Mr Jonathan Locke
Principal, The British School of Barcelona
Jonathan Locke is the Principal of The British School of Barcelona since September 2018. He was the former Head of Leventhorpe School, in Sawbridgeworth, England, and having completed 20 years as a member of three senior leadership teams, the last ten as Headteacher, he has significant experience in leading school communities through change and innovation.
Jonathan has a proven record of success at Leventhorpe, which was judged to be an Outstanding school by Ofsted and became a National Teaching School. He has been accredited as a National Leader of Education (NLE). Jonathan is committed to the principle of educating the whole person through equality of opportunity and the meeting of individual needs, and believes that students work best when they feel valued and that an effective school recognises individuals’ strengths and talents.
Prior to his current headship, Jonathan has had a hugely successful career in senior leadership positions at Sir John Lawes School and Richard Hale School in the UK. He has also worked as a Mathematics teacher and as ICT Coordinator. He holds a Statistics and Management degree from the University of Wales, and a postgraduate degree in Mathematics from the University of Cambridge. He has travelled the world as a rugby player representing England at various levels and Saracens 1st XV. In recent years Jonathan has coached a local junior team, something he wishes to continue here at BSB.
Jon’s leadership style is focused on encouraging staff and pupils to innovate and work collaboratively, making learning far more powerful. He is highly empathic and positive, full of contagious energy, which is fundamental for the future development of The British School of Barcelona as a learning community.
Mrs Emma Overton
Head of Early Years and Primary, BSB Castelldefels
Emma Overton was appointed Head of Early Years and Primary at BSB School Castelldefels effective from 1st September 2017.
She was Head Teacher at a Primary School in the North East of England for 7 years, after 12 years of teaching across the primary age range and leading on a variety of subject areas.
She holds a BA in Education (General Primary) from the University of Northumbria, is NPQH qualified (National Professional Qualification in Headship) with an additional Primary Executive Headship Qualification gained from the National College for Teaching & Leadership.
Mr James Petrie
Head of Secondary and Pre-University, BSB Castelldefels and BSB Nexus
Mr Petrie has been Head of Secondary and Pre-University at The British School of Barcelona since July 2017. Previously he was the Deputy Head Academic in the Secondary School.
Prior to this James was Senior Teacher and Head of English at Hereford Cathedral School. He is also an extremely keen historian and has regularly chaired events at the Chalke Valley History Festival in the UK.
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Registrations for the BSB Virtual Reality Camp 2022 are now open!
Registrations for the BSB Virtual Reality Camp 2022 are now open!
Registrations for the BSB Virtual Reality Camp 2022 are now open!
Inspection Report March 2016
View/Download full inspection report
Highlights from the report:
“The consistency of good teaching over time is the reason why all students make outstanding progress.”
“The executive headteacher provides an experienced and very strong lead to the work of the school. He is ably supported by a good senior and middle management team and a staff that share his vision and ambition. This shared sense of purpose is what is driving the school forward and gives it a strong capacity for further improvement. Together, the senior managers have ensured that the British schools overseas (BSO) standards are met.”
“Pupils learn outstandingly well at all stages of the british school and make consistently high levels of progress.”
“In Early Years, children make very good progress. This continues into Key Stage 1 and 2. In Key Stage 3, the school’s initial baseline test shows that the pupils come from the full ability range and progress is again very good, especially in English.”
“(I)GCSE results at the end of Key Stage 4 are excellent.”
“This is well above the average found in Britain.”
“In many lessons students relish the challenging work, are highly motivated and work at a demanding pace, ensuring learning progresses rapidly.”
“This is due to the excellent knowledge, skills and understanding they have gained in literacy and mathematical understanding through their time at the school. They treat each other with respect creating a relaxed and calm atmosphere where learning thrives.”
“Teaching and assessment are good. They are consistently good in the Early Years, in the primary school and at Key Stage 3. In the secondary school, teaching is particularly strong in the sixth form. The consistency of good teaching over time is the reason why all students of The British School of Barcelona make outstanding progress and achievement.”
