Benjamin Franklin International School vs Hamelin-Laie International School

	B Benjamin Franklin International School Barcelona, Spain	H Hamelin-Laie International School Barcelona, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €14,050 - 22,820	Fees / year €11,186 - 15,493
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum)
Pupils	Pupils 720	Pupils 1,300
Typical class size	Typical class size 17	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Spanish	Instruction language English, Spanish
Opened	Opened 1986	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location BFIS Barcelona is located in Barcelona, Spain, at Martorell i Peña, 9, 08017 Barcelona. The school serves Nursery through Grade 12. It provides a comprehensive American curriculum complemented by the IB MYP and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). Over 63 nationalities are represented at BFIS.	Location The school is located in Montgat, a coastal town just north of Barcelona, Spain. The campus address is 178-180, Ronda 8 de Març, 08390 Montgat, Barcelona. Montgat is about 20 minutes from central Barcelona by road. The campus sits by the Mediterranean Sea with views of the surrounding mountains.
Stages	Stages Nursery through Grade 12 (PK-12)	Stages Early Years 1–5; Primary 6–11; Secondary 12–15; International Baccalaureate 16–18; Nacional Bachillerato 16–18
School type	School type non-profit International American school in Barcelona	School type Private international school with a premium boarding programme
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Over 63 nationalities represented.	Pupil nationality mix Over 45 nationalities represented.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support A learning support team helps students with mild to moderate learning differences. BML Specialists provide targeted English language instruction for bilingual/multilingual learners.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Spain	Country affiliation Spain
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure A typical day includes wellbeing activities and language immersion. Students learn mainly in English, with Spanish and Catalan also taught; up to four languages are studied weekly, including English, Spanish, Catalan, plus French, Chinese, or German.
Bus service details	Bus service details Three private bus routes serve Primary and Secondary students: Route 1 Puerto Olímpico – Gràcia – Sarrià; Route 2 Plaça Universitat – Les Corts – Sarrià; Route 3 Sant Cugat – Sarrià.	Bus service details Yes, several bus routes throughout Barcelona to and from the school.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Enrollment Fees - Application fee (all grades): EUR 250 (non-refundable). - Matriculation (re-enrollment) fee (individual billing): EUR 1,100 for first child; EUR 1,000 for each additional child (each year; non-refundable). - Matriculation fee (corporate billing): EUR 1,300 for first child; EUR 1,200 for each additional child (each year; non-refundable). - Entrance fee (one-time, new students): Individual billing: EUR 6,000 (non-refundable). For Nursery entrants this Entrance Fee may be paid over two years (50% + 50%). Corporate billing: EUR 6,700 (non-refundable). Entrance Fee payment may be split 50% with Matriculation on acceptance and remaining 50% before the start of the school year. Tuition Fees — Annual and Per-Term (by year group) Note: Annual tuition rates are published below. Per-term amounts shown are calculated by dividing the published annual tuition by three (the school calendar for 2026–2027 indicates an academic year running from September to June with the school year arranged across three main parts); per-term figures are rounded to the nearest euro. - Individual billing — Annual / Per term: - Early Childhood (Nursery and Pre-K): Annual EUR 12,950 → Per term EUR 4,317. - Elementary School (Kinder–Grade 5): Annual EUR 17,000 → Per term EUR 5,667. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): Annual EUR 18,240 → Per term EUR 6,080. - High School (Grades 9–12): Annual EUR 21,720 → Per term EUR 7,240. - Corporate billing — Annual / Per term: - Early Childhood (Nursery and Pre-K): Annual EUR 16,400 → Per term EUR 5,467. - Elementary School (Kinder–Grade 5): Annual EUR 20,000 → Per term EUR 6,667. