Choosing the right school in Barcelona: A guide for expat families

Relocating to Barcelona with children? Discover the main types of schools available—international, private, semi-private, and public—and how to choose the right one for your family.

Moving to Barcelona? Here’s what you need to know about schools

Barcelona is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that attracts families from all over the world. If you’re planning to relocate here with children, one of your most important decisions will be choosing the right school. The good news? Barcelona offers a variety of educational options that cater to different languages, curricula, and budgets. Here’s a helpful breakdown of the types of schools available to expat families in Barcelona.

1. International schools

Best for: Families who want continuity with their home country’s curriculum or a globally recognized education

International schools are a popular choice among expat families. They offer curricula from countries like the UK, US, France, Germany, and Switzerland, and most teach in English or in a bilingual format. Many also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), which is widely accepted by universities around the world.

Pros:

• English or bilingual instruction

• International curricula (IB, A-Levels, American, etc.)

• Culturally diverse student body

• Strong extracurricular and support programs

Cons:

• Higher tuition fees

• Limited availability – early registration recommended

Notable Schools in Barcelona:

• The British School of Barcelona

• Benjamin Franklin International School

• St. Peter’s School

• Lycée Français de Barcelone

• Deutsche Schule Barcelona

2. Private schools (Non-International)

Best for: Families interested in a local education with smaller class sizes and potentially more personalized attention

Private schools in Barcelona that are not international may follow the Spanish or Catalan curriculum, but offer additional language support or enrichment programs. Some are religiously affiliated (mainly Catholic), and many emphasize academic rigor.

Pros:

• More affordable than international schools

• Often have English or bilingual support

• Smaller class sizes and strong community feel

Cons:

• Limited instruction in English

• Curriculum may be unfamiliar to foreign students

3. Concertadas (Semi-private schools)

Best for: Families seeking a balance between affordability and quality education

“Concertadas” are partially funded by the government but managed privately. They are a common choice for local families and increasingly considered by expats due to their reasonable fees and good academic standards.

Pros:

• Low to moderate cost

• Structured environment

• Some may offer bilingual or trilingual programs (Catalan, Spanish, and English)

Cons:

• Instruction primarily in Catalan and Spanish

• Limited resources for non-Spanish-speaking children

4. Public schools

Best for: Families looking to fully integrate into Catalan society and take advantage of free education

Public schools in Barcelona are free and follow the Catalan curriculum, which places strong emphasis on the Catalan language. Spanish is taught as a subject, but most of the instruction is in Catalan.

Pros:

• Free education

• Immersion in local culture and language

• Access to government support programs

Cons:

• Language barrier for non-Catalan speakers

• Larger class sizes

• Curriculum may differ significantly from your home country

Key considerations when choosing a school

• Language: Consider how comfortable your child is with Spanish or Catalan. Some schools offer intensive language integration programs.

• Curriculum compatibility: Will your child return to their home country for higher education? Choose a curriculum that supports that pathway.

• Budget: Factor in not only tuition, but also uniforms, books, transportation, and meals.

• Commute: Barcelona has great public transport, but rush hour traffic can be intense—proximity to home matters.

• Availability: International and popular private schools often have long waitlists. Start the application process early. And the semi-private and public schools have also registration periods, check in advance.

Whether you’re looking for an English-speaking school, a full cultural immersion, or something in between, Barcelona has an option to match your family’s needs. Take time to visit schools (many offer virtual tours), speak with administrators, and connect with other expat families to gather first-hand insights.

Relocating to Barcelona can be a fantastic adventure—especially when your children are thriving in the right educational environment.