BEST BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN BARCELONA
Barcelona hosts some of the most esteemed British curriculum schools, offering families premier British education in a vibrant, multicultural setting. Known for academic excellence and extensive extracurricular activities, these schools provide students with a well-rounded learning experience.
Schools are regularly evaluated to ensure quality, with top institutions achieving high ratings for their outstanding performance.
This guide showcases leading British curriculum schools in Barcelona, helping expat families find the best options for exceptional education.
THE OLIVE TREE SCHOOL
The Olive Tree School provides a rich, individualized education in small classes for children aged 3-16. With an Early Years program for the youngest students and a full British curriculum for primary and secondary levels, including various GCSE options, the school ensures a comprehensive academic journey.
Emphasizing independence, resilience, and a love for learning, the school cultivates intellectual curiosity. British-government trained educators use diverse teaching approaches to engage students in exploration and the open exchange of ideas, fostering an environment of discovery.
As a British government-recognized institution, Olive Tree welcomes many students with advanced English proficiency and creatively interprets the British National Curriculum to enhance creativity and self-directed learning.
The campus boasts spacious green gardens, a science lab, ICT suites, an art studio, extensive libraries, outdoor classrooms, vegetable plots, and both indoor and outdoor theatres. Located in Sant Pere de Ribes, it’s just a short drive from the stunning coastal town of Sitges, near Barcelona.
SIL SCHOOL
SIL School in Barcelona is a private institution providing international education for children from early childhood through age 18, including the renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) program. As a trilingual school, SIL School immerses students in Catalan, Spanish, and English, promoting linguistic diversity and global readiness.
The school’s Christian ethos emphasizes both personal growth and academic excellence, fostering values that support students’ holistic development. Through individualized attention, SIL School tailors educational experiences to meet each student’s unique needs, encouraging both intellectual and moral growth. This approach helps students build a solid foundation for success in academics and life.
In addition to a strong curriculum, SIL School offers a range of extracurricular activities designed to enhance learning and personal interests. With its dedication to personalized education and trilingual fluency, SIL School has become a respected choice for expat families seeking a well-rounded, values-driven education in Barcelona.
ENGLISH ACADEMY SANTA CLAUS
English Academy Santa Claus is a private, family-oriented school in Barcelona that emphasizes personalized education, providing each student with dedicated attention to support their academic and personal growth. With over 50 years of experience, the school carefully tracks each child's progress, fostering both intellectual and emotional development.
English Academy Santa Claus has evolved to meet changing societal, environmental, and technological demands, continuously integrating innovative teaching methods and updated academic programs. Grounded in the Montessori philosophy, the school focuses on hands-on, experiential learning while upholding rigorous academic standards.
This approach combines practical activities with a solid theoretical foundation, ensuring students build a comprehensive understanding of subjects. New pedagogical tools and programs are regularly incorporated to enhance the learning experience. With its unique blend of individual attention, modern techniques, and a commitment to holistic education, English Academy Santa Claus is a well-regarded choice for families in Barcelona seeking quality education.
THE BRITISH COLLEGE OF GAVÀ
The British College of Gavà (BCG), located in Gavà Mar near Castelldefels and just 20 minutes from central Barcelona, stands as a premier international school known for delivering high-quality education. Recently, BCG has made significant strides, including adding wellness and meditation to its curriculum. Achieving IB World School status, BCG aims to nurture empathetic, globally aware students who are equipped to become future leaders.
BCG’s mission is to cultivate a lifelong enthusiasm for learning and foster intellectual curiosity. The school community is committed to helping each student reach their fullest potential, offering numerous co-curricular and extracurricular programs. With over 25 nationalities represented, students learn English, Spanish, Catalan, and French from native-speaking educators, promoting multilingual skills.
The school values a holistic, balanced education, focusing on cultural respect, and strong, supportive relationships. BCG emphasizes creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking in all learning spaces, ensuring students grow academically and personally in a nurturing setting.