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): Annual EUR 21,350 → Per term EUR 7,117. - High School (Grades 9–12): Annual EUR 25,430 → Per term EUR 8,477. Optional Services and Other Fees - Lunch (optional): Full-year payment EUR 1,780; monthly payment EUR 188; single lunch ticket EUR 12. (These lunch amounts are listed on the fees information as the previous-year figures and the school indicates 2026–27 prices are to be confirmed.) - School bus (optional): Sample route pricing listed (2025–26 amounts shown; 2026–27 prices TBC): - Routes 1 & 2 Barcelona (round trip): EUR 2,200; one way EUR 1,350. - Route 3 Sant Cugat (round trip): EUR 2,650; one way EUR 1,600. - One-way ticket Barcelona: EUR 8.80; Sant Cugat: EUR 15.50. - IBDP diploma/course/subject fees: Billed directly to families of students enrolled in the IB Diploma Programme. Additional charges for field trips, optional parties, extra-curricular activities, tutoring, and special programs are billed as appropriate. - Tuition insurance (optional): An AXA-offered tuition insurance program is available for an annual premium; premium depends on number and ages of students covered. - Uniform: No school uniform is required. Billing Schedule & Payment Terms - Pre-payment required: Matriculation fees (annual) and Entrance Fees (one-time) must be prepaid for enrollment and re-enrollment; these fees are non-refundable. - Payment frequency: Tuition, lunch, and bus fees may be paid either annually (single payment) or monthly. Monthly payments are due on the 5th of each month. - Late payment handling: The school issues a written notice 30 calendar days after a missed due date; interest/service charges are applied beginning 60 days after the due date and every 30 days thereafter (service charge determined by Banco de España). The school may suspend the student for unpaid fees and may refer uncollected debt to legal counsel. Final confirmation of a space for the following year is subject to settlement of all outstanding financial obligations. Refunds, Penalties & Discounts - Non-refundable fees: Application fee, Matriculation fee, and Entrance fee are non-refundable. - Early departure penalty: Any change of enrollment/length of stay must be communicated in writing before June 1 for the next school year. Changes communicated after May 31 incur an Early Departure Penalty equal to three months' tuition. Matriculation and Entrance Fees remain non-refundable regardless of departure notification. - Discounts: - Early annual tuition payment: 1.5% discount on tuition when paid in full annually. - Sibling discounts on tuition: third child receives 10% reduction; fourth child and thereafter receive 20% reduction. - Entrance fee discounts: 50% for the fourth child and thereafter; 50% for children of BFIS graduates. Application fee discount: BFIS graduate's children receive 100% waiving of the application fee. Boarding - Boarding: BFIS does not operate boarding facilities; students must reside full-time with at least one parent or legal guardian while enrolled. Accepted Payment Methods & Practical Notes - Payment methods for Entrance Fee and first-time Matriculation Fee: online by credit or debit card, or by wire transfer. All other fees (including re-enrollment Matriculation Fee) require direct debit (SEPA). A SEPA direct-debit form is used for recurring payments. - Currency: All published fees are quoted in euros (EUR). (End of fee overview.)	Fee details Application / Registration fees - A registration fee (called Registration or Re‑enrolment fee) applies for each student. Amounts by year group: Pre‑Nursery & Maternal: EUR 696; Early Years (Nursery / Reception / Year 1): EUR 696; Primary (Year 2–7): EUR 840; Secondary (Year 8–11): EUR 960; National Bachillerato Year 12 & Year 13: EUR 1,064; IBDP Year 12 & Year 13: EUR 1,291. Registration/renewal for boarding: EUR 2,290. Tuition fees by year group (annual totals and instalments) - Pre‑Nursery 1 & 2 / Maternal 1 & 2 - Monthly instalment option: 11 monthly payments (September–July) of EUR 779 for tuition & afternoon snack (no lunch). - Optional lunch: EUR 199 per month (11 months). - Annual tuition with lunch (total): EUR 11,454. - Early Years (Nursery / Reception / Year 1 / Infantil I3–I5) - Monthly instalment option: 10 monthly payments (September–June) of EUR 850 for tuition & afternoon snack (no lunch). - Optional lunch: EUR 199 per month (10 months). - Annual tuition with lunch (total): EUR 11,186. - Primary (Year 2 to Year 7 / 1º–6º EP) - Monthly instalment option: 10 monthly payments (September–June) of EUR 1,009 tuition. - Lunch & afternoon snack: EUR 199 per month (10 months). - Annual tuition with lunch (total): EUR 12,920. - Secondary (Year 8 to Year 11 / 1º–4º ESO) - Monthly instalment option: 10 monthly payments (September–June) of EUR 1,142 tuition. - Lunch: EUR 199 per month (10 months). - Annual tuition with lunch (total): EUR 14,370. - National Baccalaureate / Bachillerato Nacional - Year 12 (1º): Registration