I’ve been looking into international schools in Barcelona for my child recently, and honestly, it’s been quite overwhelming. Every school seems to have its unique strengths, but also its own hurdles. I’ve done a deep dive into the renowned BSB, and I wanted to discuss just how hard it is to get in. I’ll also share some information I’ve gathered to help other parents who are in the same boat.
How Difficult Is It to Get into BSB?
In a nutshell: Popular year groups are extremely competitive, but there are opportunities in less sought-after years. As one of Barcelona’s top British international schools, BSB’s reputation is well-deserved. Its two campuses in Castelldefels, in particular, boast beautiful scenery, modern facilities, and impressive IB results. Naturally, this attracts a lot of applicants. From my inquiries via email and phone, I’ve learned that the entry-level years like Nursery, Reception, and Year 1, as well as Year 7 and Year 12, are almost always full with long waiting lists.
However, it’s not entirely hopeless. Some of the middle years, like Year 4, Year 5, and Year 9, occasionally have openings due to student turnover. The admissions office advised me that regardless of current availability, if you’re interested, you should submit your application as soon as possible to get on the list. They contact families for interviews and assessments based on the application submission order. Therefore, securing your spot in the queue is crucial!
Application Process and Key Points
BSB’s application process is quite standard and is mostly completed online. The general steps are as follows:
- Submit the Online Application Form: Fill in the student’s and family’s basic information and upload the required documents.
- Pay the Application Fee: This is a non-refundable fee of over a hundred euros, which covers the school’s administrative and assessment costs.
- Wait for Communication: If a place is available, the school will contact you to schedule an assessment. If not, you will be placed on the waiting list.
- Student Assessment/Interview: The format varies depending on the child’s age. Younger children might have a group activity for observation, while older students will have written tests in English and Maths, along with an interview. The main focus is to assess the child’s academic ability and English proficiency. For non-native English speakers, the language level is key!
- Receive an Offer: After a successful assessment, you’ll receive an offer. Then it’s time to pay the fees and complete the registration.
Here is a brief overview I’ve put together of BSB’s different campuses for your reference:
| Campus | Main Age Groups | Features |
|---|
| BSB City | 3-10 years | Barcelona city, convenient for day students, newer campus |
| BSB Castelldefels | 3-18 years | Main campus, most comprehensive facilities, beautiful setting, near the beach |
| BSB Sitges | 3-10 years | Located in Sitges, strong community feel, ideal for local residents |
BSB is definitely in the top tier of international education in Barcelona. Its facilities and teaching staff are excellent, and the academic standards are high. The main drawbacks are that it’s difficult to get into, and the tuition fees for the British School of Barcelona are not cheap. If your family’s budget allows and your child has a good foundation in English, applying early to get on the waiting list gives you a solid chance. Are there any parents on this forum whose children attend BSB? I’d love to hear more of your firsthand experiences!
