The British School of Barcelona - BSB Sitges

The British School of Barcelona (BSB) is a leading international school in Spain, accredited as ‘Outstanding in Every Category’ by the British Government's Department of Education. It is the only school in Barcelona to hold this distinction, recognizing its excellence in teaching, student support, and overall educational approach.
With over 65 years of experience, BSB has a strong reputation for providing world-class education across its campuses in Barcelona, Castelldefels, and Sitges.
The BSB Sitges campus, located in the beautiful Vallpineda residential area, provides state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance both learning and personal development.

Primary Language(s)

English

Curriculum

British

Qualifications

Not Applicable

Age Range

2 - 11 years old

Welcome Note

Graded as ‘Outstanding in every category’ in our recent inspection, we have a proud, well-established reputation for providing a world-class international education to students from two to eighteen.
Academic outcomes are very important and BSB students obtain excellent examination results which enable them to access top universities in Spain and around the world. However, in order to thrive in a rapidly evolving world, young people need more than just top grades. They need to develop the skills and attributes they will require in a world where many jobs will be automated and distinctly 'human' qualities – creativity, curiosity, collaboration – will be prized above all else.
School should also be fun and BSB offers a nurturing environment where young people can flourish and emerge ready to take on the challenges that await them with confidence and certainty.
We'd love you to come and visit our campuses in Barcelona, Castelldefels and Sitges to find out more about why BSB could be the right school for your child.
Neil Tetley

School Ethos

Our Mission
The British School of Barcelona is a caring, learning community with high expectations.

Our Educational Aims
• Academic: We inspire all to be creative, curious thinkers within a culture of support and challenge.
• Character: We provide individual growth through high expectations; demonstrating commitment, resilience & respect for all.
• Global: We are global citizens, embracing difference, cared for and caring, and principled in our beliefs.

Languages

Primary Language

English

Additional languages offered

English is the school's vehicular language, complemented by the progressive teaching of Spanish and Catalan from Primary School onwards.

Language support available

We offer an extensive programme of EAL (English as an Additional Language).

Curriculum

The British School of Barcelona follows the British Curriculum and the vehicular language is English. This means that students become fluent in English as if they were native English speakers, regardless of their country of origin. For Spanish and Catalan language and culture subjects, the school follows the guidelines of the Catalan Department of Education and the Spanish Ministry of Education.
In the British model, the curriculum is highly personalised to facilitate independent and creative learning. Students can choose their own activities and subjects throughout Secondary and Pre-University to acquire a well-rounded education adapted to their interests and abilities.
BSB offers a holistic education that combines academic excellence with the development of key qualities and attributes such as communication, creativity, critical thinking and leadership. Its pedagogical approach is based on the development of nine BSB Learning Habits, structured in four areas: emotional engagement, critical thinking, strategic learning and collaboration.
The school encourages autonomy, teamwork and problem-solving, promoting learning that prepares students for the challenges of the future with confidence and security. It follows an inclusive and highly personalised model which ensures that all pupils reach their full potential.

Qualifications

BSB Sitges students continue their educational journey at BSB by moving to the Castelldefels campus, where they can complete their Secondary and Pre-university stages.
In Secondary, students take the internationally recognised GCSE exams.
In Pre-University education, students can choose between A Levels (British curriculum) and the International Baccalaureate (IB), both of which can be validated with the Spanish Bachillerato.

Facilities

BSB Sitges is a beautiful, intimate school for children from 2 years. The campus offers a unique learning environment for Early Years and Primary children.
The thoughtfully designed facilities provide quality learning experiences and a safe, supportive school environment where children can thrive.
• Specially designed Early Years learning areas
• Spacious, well-equipped classrooms for Primary pupils
• A Languages Centre
• An Information Technology Centre
• A Food Technology Centre
• A STEAM area
• A well-resourced library
• Soundproof Music room and three music rehearsal rooms
• A theatre
• Purpose-built dining rooms
• A medical room
• Outdoor play spaces and sports areas

First Year Joining Fee

The matriculation fee (non-refundable single payment) is €3,200. Subsequent siblings are €1,600.

Annual Tuition

Fees for the academic year 2024-2025
Pre-Nursery (Age 2)
o 3 full days: €5,815
o 4 full days: €7,100
o 5 half days: €5,200
o Full-time: €7,550
Includes: Tuition, lunch, snack, morning "Guardería" service (from 8:30 am), school materials, books, school insurance, and education continuity insurance.
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Early Years

Nursery (Age 3)
o 3 full days: €8,315
o 4 full days: €10,400
o 5 half days: €7,300
o Full-time: €11,200
Reception (Age 4)
o Full-time: €11,200
Includes: Tuition, lunch, snack, morning "Guardería" service (from 8:30 am), school materials, books, school insurance, and education continuity insurance.
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Primary

Year 1 (Age 5)
o Annual fee: €12,820
Year 2 (Age 6)
o Annual fee: €12,820
Includes: Tuition, lunch, snack, school materials, books, school insurance, and education continuity insurance.

