10 best boarding schools in Barcelona 2024

Barcelona, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is also a leading destination for high-quality education, especially in the realm of boarding schools. This city, the vibrant heart of Catalonia, isn't just celebrated for its mild, subtropical Mediterranean climate or its stunning architectural marvels. It's renowned for its robust education system, particularly among parents eager to provide their children with exemplary schooling. Barcelona's boarding schools stand out not only for their academic excellence but also for their commitment to fostering a well-rounded development in students.

Among the top boarding schools in Barcelona, students receive a comprehensive and diverse education. This not only sets a solid academic foundation for university studies in Spain but also globally. These institutions are particularly noted for their approach to nurturing independence, responsibility, initiative, and individuality among their students. It's a place where international students thrive, gaining both knowledge and life skills.

In these Barselonan boarding schools, the balance between discipline and freedom is carefully maintained. Students are encouraged to adhere to school rules and norms, yet they also enjoy the liberty to choose their subjects and engage in various extracurricular activities. These private schools in Barcelona are welcoming to students from all corners of the globe. Enrolling in these schools doesn't require Spanish residency. Upon admission, students can apply for a student visa, making it a smooth process for international families.

Explore the Top Boarding Schools in Barcelona Tailored for International Students and Delve into the Esteemed Boarding Schools of London for an Exceptional European Educational Journey.

Barcelona is a prime choice for international students seeking top-tier education, particularly in its boarding schools. These institutions, predominantly English-speaking and mixed-gender, are especially popular. Instruction is primarily in English, with select courses and electives in Spanish. These boarding schools in Barcelona stand out for their small class sizes, advanced technical facilities, bilingual teaching, and guest educators. A significant advantage of these schools is the flexibility in choosing the final examination for students. Many of these Anglo-Spanish schools in Spain are accredited by the British Council, offering students the choice to prepare for either the Selectividad or the A-Level exams, the latter being a gateway to British universities. Additionally, there are American schools in Barcelona where students can prepare for the SAT exam.

The graduates of these private schools in Barcelona can obtain various prestigious diplomas and certificates:

Spanish Bachillerato: Essential for entry into Spanish universities, this diploma is awarded upon successful completion of studies in public and boarding Spanish schools. It's also available from some international, American, and British schools in Barcelona. Recognized across the EU, it's equivalent to the British A-level and globally acknowledged high school graduation documents.

British GCSE and A-Level Certificates: These qualifications open doors to British universities, renowned globally for their excellence. With these certificates, international students can also gain easy entry into universities in Spain, other EU countries, and worldwide.

American High School Diplomas and Entrance Exams (e.g., ACT, SAT, AP): These are acknowledged throughout North America and are generally equivalent to high school diplomas from most countries.

International Baccalaureate (IB): Accepted by over 2000 universities in 74 countries, including 58 in the USA, the IB diploma is highly regarded for its comprehensive and in-depth academic rigor.

These credentials highlight the extensive opportunities available to students attending the best boarding schools in Barcelona, catering to a diverse array of academic paths and future university aspirations.

Esther Diaz

Education specialist, career coach and consultant. She worked for Inspired Education Group and directed the admissions department at the International School san Patricio Toledo.

What do parents consider when choosing a Spanish school, apart from the qualifications of teachers?

Foreign families often pay attention to inclusivity and national diversity, individualization of learning, emotional support for each student, compliance with safety protocols. Assess the level of immersion in the Spanish language and culture, the opportunity to get career / educational advice. Of course, they also look at the location, facilities and equipment of the campus - what are the sports facilities, how the Arts Center is equipped, whether there are e-learning opportunities. An added bonus is having personal development programs that will help students get the most out of their time at school and succeed.

British School of Barcelona

Widely regarded as one of the premier boarding schools not only in Barcelona but across Spain, the British School of Barcelona caters to students aged three to eighteen. Education here is primarily in English, complemented by the learning of Spanish, Catalan, and other European languages. The curriculum is based on the British educational system. Upon graduation, students receive both the British certificate and the Spanish Bachillerato. In senior years, alongside IGCSE exams, students also undertake the Selectividad exams, crucial for admission into Spanish universities. The school boasts exceptional academic performance, with graduates excelling in final exams and securing places in top universities worldwide.

Kensington School

Situated in the prestigious Pedralbes district, Kensington School stands as one of Barcelona's most respected English boarding schools. Founded in 1966 by a Cambridge University alumnus, it's among the oldest British institutions in Spain, welcoming students from three to eighteen years of age. The school is known for its high success rate in final exams and is an accredited examination center for Edexcel International. Its reputation is further bolstered by the fact that its new building was inaugurated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a testament to its stature.

Oak House School

This English college in Barcelona, established in 1968, is officially recognized by the Spanish government and accredited by British inspectors. Children are taught under the British educational system until the age of twelve, after which they transition to the Spanish educational system. The primary language of instruction in this mixed boarding school is English. Students start learning Spanish at six and Catalan at eight, ensuring trilingual proficiency upon graduation. Notably, 90% of the students are Spanish, highlighting its appeal among the local community.

For international students to successfully enroll in boarding schools in Barcelona, certain documents must be provided:

• Completed Online Application for Admission: This is the first step in the enrollment process.

• Passport Copies: You'll need to submit copies of the first page of both the student's and their parents' passports.

• Birth Certificate Copy: A copy of the student’s birth certificate is required.

• Health Insurance Documentation: A copy of a valid compulsory health insurance policy is necessary.

• Medical Insurance: Proof of medical insurance is a prerequisite.

• Passport-Sized Photos: Two recent photos, matching passport dimensions, are needed.

• Academic Performance Statement: A statement detailing the student’s current academic performance from their current school, translated into English or Spanish and notarized, is essential.

Since education in these top boarding schools in Barcelona is predominantly conducted in English, it’s crucial that the international student possesses a proficient level of English language knowledge, at least above average. Additionally, the school may invite the student and their parents for an interview. However, this step is optional and at the discretion of the school's administration, decided on a case-by-case basis.

In comparison to other parts of Europe, particularly Britain, the cost of studying in Barcelona is relatively affordable. Tuition fees at Barcelona's boarding schools for elementary grades range from €3,000 to €7,000 per year, while fees for middle and high school can vary from €8,000 to €20,000 annually.

Spain offers more than just competitive secondary education; it boasts a wonderful climate, clean environment, and a rich cultural heritage. The experience of living and studying in Spain can significantly benefit your child's health and broaden their perspective. Additionally, Spain is renowned for hosting some of the world's leading children's tennis and football academies. These sports achievements are highly valued in higher education institutions, not only in Britain but also in the United States.

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