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

Art Students Explore Modernist Ramon Casas Artwork
On Friday, 17th February, BSB Sitges Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 IB Art students visited the Ramon Casas exhibition in the Maricel Museum in Sitges.

BSB Ranked Among Top International Schools in Spain for 2017
The British School of Barcelona has been shortlisted as one of The Best International Schools in Spain by the Spanish newspaper “El Mundo”, and one of the only six international schools selected in the whole of Catalonia. The annual ranking, which was published yesterday, is the result of a very […]

Enriching the Curriculum on the Snowy Slopes of the Pyrenees
Both BSB Sitges and BSB Castelldefels students enjoyed a wonderful experience on the snow with their peers and teachers last month. This is an annual trip for those Year 5 to 10 students who would like to spend three days in La Cerdanya and improve their ability in skiing or […]

“How about Carnival?” What Our Senior Leadership Say
Carnival is excitement and fun, wigs and masks, fancy dresses and make-up, public street parades and masquerade balls. But Carnival is much more than just a festive season. It’s an impressive display of creativity and a mesmerising spectacle of music and dance skills! This year we have asked our Senior […]

BSB Sitges Admissions Officer Introduces New Campus
Last week, Mrs Yaiza González, Admissions Officer in BSB Sitges, presented the new campus that The British School of Barcelona has in the town of Sitges in an interview with the local radio “Radio Castelldefels”. Mrs González explained that the campus in Sitges joined the Cognita Group of schools over […]

Learners from The British School of Barcelona Achieve Top Results in Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards
Six learners from The British School of Barcelona have received prestigious awards from Cambridge International Examinations to acknowledge their outstanding performance in the November 2015 and November 2016 Cambridge examination series. The Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards programme celebrates the success of learners taking Cambridge examinations in over 40 countries around […]

Amazing Participation: 101 BSB Students at UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge
As part of our mathematical enrichment curriculum for our more talented mathematicians, every year BSB students are encouraged to participate in several worldwide Maths challenges set by the UK Mathematical Trust. The UKMT Individual Maths Challenges are designed to promote problem solving and stimulate interest in Maths. There are three […]

BSB Compete in Inter-School Mini-Athletics
On Saturday,11th February, nine Year 1, 2 and 3 pupils from BSB represented the school and themselves in a Castelldefels ‘Jocs Escolars’ Mini-Athletics event hosted at Can Vinader Sports Stadium. Mr Jonathan Cross, Head of Learning Sports at BSB Sitges and Castelldefels, reports on the event: “Boys and Girls from […]

Year 1 and “The Shoe Tree” Puppet Show
Year 1 enjoyed a wonderful puppet show on the 3rd of February. The “Pea Green Boat” company came to perform “The Shoe Tree”, a play linked to a picture book children are reading in class. The activity was “a really inspiring way to finish our Toy topic. It had all […]

Delightful Taster Session to Get to Know the BSB Early Years
On the 1st of February, the Early Years department in BSB Castelldefels organised a new Arts & Crafts Taster Session for prospective families with 2 to 4 year-old children. The Taster Session lasted an hour during which Ms Martin, Early Years Leader, and Mrs Kinnen, Reception Teacher, held a variety […]

19 BSB Students Awarded in Enigma Maths Challenge
Mr Oldfield, Maths teacher in BSB Castelldefels, is proud to announce the results and certificates of the “Enigma Maths Challenge”, which was held at the end of last term. The Enigma Maths Challenge is a bi-annual series of online, academic challenges designed to be a fun way for students in […]

Year 3 Meet a Spinosaurus in the Museu Blau of Barcelona
Last month the Year 3 class in BSB Sitges visited Museu Blau, the Natural Sciences Museum of Barcelona, located in the Forum Park. The museum has become since 2011 an open and dynamic facility, which aims to share knowledge on the diversity and evolution of the natural world in the […]

BSB Parents Learn Phonics
On 24th January, the Family Club team in Sitges held a new Parents Workshop for parents from Nursery to Year 2. The subject, “Phonics”, was aimed at enabling parents to understand how we teach reading to children in school. During the workshop the BSB teachers explained the system through which […]

Learning Maths… the English Way!
On Tuesday, 24th January, 28 parents of children in Key Stage 2 attended our first-ever “Mathematical Calculations, the English Way!” Parents Workshop. It was a very successful and well-attended Family Club activity, as parents were curious as to how mathematical calculations differed between the UK and Spain (and from what […]

BSB Head of Spanish Access Presents 8th Spanish University Fair
On Wednesday, 25th January, The British School of Barcelona held the 8th Spanish University Fair. The University Fair is organised on an annual basis to support BSB and external students and their parents as they begin to research and select undergraduate courses. Every year we invite the most prestigious higher […]
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)