“The depth of teachers’ subject knowledge, questioning and expectations are a significant strength.”
“Teachers of The British School of Barcelona enjoy teaching and relationships are outstanding.”
“Teachers benefit greatly from the excellent support and guidance they receive about pupils with English as an additional language and special educational needs.”
“Students’ personal development is outstanding in a school that values everybody.”
“In all lessons, at break times and when moving around the school students behave impeccably. These excellent attitudes to work continue and mature as students move through the secondary school and into the sixth form. They are very well prepared when they leave the british school to make the most of their future lives.”
“The school’s provision for students’ welfare health and safety is outstanding. Since the last inspection leaders have undertaken a thorough review of all procedures. Staff recruitment procedures meet current regulations. These have taken into account the need to balance the expected requirements within the UK with those in relation to Spanish and Catalan law.”
“The quality and effectiveness of leadership and management are good. The newly appointed executive headteacher has a very clear, realistic and ambitious plan to improve the school’s provision and facilities.”
“As a result, morale is high and relationships between staff, students, parents and the proprietor are good.”
“Parents generally have a good working relationship with the british school. The returned questionnaires to the parents’ survey, while low in number, are supportive.”
“Provision for Early Years is very effective. Children make a secure start to their education. Teachers know their subject and understand how young children learn.”
Inspection Report October 2017
View/Download full inspection report.report
Highlights from the report:
“The British School of Barcelona is housed on a purpose-built site which provides spacious and well-lit classrooms. (…) Teaching rooms are suitably furnished and well resourced. A good range of reading and practical resources are available and the school regularly purchases new items in response to specific curriculum needs.”
“The teaching staff is suitably qualified and experienced to be able to deliver the National Curriculum effectively in early years and primary.”
“The British School’s curricular planning ensures effective coverage of all areas required by the National Curriculum and allows a creative and flexible approach.”
“The British School of Barcelona has been particularly successful in ensuring that new pupils integrate and adapt as quickly as possible, and that all pupils work together with confidence and mutual respect.”
“Most lessons provide good, and sometimes outstanding, learning opportunities for the children in the school. They are well planned and make good use of a variety of resources.”
“Children throughout the school are motivated and engaged in lessons and their behaviour is good. They enjoy learning, they feel supported and participate confidently in class discussions and assigned tasks.”
“Pupils feel that they benefit from a safe and supportive school environment. They feel positive about the working relationship they have with their teachers and show a good understanding of the importance of developing independent learning skills.”
“The school has undergone a significant transformation in a relatively short period of time and the success of this owes a lot to outstanding leadership and management.”
“Communication between the school management and parents works effectively. High quality written information clarifies the school’s aims, ethos and routines, while good use of reporting systems and school diaries allows parents to be aware of their children’s progress. Parents are supportive of recent changes in the school and consider that The British School of Barcelona has a good understanding of their children’s needs.”
Chris Eversden, MEd
Assistant Director of Education Spain
After studying History and then Education at Nottingham University in England, I began my career as a teacher in North London. As an inexperienced 21-year-old teacher, I chose the most challenging and hostile working environment that I could find to learn as much about classroom management and discipline techniques as quickly as I could.
From London I moved to work in Washington D.C. in the USA as a Fulbright exchange programme teacher where I was inspired by the maturity of the students and their determination to work hard and create great futures for themselves. After a brief spell teaching back in London, I became a Middle Manager in an International School in Mexico City where I developed my ability to lead teams and improved my administrative efficiency.