fee EUR 1,064; 10 monthly payments (September–June) of EUR 1,170; annual tuition EUR 12,764. - Year 13 (2º): Registration fee EUR 1,064; 9 monthly payments (September–May) of EUR 1,300; annual tuition EUR 12,764. - International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) - Year 12 (1º IBDP): Registration fee EUR 1,291; 10 monthly payments (September–June) of EUR 1,217 tuition plus EUR 203 per month IBDP complement (10 months); annual tuition EUR 15,491. - Year 13 (2º IBDP): Registration fee EUR 1,291; 9 monthly payments (September–May) of EUR 1,352 tuition plus EUR 226 per month IBDP complement (9 months); annual tuition EUR 15,493. (Exam entry fees are not included in these figures.) Boarding fees (ages 14–18) - Annual boarding charge (September–June, school fees included): EUR 46,982. - Registration / annual registration renewal fee for boarding: EUR 2,290. - Annual total for boarding (including registration/renewal): EUR 49,272. - Boarding security deposit: EUR 3,000 (refundable when a student leaves the boarding programme). Billing schedule and payment terms - Two payment options for tuition: - Annual: single full payment for the year. A 3% discount applies if the full yearly tuition is paid in one single payment before 31 July of the relevant year. - Monthly: instalments due at the beginning of each month (school uses 9, 10 or 11 monthly schedules depending on year group and programme; amounts shown above reflect those options). - Short‑term enrolments (one or two trimesters) require full payment in advance. - Students studying abroad temporarily: registration renewal fee plus a reservation hold of EUR 150 per month while abroad. - Families newly resident in Spain: first year requires payment of the full academic year in advance. Students joining during a calendar month pay the full monthly tuition for that month. Other costs and additional charges - Education & Day Trips Fee: an annual charge (covers educational materials, resources, licences and school day trips); this charge is billed in October. - Exam fees: IBDP examination entry fees are not included in the published IBDP tuition figures and are charged separately when applicable. - Language acquisition classes and Learning Support: supplementary charges may apply where the school requires additional classes for a student. - Before and after school care (monthly): examples — 30 minutes: EUR 44; 1 hr: EUR 79; 1.5 hrs: EUR 91; 2 hrs: EUR 103; 2.5 hrs: EUR 110; drop‑in fee EUR 12 per hour. Before/after school care is charged monthly and covers care from 08:00 to 18:30 where used. - Additional lunch service (individual days): EUR 16 per midday lunch. - School bus service: multiple routes operate with monthly one‑way and return fares; example route prices include EUR 150 one‑way / EUR 205 return for central Barcelona routes (other routes and prices vary by route). Single ride fare example: EUR 15. Sibling discounts - Sibling discounts apply to the monthly tuition fee only: 3 siblings enrolled = 10% discount; 4 siblings = 15%; 5 or more = 20%. Refund information - Boarding security deposit of EUR 3,000 is refundable when the student is no longer enrolled in the boarding programme. Other refundable conditions or refund rules for registration or tuition are not detailed in the published fee schedule; additional charges such as exam fees, uniform, off‑campus activities, or athletic equipment are charged separately and may not be refundable. Fee payment options (scheduling and discounts) - The published fees are organised around two payment schedules: a single annual payment (with a 3% early‑payment discount if paid before 31 July) or monthly instalments (due at the beginning of each month). Specific accepted payment instruments (for example, bank transfer, credit card, direct debit) are not specified in the published tuition document. For planning, fees should be treated as payable either as a single annual sum or as the stated monthly instalments.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements No boarding facilities are available.	Boarding arrangements Boarding is available for 14–18-year-olds and includes 24/7 care with house parents and staff, on-site meals prepared by an in-house chef, single bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, weekly cleaning and laundry, and weekend trips; the boarding house is located near the beach in Montgat.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement No uniform is required.	Uniform requirement The school has a uniform; all students wear a uniform daily, except Baccalaureate students. Uniforms are purchased at the school shop.
