68 best English private schools in Spain

English-language private schools in Spain

Private schools have better facilities and use more modern teaching methods. Children in private schools can study for the Spanish Bachillerato, the International Baccalaureate or British A-levels. Some schools offer two programs at once, so graduates receive two qualifications.

Advantages of studying at private schools in Spain:

• fewer students per study group,
• focus on the individual needs of each child,
• a variety of extracurricular activities,
• more spacious, landscaped grounds,
• facilities including swimming pools.

Spanish is a compulsory subject in all schools in the country. The cost of a year of education in private institutions ranges from €3,000 to €20,000. The final amount depends on the prestige of the institution and its geographical location.

International private schools in Spain

Foreign students are interested in institutions where studies are conducted mainly in English with the gradual introduction of subjects in Spanish. Institutions are focused on preparing students for admission to universities in other countries, which is reflected in the level and depth of knowledge. In Madrid, Int. Spain has excellent reviews and a high ranking from the British Council. King's College and Hastings use interesting teaching methods.

In Catalonia, the choice is quite wide too. The list includes:

• Bon Soleil,
• American and British School,
• Benjamin Franklin.

In the Valencian Community, options include Cambridge House and the American School.

A high level of education and strict discipline are guaranteed in private schools in Spain. Private schools are the choice of parents wishing to secure their child's international career. Schools that support the IB (International Baccalaureate) or British A-Level programs give graduates the opportunity to enroll in any world university. Many private schools combine a Spanish curriculum with an international one, so graduates have both a Bachillerato diploma and an IB or A-Level certificate.

Among the Spaniards, as well as among foreigners, international British and American schools are in the greatest demand and popularity. Education here is conducted in English, confident knowledge of which is a prerequisite for admission.

In many private schools, all staff are native speakers of the relevant language. For example, at the French Private College in Barcelona, even the chefs are French. English and American schools provide students with a quick immersion in the language environment: at the age of 12, children already receive an FCE (First Certificate, level B2), and by the time they graduate they speak the language at the Proficiency level, close to the level of a native speaker. In addition to English, French and German are studied in depth - at such a level that at the end of school the child confidently passes the exam for the B1-B2 level of language proficiency.

Regulatory bodies and accreditation of private schools in Spain

When entering such a school, it is worth checking its accreditation by the Spanish Ministry of Education. Beyond the national authorities, several recognized bodies accredit and inspect international and British schools in the country.

The National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABSS) brings together more than 80 member schools across the country and has operated since 1978. Its members are established institutions authorized following inspection by recognized bodies, and education follows the UK National Curriculum. NABSS runs its own inspection service, NIS, which carries out more inspections of British schools in Spain than any other inspectorate.

The Council of British International Schools (COBIS) accredits British international schools within a global network of 339 member schools spanning 86 countries, with 262,000 students and 25,500 teachers. Its mission is to support British international schools in providing high-quality education. International schools may also hold accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS), a global membership community that provides international accreditation worldwide.

Private schools usually become leaders in rankings of the high level of education in Spain. Most of them are schools in Madrid, Barcelona and the Valencian Community. Regional private schools located in the north of the country also show high rates.

Tuition at private schools in Spain

At semi-private schools, the regional authorities cover part of the cost and parents pay the rest. Tuition is approximately 100 - 150 euros per month, excluding teaching materials, uniforms and other expenses.

Many schools have parent associations. Each year, the parents of each child pay a contribution of 15 euros, and for this they are given the opportunity to buy textbooks, sports uniforms, and pay for excursions at a discount. The contribution is paid separately for each child in the family.

Private schools and boarding schools in Spain are considered quite cheap compared to other EU countries. So, education in the primary grades will cost about €3,000 - 7,000 per year, in the middle and senior grades - €8,000 - 20,000.

The meals are organized by private companies. The menu includes tenderloin, Mexican rice, delicious meatball soup, yogurts and tangerines. Lunch costs between 6 and 8 euros. In private schools, meals are even more expensive.