International Schools for HNWI Families in Barcelona

Barcelona hosts one of Europe’s most diverse international school landscapes, serving expatriate families, globally mobile executives, and local families seeking multilingual education. For HNWI buyers prioritising educational continuity during relocation, understanding which schools serve which neighbourhoods, how curricula compare, and where graduates proceed to university determines both property selection and family satisfaction.

Annual fees range from €4,500 at the Deutsche Schule to over €26,000 at premium American curriculum institutions. This guide analyses the full spectrum of options across British, American, and European curricula, mapping school locations to Barcelona’s prime residential zones and examining the practical considerations that shape school selection for internationally mobile families.

Contents

• Which British curriculum schools serve Barcelona?
• What American curriculum options exist?
• Are there European national curriculum schools?
• How do fees compare across schools?
• Which curriculum pathway suits my child?
• Where do graduates go to university?
• Which neighbourhoods feed which schools?
• What are the waiting lists and admission timelines?
• How does school transport work?
• What about language requirements?

Which British Curriculum Schools Serve Barcelona?

British curriculum schools dominate Barcelona’s international education landscape, offering the familiar pathway from Early Years through GCSE, A-Levels, and often the International Baccalaureate Diploma. For families relocating from the UK or planning university applications to British institutions, these schools provide curriculum continuity and recognised qualifications.

The British School of Barcelona (BSB)

BSB represents Barcelona’s largest and most established British school, operating four campuses across the metropolitan area. In October 2024, BSB received “Outstanding in Every Category” status from the British Schools Overseas inspection, the highest recognition an international school can achieve.

Campus locations:

• BSB City: Central Barcelona (urban campus)
• BSB Castelldefels: Coastal campus south of Barcelona (ages 3-16)
• BSB Sitges: Coastal campus (ages 2-16)
• BSB Nexus: Pre-University campus in Castelldefels (Years 12-13)

BSB follows the English National Curriculum with the IB Diploma available in the final two years. Students from over 60 nationalities attend, with class sizes averaging 24 students in Primary and Secondary. The school offers IGCSE examinations in Year 11 and both A-Levels and IB Diploma for pre-university students.

Fees 2025-2026 (BSB Castelldefels):

• Pre-Nursery (age 2): €6,300-€8,150 depending on schedule
• Reception (age 4): €11,800
• Primary Years 1-6: €13,420-€15,900
• Secondary Years 7-11: €16,080-€17,380
• Pre-University (Years 12-13): €19,050

Fees include tuition, lunch, school materials, books, and insurance. Transport is additional.

Oak House School

Oak House operates from a single campus in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district, offering intimate class sizes and a distinctive trilingual approach. The school has been ranked among the top four private schools in Barcelona by El Mundo and the third best school in Catalonia by El Español.

Founded in 1968 as a parent-led foundation, Oak House delivers the British curriculum in Primary, transitioning to trilingual education in Secondary with subjects taught in English, Catalan, and Spanish. Students take Cambridge IGCSE examinations and can pursue either the Spanish Bachillerato or IB Diploma in the final two years.

The school maintains notably low turnover: 65% of 2023 leavers had entered in Year 1, reflecting both educational quality and community cohesion. Class sizes are smaller than BSB, with a maximum of 24 in Primary.

Fees 2025-2026:

• Early Years: €10,995-€11,250
• Primary: €11,250-€12,420
• Secondary: €12,780-€13,185
• Sixth Form (IB): €13,409

Oak House owns its own swimming pool, a rarity for Barcelona city schools, and offers comprehensive extracurricular activities.

Other British curriculum options

Kensington School Barcelona: Founded 1966, located in Les Corts district, offering British curriculum from nursery to Year 11 (GCSE). Known for smaller class sizes and traditional British values.

St Paul’s School Barcelona: Regional Catalan curriculum with strong English immersion, rather than pure British curriculum, but popular with families seeking bilingual education.

What American Curriculum Options Exist?

American curriculum schools in Barcelona prepare students for US university applications while typically offering the International Baccalaureate as an alternative pathway. These schools attract families from North America, those planning US higher education, and internationally mobile executives whose children may attend multiple American schools globally.

