International / Concertado
Top Type
Catalan, Spanish & English
Language
Sarrià, Sant Gervasi, Sitges
Popular Areas
March – May
Enrolment
Schools in Barcelona for Expat Families
Barcelona has a large international school sector, though public schools teach primarily in Catalan.
- International schools with British, American and IB curricula
- Concertado schools with moderate fees
- Public schools teach in Catalan (consider this for younger children)
- Strong options in Sarrià, Sant Gervasi and Sitges
- Many schools offer bilingual Catalan/Spanish/English programs
How to Apply for a School in Barcelona
Follow the Catalan regional enrolment process, with documents ready before the window.
- Get your NIE and register on the padrón (empadronamiento)
- Gather translated documents
- Visit schools in person during March–May
- Submit the solicitud de plaza
- Use the School Finder to compare schools near you
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Barcelona public schools taught in Catalan?
Yes, public schools in Catalonia teach primarily in Catalan, with Spanish and English as subjects. International and concertado schools offer more English instruction. Use our School Finder to explore options.
What documents do I need to enrol my child in a Barcelona school?
You need your passport/ID, your child's birth certificate, your empadronamiento (padrón), your NIE, your child's vaccination record and previous school records. See our how-to-apply guide.