Where can British children go to school in Spain?

The decision to move a family to another country is always a big step, and one of the most important aspects to consider is the children's education. If you are a British family considering moving to Spain, especially Barcelona, ​​it is natural to ask the question: where will my children go to school?  Below we present the options for British children in Spain and explain how British schools operate in Barcelona.

Educational Options in Spain

When it comes to education in Spain, there are several options available to expats. Parents can choose between public, private and international schools. However, for British families who prefer a curriculum similar to that in the UK, British schools in Barcelona are a popular choice.

Spanish Public Schools

Public schools in Spain are free and funded by the government. However, the curriculum is mainly taught in Spanish and Catalan. This can be challenging for children who do not speak these languages. Although some schools have language immersion programmes or support classes for foreign students, the adjustment can be difficult at first.

Private Schools

Private schools offer more flexibility in terms of curriculum and teaching methods. Some may follow the Spanish education system but with a more international focus. However, these schools often have high fees and may not offer the same family-friendly atmosphere as British schools in Barcelona.

International schools

International schools are another viable option for British families. These institutions often follow international or country-specific curricula (such as the IB or the UK education system). British schools in Barcelona are highly rated for their academic focus and ability to help students adapt to the new environment.

Why choose a British school?

Choosing a British school might be the right choice for your child for several reasons:

Familiarity: Children will follow a similar curriculum to what they would have had in the UK, making the transition easier. That is to say, the UK national curriculum.

Language: Teaching is primarily in English, which helps to avoid language barriers while children learn Spanish or Catalan.

Community: Most British schools in Barcelona benefit from a diverse but expat-friendly community, which can make the adjustment easier for both parents and children.

Extracurricular Activities: These schools often offer a wide range of extracurricular activities that encourage physical, academic and personal development.

Enrolment Process

The enrollment process can vary depending on the school chosen. It generally includes:

Initial Research: Visiting the facilities of the schools you are interested in is strongly recommended. This is the best way for you to get a sense of what the school is really like.

Required Documentation: Prepare documents such as birth certificates, passports or ID cards, the last 2 school reports from the previous school, and any other documentation required by the school.

Interview or Test: Some schools may require interviews or tests to assess the child's academic level. There is no test requirement at The Olive Tree School, but we do invite children to spend a day or two with us before enrolling so they can experience our school environment for themselves. Other schools might do the same.

Enrolment: Once accepted, you will need to complete the enrolment process and pay any applicable fees. It is standard practice in Spain for schools to charge a registration fee.

Important Considerations

Before making a decision on where to enrol your children, there are a few key considerations:

Location: Geographic location can affect your choice – consider the distance between your home and the school. Many families choose the school before they decide where they are going to live.

Cost: Assess whether you can afford the school fees if you choose a private or international school.

Cultural Adaptation: Think also about how your children will adapt culturally to the new school environment.

British children can, of course, go to school in Spain and there are multiple options available depending on their educational needs and family preferences. British schools in Barcelona offer a familiar environment and follow the UK national curriculum which makes the transition easier.

It is worth taking time to research your options carefully before making a decision. We would, of course, like you to consider The Olive Tree School as one of those options and we would be delighted to meet you and your family at one of our Open Days.