Food options	Food options The school has a cafeteria, and dietary restrictions are monitored by the nurse and kitchen team.	Food options The school cafeteria prepares healthy, freshly cooked lunches on-site with daily vegetarian options. The menu accommodates dairy-free, gluten-free, allergies, and vegetarian/vegan needs, and nutritional information is available.
House system	House system —	House system The school has a House system. Every primary student belongs to one of four Houses – Earth, Wind, Fire, or Water – and participates in inter-house competitions.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is governed by The Benjamin Franklin Foundation, a not-for-profit educational foundation.	Governance and ownership The school is part of Nord Anglia Education; it joined the Nord Anglia family in 2022.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details BFIS provides a comprehensive American curriculum from Nursery to Grade 12, complemented by the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10 and the Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Grades 11–12. The IBDP is a two-year program for Grades 11–12 that emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and intercultural understanding. Students in the IBDP select six courses from Groups 1–6, with at least three at Higher Level, and complete the DP Core (Creativity, Activity and Service; Theory of Knowledge; Extended Essay). BFIS offers college counseling to support local and international university applications. In 2025, IBDP results show 58 total graduates, 57 diploma candidates, a 98% pass rate, and an average score of 35 (highest 45). BFIS is IB-accredited and located in Barcelona (Martorell i Peña, 9, 08017 Barcelona).	Curriculum details IPC-based Primary Curriculum. Learning is mainly in English with integrated Spanish and Catalan, and students may study French, German, or Chinese. Core subjects include English Language and Literature, Geography, History, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Physical Education and Health, and The Arts. The IPC fosters curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking through cross-curricular, theme-based units and project-based teamwork. Secondary education offers two pathways: International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or Nacional Bachillerato.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Class size is 20–22 students.	Student teacher ratio Average class size: Early Years 20; Primary 22; Secondary 24; IBDP and Nacional Bachillerato 15.
Exam results	Exam results 2025 IBDP results: 58 total graduates; 57 diploma candidates; 98% pass rate; 81% world pass rate; average DP score 35; highest score 45.	Exam results IB Diploma Programme: average score 30 points, with one student reaching 43 points; IBDP pass rate increased by 16% year over year. Nacional Bachillerato: 100% pass rate in 2025; average score 11.024 out of 14; highest score 12.842 out of 14.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression University acceptances for 2025 include institutions across the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, and beyond, with examples such as American University, Boston University, Columbia University, Georgetown University, Loyola Marymount University, Northeastern University, Tufts University, University of Pennsylvania, University of San Diego, Villanova University, Virginia Tech, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, University of Sussex, Imperial College London, University College London, IE University, ESADE, Universidad de Barcelona, Leiden University, Maastricht University, and many others.	Higher education progression IBDP graduates go on to universities including University College London (UCL), University of Edinburgh, Durham University, King's College London, University of Warwick, University of Amsterdam, ESADE, IE University, and La Salle. Nacional Bachillerato graduates also pursue higher education at universities in Spain and internationally.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning BFIS has Social Emotional Counselors who support students in developing self-awareness, child protection, self-advocacy, self-regulation, communication and conflict resolution. They work with students individually and in small groups and teach age-appropriate SEL and comprehensive sexuality health and wellbeing content. Students are connected with an Advisor or Teacher they meet with daily to support their overall wellbeing. The school runs initiatives such as Child Protection Training, a Peer Mediation Program, a Transitions Program, and Healthy Choices Awareness for Grades 6-12. The Camino mental health walking route and events like Kindness Week, R U OK? Day, Pink Shirt Day, and Mental Health Awareness Month support mental wellbeing.	Social & emotional learning The school focuses on personal, social and emotional growth from the early years. Students become increasingly aware of others, take responsibility for their actions, and share their feelings. They learn to cooperate and build empathy. The bespoke programme is built on six core pillars to support holistic development.