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International Recognition

BSB, the only school in Barcelona to achieve Outstanding in Every Category

Our latest inspection as a British School Overseas (BSO) rated The British School of Barcelona as Outstanding in every category. This is the highest recognition that an international educational school can receive, and we are the only school in Barcelona to receive this accolade.

The inspection, run by Penta International, highlights the quality of education, the strong sense of community among staff, students and families, and the global educational standards of our school.

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View BSB in the official list of accredited British schools overseas
BSO Highlights 2024

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During the inspection, parents confirmed that they are exceedingly happy with all aspects of school life, but especially its quality of education and the high level of care it offers to their children.

– The British School of Barcelona, BSO Report 2024

What sets us apart
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Excellent, broad, balanced and highly personalised curriculum
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A child-centred school where everyone feels happy and safe
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An inclusive school that actively promotes global perspectives
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Access to best universities in Spain and around the world
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A clearly established vision and strategic direction
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A wholehearted BSB Community

An internationally recognised school

We hold numerous major accreditations from leading international bodies in recognition of global quality, innovation and excellence in education.

Our membership with world-renowned organisations is a kitemark of good governance, which reflect the high standards and ethos expected of a first-class British international education.

In January 2022, we achieved the Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS), which formally recognises our effective approach to emotional wellbeing and mental health within our school community.

Find out more about our commitment to wellbeing
Accreditations
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British Schools Overseas Inspection
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Wellbeing Award for Schools
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National Association of British Schools in Spain
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Barcelona International Schools Association
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Cambridge Assessment International Education
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International Baccalaureate
(IB World School)
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Pearson Edexcel Qualifications
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Council of British International Schools
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The Heads' Conference
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Penta International
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Asociación de Colegios Privados e Independientes
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The Good
Schools Guide
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Instituto Cervantes
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The Duke of Edinburgh's
International Award
BSB provides a very high standard of education which is supported by excellent relationships in a very caring and well organised school community.

– The British School of Barcelona, BSO Report 2024

British School Overseas (BSO)
Highlights 2024

The curriculum is outstanding and fully meets the standard of BSO:
  • The curriculum is a great strength of the school. It is exciting, inclusive and aspirational.

  • The curriculum is firmly rooted in the English National Curriculum, enhanced by a rich inquiry-based approach that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and independence.

  • Across the campuses, the curriculum is delivered through well-structured, engaging lessons that are thoughtfully planned to meet the needs of all learners.

  • The curriculum also ensures that students wishing to enter local universities meet the requirements necessary.

  • The academic challenge is balanced with an exceptional extracurricular and holistic curriculum programme.

Overall, teaching and assessment are outstanding:

  • The quality of teaching and assessment is exemplary and students make excellent progress in lessons and over time.


  • The provision for students with SEND and lower levels of EAL is excellent, ensuring that each student is appropriately challenged and supported.


  • Formative assessment is a key strength, with teachers using live marking, self-assessment, and peer feedback to adjust instruction and improve student outcomes.


  • A contagious enthusiasm for learning consistently pervades the school.


  • The school excels overall in delivering high-quality education through well-planned lessons that engage the students and encourage their overwhelmingly positive attitudes through support, challenge and trust.

The standards achieved by students are outstanding:
  • Students consistently make remarkable progress in their academic development, as evidenced by their performance in examinations and progress assessments.

  • The proficiency in English displayed by students throughout the school is notably high and is key to rapid progress and high attainment.

  • Student performance in KS5 has been consistently strong, with the school maintaining or improving standards over time. Both IB and A Level students achieved a 100% pass rate in 2024.

  • Each year, the vast majority of students successfully transition to higher education. The school's exceptional university guidance supports students in gaining admission to prestigious universities worldwide.

  • By the time they complete their studies, students possess the personal and social skills needed to successfully navigate the next phase of their lives.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development of students is outstanding:

  • Across the school, there is a strong emphasis on fostering students' spiritual growth.


  • Leadership is a key focus, with students taking part in a range of leadership programs that prepare them to be responsible citizens and have respect for the law.


  • PSHE lessons reinforce values like empathy, respect for others, and integrity, helping students navigate moral decision-making.


  • Community engagement is strong both within and outside the school’s walls.


  • BSB promotes in-depth understanding and celebration of Spanish and Catalan cultural history and traditions.

Welfare, health and safety procedures in the school are outstanding:
  • The school demonstrates a very strong commitment to student care and safety through comprehensive policies, systems and practices that are regularly reviewed.

  • The most recent ‘Voice of the Student’ survey showed that students feel safe and cared for. The testimony of parents was the same.

  • A positive behaviour policy reinforces the school's values. Student behaviour on all campuses is exemplary.

  • Relationships are a strength of the school. They are very much the key ingredient in BSB’s calm, happy and safe learning environment.

  • Students are actively engaged in learning about maintaining healthy lifestyles and staying safe, both online and in everyday life.

The premises and accommodation at BSB are outstanding:

  • In an effort to reduce the school's carbon footprint, 563 solar panels have been installed across the BSB campuses. This initiative is making a significant environmental impact.


  • BSB boasts exceptional specialist facilities that comprehensively support its curriculum.


  • Each campus features purpose-built outdoor learning areas that provide enriching, hands-on experiences, encouraging students to explore and engage with their natural surroundings.


  • Classrooms across all campuses are spacious, well-resourced, and designed to foster flexible and engaging learning environments.


  • Student wellbeing is a key priority at BSB, with dedicated spaces, indoors and outdoors, where students can take part in self-directed activities during break times or just relax and socialise.

The provision of information provided by the school to parents, carers and others is excellent:
  • BSB ensures effective communication with parents and carers across its three campuses.

  • The BSB community benefits from a wide range of parental engagement opportunities. These typically include parent webinars, curriculum workshops, and celebratory events. Parents report that the school communicates exceedingly well.

  • Parents feel informed, involved, and valued as active participants in their children's education and the wider school community.

The leadership and management of the school, including its corporate governance, are outstanding:

  • BSB’s leadership offers strong vision and strategic planning, with in-depth knowledge of the school’s strengths and priorities for development.


  • Cognita promotes the dissemination of best practice through a programme of ‘aspiring leaders’, seven of whom work at BSB.


  • The leadership has ensured the continuation of outstanding standards in all areas of the school’s core business.


  • Performance indicators reflect the tangible success of the leadership team in leading and continually developing a very effective school where the quality of education is of an exceptionally high standard.

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