The ideal bridge between school and university
Our Nexus Pre-University is the ideal stage for students to gain the academic qualifications necessary to enter an exciting range of great universities, and the character development skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
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The Nexus Baccalaureate Experience
Our Nexus offers a genuine Pre-University experience, where students are encouraged to manage their time effectively, take on responsibility and value the wider community, in a caring, supportive environment.
Expectations are high, opportunities are broad, and results are impressive.
A Levels
On entering Year 12, BSB students can choose to follow the A level pathway.
In the majority of cases, these students will take 3 A level subjects from a choice of 16 and they will also take Spanish as a fourth A level subject.
A level students are also offered the opportunity to undertake the Extended Project Qualification, which is highly regarded by many universities.
IB Diploma
As an alternative to A Levels, BSB Pre-University students can choose to undertake the IB Diploma programme. The IB Diploma is offered at both BSB Nexus in Castelldefels and BSB City in Barcelona. Both campuses are authorised IB World Schools for the Diploma Programme. IB World Schools share a common philosophy — a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education — that we believe is important for our students.
This requires all students to do 6 different subjects, including the obligatory study of maths, two languages and a minimum of one of the sciences.
All students will complete an extended essay and they must take part in the IB Creativity, Activity, Service programme (CAS).
Spanish Qualifications
IB and A level qualifications give our students access to Spanish universities. However, if they wish to attempt to gain up 4 extra points and, therefore, access to the very top courses in Spain, we offer specifically tailored lessons in Spanish subjects after school.
Character Development
Whether students choose the A Level or IB pathway, all lessons and activities in Nexus are designed to do more than simply provide academic excellence. Whether encouraging curiosity, developing empathy, celebrating individuality or building resilience, Nexus is all about character development in the widest possible sense.
Leadership Programme
The BSB Nexus Student Leadership programme is a key element of our wider Nexus provision and is central to our commitment to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world. Every year, students are able to apply for a place on the course, which is run by an inspirational external provider, and which focuses on giving students the confidence to lead, manage and communicate the success of their own individual projects, all of which are designed to benefit the wider community.
CAS
The Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme is a central element of the IB Diploma course. All students must fulfil their CAS commitment in order to be awarded a diploma and we facilitate this through a specially developed offer of activities, several of which are organised to take place in school time. CAS activities include our students helping out as language assistants in local schools or being members of our “Green Team” driving environmental awareness projects in school.
STEM
Housed in its own dedicated building, our BSB STEM Centre is set up with state-of-the-art scientific equipment and the on-hand support of technicians.
Our private baccalaureate students enjoy the best possible environment for academic success within school and are fully prepared for the expectations of studying and working within STEM at university and beyond.
Extra-Curricular
Nexus has a fully-developed Societies programme, with students enjoying a wide range of activities from Public Speaking Skills to Magazine writing and Model United Nations.
Amongst the many other extracurricular opportunities available to them, students also have the chance to play sport for the school, including taking part in sports tours, appear in drama productions and music concerts and complete the International Award.
World Ready
Our academic results, coupled with our focus on developing powerful learning habits and key skills, ensure students are ready to take up places at great universities all round the world.
Outstanding achievement
Academic performance at BSB Nexus is excellent. Whether studying for A levels or the IB Diploma, results are significantly above national averages at IB and A level. In 2022 one of our students achieved full marks in the IB diploma.
Additionally, every year we have BSB students who receive certificates of Outstanding Achievement from the exam boards because they have either secured the highest mark for a certain subject across the whole of Spain or, in some cases, the whole of Europe.
2 - 5 yrs old
5 - 11 yrs old
11 - 16 yrs old
16 - 18 yrs old
FAQs
The International Baccalaureate (IB) focuses on critical thinking, global perspectives and interdisciplinary learning, while other baccalaureate programs tend to follow a national curriculum with more defined academic pathways. At The British School Barcelona we offer two routes for university entrance qualifications: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDO) and A Levels (supplemented with Spanish qualifications if applicable). Both are internationally recognized and respected by major universities, but differ in structure and focus. The IBDP is a holistic curriculum that encourages students to develop a wide range of skills. By offering both, students can choose the route that best suits their learning style and individual goals.
The Pre-University programme at The British School Barcelona focuses on academic excellence while preparing students for the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We emphasize essential skills like creativity, collaboration, and resilience to ensure students are ready for the future world of work. Offering two university entry routes—International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and A Levels (with Spanish qualifications where necessary)—both internationally recognised, we give students the flexibility to choose the path that suits them best. Our long history and progressive approach ensure that BSB offers the most ambitious and forward-thinking Pre-University programme in Barcelona, preparing students for success at school, university, and beyond.
To enrol in the Pre-University programme, candidates must provide evidence of having achieved five 9-4 GCSEs (or equivalent) from their previous school. Students are also required to submit past school reports and an academic reference. Additionally, candidates will need to complete an English language and Maths assessment to ensure they have the necessary skills to succeed in the Pre-University curriculum. Depending on the subject areas they wish to study, candidates may also be asked to take subject-specific exams appropriate to their year group.
Yes, both A Levels and IB students at BSB have access to international universities, as both pathways are globally recognised and respected by leading universities worldwide. With a 100% pass rate in the IB Diploma, BSB students have gone on to study at prestigious universities in the UK, Spain, Netherlands, US, Ireland, and beyond. Last year, Pre-University students were accepted into universities such as Cambridge, Imperial College London, ESADE, UB, Complutense Madrid, Boston, and Trinity College, among others. Regular careers guidance and access to our BSB Alumni community help students make informed decisions about their future.
