A question I’m often asked by newly arrived international families is, “What is the best school in Barcelona?” It’s an understandable question. Moving to a new city, especially one with two local languages and an unfamiliar education system, can feel overwhelming. Parents want to make the right choice for their children, but the answer isn’t always straightforward.
In my experience helping families navigate Barcelona’s school system, I’ve found that the best school depends entirely on your family’s needs, priorities, and future plans. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, which is why I work with families to explore their options and find the best fit for their child.
What Does "Best" Really Mean?
If you search online for the top school in Barcelona, you’ll find lists like this one from Forbes. However, these rankings are often based on criteria that might not match your own priorities. Are they judging on academic grades, facilities, or student satisfaction surveys? It’s important to remember that what’s “best” on paper may not necessarily be the best fit for your child.
Every family has different values when it comes to education. Some prioritise academic grades, others prefer a child-led pedagogy, and some look for specific languages and qualifications. The challenge is figuring out what matters most for your family.
Factors to Consider
Several factors can help guide your decision-making process when choosing the right school for your child in Barcelona.
One of the first things to consider is how long your family intends to stay. If your move to Barcelona is temporary, you might prefer a school that offers international qualifications like the IB or British system, making future transitions easier. However, if you’re settling in long-term, a public (state) or concertada school might offer better integration into the local community. You can learn more about public and concertada schools in this post.
Age and language proficiency are also key factors. Younger children tend to pick up new languages more easily, allowing them to adapt quickly to local Catalan schools. However, for older children, learning a new language can be more challenging, potentially impacting both their academic progress and social integration. If your child is already part way through another country’s academic qualifications, you’ll also need to ensure continuity in their education and consider which path will best support their future university plans.
Cost is another practical consideration. While private international schools often offer top-tier facilities and international qualifications, their fees are significantly higher than those of local schools. Proximity to the school is also important for many families. Long commutes can be stressful, especially if your child is still adjusting to a new city. Finding a school close to home can help ease the daily routine, giving them more time to settle into their surroundings.
Finally, think about any specific needs. If your child has a particular interest in sports, music, or has special educational needs, it’s important to find a school with the right facilities or support programmes.
Too Many Options? Don’t Worry—Help is Here
With so many different schools and options, it can be hard to know where to start. Barcelona offers many different educational pathways and the right choice for your family will depend on your individual circumstances. For some families the best school will be a private school with international qualifications, while for others a local school will be the right fit. Whatever your circumstances, narrowing down your options can feel like a monumental task.
This is where I come in. At My Barcelona School, I’ve compiled a school directory where you can search for schools by language, curriculum, and qualifications. But more than that, I offer independent school placement advice and support by working closely with families to understand what’s important to them and guide them through the entire school search process.
Ready to Find the Best School for Your Child?
If you’re unsure where to begin, don’t worry—I’m here to help. Whether you’re looking for a top school based on school rankings or simply a supportive and welcoming environment for your child, I can help you find the perfect fit.
Contact me today for a free introductory call, and together we can explore the best school options for your family. Get in touch here, and let’s take the stress out of finding the right school for your child.