child’s daily limit in one serving. The long-term consequences are severe. “Poor childhood nutrition can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. It reduces life expectancy and quality of life. The most critical window is the first 1,000 days – from conception to age two. This is a unique opportunity to shape future health through the mother’s diet, breastfeeding, and proper weaning.”
Asked for her three best tips, she instead offers three principles. “First, prioritise breakfast. It can be the difference between a good and a bad day at school. Second, remember that we are what we eat – plan meals, shop responsibly, avoid impulse buys. And third, support physical activity. Sport is not just exercise, it’s the foundation for lifelong health.”
In a world of vending machines, supermarket snack aisles, and Instagram-driven food fads, Dr Mesas’ message is refreshingly simple: if we want our children to thrive, we must feed them well – and start now.
EXPERT: Dr Aurora Mesas of Quironsalud Marbella
CARE: The Paediatric Unit at Quironsalud is welcoming