Year 3 (Age 7)
o Annual fee: €15,300
Year 4 (Age 8)
o Annual fee: €15,450
Year 5 (Age 9)
o Annual fee: €15,450
Year 6 (Age 10)
o Annual fee: €15,450
Includes: Tuition, lunch, snack, school materials, books, 1-to-1 devices & EdTech, school insurance, and education continuity insurance.

Additional Fees

• External Examination Fees
• School Uniform
• After-School Activities
• School Transport
• Childcare Service before and after school
• Educational visits, field trips and residentials

Discounts

• Discount on the matriculation fee is available for siblings (50% off).
• Discounts on the tuition fee are available for siblings from the third child onwards.
• The school fees are annual and are paid in ten instalments throughout the school year.
• There is a prompt annual payment discount of 2% received by bank transfer before the start of each academic year.

Current Fees

https://www.britishschoolbarcelona.com/fees/

Fees

School in Numbers

School size

2175 students across all BSB campuses in Barcelona, Castelldefels and Sitges

Classes per grade / age

In Pre-Nursery and Early Years, there is one class per year group.
In Primary, there are two classes per year group.

Class sizes

In Pre-Nursery there are 15 students maximum per classroom.
In Early Years there are 20 students maximum per class.
In Primary School, 24 students maximum per class.

Nationalities

71 nationalities

Student Support

What learning needs the school can support

The British School of Barcelona has a Student Support Department that provides assistance and guidance for students' learning, emotional, social, and behavioural needs.
The team offers both in-class and out-of-class support, as well as workshops and fully personalised assistance, whether academic, emotional, or social. Support is provided when a student has a need identified by their teachers, family, or the student themselves. A student may require additional support for a limited period or throughout their entire school journey. The support is always tailored to the individual needs of each student.

What support staff are available

The student support department is made up of:
• Director of Student Support
• Child Protection and Wellbeing Coordinator
• Personal Development Coordinators
• Learning Support Coordinators
• Specialist Learning Assistants

The Student Support Services team holds a wide range of qualifications and specialisations, including:
• Psychology
• PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
• Master’s in Intervention for Learning Difficulties
• Postgraduate Certificate: National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination
• Specialisation in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Children and Adolescents
• Master’s in Neuropsychology
• Postgraduate Degree in Emotional Education and Wellbeing
• Master’s in Inclusive Education
• Speech and Language Therapy

Admissions

Details of entry criteria

Pre-Nursery & Early Years: Children applying for Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Reception places are not required to have any prior knowledge of English.

Primary: Pupils applying for places at Years 1 and 2 must have an age-appropriate level of spoken English. Pupils applying for places in Year 3 and above at BSB School must have an age-appropriate level of spoken and written English. They will be required to sit an English language assessment. Previous school reports and a reference will also be requested. A meeting between the Head or Deputy Head of Primary and the pupil will be arranged.

Details of entry tests

In Primary, students are required to sit an assessment of English language.

Further Information

Joining BSB follows an easy 7-Step Process:
1. Contact Us – Get in touch with our Admissions Team to discuss your child’s needs, check availability, and learn more about BSB.
2. Visit BSB – Attend an Open Day, book a private tour, or join a virtual event to experience our welcoming school environment.
3. Apply for a Place – Submit an online application with school reports, ID/passport, and any required references.
4. Assessment & Interview – Depending on your child’s age, they will complete an assessment and/or an interview with the Headteacher.
5. Offer of Place – If successful and a place is available, we will send a formal offer. If full, your child will be placed on a waiting list.
6. Complete Admissions Documents – Secure your child’s place by submitting required documents and paying the matriculation fee.
7. Start at BSB – Enjoy a smooth transition and become part of the BSB community!

Extra Curriculars

After-school activities take place from Monday to Friday, from 16.00 to 18.00h (times vary depending on the club)
Clubs include: Football, basketball, handball, tennis, paddle tennis, chess, guitar, piano, singing, gymnastics, languages, plastic arts, technology, ballet, fencing, skateboarding, taekwondo, swimming, cooking, mini science, video game programming, STEM, hip-hop, Leaders of Tomorrow, multi-sports, surf.