Founded in 1958 as the Anglo-American School. In 1978, the first Royal Decree recognizing foreign schools in Spain was published and studies were validated for Spanish pupils as well. The recognition of studies was an important factor in the growth of the school, as more families from the local area showed interest in British education and the learning of English, and the need for expansion became apparent. In 1999 The British School of Barcelona is founded. In 2007, the owners reached retirement age and transferred its ownership to the Cognita Schools Group. In January 2016 Cognita Group acquires International School of Barcelona, located in Sitges, and the school is integrated as a new campus under the brand of The British School of Barcelona as from September 2016. April 2018 sees the opening of BSB Nexus, the new Pre-University campus of The British School of Barcelona in Castelldefels, a purpose-built, three-storey centre. The British School of Barcelona is considered one of the most important international schools in Spain.
Facilities
The school is located 20 miles from Barcelona, and serves children from the city and surrounding areas. All three campuses ofter purpose-built buildings and sports facilities, such as classrooms, library, Science laboratories, Information Technology rooms, Music and practise rooms, indoor gymnasium, outdoor multi-sports courts, a multi-game artificial turf pitch, a theatre/auditorium. Swimming takes place at the sports centres next door.
School organisation and studies
The school educates children from Nursery school age to University entrance. Studies at the school mainly follow the National Curriculum of England and Wales. Pupils at the school then study for GCSE examinations and, as they enter Pre-University education, can then choose between Advanced Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate. The British School of Barcelona educational offer at Pre-University stage comprises two different pathways: A Levels, and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Both programmes share a core curriculum of subjects that all students take. The Pre-University curriculum also ensures that students can fulfil the requirements of the Spanish and Catalan Governments so that they can achieve the Spanish Bachillerato qualification, if they complete the relevant courses and assessments throughout Years 12 and 13. In addition, the school also prepares the students to take the Spanish University Access exams to access Spanish universities, which is organised by the UNED.
School Facts
Founded in 1958
Education from 3 to 18 years old
One school - 3 campuses - 2 campuses in Castelldefels - 1 campus in Sitges
1,562 pupils
56 nationalities
Main Language: English
Others Languages: Spanish, Catalan, French, German; Russian as an after-school activity.
Academic curricula:
- British National Curriculum - Advanced Level Exams - International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - Validation of Spanish Bachillerato
Nearly 250 educational and non-educational staff
A Cognita school since 2007
Sports: Football, basketball, handball, netball, endball, rugby, volleyball, swimming, cross country. We also organise a ski trip every year.