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The International School System

• British Schools

• American Schools

• International and Bilingual Schools

• The IB International Baccalaureate

See also Private Nurseries for English language and bilingual pre-school. 

English language international schools either follow a particular educational curriculum throughout such as the British or American system or switch after primary level to the local curriculum.  A Spanish secondary system means that pupils are taught ESO (Obiigatory Secondary Education) from 12-16 years and then Bachilleratos from 16-18 years if they wish to enter University. 

The Bachilleratos allow students to enter Spanish, American and European universities.  Even though a Spanish secondary education may be taught, the English language is maintained throughout as well as Spanish and Catalan. Some subjects may be taught in English and pupils may be prepared for Cambridge Exams to encourage a high level of English learning. Even international schools have a legal obligation to teach the Spanish and Catalan language as well as a knowledge of the country's History and Geography.

When choosing a school that works on a foreign system, it is important to find out how your child will be able to take specific exams for entering university in Catalunya or Spain.  Up to age 14 yrs the British education at official foreign schools is recognised automatically in Spain.  In order to meet the minimum requirements of the Bachilleratos and therefore be able to take The Selectividad University entrance exams in Spain, pupils must have gained a minimum of 5 passes at GCSE and 2 passes at A level. 

You may also wish to know what percentage of pupils are local, foreign or native English speaking and what language is typically spoken in the playground.  Check whether the school is affiliated to any external body that carries out inspections or provides standards by which the school operates and trains its staff. Particularly with an international school, it is useful to find out what the rotation of students is like at the school and what type of  further education pupils generally follow after secondary schooling.

International school fees in Barcelona are around €700-800 a month with initial inscription fees of around €2-3,000. Schools based outside of the city offer school bus services. 

Please visit Parent Recommendations if you have any viewpoints on a particular school that you would like to share.