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) BFIS is an inclusive school that values diversity and positive responses to every student's learning needs. Learning support helps students with mild to moderate learning differences thrive by providing strategies and extra help. Specialists join classes to assist individual students and small groups and work with teachers to set learning goals. If more specialized assistance is needed, BFIS connects families with outside experts.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The language of instruction is English. Other language courses are offered, including Spanish, Catalan, and French. BFIS provides targeted English language instruction for students learning English, with BML Specialists co-planning lessons with teachers and providing materials and data-driven support to help learners reach their language goals.	English as an additional language The school teaches primarily in English, with learning opportunities available in Spanish and Catalan.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing BFIS supports mental wellbeing through a dedicated counseling program that provides SEL/CSHW education and personal support. The counseling team offers individual and group support to promote resilience and coping skills. BFIS Camino provides a walking route for mindfulness and reflection. School-wide initiatives such as Kindness Week, R U OK? Day, Pink Shirt Day, and Mental Health Awareness Month promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma.	Mental wellbeing During tutor time, students participate in mindfulness activities that boost wellbeing and help them connect with one another.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding BFIS provides safeguarding through Child Protection Training for all students and staff. All students learn how to protect themselves from harm and how to report concerns, and staff are trained in child protection protocols to ensure safe reporting and response.	Safeguarding The school focuses on personal growth and wellbeing, with daily opportunities to grow academically, socially, and emotionally within a safe, inclusive environment.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview BFIS is located in the Sarrià neighborhood of Barcelona and comprises an Elementary School building (inaugurated in 2016) and a Secondary School building (inaugurated in January 2021) that support a student-centered learning environment. In 2026 BFIS will open a new signature Center for Creativity and Innovation, a LEED-certified building that unites Creative Arts, Science, Design, Engineering and Sports. Among its spaces, the center will include a robotics studio, visual art and performance spaces (including a recording studio), an Olympic-sized gymnasium, an outdoor amphitheater, a dedicated playspace, and an additional outdoor court.	Facilities overview The school has a campus designed for the future of learning. Completed in 2015 after seven years of planning, the campus offers expansive, bright facilities across four floors with views across the Mediterranean. The school has bespoke music, art, and dance studios and state-of-the-art science, design, and technology labs. The school has a beautiful library and a dedicated chess room. Outdoor spaces include an AstroTurf pitch and a forest garden for active, outdoor learning. The seaside Greek amphitheatre provides a venue for performances and public speaking.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The new Center for Creativity and Innovation includes an Olympic-sized gymnasium, an outdoor amphitheater, a playspace, and an additional outdoor court to support athletic and outdoor activities. The Elementary School grounds feature a sports court for learning and play, complementing the campus's athletic facilities. A rooftop recreational area is part of the Secondary School building, expanding outdoor activity options for students.	Sports facilities The school has an AstroTurf field that supports a range of athletic activities. Outdoor play spaces and a forest garden supplement physical education and wellbeing. There are indoor and outdoor spaces for early years students, designed to build motor skills. The campus provides dedicated spaces for sport and active learning.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Secondary School building (inaugurated January 2021) accommodates more than 440 students in Grades 6 to 12 and features 15 spacious classrooms, two fully-equipped science laboratories, a design lab and makerspace, and a large library media center. The Elementary School building (inaugurated 2016) has 12 classrooms, with the ground floor housing Early Childhood classrooms and the lower level housing the kitchen and cafeteria; it also includes a rooftop patio and three additional patio spaces adjacent to a sports court.	