

British School of Barcelona
Part of Cognita, Secular
Updated July 2026
Accreditations
Languages
The British School of Barcelona is a leading private international school for students aged two to eighteen, recognized as 'Outstanding in Every Category' by the British Schools Overseas inspection. It offers a high-standard British curriculum across multiple campuses, preparing students for top universities globally.
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is committed to providing a world-class international education that balances academic excellence with the development of essential human qualities like creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. It fosters a nurturing, inclusive environment where students are encouraged to become principled, resilient global citizens. The educational approach emphasizes personalized learning, allowing students to take ownership of their curriculum and develop the skills necessary to thrive in an evolving, automated world.
Programmes
The school follows the English National Curriculum, enhanced by an inquiry-based approach that integrates creativity and critical thinking. The academic pathway culminates in Pre-University studies, where students may choose between the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme or A Levels. The curriculum is supported by a wide range of subjects across language, science, mathematics, humanities, and the arts, with additional opportunities for Spanish language certification (DELE).
Outcomes
Students consistently achieve outstanding academic results, with a 100% pass rate for both IB and A Level students in 2024. Graduates frequently secure places at prestigious universities worldwide, including institutions such as the University of Cambridge, Stanford University, and King’s College London. The school’s university guidance programme supports students in navigating their transition to higher education and future careers.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides excellent support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those requiring English as an Additional Language (EAL) assistance. This provision ensures that all students are appropriately challenged and supported to make excellent progress. Wellbeing is a core priority, recognized by the Wellbeing Award for Schools, with dedicated staff and systems in place to foster a safe, caring, and inclusive environment.
Frequently asked questions(7)
- What curriculum does British School of Barcelona offer?
- British School of Barcelona offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level and IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at British School of Barcelona?
- Annual tuition at British School of Barcelona is €6.1K–€20.9K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does British School of Barcelona teach?
- British School of Barcelona enrolls students aged 2 to 18.
- Is British School of Barcelona a day or boarding school?
- British School of Barcelona is a day school.
- What accreditations does British School of Barcelona hold?
- British School of Barcelona holds accreditations including British Schools Overseas, IB, Cambridge International and Cognia.
- Is British School of Barcelona co-educational?
- British School of Barcelona is a co-ed school.
- Where is British School of Barcelona located?
- British School of Barcelona is an international school in Castelldefels, Spain.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Nursery (BSB Sitges) - 3 full days | 2–2 | €6.7K |
| Pre-Nursery (BSB Sitges) - 4 full days | 2–2 | €8.1K |
| Pre-Nursery (BSB Sitges) - 5 half days | 2–2 | €6.1K |
| Pre-Nursery (BSB Sitges) - Full time | 2–2 | €8.6K |
| Nursery (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) - 3 full days | 3–3 | €9.4K |
| Nursery (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) - 4 full days | 3–3 | €11.5K |
| Nursery (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) - 5 half days | 3–3 | €8.6K |
| Nursery (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) - Full time | 3–3 | €12.2K |
| Reception (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) | 4–4 | €12.2K |
| Year 1 (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) | 5–5 | €13.9K |
| Year 2 (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) | 6–6 | €13.9K |
| Year 3 (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) | 7–7 | €16.4K |
| Year 4 (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) | 8–8 | €16.6K |
| Year 5 (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) | 9–9 | €16.6K |
| Year 6 (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) | 10–10 | €16.6K |
| Year 7 (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) | 11–11 | €17.7K |
| Year 8 (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) | 12–12 | €18.4K |
| Year 9 (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) | 13–13 | €16.5K |
| Year 10 (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) | 14–14 | €17.3K |
| Year 11 (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) | 15–15 | €17.3K |
| Year 12 - A Level (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) | 16–16 | €19.2K |
| Year 13 - A Level (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) | 17–17 | €19.2K |
| Year 12 - IB (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) | 16–16 | €19.7K |
| Year 13 - IB (BSB Sitges, Castelldefels, Nexus) | 17–17 | €19.7K |
