BSB - Primary and Secondary stages - British School of Barcelona

The best primary and secondary education for your children

The British School of Barcelona is a British international school that offers a comprehensive education from the ages of 2 to 18, with more than 65 years of recognised experience.

Our international British curriculum combines academic excellence and personal development. We guide each student to discover their talent, overcome new challenges and move forward with confidence towards exceptional outcomes.

From their earliest years, we design a personalised learning pathway that brings together innovation and a passion for learning. Whether at our campuses in Barcelona, Castelldefels, Sitges or El Maresme, your child will enjoy an unforgettable educational experience at The British School of Barcelona.

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Curriculum

An educational model based on research

When designing the curriculum, our teaching team relies on the results of international studies and outstanding practices to create a research-based educational approach, enabling students to explore concepts that help them better understand the world around them.

To achieve this, we have taken inspiration from leading educators such as Steiner, Montessori, Berger, among others. This system allows students to develop the key learning habits that we instil throughout their entire education at BSB.

The teaching team closely monitors each student’s progress using a range of assessment methodologies, allowing us to further personalise their learning and ensure success. This may include additional individualised support provided by our highly qualified Student Support Team.

We deliver the curriculum entirely in English, with the exception of Spanish and Catalan language classes. Students who require additional support when joining the school also benefit from our English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme.

“My daughter enjoys going to school: she is presented with challenges that she herself sees as positive, she is supported, and I can see how she makes progress every day.”

— The British School of Barcelona, BSO Report 2024

Digital literacy

We integrate EdTech across all areas of the school

Although we are fully immersed in the digital age, as educators we aim to integrate technology into the school in a controlled manner and only when it is truly necessary.

Our digital citizenship programme begins with our youngest learners and progresses throughout all educational stages. Online safety is a strategic priority for the entire school community, and we strive to ensure that staff, families and students learn together in this rapidly evolving technological world.

GCSE preparation from Secondary

Our programme includes a wide variety of subjects, which we aim to align as closely as possible with our students’ interests. We believe it is preferable to give them greater decision-making power rather than requiring them to choose from a rigid set of subject combinations.

In general, our students choose to study nine or ten GCSE subjects, depending on whether they opt to take the three sciences separately (Chemistry, Biology and Physics) or as Combined Science, which is equivalent to two GCSEs.

Most students sit the GCSE Spanish Language examination in Year 10, and the most able in Mathematics usually sit the GCSE exam in Year 10 before taking the Advanced Mathematics course in Year 11.

Even if we do not teach a particular subject at school, we try to enable students to sit examinations in other subjects, such as Russian or Chinese.

Languages

Flexible and multilingual education

All classes in the Primary and Secondary stages at BSB are taught in English, with the exception of Spanish and Catalan Language, which are offered at all levels, from beginner to native. We also offer French and German classes.

At the end of Year 11, students must sit nine or ten GCSE examinations, and once passed, these enable them to choose one of the Sixth Form pathways at BSB Nexus: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or A Levels. Our students graduate with excellent academic results and gain access to the world’s most prestigious universities.

We support and challenge our students to thrive in an ever-changing world

Character Development

Secondary is about more than simply academic excellence. Whether encouraging curiosity, developing empathy, celebrating individuality or building resilience, all school activities are about enhancing character development in the widest possible sense.

One key element of this is the Philosophy for Children (P4C) programme, which runs through our daily tutor periods. Within P4C, students are encouraged to form a point of view on a given topic, required to listen to and acknowledge alternative stand points and, where necessary, reflect on and alter their initial point of view.

Our BSB Learning Habits

Our BSB Learning Habits are designed to ensure learning goes a long way beyond course content. From Organisation to Socialising and Leadership to Determination, Lessons, Assemblies, Societies and After-School Activities are all planned to promote these and other dispositions and life skills, which are applicable within school and beyond.