American School of Barcelona (ASB)

ASB stands as Barcelona’s flagship American school, founded in 1962 and accredited by both the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the International Baccalaureate Organization. The school serves approximately 975 students from 60 nationalities, with a composition of roughly 20% American, 35% Spanish, and 45% other nationalities.

Located in Esplugues de Llobregat, approximately 30 minutes from central Barcelona, the campus overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. ASB offers the American curriculum from Pre-K through Grade 12, with most graduates pursuing the IB Diploma Programme in the final two years. From 2025, the school also offers the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP).

Notable features:

• Trilingual education (English, Spanish, Catalan)
• AP courses available alongside IB
• Strong athletics programme with international school competitions
• US Department of State support

Fees 2025-2026:

• Early Childhood (PK3-K): €14,000-€17,500
• Elementary (Grades 1-5): €18,500-€20,500
• Middle School (Grades 6-8): €21,500-€23,000
• High School (Grades 9-12): €24,000-€26,000

Additional costs include capital levy (€6,000-€8,000 one-time), application fee, and optional services.

Benjamin Franklin International School (BFIS)

BFIS offers an American curriculum with three diploma options: American High School Diploma, IB Diploma, and Spanish Bachillerato. This flexibility appeals to families uncertain whether their children will pursue higher education in the US, Spain, or elsewhere.

Located in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district (closer to central Barcelona than ASB), BFIS serves approximately 670 students from 49 nationalities. The mix is roughly 40% international, 27% American, and 33% Spanish.

Fees 2025-2026:

• Early Childhood: €12,100-€13,200
• Elementary: €14,200-€15,800
• Middle School: €16,500-€17,500
• High School: €17,500-€18,600

One-time capital levy of €5,300 applies for new students.

Table 1: School Overview Comparison

Are There European National Curriculum Schools?

Barcelona hosts schools following German, French, Swiss, and Italian national curricula. These options suit families with specific linguistic or cultural connections, those planning repatriation, or those seeking the distinctive educational approaches of these national systems.

Deutsche Schule Barcelona

The Deutsche Schule Barcelona (German School) in Esplugues de Llobregat serves approximately 1,400 students, offering the German curriculum from kindergarten through the Abitur. Recognised by both the Spanish government and Germany’s Ministry of Education, graduates receive qualifications accepted by universities worldwide.

Instruction is primarily in German, with Spanish, Catalan, English, and French as additional languages. The school attracts both German families and Spanish families seeking German-language education and the rigorous German academic system.

Fees 2024-2025:

• Kindergarten: €4,500
• Primary-Secondary: €4,500-€4,650 annually

These significantly lower fees compared to British or American schools make the Deutsche Schule attractive for families with long-term residence plans.

Lycée Français de Barcelone

The Lycée Français, managed by the Agence pour l’Enseignement Français à l’Étranger (AEFE), operates from a campus in Pedralbes, serving approximately 3,000 students from nursery through the French Baccalauréat. The school has operated since 1924, employing both French expatriate civil servants and local teachers.

Student composition is approximately 31% Spanish, 23% dual nationality, and the remainder international. Instruction follows the French national curriculum with additional Spanish, Catalan, and English.

Fees 2024-2025:

• Initial registration: €1,500 (€750 for transfers from Ferdinand de Lesseps)
• Kindergarten-Elementary: €5,456/year
• Collège (Middle School): €5,858/year
• Lycée (High School): €6,381-€6,493/year

The Ferdinand de Lesseps school in Eixample offers French education from nursery to primary, serving as a feeder to the Lycée Français.

Schweizerschule Barcelona (Swiss School)

The Swiss School in Plaça Molina serves 640 students from 30 nationalities, with approximately 60% Spanish, 24% Swiss, and 10% German. Graduates receive both the Swiss Diploma (granting access to Swiss universities excluding medicine) and Spanish qualifications.

Instruction is in German with Spanish, Catalan, English, and French as additional languages. The Swiss educational approach emphasises precision, independent learning, and vocational pathway options alongside academic routes.

Fees 2024-2025:

• Primary: €5,222-€6,500/year
• Secondary: €6,800-€7,769/year

Swiss passport holders receive reduced tuition rates.

