Moving to Barcelona with school-age children means choosing from one of Europe's deepest pools of international schools in Barcelona. Expat families are drawn by the city's mix of British, American, IB and bilingual Spanish-Catalan programmes, plus the lifestyle balance of beach, mountains and year-round sun. This 2026 guide covers the curricula, top schools, fees and practical admissions tips so you can shortlist with confidence.
Curricula available in Barcelona
Barcelona offers more curriculum choice than almost any other European city. Families can pick between the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, Diploma), the English National Curriculum leading to IGCSEs and A Levels, the American high school diploma with Advanced Placement, and bilingual Spanish schools that layer in English and Catalan. Choosing the right framework depends on where your child will continue their education after Barcelona.
Top international schools in Barcelona
The British School of Barcelona
A long-established British curriculum school with campuses in Castelldefels and Sitges, offering Early Years through Sixth Form with IGCSEs and A Levels. Strong track record placing students at UK, Spanish and US universities. View profile
SEK International School Catalunya
An IB World School offering the full continuum from Early Years to Diploma, set on a green campus in La Garriga. SEK is known for innovation, technology integration and a strong international community. View profile
American School of Barcelona
A non-profit American school founded in 1962, offering a US college preparatory programme with AP courses. Graduates consistently secure places at top US and international universities. View profile
Benjamin Franklin International School
An IB continuum school blending American and international approaches, centrally located in Barcelona. Small class sizes and a tight-knit parent community. View profile
St Peter's School Barcelona
A modern trilingual school (Spanish, Catalan, English) offering the IB Diploma in the final years. Popular with dual-culture families seeking strong languages plus international credentials. View profile
School fees in Barcelona
Barcelona remains more affordable than Northern European capitals. Expect annual tuition between €9,000 and €15,000 for Early Years, €12,000 to €18,000 for primary, and €15,000 to €24,000 for secondary at the top international schools. Additional costs include enrolment fees (often €1,500 to €3,000 one-off), annual building or capital levies, lunch, uniforms, transport and optional extracurriculars. Exam fees for IGCSE, A Level, AP and IB Diploma are charged separately in the final years.
Choosing the right neighbourhood
Most international schools sit outside the city centre in the coastal towns of Castelldefels, Sitges and Gavà , or in the green areas of Sant Cugat, La Garriga and Pedralbes. Families who want a short school run often settle in these suburbs. Others live downtown in Eixample, Sarrià or Pedralbes and use school bus routes, which are widely available. Test the commute in rush hour before signing a lease.
Admissions tips for expat families
Start the application nine to twelve months before your intended start date. Most schools require previous reports, a family interview and sometimes a short assessment in English and maths. For entry above Year 6, expect a more formal entrance exam. Sibling priority and corporate partnerships can help, so ask about both. If you arrive mid-year, a handful of schools keep rolling admissions open and can place students within weeks.
For a full ranked shortlist, explore the best schools in Barcelona ranking on ISA.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best international school in Barcelona?
There is no single best school. The British School of Barcelona, American School of Barcelona, SEK Catalunya and Benjamin Franklin are consistently top rated, each serving different curriculum preferences.
How much does an international school cost in Barcelona?
Tuition ranges from roughly €9,000 to €24,000 per year depending on age and school, with extra fees for enrolment, transport and exams.
Do international schools in Barcelona teach Spanish and Catalan?
Yes. All offer Spanish, and most include Catalan because it is a co-official language of the region and required for regulatory reasons.