The value we place on metacognition, our fostering of creativity and our encouragement of resilience help students see school as a place where they can choose to take control of their learning and develop a genuine passion for their subjects and activities.

Digital Literacy

All students are provided with a digital device. In Years 7 and 8 this is an iPad and in Year 9 and above, a laptop. As a school we use Microsoft Teams and Office 365 to enhance our provision and to ensure students are increasingly digitally literate as they progress through the school.

Significant time is spent reinforcing messages about online safety and highlighting the importance of responsible use of these devices, whilst staff are constantly looking at how new applications and software and be used to further improve student learning.

Societies & Extracurriculars

Every Wednesday afternoon we run a very comprehensive programme of Societies. These include everything from House Sports to the school Musical and from debating to a beginner's course in Psychology.

As well as our Societies programme, every lunchtime students have opportunities to take part in a broad range of clubs and activities and after-school there is further sport, drama and music taking place. Students can opt to have instrumental music lessons before or during the school day and all Year 10 students have the option to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze International Award.

‘I feel that my children are in good hands, both in terms of their academic curriculum and their education in values, with best tools to continue learning for the rest of their lives.’

– Year 11 and 9 mother, Voice of Parent survey 2025

Outstanding Achievement

Rates of attainment and progress are above national averages at every stage in the school and GCSE figures are particularly strong. The 2022 results demonstrate that, on average, students achieved over half a grade higher in every subject than they were initially targeted following baseline testing at the start of Year 10.

Every year a group of BSB students receive awards for achieving the highest GCSE marks in Spain, Europe or, on occasion, the World, in certain subjects.

Our Campuses

BSB City Lucà Campus

From Early Years to Pre-University (3 to 18 years)

BSB Castelldefels

Early Years, Primary & Secondary (3-16 years)

BSB Maresme

From Early Years to Pre-University (3 to 18 years)

FAQs

What academic options are available to students in the secondary education programme at The British School of Barcelona?

At The British School of Barcelona, our Secondary programme follows the English National Curriculum while offering the flexibility for students to complete the Spanish ESO qualification by the end of Year 11. Students take exams in 9 or 10 GCSE subjects at the end of Year 11. For their final two years, they can choose between the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme or A Levels.

What types of certifications are available to students who successfully complete the Secondary education programme at The British School of Barcelona?

Students who successfully complete the Secondary education programme at The British School of Barcelona receive the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). Additionally, they can earn the Spanish ESO qualification by the end of Year 11, provided they meet the Spanish requirements.

What are the admission requirements for the Secondary education programme at The British School of Barcelona?

Students applying for Secondary (Years 7-11) must demonstrate an age-appropriate level of spoken and written English and will complete an English language assessment. Applicants are also required to provide their most recent school reports and an academic reference. A meeting with the Head of Secondary will be arranged as part of the admissions process.

How does The British School of Barcelona differ from other British high schools in Barcelona in terms of Secondary education?

Our Secondary education pathway integrates the best of the English National Curriculum while offering the flexibility for students to complete the Spanish ESO qualification by the end of Year 11. This ensures a broad academic foundation, with options including languages like French and German alongside core subjects. We offer a supportive, personalised transition programme that empowers students to explore their strengths and interests. Through tailored guidance, students are well-prepared for their final two years of Pre-University education, where they can choose between the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or A Levels.

What makes the facilities at The British School of Barcelona stand out?

The British School of Barcelona is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to support a dynamic and comprehensive learning experience. These include purpose-built Early Years areas, well-resourced classrooms, science laboratories, art rooms, and soundproof music rooms with dedicated rehearsal spaces. The school ensures age-appropriate learning, play, and social spaces, tailored to the needs of students at every stage of their education. For Secondary and Pre-University students, the BSB Nexus campus provides a specialised environment, including an advanced STEM Centre with cutting-edge lab technology for real-world science applications. The school also features a 9,000 m² rugby and football stadium, offering exceptional sports facilities for physical education and extracurricular activities.