Four years later, I found myself, with a young family, working in one of the UK’s top state schools in Cumbria, northern England. The school was a beacon of excellence in terms of the education offered, learning outcomes for students and staff professional development. It inspired me to believe that I had what it took to lead a whole school.
My first Directorship took my family and I back to Mexico City to take charge of a High School. I was able to shape a fantastic team there which, over the course of the following four years, transformed the school into a centre of educational excellence with a fully-deserved good name across the city. I was also awarded a distinction in a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Buckingham during that time.
In 2012 the opportunities that the new position at ELIS (El Limonar International School) Murcia offered were impossible to resist. After five years leading the school through significant curriculum, academic and organisational change, I’m completely convinced that it was the best possible move both professionally and for my family at that stage in my career. My professional challenge since 2017 changed into providing overall leadership for the two ELIS schools in Murcia and Villamartin. Despite being ‘sisters’, the two schools are very different in terms of needs, community and organisation. I relied heavily upon the excellent leadership teams of both schools to run them on a daily basis and to ensure that all members of both communities are fully supported at all times.
From 2021 onwards, my new professional challenge centres around using all that I have learnt to date to support the professional growth of our family of schools in Spain. My key objective is to facilitate understanding between our educational leadership and the broader requirements and objectives of the Group and to work with my colleagues to ensure that a range of educational and performance projects across the region are successful.
Peer Education Project
This academic year we have launched the Peer Education Project in partnership with Mental Health Foundation. This programme is inspired by the idea that young people with mental health problems often feel that the best support and advice comes from their peers at school.
The Peer Education Project (PEP) provides young people with the knowledge and understanding they need to safeguard their mental health, and over five weeks students explore topics such as:
- mental health awareness
- stigma and discrimination
- staying well
- seeking help
- supporting friends
This year we have launched the programme in Secondary, consisting of five lessons on mental health and wellbeing, given to all Year 7 and 8 students by peers from higher courses.
radio podcast
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The birth of mankind
Something really big happened around this period of time. It affected all of humanity. That explains everything.
The birth of mankind
Something really big happened around this period of time. It affected all of humanity. That explains everything.
The birth of mankind
Something really big happened around this period of time. It affected all of humanity. That explains everything.
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Ver esta publicación en InstagramUna publicación compartida de Cognita Schools (@cognitaschools) el 27 Sep, 2019 a las 2:53 PDT
The British School of Barcelona Castelldefels
Carrer Ginesta, 26
08860 Castelldefels
Barcelona, Spain
Admissions contact number
(+34) 93 707 95 98
General contact number
(+34) 93 665 15 84
Email:
The British School of Barcelona Castelldefels
Carrer Ginesta, 26
08860 Castelldefels
Barcelona, Spain
Admissions contact number
(+34) 93 707 95 98
General contact number
(+34) 93 665 15 84
Email:
Registrations for the BSB Virtual Reality Camp 2022 are now open!
A memoir? My best memoir of BSB could be the trip to London (PGL), back in Year 6, where not only did we visit the city but also took part in many activities on campus with all our friends during 5 days. My last school day was also a day to remember. I had to take my last Maths A-Level exam in the morning, and in the evening I was already graduating and saying goodbye to what has been part of my life for 15 years. I was excited to leave and start a new life at university, but didn’t know if I was ready or not! What are you enjoying most at present? I am currently enjoying most my university course (Bachelor in Business Administration at ESADE) and very happy of having met amazing people both from Spain and other countries. A tip for Pre-University students? My tip would be to work as hard as they can for the last two years as in a future, they will be grateful for having made the most out of it and having entered the university and the degree of their dreams. Claudia Ibarz Graduate Class of 2017 BSB student from Nursery to graduation