How Do Fees Compare Across Schools?

Table 2: Fee Comparison by Grade Level (2025-2026)

Additional costs to consider

One-time fees:

• Matriculation/Registration: €80-€3,500 depending on school
• Capital levy: €5,300-€8,000 (American schools)
• Application fees: €175-€400

Recurring additional costs:

• School transport: €1,500-€3,500/year depending on distance
• Lunch (where not included): €1,200-€1,800/year
• Uniforms: €200-€500/year
• Extracurricular activities: €500-€2,000/year
• School trips: Variable

Sibling discounts: Most schools offer 5-20% discounts for third and subsequent children enrolled simultaneously.

Which Curriculum Pathway Suits My Child?

Curriculum choice affects examination options, university destinations, and educational philosophy. The decision depends on your family’s mobility, target universities, and your child’s learning style.

British pathway (IGCSE → A-Level/IB)

Best for:

• Families likely to relocate to UK or Commonwealth countries
• Students targeting UK universities
• Those preferring specialisation (fewer subjects studied in depth)

Students typically take 8-10 IGCSE subjects at age 16, then narrow to 3-4 A-Levels or 6 IB subjects. The British system emphasises depth over breadth and suits students who have clear academic preferences.

American pathway (High School Diploma + IB/AP)

Best for:

• US university applications
• Families moving between international American schools globally
• Students preferring broader curriculum longer

The American system maintains a broader curriculum through Grade 12, with Advanced Placement (AP) courses or IB Diploma providing university-level challenge. SAT/ACT preparation is integral to US university applications.

European pathways

German Abitur: Rigorous academic programme with strong emphasis on mathematics and sciences. Excellent preparation for German, Austrian, and Swiss universities.

French Baccalauréat: Broad curriculum maintaining philosophy as a core subject. Strong preparation for French higher education and recognised globally.

Swiss Diploma: Combines academic rigour with practical orientation. Particularly valued for access to Swiss universities and polytechnics.

Table 3: Curriculum Pathway Comparison

Where Do Graduates Go to University?

School selection often reflects family aspirations for higher education. Barcelona’s international schools send graduates to universities across Europe, North America, and beyond.

British School Barcelona university destinations

BSB reports consistently strong IB results, with graduates accessing universities including:

• UK: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE, UCL, Edinburgh, St Andrews
• Spain: ESADE, IE, UPF, UAB
• US: Various institutions through Common App
• Europe: Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany

American School Barcelona destinations

ASB graduates, with both IB Diploma and American High School Diploma, access:

• US: Boston University, NYU, UCLA, Berkeley, and various liberal arts colleges
• Spain: Spanish public universities via Selectividad
• UK: Through UCAS applications with IB credentials

Oak House School destinations

With 2025 IB average of 36 points (one student achieving 44), Oak House graduates access:

• UK: Top universities accepting 36+ IB scores
• Spain: Through Spanish Bachillerato pathway
• Europe: Dutch, Swiss, and German universities

Table 4: University Placement Statistics

Note: Percentages are indicative based on reported patterns; actual distributions vary annually.

Which Neighbourhoods Feed Which Schools?

School proximity significantly influences property selection. Families typically seek homes within reasonable commute of their chosen school, either by school bus or private transport.

Table 5: Neighbourhood-School Alignment Guide

Families often choose Pedralbes for proximity to American School and Oak House

The Pedralbes neighbourhood positions families conveniently for:

• Lycée Français de Barcelone (within walking distance)
• American School of Barcelona (15-minute drive)
• Oak House School (short drive through Sarrià)
• British School Barcelona City campus (20 minutes)

This concentration of quality schools makes Pedralbes the default choice for families prioritising educational proximity. For detailed neighbourhood analysis, see our Pedralbes property guide.

Sarrià-Sant Gervasi school accessibility

The family-oriented Sarrià district offers:

• Oak House School (within the district)
• Benjamin Franklin International School (within the district)
• Swiss School Barcelona (Plaça Molina, northern edge)
• Convenient access to most schools via Ronda de Dalt motorway

See neighbourhood school access in our zone comparison.