| Nursery (BSB City) | 3–3 | €13.2K |
| Reception (BSB City) | 4–4 | €13.2K |
| Year 1 (BSB City) | 5–5 | €15.2K |
| Year 2 (BSB City) | 6–6 | €15.2K |
| Year 3 (BSB City) | 7–7 | €18K |
| Year 4 (BSB City) | 8–8 | €18.1K |
| Year 5 (BSB City) | 9–9 | €18.1K |
| Year 6 (BSB City) | 10–10 | €18.1K |
| Year 7 (BSB City) | 11–11 | €19.2K |
| Year 8 (BSB City) | 12–12 | €19.9K |
| Year 9 (BSB City) | 13–13 | €19.9K |
| Year 10 (BSB City) | 14–14 | €20.9K |
| Year 11 (BSB City) | 15–15 | €20.9K |
| Year 12 (BSB City) | 16–16 | €20.7K |
| Year 13 (BSB City) | 17–17 | €20.7K |
| Nursery (BSB Maresme) | 3–3 | €12.2K |
| Reception (BSB Maresme) | 4–4 | €12.2K |
| Year 1 (BSB Maresme) | 5–5 | €13.9K |
| Year 2 (BSB Maresme) | 6–6 | €13.9K |
| Year 3 (BSB Maresme) | 7–7 | €16.4K |
| Year 4 (BSB Maresme) | 8–8 | €16.6K |
| Year 5 (BSB Maresme) | 9–9 | €16.6K |
| Year 6 (BSB Maresme) | 10–10 | €16.6K |
| Year 7 (BSB Maresme) | 11–11 | €17.7K |
| Year 8 (BSB Maresme) | 12–12 | €18.4K |
| Year 9 (BSB Maresme) | 13–13 | €18.6K |
| Year 10 (BSB Maresme) | 14–14 | €19.4K |
| Year 11 (BSB Maresme) | 15–15 | €19.4K |
| Year 12 (BSB Maresme) | 16–16 | €19.7K |
| Year 13 (BSB Maresme) | 17–17 | €19.7K |
Other fees(1)
| Registration fee· One-off matriculation fee (non-refundable single payment) paid when a place becomes available. Discount available for siblings. | €3.4K |
|---|
Discounts
- Sibling discount: sibling discount
- Full-payment discount: 2%
Admissions
The school welcomes applications for students aged two to eighteen. Prospective families may book guided Open Days or personalised private tours to meet the leadership team, observe classrooms, and discuss the admissions process. Admission requires the submission of past school reports and academic references, with specific assessments in English and Mathematics for Pre-University entry.
Calendar
The academic year typically runs from early September to mid-June, divided into Autumn, Spring, and Summer terms. The calendar includes scheduled half-term breaks, bank holidays, and local holidays specific to the campus location. INSET days are reserved for staff training, during which there are no lessons for students.
Facilities
About the campus
The school operates across multiple campuses in Barcelona, Castelldefels, Sitges, and Cabrera de Mar, featuring purpose-built outdoor learning areas and flexible, well-resourced classrooms. Specialist facilities include a state-of-the-art STEAM Centre with collaborative labs and flexible teaching spaces, as well as a 9,000 m2 sports stadium featuring a World Rugby-certified pitch, changing rooms, and a grandstand. Campuses are designed to maximize natural light and provide dedicated spaces for student wellbeing and social interaction.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a holistic programme that includes sports, creative arts, and academic enrichment. Students participate in activities such as football, rugby, and table tennis, with access to competitive tournaments and clubs. Additionally, the school hosts events like the Festival of Technology and provides opportunities for international trips, such as cultural visits to Berlin and Paris, alongside participation in prestigious STEM competitions.






- Neil TetleyExecutive Principal
Neil is the Executive Principal of The British School of Barcelona. He holds a degree in History from the University of Cambridge and a PGCE, and has previously served as Principal of Hastings School in Madrid and Head of Woodbridge School in the UK.
- James PetrieAssistant Executive Principal
James was appointed Deputy Head of BSB Secondary in 2015 and Headteacher of Secondary and Pre-University in 2018, acting as Assistant Executive Principal since 2024. He holds a degree in English and Related Literature from the University of York and a PGCE from Cambridge University.
- María SintesSenior Business Manager
María joined BSB as Business Manager in September 2024, overseeing Finance, HR, Facilities & Operations, and IT. She holds a degree in Business Administration from IQS University and completed a Management Development Programme at IESE Business School.
Judy DeanHeadteacher, Early Years and Primary, BSB CastelldefelsJudy has been with BSB since 2007, working across all Primary year groups before becoming Headteacher of Primary and Early Years. She completed her MEd in Educational Leadership in 2016, with a dissertation focused on the leadership of change in schools.
- Mark WoodwardHeadteacher, Secondary & Pre-University, BSB Castelldefels & BSB Nexus
Mark joined BSB in 2008 after twelve years of teaching experience in the UK. He previously worked in data analysis and timetabling within Secondary before joining the Senior Leadership Team.
Emily HendersonHeadteacher, Early Years and Primary, BSB SitgesEmily joined BSB in January 2024, bringing seventeen years of experience in teaching and school leadership in the UK. She holds a degree in History from Bristol University, a PGCE, the National Professional Qualification for Headship, and the National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators.
Nicola DaviesHeadteacher, Early Years and Primary, BSB CityNicola has been with BSB since 2015 and has twenty-four years of teaching experience in Spain and the UK. She holds a degree in English and Spanish from Sunderland University and a PGCE from Durham University.
National Curriculum (England)
IGCSE
IB Diploma
British Schools Overseas
Cognia