Welcome to The British School of Barcelona
The British School of Barcelona is a caring, learning community with high expectations.
We offer an all-round international approach to children’s learning and development to students from 3 to 18 years.
Academic
We inspire all to be creative, curious thinkers within a culture of support and challenge
Character
We provide individual growth through high expectations; demonstrating commitment, resilience and respect for all
Global
We are global citizens, embracing difference, cared for and caring, and principled in our beliefs


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New BSB Food Truck in BSB Castelldefels

Six BSB Students Among the Best Performing Learners in Spain

BSB focuses on Continuing Professional Development on INSET Day

BSB Alumni Studying at Cambridge Interviewed by El País

BSB, Examination Centre for DELE Spanish Diploma

BSB sponsors 35th Torneo Internacional de la Inmaculada at Real Club de Polo de Barcelona
A memoir? My best memoir of BSB could be the trip to London (PGL), back in Year 6, where not only did we visit the city but also took part in many activities on campus with all our friends during 5 days. My last school day was also a day to remember. I had to take my last Maths A-Level exam in the morning, and in the evening I was already graduating and saying goodbye to what has been part of my life for 15 years. I was excited to leave and start a new life at university, but didn’t know if I was ready or not! What are you enjoying most at present? I am currently enjoying most my university course (Bachelor in Business Administration at ESADE) and very happy of having met amazing people both from Spain and other countries. A tip for Pre-University students? My tip would be to work as hard as they can for the last two years as in a future, they will be grateful for having made the most out of it and having entered the university and the degree of their dreams. Claudia Ibarz Graduate Class of 2017 BSB student from Nursery to graduation




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- All
- BSB Castelldefels
- BSB City
- BSB Nexus
- BSB Sitges
- Early Years
- Pre-University
- Primary
- Secondary

New BSB Food Truck in BSB Castelldefels

Six BSB Students Among the Best Performing Learners in Spain

BSB focuses on Continuing Professional Development on INSET Day

BSB, Examination Centre for DELE Spanish Diploma

BSB sponsors 35th Torneo Internacional de la Inmaculada at Real Club de Polo de Barcelona

BSB Celebrates of the Power of Dyslexic Thinking on Dyslexia Awareness Week

BSB Students achieves Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards

BSB awarded for Operational Excellence and Parental Satisfaction

BSB hosts Expert Student Support Event on Sharing Good Practice

Ms Allen’s Metacognition Featured on ‘Ser Padres’
Meaghan Allen, Lower KS2 Leader of BSB Sitges, has recently had an article about Metacognition published on the Ser Padres website, a leading online and print Spanish Magazine source for lots of family information about pregnancy, babies, toddlers and teenagers.

‘The Kick Off’ for the BISA Sports Leagues!
On Friday 19th May, 85 students from both BSB Sitges and BSB Castelldefels combined as teams to celebrate the launch of the new BISA Sports Leagues that will commence in September 2017. The sports that will be represented initially are Basketball, Volleyball and Football, with the latter sport being used as the opening event.

The Year 5 Superkids Strike Back!
The BSB became home to 81 Superheroes during the annual Year 5 Summer Show in early May.
The Year 5 children performed their amazing production of The Superkids Strike Back! An all singing, all dancing spectacular written by Mr Antcliffe, Year 5 Maroon teacher, and directed by the Year 5 teachers, Miss Gilbert and Mrs Tomlinson.

Nursery Children Go to the Beach!
On 8th May, all the Nursery classes of BSB Castelldefels enjoyed a warm lovely morning at the Castelldefels beach. The trip consisted of a walk down to the beach where the children used their buckets and spades to dig and make sand castles, and went down to the water for a paddle in small groups.

Award-Winning Author Rob Lloyd Jones Visits BSB
As part of the Year 6-7 ‘Transition Day’ which took place on Friday 12th May at BSB Castelldefels for students from both year groups and both campuses to meet, mix and learn in a fun, varied day, Ms Kelly (Director of Learning for English and Languages) and Mrs Walker (English Leader for EYFS and Primary) arranged a visit by award-winning children’s author Rob Lloyd Jones.

Grand Opening of Year 13 ‘Viewpoints’ Exhibition
To round off a brilliant period of creativity and exploration in the IB Visual Arts course, Year 13 students of BSB Sitges set up an exhibition to display their art work according to their intentions and the relationship they wished to establish between the art works and the audience. The result was a remarkable exhibition entitled ‘Viewpoints’ which included 8 art works for students, teachers and visiting parents to see, enjoy and reflect on.

Year 8 Explore their Inner Peace
On 3rd May, Year 8 students took part in an Inner Peace workshop, a brand-new activity organised by their Music teacher, Miss Hunter, to channel inner peace through the use of Indian music.