THE LEARN ACADEMY
The Learn Academy provides a specialized educational setting for students in the final three years of school, with class sizes limited to 10 or fewer to ensure personalized attention. The academy focuses on four core areas: developing 21st-century skills, offering A Level preparation for students choosing this route, addressing individual student interests, and incorporating real-world learning opportunities.
Committed to fostering a collaborative environment, The Learn Academy promotes a learning culture where students and teachers work together to build essential skills for today’s rapidly changing world. The curriculum integrates elements from various educational frameworks, supporting A Level preparation while also encouraging broader experiential learning beyond traditional exams.
Led by dedicated educators, The Learn Academy offers high-quality instruction that prioritizes engagement, curiosity, and independence. For students and families interested in a well-rounded approach to academic and personal growth, the academy provides a curriculum designed to prepare learners for success beyond the classroom.
KENSINGTON SCHOOL
Kensington School, one of Spain’s oldest British curriculum institutions, has provided quality education since 1966. This international school combines a British academic approach with a close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere that fosters both academic excellence and personal growth. Now part of Inspired, a global network of more than 80 high-caliber schools, Kensington School is dedicated to nurturing students from ages 1 to 18 through innovative teaching practices and unique growth opportunities.
Students benefit from Kensington’s rich history and Inspired’s forward-looking methods, blending traditional academics with global perspectives. Beyond academics, students engage in international programs, specialized sports training, and summer camps abroad, broadening their experiences and networks.
Kensington graduates excel with top-tier academic results, internationally recognized qualifications, and multilingual skills that enhance their opportunities for study and work overseas. The school cultivates compassionate, well-rounded individuals ready for fulfilling lives. With specialist university admissions guidance and activities that nurture individual talents, Kensington School prepares students for a successful future.
ST. PATRICK’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
St. Patrick’s International School in Barcelona is a private, multilingual institution providing a rich international education from early years to secondary levels. Offering both the British Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, St. Patrick’s emphasizes a holistic approach to learning, integrating values of empathy, creativity, exploration, and diversity into its teaching model.
The school fosters creativity and initiative by embracing multiple intelligences, enhancing skills through dynamic, globally recognized programs. This approach allows for personal and intellectual growth, respecting each child’s individual development and strengths. St. Patrick’s provides a warm, stimulating setting where close relationships with students and family engagement are central, ensuring a collaborative educational journey.
Accredited by the British Council, St. Patrick’s follows British government standards in curriculum and operations, reinforcing its commitment to a world-class education. Early childhood stimulation nurtures young minds, creating essential synaptic connections that build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and future success.
RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL BRITISH SCHOOL
Richmond International School, established in September 2013, is a multicultural British institution currently serving 163 students from Nursery to Year 13. Initially authorized to teach up to Year 11, the school has since expanded its offerings to include Years 12 and 13 with an A Level program, catering to a diverse student body from over a dozen countries across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond.
The school’s inclusive atmosphere fosters a global perspective while upholding strong British values. Richmond’s campus promotes a sense of community with open classrooms, a library, a cinema room, and common spaces designed to encourage interaction and collaboration among students and staff.
With a warm, supportive environment, Richmond prioritizes teamwork and mutual respect, creating a welcoming “family” atmosphere. The school’s commitment to nurturing academic growth and cultural awareness helps students build the confidence and skills necessary for success in an interconnected world.
OAK HOUSE SCHOOL
Oak House School in Barcelona is a private, non-profit institution offering a blend of the British curriculum, local Spanish standards, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Located near the Collserola Natural Park with views of the Mediterranean, Oak House provides a spacious, modern learning environment that prioritizes multilingualism, enabling students to become trilingual with an option for a fourth language.
The school’s curriculum emphasizes oracy, creativity, and teamwork, creating well-rounded students with a global perspective. Oak House encourages curiosity, resilience, and effort, nurturing each pupil to reach their fullest potential. Supported by a skilled, dedicated teaching team, students learn to think critically, collaborate, and integrate technology into their studies.
