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A snapshot overview of schools in Barcelona and Cataluna that are considered (although not necessarily chosen) by English-speaking expat parents.
If there is no ribbon, pending or otherwise, it means we are aware of the school but have elected not to review it at this time. This could be for a number of reasons, but we continually update information and add or remove reviews as deemed appropriate.
Schools selected for full GSGI review are noted with 
next to their names.
By full GSGI review, we mean the school write-upIs that are completely selected, researched, visited and written by our own editors. Our final write-ups take the good with the bad, warts and all, but we look for a preponderance of good before we drill down for in-depth details descend on the school for an exhaustive visit.
The schools below have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
Life in sophisticated Barcelona and the industrial city suburbs is light years away from the existence to be found further south in the farming and tourist world. There is a huge demand by those Spaniards who can afford it for private schooling for their children. We are told by contacts in Barcelona that all the private schools have long waiting lists conditioned by space considerations, particularly in these schools that offer teaching in English.
Schools in Barcelona and Catalunya considered by The Good Schools Guide International
Benjamin Franklin International School
Adapted American curriculum/American High School Diploma/Spanish Bach/IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 700 pupils
Leading American-style school, located in an historic building in Avinguda Pearson in Barcelona. Students roughly divided into one third US citizens, one third Spanish, one third international from over 50 countries. The American curriculum runs from nursery to the end of grade 10 when the options of an American High School Diploma, a Spanish Bachillerato or an IB Diploma become available. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS).
British School of Barcelona
National Curriculum for England/IGCSEs/A-Levels/IB Diploma/Spanish Bach; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,500 pupils
A bilingual school, originally established as the Anglo-American School in 1958, becoming the British School of Barcelona in 1999. Bought by the Cognita Schools Group in 2007. 20 miles outside Barcelona on three campuses, one in Sitges (ages 3 to 11) and two in Castelldefels; a nursery to year 11 school and a new pre-university campus for 16 to 18 year olds. Accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS).
English Academy Santa Claus
Adapted Montessori; ages 3-12; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 150 pupils
A trilingual (English, Spanish, Catalan) nursery and primary school founded by an English woman over 50 years ago. An eccentric name but a genuine attempt (its survival proving its success) to combine three separate languages and cultures.
International School of Calalunya (ISCAT)
EYFS/National Curriculum for England/IGCSEs/A-Levels; ages 3-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; privately owned; 230 pupils
Founded in 2007 in La Garriga, an hour’s drive to the north of Barcelona. Opening a boarding house in September 2019 as well as a new campus in the seaside town of Canet de Mar on the Costa Brava. Since 2012 they have offered a Forest School programme, a pioneering project in Spain. In 2018, 82 per cent of students scored A*-C at A-Level, including the top mark scored for Biology in Spain.
Kensington School
National Curriculum for England/(I)GCSEs/A-Levels; ages 3-19; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 260 pupils
An international non-selective school in Barcelona offering a British education from nursery to A-Levels. The school does not publish any recent exam results so we will continue our investigations.
Oak House School
National Curriculum for England/IGCSEs/Spanish Bach/IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,000 pupils
Located in Sarria in the north of Barcelona. Classes taught in English, Spanish and Catalan to mainly local students plus approximately 20 per cent coming from international families. After taking IGCSEs, pupils have the choice of the IB diploma (all classes taught in English) or the Bachillerato trilingual programme delivered in Spanish or Catalan.
Parvulario Panda
Provides nursery facilities in English and Spanish for children from 1 1/2 to 6 years. English classes for children from ages 6 to 13 on Monday and Wednesday from 5.45 to 7.45 pm. The school uses the "Pathway study system" in English for our students in the 6 to 13 year group. These evening courses are open to children from other day schools. Provides facilities to study at Summer Courses in Cambridge for children from 13 to 16 years.
Princess Margaret School
PYP/MYP candidate; ages 3-16; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit;
A trilingual (English, Spanish, Catalan) school, a candidate for authorisation to offer the IB Middle Years Programme as well as offering the currently authorised Primary Years Programme. Pupils taught decreasingly in English (from 85 per cent in preschool to 25 per cent in secondary). Students largely local with a small percentage of expats.
St. Paul's School
School developed curriculum/Spanish Bach; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 600 pupils
Located in Avenida Pearson in wealthy Pedralbes in the north of Barcelona. Spanish curriculum delivered in Spanish, Catalan and English (decreasing in percentage up the school) leading to a Spanish Bachillerato.
St. Peter's School
School developed curriculum/IB Diploma; ages 1-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 630 pupils
A multilingual school offering an adapted curriculum up to year 10, including Cambridge Certificates in English. They can then follow a three year PreU programme, one year of preparation followed by two years of the IB Diploma. The school also offers preparation courses for students wanting to continue their education in UK schools.
The American School of Barcelona
School developed curriculum/American High School Diploma/AP/IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 800 pupils.
Founded in 1962 and located in Esplugues de Llobregat, a suburb of Barcelona. Spanish and US citizens make up just over 50 per cent of the students with the remainder from over 50 nationalities. Graduates over the last five years have moved on to leading global universities, including Ivies in the US, Oxbridge and Russell Group in the UK and highly regarded Spanish and European institutions. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).
