Private and International Schools in Barcelona: Complete Practical Guide
- NOVA Barcelona
- Dec 9, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 10, 2025
Written by NOVA Barcelona in collaboration with My Barcelona School.
When moving abroad with children, school choice quickly becomes one of the most important decisions families make. Barcelona offers a wide range of school models, from free public education to private and international programs that follow diverse curricula and teaching philosophies.
Because terms such as international, bilingual or multilingual can describe different approaches depending on the school, this guide explains how the school system works, how to compare programs and what families should keep in mind when choosing.
This information reflects Barcelona City Council guidance and our experience supporting relocating families.
Who this guide is for
This article may be especially useful if:
You are considering an international or bilingual school
You want strong English or multilingual instruction
You expect future international moves and want continuity
You want to understand how local and international programs differ
You want to coordinate school choice with neighborhood and commute
Understanding School Types in Barcelona
It can be helpful to think of Barcelona schools in three broad categories. Within each category there is significant variation, which is why comparing programs carefully is important.
Public Schools
Public schools are fully state funded and free to attend. They follow the Catalan curriculum and teach primarily in Catalan, with Spanish also integrated in the curriculum.
Public schools can be an excellent choice for families planning to stay long term or wanting their children to integrate into the local language and culture.
Admissions follow official enrollment periods and priority criteria, with neighborhood proximity playing an important role.
Concertada Schools
Concertada schools are privately run but receive public funding and follow the same curriculum structure as public schools.
Many concertada schools provide additional language support, bilingual or multilingual programs or extra enrichment.
Admissions follow regulated procedures and proximity can also be relevant.
Private, International and Multilingual Schools
This category is the most diverse and can also be the most confusing for families new to the city. The term international may refer to different things.
In Barcelona, a school described as international or multilingual may:
Follow a foreign curriculum such as British, American, French or German
Offer the International Baccalaureate (IB)
Follow the Catalan or Spanish curriculum with strong English or multilingual instruction
Offer bilingual or trilingual tracks
Follow alternative or Montessori approaches
Emphasize global competencies or project based learning
Because a school can be international in language yet local in curriculum, or vice versa, families should always look at two key questions:
What curriculum does the school follow and what qualification do students complete?
What languages are used to teach each subject?
These two factors shape academic continuity, university options and how easily a child adapts to their new school.
My Barcelona School’s Schools Directory is especially helpful for comparing these details because it allows filtering by curriculum, language and qualifications.
Key Considerations When Choosing an International or Multilingual School
These considerations come up frequently in our work with relocating families.
Integration or Future Mobility
Think about your expected trajectory.
Families planning to stay in Catalonia often benefit from strong local language programs
Families expecting future moves may want to prioritize British, American or the IB (international baccalaureate) program for continuity
There is no universally correct choice. Each family's and child's needs are different.
Admissions Timelines and Demand
Admission processes and availability vary widely depending on school type.
International and private schools may have specific application periods, entry assessments or limited places.
Public and concertada schools require careful attention to enrollment windows and proximity criteria. Families may need to complete the 'empadronamiento' (town hall registration) process to make an application to a public school or concertada.
Location and Daily Life
Do you have a specific location in mind? Many international and private schools are located outside the city center, though there are also options within Barcelona.
Commute time affects family routines more than most new arrivals expect. Coordinating school choice with neighborhood is practical and reduces stress.
NOVA Barcelona supports families in making these decisions together by considering your priorities in regards to schools and the lifestyle you are looking for.
Community and School Culture
What kind of community are you looking for? Some schools have highly international communities while others have mostly local families with strong language programs.
The social environment can affect how quickly children settle, especially when relocating mid-year.
Curriculum and Language Model
A school may teach many subjects in English while still following the Catalan curriculum. This can suit some families perfectly and be less suitable for others depending on long term plans.
Understanding the distinction helps families avoid surprises later.
Why Barcelona is a strong choice for multilingual and international education
Barcelona is unusual in how naturally it supports multilingual learning. Children grow up hearing Catalan and Spanish daily, and most schools also prioritize high quality foreign language instruction.
The city also offers a richer range of international and bilingual programs than many European cities of a similar size.
For families who value language learning and global mobility, this landscape is very attractive.
How NOVA Barcelona and My Barcelona School Support Families
Working together, we support families through both education and relocation decisions.
1 | Clarifying Priorities
During our discussions, we will talk about:
Language goals
Future mobility
Academic expectations
Budget
Neighborhood and lifestyle needs
2 | School Shortlisting
My Barcelona School can help you in a variety of ways including preparing personalized shortlists based on your specific needs considering curriculum, language and pedagogical priorities. Whether you're looking for local or international options, you can find out more about the specific packages offered and availability here.
3 | Admissions Support
My Barcelona School can provide guidance on application deadlines, documentation and school-specific application procedures.
4 | Coordinating School Choice With Home Search
NOVA Barcelona works closely with My Barcelona School to ensure that commute time and neighborhood dynamics are part of the plan.
5 | Integration Support
NOVA Barcelona also helps families settle in with language resources, community connections and practical support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children need to speak Spanish or Catalan to enroll?
No, children do not need to know Spanish or Catalan when enrolling in a public school or concertada. The schools typically offer something called ‘aula d’acollida,’ which is extra support to learn the language. It's important to check with individual schools to understand what type of language support your child will get.
International schools may also provide Spanish and Catalan support depending on their language model, although fluency in these languages may not be required. However, international schools may have specific expectations about fluency in the main language of instruction.
Can I enroll my child mid-year?
Private schools typically offer a rolling program and allow mid year entry if places are available. There's a specific application period for public schools and concertadas, but it's also possible to get a school place mid-year. My Barcelona School offers this helpful guide about mid-year enrollment.
How long does it take to find the right school?
Some families decide quickly once they understand curriculum and language differences. Others need time to visit and compare programs. Beginning early reduces pressure and increases choice. We recommend starting at least 6 months before your move date.
Where can I go to find the right school for my child?
My Barcelona School maintains a comprehensive Schools Directory with information on curriculum, languages, methodology and other key features of each program. It’s an excellent place to begin.
Do international schools in Barcelona accept students at all ages?
Many do, although availability varies by year group and demand can be higher at key entry years. There may be a language fluency requirement, particularly in later years. Early contact improves options.
What if my child has special educational needs?
Barcelona offers support within public and concertada schools and specific specialist services in some private and international schools. My Barcelona School can help identify suitable programs and support.
What if my child is younger? What are the childcare options for children under 3 years old?
Barcelona has many different nurseries and early childhood centers for younger children, offering a host of different methodologies, language options and timetables. We can help you research what is best for your child and family. Check out this blog post to understand more about preschools in Barcelona.
How important is the neighborhood for admissions?
For public and concertada schools, it can be very important for enrollment due to priority points and proximity rules. However, every case is different.
For private and international schools it matters mainly for daily practicality.
A Complementary Resource
For general guidance on evaluating schools, you may also want to check out this related article:
Final Thoughts
Barcelona offers excellent and diverse schooling opportunities. That variety can feel overwhelming at first, but with clarity about curricula, languages, admissions and daily logistics, families can make informed choices with confidence.
NOVA Barcelona and My Barcelona School are here to assist you with personalized recommendations, admissions guidance and full relocation support. Get in touch to find out more.
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