What Are the Waiting Lists and Admission Timelines?

Demand for places at Barcelona’s top international schools consistently exceeds availability. Early planning is essential, particularly for entry at popular year groups.

When to apply

Optimal timing:

• 12-18 months before intended start date
• Immediately upon confirming relocation plans

Application windows:

• Most schools open September-December admissions for the following academic year
• BSB: Rolling admissions with priority for early applications
• Lycée Français: December-April application window
• American schools: January-March for September entry

Waiting list realities

Most competitive entry points:

• Pre-Nursery/Reception (age 3-4): Families apply from birth for top schools
• Year 7 (age 11-12): Secondary transition point sees high demand
• IB entry (Year 12): Limited spaces for external students

Less competitive entry points:

• Mid-Primary (Years 3-5): More movement as expatriate families rotate
• Mid-Secondary (Years 9-10): Some departures as families repatriate

Admission requirements

Standard requirements:

• Previous school reports (2-3 years)
• Teacher recommendations
• English language assessment (for English-medium schools)
• Interview (student and parents)
• Trial day or assessment morning
• Medical records and vaccination history

For families requiring immediate placement: Schools may accommodate mid-year entry for corporate relocations, though popular year groups may be full.

How Does School Transport Work?

Most Barcelona international schools operate comprehensive bus networks, though routes and costs vary significantly.

Typical transport arrangements:

• Door-to-door service or designated stop collection
• Morning pickup 7:00-8:00 depending on route
• Afternoon return 16:00-17:30 depending on activities
• Supervised buses with monitors for younger children

Cost ranges:

• BSB: €2,200-€3,200/year depending on distance
• ASB: €2,500-€3,500/year
• Oak House: €2,000-€2,800/year

Coverage areas: Most schools serve central Barcelona, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Pedralbes, and the coastal municipalities south to Sitges. Schools in Esplugues (ASB, Deutsche Schule) have particularly extensive networks serving families across the metropolitan area.

Table 6: Transport Coverage by School

What About Language Requirements?

Barcelona’s bilingual Catalan-Spanish environment creates unique considerations for international school selection.

English-medium schools

BSB, ASB, Benjamin Franklin, and Oak House all teach primarily in English. Non-English speakers typically require:

• Assessment of current English level
• Possible placement in EAL (English as Additional Language) support
• Expectation of achieving academic English within 1-2 years

Trilingual education

Most Barcelona international schools incorporate Spanish and Catalan:

• Spanish: Typically 3-5 hours weekly, increasing in Secondary
• Catalan: 2-3 hours weekly (required by Catalan law for schools receiving public recognition)

Regional requirements

Catalan government recognition of school qualifications requires schools to offer minimum hours of Catalan instruction. This affects all schools seeking Spanish qualification validation, though purely international diplomas (IB, A-Levels) are not dependent on Catalan proficiency.

Support for non-English speakers

Most schools offer:

• Intensive English programmes for new arrivals
• Additional support during transition period
• Buddy systems pairing new students with bilingual peers

Key Takeaways

• British School Barcelona holds the only “Outstanding in Every Category” BSO rating in Barcelona
• Annual fees range from €4,500 (Deutsche Schule) to €26,000 (American School Barcelona high school)
• American schools suit families targeting US university applications; British schools align with UK destinations
• Pedralbes and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi offer the best proximity to multiple high-quality schools
• Apply 12-18 months in advance for popular entry points (Pre-Nursery, Year 7, Year 12)
• Most schools require Spanish and Catalan instruction for local qualification recognition
• IB Diploma is available at most schools regardless of base curriculum (British, American, or European)
• School transport networks serve most residential areas with costs €2,000-€3,500 annually
• Mid-year entry is possible subject to availability; contact schools immediately upon relocation confirmation

For exclusive access to Barcelona’s most exceptional luxury properties and comprehensive market insight, contact our specialized advisory team at barcelona@blackprive.com

Author

Alexander Thornbury MRICS analyses European luxury property markets for UHNWI buyers and family offices. With 15 years advising clients at leading international property consultancies, he specialises in cross-border transactions and tax-efficient property structuring.

His analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

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