12 best boarding schools in Barcelona 2025

Barcelona is a leading destination for international students in search of high-quality education, particularly within its boarding school sector. These co-educational, largely English-speaking institutions are highly sought after. The primary language of instruction is English, supplemented by select Spanish courses. Barcelona's boarding schools are distinguished by their small class sizes, advanced technical facilities, bilingual instruction, and guest lecturers. A key benefit is the flexibility offered in selecting the final examination. Many Anglo-Spanish schools are accredited by the British Council, enabling students to prepare for either the Selectividad or A-Level exams, facilitating entry to British universities. Additionally, American schools in Barcelona provide preparation 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

The British School of Barcelona, a leading boarding school in Barcelona and Spain, serves students aged 3 to 18. Instruction is mainly in English, alongside Spanish, Catalan, and other European languages. The curriculum follows the British educational model, culminating in both British certifications and the Spanish Bachillerato. Senior students undertake IGCSE exams and Selectividad, crucial for Spanish university entry. The school boasts excellent academic outcomes, with graduates excelling in final assessments and gaining admission to prestigious universities worldwide.

Kensington School

Kensington School, located in Pedralbes, is a highly regarded English boarding school in Barcelona. Established in 1966 by a Cambridge University alumnus, it is among Spain's oldest British schools, educating students aged three to eighteen. Renowned for its final exam success and Edexcel International accreditation, its prestige was confirmed by Queen Elizabeth II's inauguration of its new building.

Oak House School

Oak House School, an English college in Barcelona founded in 1968, is officially recognized by Spain and accredited by British inspectors. The British curriculum is followed until the age of twelve, transitioning to the Spanish system thereafter. English is the main language of instruction. Students begin Spanish at six and Catalan at eight, achieving trilingualism by 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.

• High level of quality knowledge and effectiveness of educational programs (the Ministry of Education of Spain closely monitors this and exercises strict control).
• A wide variety of educational programs, including international options.
• Experienced teachers.
• Bilingual education.
• Modern campus and facility equipment.
• Abundance of extracurricular cultural and recreational activities, including excursions.
• Rich history of the city with numerous attractions.
• Excellent climate conditions and coastal location.

Foreign parents generally choose private schools because:

• hey offer an active academic program.
• They create an ideal learning environment with small classes and outstanding campuses.
• They provide a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports and arts.
• They pay more attention to subjects like art, music, and athletics, with many focusing on integrating 21st-century critical skills into their programs.
• Statistically, they perform well on college or university entrance exams.

Since only foreign residents of Spain with local registration can enroll in Spanish public schools, private boarding schools in Barcelona are the best option for international students.

Schools with boarding in Spain are referred to by various names: boarding schools, residential schools, or campus schools. However, the essence remains the same, and despite the diversity of schools in Spain—from public to private, and from Spanish to English and German—there are not many secondary educational institutions that offer accommodation for their students.

It is important not to confuse boarding school accommodation with host family placements, which are offered by every other private school in Spain. Boarding schools provide different accommodation options, ranging from full board to a few days a week or month.

Regarding the age of students who can reside in such facilities, the minimum age starts from 10 years (in very rare cases from 6 years), but more commonly from 12 (ESO) or, in some schools, even from 16 years (for bachillerato students).

Upon completing a private boarding school in Barcelona, a child receives one of the following documents:

• A certificate of completion of the Spanish Bachillerato. This diploma is issued upon graduation from public, semi-public, and private Spanish schools and allows admission to Spanish universities.
• GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and A-Level certificates. These documents enable admission to British, Spanish, and other universities worldwide.
• American high school diplomas, which allow admission to universities in the USA and are recognized worldwide.
• International Baccalaureate (IB). This certificate is issued by schools authorized under the IB Diploma Program and allows admission to the most prestigious universities in the world participating in the program (over 2,000).

Typically, such boarding schools have large private grounds and are located on the outskirts of the city, often in green areas. After school hours, children can attend extracurricular classes and sports clubs, and spend time with friends—there's no need to worry about them being bored in the "dormitory."

Of course, these boarding schools also have their own dining facilities where children can receive balanced meals throughout the day, with menus developed by nutritionists to meet the dietary needs of students.

The student accommodation rooms are designed for 2 to 4 people, each equipped with its own bathroom (or even several), and all have access to high-speed internet for comfortable studying. Additionally, the residence grounds include other essential living facilities—gymnasiums, sports fields, a laundry, and often a swimming pool.

The tuition fees for boarding schools in Barcelona range from €10,000 to €40,000 per year (this amount includes both accommodation and education).

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