International schools in Barcelona: where to live depending on the school

Families relocating to Barcelona with children usually settle on the school first and the home second. The good news is that the metropolitan area has a well-established network of international schools, with British, International Baccalaureate (IB) or mixed curricula, spread across Barcelona's upper districts, Sant Cugat del Vallès, the Maresme and the Garraf. The right property decision depends on your children's stage of schooling, the curriculum you are looking for and how much continuity you want through to the age of 18.

What we mean by an international school

In practical terms, an international school is one whose educational approach rests on a curriculum other than the Spanish one, with English – or another language – as the main language of instruction. Two families dominate in the Barcelona area: British schools, which prepare pupils for exams such as the IGCSE and A Levels, and schools offering International Baccalaureate programmes. Some combine both routes and also keep a Spanish pathway for those who need it.

This matters when it comes to property: the more complete a single school's offer, from nursery to the final year, the more settled the family's home life and the less likely you are to rethink your location when your children move up a stage.

Four reference schools, based on the schools' own information

We are not attempting a ranking – every family weighs curriculum, atmosphere and community differently – but simply placing a few leading schools using the information they publish themselves.

The British School of Barcelona (BSB)

According to its website, the school has several campuses: BSB City, in Barcelona, teaching from Infant to Sixth Form level (ages 3 to 18); BSB Castelldefels (ages 3 to 15); BSB Nexus, dedicated to the pre-university years (ages 16 to 18); BSB Sitges (ages 2 to 11) and BSB Maresme (ages 3 to 18). For university entry it offers the IB Diploma and A Levels.

St George Barcelona

Located on Passeig de la Reina Elisenda de Montcada in Barcelona, it welcomes pupils from 2 to 18. Its pathway includes the Early Years Foundation Stage in nursery, the British national curriculum in primary – with Spanish and Catalan compulsory – IGCSEs in secondary and the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the final stage.

European International School of Barcelona (EIS)

Based in Sant Cugat del Vallès, around 15 km from central Barcelona according to its own website, it admits pupils from nine months old. It offers the IB in English, Spanish or bilingual versions, the Spanish national Baccalaureate and the American High School Diploma.

Agora International School

The Agora group has schools in Barcelona, including Agora Barcelona and Agora Princess Margaret, and in Sant Cugat. According to the group's information, all of its schools are authorised to teach at least one International Baccalaureate programme.

There are also schools following other national systems – French, German, Swiss, Italian or American – which may be the natural choice if your family wants continuity with your home country.

Where to live, depending on the school

Barcelona's upper districts

For schools in the upper part of the city, such as St George, families tend to look for houses and apartments in residential neighbourhoods with a garden or terrace, quiet streets and good links to the centre. We have explored the character of two of the most sought-after areas in our comparison Pedralbes or Sarrià, and the key prime districts in where to buy a luxury apartment in Barcelona.

Sant Cugat del Vallès

Sant Cugat is home to several international schools and a housing stock dominated by detached houses with gardens in residential developments. It is a common choice for families who prioritise outdoor space and a green setting without giving up Barcelona. You will find more context in living in Sant Cugat del Vallès: areas, schools and property types.

The Maresme, Castelldefels and Sitges

Some schools have opened campuses outside the capital, such as BSB's in the Maresme, Castelldefels and Sitges. For those who value life by the sea, these towns offer an alternative with spacious homes and a more relaxed daily rhythm. If the Maresme appeals, our guide to where to buy a luxury house in the Maresme, by municipality will help you compare.

How to decide: five practical criteria

Stage and continuity. If your children are in primary, a school that runs through to sixth form avoids future changes. If they are already in the final stage, it is worth settling on the school and its programme as early as possible.

Curriculum. Choose according to the university route your family is considering: the IB, A Levels or another country's national system.

Languages. Confirm which languages are taught, the weight given to Spanish and Catalan, and the support available for pupils who join with no prior knowledge.

Admission. Each school publishes its own process and place availability. We recommend contacting schools well in advance and visiting them before you complete a purchase.

The daily journey. Drive or travel the route yourself at the real start-of-school time. It is the best way to judge a home's location.

A planning tip

Start with the school and the school calendar, and only then turn to the house. Visiting schools, applying for a place and understanding each one's conditions usually takes time, and it is better to have this clear before committing to a property. Once the school is settled, your search narrows naturally to a handful of areas, and that is when a private selection of properties saves unnecessary viewings and lets you compare with confidence.

Buy or rent while you decide

When admission is not yet confirmed, many families opt for an interim solution and complete the purchase once the school is settled. If, on the other hand, you already have a place and wish to settle for the long term, it is worth exploring the current selection of properties for sale in Barcelona and the surrounding area. And if your move involves selling a home elsewhere, our team can guide you through a confidential valuation of your property.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an international and a bilingual school?

A bilingual school usually follows the Spanish curriculum with a significant share of subjects taught in another language. An international school is based on a foreign or international curriculum, such as the British one or the IB, with English as the main language.

Can I study the International Baccalaureate in the Barcelona area?

Yes. According to their websites, BSB, St George, EIS and the Agora network all offer IB programmes, each with its own admission conditions.

Is it worth buying near the school?

It depends on your children's stage and how long you expect to stay. As a general rule, the greater the continuity you plan at a single school, the more sense it makes to settle nearby. A preliminary conversation with an adviser helps you avoid rushing.

Can BARNES help me find a home based on the school?

Yes. Our team in Barcelona, the Empordà and the Maresme will support your search, with criteria tailored to each family and complete discretion.

Let's talk about your move

If you are planning to settle in Barcelona with your family, contact the BARNES Barcelona office and we will suggest a selection of properties according to the school and lifestyle you have in mind. If you need to sell before buying, you can request a confidential valuation with no obligation.