The Colegio San José, a 70-year-old boarding school in Campillos known for its strict discipline and attended by Bertín Osborne and Judge Calatayud, is being auctioned.
The Colegio San José, an emblematic boarding school in the town of Campillos (Málaga) that gained national fame for its strict disciplinary approach, has been put up for auction after more than seven decades of operation. The move leaves the future of the institution uncertain, as it faces the risk of permanent closure.
Opened 70 years ago, the school became one of the most important boarding schools in Spain during the 20th century. Its reputation for 'mano dura' (heavy hand) attracted families seeking to straighten out troubled youngsters. Teachers emphasized responsibility above all, and the regimented environment produced both criticism and nostalgia.
Among its most famous former students are singer and television host Bertín Osborne and the renowned juvenile judge Emilio Calatayud. In interviews, both have recalled their time at the school with mixed feelings. 'What bad times I spent there,' a former student told local media, a sentiment shared by many who passed through its halls.
The auction, announced by the school's administrators, comes amid declining enrollment and financial difficulties. The property, which includes the main building and surrounding grounds, is now listed for sale. 'It's a shame to see this piece of history go,' said a longtime resident of Campillos. 'But times change.'
The school's strict methods, which included heavy surveillance and a rigid daily schedule, were once considered effective in reforming behavior. However, modern educational approaches have moved away from such discipline. The Colegio San José now stands as a relic of a bygone era.
Local authorities have expressed interest in preserving the building, which is a landmark in the Guadalteba region. 'We would like to see it turned into a cultural center or a museum,' said a town hall spokesperson. The auction results will determine whether that dream becomes reality.
The auction is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks, with a starting price of €1.2 million. Potential buyers include private investors and educational groups. The school's fate will be decided by the highest bidder.
This closure is part of a broader trend in Spain, where many historic boarding schools have shut down as societal attitudes toward education evolve. The Colegio San José, however, remains unique for its celebrity alumni and its unforgiving discipline.
For now, parents and former students watch with concern. 'It's the end of an era,' said one former pupil. 'I hope it doesn't disappear completely.' The auction will mark the final chapter for this once-renowned institution, unless a last-minute reprieve emerges.
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