Memorable Year 6 End-of-Year Trip
At the end of April, a cohort of 76 children from BSB Castelldefels and BSB Sitges set off on their traditional end-of-year trip to the United Kingdom. This trip is a reward/transition activity for Year 6 children to enjoy and have fun, whilst fulfilling many other curricular aspects, such as the PSHE element.

‘Reading at Home’ – Practical Tips for Parents
On the 27th April Mrs Lesley Walker, BSB English Subject Leader for EYFS and Primary, conducted a new Family Club Workshop for parents of 5-12-year-old children in BSB Castelldefels.
The ‘Reading at Home’ workshop was aimed at encouraging parents to read effectively with their children at home with an emphasis on reading for pleasure.

BSB Record Entries in UKMT Junior Maths Challenge
A record 120 Year 7 and 8 students of BSB Castelldefels and Sitges campuses took the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Junior Maths Challenge at the end of April, out of approximately 200,000 entrants.

Year 7 Explore Ancient Egyptian Civilisation
In April 46 “Sociales” students of BSB Castelldefels visited the Egyptian Museum of Barcelona. This is a regular trip in the subject curriculum, as it helps building on and enriching the students’ class work during the Spring term.

Year 12 Silver International Award Practice Adventurous Journey
From Thursday, 30th March to Saturday, 1st April, the Silver International Award students went out on a 3-day training expedition with Mr Oldfield, Mr Woodward and Mr Taylor.

GCSE Drama Students Create Their Own Star Performances
Building on the GCSE Drama course, on 20th March Year 11 Drama students ran their Practical Performances in front of an audience (parents, staff and fellow students) in the school Theatre.

Over 100 Primary Music Students Perform at the BSB
For the first time, and coinciding with the end of the Spring Term, our Music students in Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6) performed a series of instrument recitals in the school Theatre.