An enriched program of academic and extracurricular activities complements classroom learning, equipping students with essential skills for global opportunities. Oak House fosters a strong partnership with families, ensuring a supportive educational journey that prepares students for an ever-evolving international landscape.
THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF BARCELONA
The British School of Barcelona (BSB), recently rated “Outstanding in every category,” is recognized for its high-quality international education, catering to students from ages two through eighteen. Known for strong academic performance, BSB students achieve excellent examination results, securing places at leading universities in Spain and globally.
BSB emphasizes the importance of skills beyond academics to prepare students for an evolving job market where uniquely human qualities, such as creativity, curiosity, and collaboration, will be essential. The school nurtures these attributes, understanding that a well-rounded education goes beyond grades.
Alongside academic rigor, BSB provides a warm, supportive environment, where students are encouraged to explore, build resilience, and embrace learning with enthusiasm. This balance ensures that BSB graduates are well-equipped, confident, and prepared to face future challenges and excel in diverse fields. The school’s commitment to fostering lifelong learning empowers students to navigate and contribute meaningfully to a dynamic world.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF CATALUNYA
The International School of Catalunya (ISCAT), located in La Garriga near Barcelona, offers a British education from Kindergarten through High School. ISCAT serves students aged 3 to 18, providing a well-rounded academic foundation. Based on the British National Curriculum, the school prepares students for further studies in Spain, the UK, the United States, and beyond.
In 2012, ISCAT introduced its Forest School programme, a pioneering initiative in Spain, led by Forest Leader Emma Montgomery. This program integrates outdoor learning into the core curriculum, enhancing students’ understanding of nature while fostering resilience, teamwork, and curiosity through hands-on experiences.
ISCAT’s approach emphasizes personalized education, adapting lessons to meet each student’s unique learning style and interests. With a focus on authenticity and engagement, ISCAT cultivates a supportive environment that inspires young learners to explore their potential, encouraging both academic excellence and personal growth in an enriching international setting.
INTERNATIONAL RURAL SCHOOL
International Rural School is dedicated to nurturing both the academic abilities and students' eagerness to tackle new challenges. Emphasizing a structured, holistic approach, the school carefully combines teacher-guided exploration with child-initiated learning. This balanced model allows students to engage deeply with their surroundings, discovering concepts in meaningful and creative ways.
Recognizing the boundless potential of young learners, International Rural School provides a warm, safe, and stimulating environment that fosters growth and development during these formative years. With small class sizes and a high teacher-to-student ratio, the school ensures individualized attention, enabling each child to express themselves freely and receive focused guidance.
The school's commitment to high standards goes beyond typical expectations, offering an enriching space where children can explore, learn, and thrive. This supportive atmosphere at International Rural School aims to empower students with the skills and confidence needed for future academic and personal success.
BARCELONA MONTESSORI SCHOOL
The British Montessori School of Barcelona, established in 1924, is Barcelona's first early years and primary school dedicated to the British Montessori method. Focused on nurturing curiosity and promoting lifelong learning, BMS emphasizes the development of practical and emotional skills that foster independence in both education and social settings.
The school values a strong sense of belonging, creating a collaborative community where staff, students, and families feel connected to its mission. Every decision at BMS centers on the well-being of the child, supporting each student's holistic growth. Emphasizing responsibility to oneself, others, and the global community, the school encourages students to engage meaningfully with the world around them.
Serving over 180 children and their families, BMS offers more than 3,000 square meters of facilities within a 6,000-square-meter campus. Its mission is to cultivate an environment where students can grow into confident, compassionate, and prepared global citizens.
EDUCATION FEES PLANNING
For British expats, planning education fees is a crucial part of relocating abroad, particularly when enrolling children in British international schools. These schools, while offering a high-quality education aligned with the British school system, often come with significant tuition fees. It's essential to account for costs such as registration, yearly tuition, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, expats should explore employer subsidies, scholarships, and financial aid options.
Early planning, budgeting, and consulting with financial advisors can help families manage these expenses effectively, ensuring a smooth educational journey for their children.