The BSB raises 610 euros for UNICEF on Sant Jordi
This year a group of parents of the BSB, supported by the school, organised a fundraising book stall where families could buy second-hand English language books, participate in storytelling and enjoy some art and crafts activities.
Academic
We inspire all to be creative, curious thinkers within a culture of support and challenge
Character
We provide individual growth through high expectations; demonstrating commitment, resilience and respect for all
Global
We are global citizens, embracing difference, cared for and caring, and principled in our beliefs
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Language ready
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The British School of Barcelona is grateful to be able to call upon the expert guidance of Ms Fidelma Murphy, who serves as The British School’s Chair of Governors and has over 25 years of experience at the forefront of International Education in Germany, Spain, Ireland and the Middle East.
As Chair of Governors, Ms. Murphy works closely with the Principal in the appointment of staff, monitors the school’s performance in a range of areas and works as a critical friend to support us as we strive for excellence in everything we do.
Ms. Murphy comments: ‘It is a privilege to be the Chair of Governors for The British School of Barcelona. The students at BSB are a joy to interact with; they are open minded global citizens who are actively involved in the learning process. They are reflective communicators who embrace opportunities to develop their learning skills.
Staff at The British School of Barcelona are committed to designing personalised learning programmes tailored to their pupils´ needs. They form part of a learning community which constantly strives to improve and grow. The progress pupils make in their academic studies and in their interpersonal skills, bears comparison with the very best schools to be found anywhere in the world.’
Ms. Murphy has extensive experience in International Schools and was part of a start-up team in the Outstanding Schools Programme in the Middle East.
Ms. Murphy was a Principal at international schools, an IB school visitor and an examiner for Cambridge Examinations. Fidelma joined Cognita in August 2018.
View Ms Murphy’s entire profile here.
BSB Castelldefels
BSB Sitges
BSB Nexus
A caring community
At BSB City we take care of our families
We are currently hosting Playdates with parents and children to spend some quality time with Ms Monaghan, BSB City Headteacher, and Miss George, our Head of Early Years and Year 1 in Barcelona, before the school term begins.
Playdates are a fantastic opportunity for children to meet their teacher and some of their new classmates in a relaxed, familiar environment.
It is great to see how well families connect with each other, creating this positive, welcoming atmosphere that truly enhances the value of a BSB Community.
Playdates are available for prospective families who would like to learn more about us and engage with our Founding Families starting in September 2021. Why don’t you join us?
Forest Fun!
If your child is in Years 2 to 5, you are also welcome to a “Forest Fun” session on Thursday 26th August, at 18.00h.
Forest School is an immersive learning experience that encourages hands-on, environmentally friendly creativity and problem solving. On our “Forest Fun” session, we will build tripod shelters and decorate them, do some art activity with clay or hand printing, read a story or play a nature connection game.
Join us for some urban Forest School nature fun!
COVID-19 Protocols
The health and safety of our pupils, families and staff is our top priority. We will follow all official COVID-19-related sanitary guidelines and strict hygienic protocols to ensure a safe Summer School:
- Every child and member of staff will have their temperature taken on the way into the building each morning. We will use a non-contact thermometer
Cleaning & Personal Hygiene
- Premises will be disinfected a minimum of twice daily
- Some equipment and areas and objects (such as door handles) will be cleaned more frequently
- All children and adults will wash their hands thoroughly at least every two hours and before eating
- Hand washing will be mandatory upon entering the school each morning
- Good personal hygiene will be taught and reinforced daily
- Hand-washing facilities and an alcohol-based hand gel will be accessible at all times
Social Distancing
- Social distancing will be promoted but cannot be guaranteed. We ask all children to follow the school guidelines.
- Social distancing markers will be placed on access gates. We ask parents they follow social distancing protocols when picking up and dropping off their children
Please only send your child into school if they – and the rest of your family – are well.
Protocolos COVID-19
La salud y la seguridad de nuestros alumnos, familias y personal son nuestra mayor prioridad. Seguiremos estrictamente las directrices sanitarias relacionadas con la COVID-19 y las medidas higiénicas necesarias para garantizar una Escuela de Verano segura:
- Tomaremos la temperatura de cada niño y miembro del personal cuando entren al edificio cada mañana. Usaremos termómetros sin contacto.
Limpieza e Higiene Personal
- Las instalaciones serán desinfectadas como mínimo dos veces al día
- Parte del equipamiento, áreas y objetos (como pomos de puerta) serán limpiados con mayor frecuencia
- Todos los niños y adultos por igual deberán lavarse bien las manos al menos cada dos horas y antes de comer
- Será obligatorio lavarse las manos antes de entrar al colegio cada mañana
- Enseñaremos y reforzaremos una buena higiene personal diaria
- Habrá instalaciones para lavarse las manos y gel hidroalcohólico disponible en todo momento
Distanciamiento Social
- Promoveremos la distancia social aunque no la podemos garantizar. Pedimos que todos los niños sigan las instrucciones del colegio
- Habrá señalización para el distanciamiento social en las puertas de acceso. Pedimos a los padres que sigan los protocolos de distanciamiento a la llegada y recogida de los niños
Solamente debéis traer a vuestro hijo al colegio si se encuentra bien – y el resto de la familia también.
Del 28 de juny al 30 de juliol de 2021
De 3 a 13 anys – Oberta a estudiants de BSB i d’altres escoles
L’Escola d’Estiu de The British School of Barcelona és una fantàstica oportunitat perquè els alumnes d’entre 3 i 13 anys puguin continuar aprenent i adquirir noves habilitats en un entorn segur. A la nostra Escola d’Estiu els nens es divertiran, faran nous amics i gaudiram d’una gran varietat d’activitats entretingudes i de perfeccionament amb el personal de BSB.
Tots els programes se centren en quatre àreas diferenciades: creativitat, comunicació, resolució de problemes i activitat física. Les activitats inclouen música, ball, jocs de rol, esports, jocs d’aigua i moltes més.
Cada dia és únic a l’Escola d’Estiu de BSB! El programa d’activitats varia cada dia i cada setmana.
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Les inscripcions per a l’Escola d’Estiu 2021 ja estan obertes. Si us plau, emplena el formulari en aquesta pàgina (Places limitades)