Academic facilities The school has a dedicated design and technology lab built to encourage critical thinking through hands-on STEAM learning. The space is equipped with robotics, 3D printers, and interactive screens. The school has biology, chemistry, and physics labs with up-to-date equipment. Interactive technology is integrated into every classroom. The school has a library and dedicated spaces to support research.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The Center for Creativity and Innovation provides spaces that support extracurricular activities, including a robotics studio and a recording studio within visual arts and performance spaces, as well as a design lab and makerspace. A rooftop recreational area, outdoor amphitheater, playspace, and library media center contribute to opportunities for arts, design, science, engineering and sports-related activities outside the classroom.	Extra curricular facilities The school has a focus on creative and performing arts as a key part of the curriculum. The school has a vibrant music room and art and dance studios for student expression. The seaside Greek amphitheatre is used for performances and public speaking. The school has a dedicated chess room that supports concentration and strategic thinking.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History BFIS originated in 1985 when ten Barcelona families envisioned an international American school. In September 1986, BFIS opened with 23 teachers and 150 students spanning PK–12. By 1991 enrollment growth led the Foundation Board to pursue larger facilities. In 2001, long-term Elementary and Middle School modules were added. The school introduced the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in 2011. The first purpose-built Elementary building opened in 2016, and BFIS reached a maximum capacity of 700 students in 2019. The Secondary building opened in 2021, and the Middle Years Programme was introduced in 2023. A rebranding occurred in 2025, and a New Center for Creativity and Innovation is planned for 2026.	History Hamelin-Laie International School Barcelona opened its doors in 1989. It was the first private school in Barcelona to offer learning in English, Spanish, and Catalan. The school is authorised by the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) and the International Baccalaureate, and in 2022 joined the Nord Anglia Education family.
Community	Community BFIS emphasizes a caring, interconnected community that includes families, faculty, and alumni. The school hosts a range of events and programs that bring the community together, including seasonal activities and the International Food Fair, as well as maintaining an Alumni network as part of school life.	Community Hamelin-Laie International School Barcelona is a thriving international community of over 45 nationalities, with students learning in English as well as Spanish and Catalan. The community focuses on personal growth and achievement across age groups and aims to shape open-minded global citizens. As part of Nord Anglia Education, the Hamelin-Laie family connects students with a global network; the school uses a House system (Earth, Wind, Fire, Water) to bring the community together and offers opportunities to exchange with peers and participate in global events. Parents participate in school life, with events such as the annual International Food Fair and Hamelin Diada Day, and opportunities to engage through the Parent Academy; Open Mind Week also involves parents and community members.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The BFIS Parent and Teacher Association (PTA) is primarily run by parents with input from the school leadership, faculty, and students. The PTA's vision is to create an interconnected community that fosters joy, excellence, lifelong learning, service and school spirit at BFIS. The core goals are to enrich the educational experience, create a welcoming environment for all families, and support BFIS staff. Involvement opportunities include Event Volunteer, Grade Representative, Committee Member, and Board Member. New Families are supported through a Welcome Program with Making Barcelona and BFIS Home seminars, PTA Welcome Coffee, Barcelona Tours, and New Families Whatsapp Chat, along with Country Representatives Chats. The PTA maintains a sample calendar of events, including the International Food Fair and various family activities throughout the year.	Parent teacher association Parents are an active part of school life and contribute to the community through events throughout the year, including the annual International Potluck and Open Mind Week volunteering; the school also hosts the Parent Academy to provide sessions on parenting, education, and supporting children's growth.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Coding & Robotics is offered as an Elementary School after-school activity. Middle School and High School include Robotics as part of their after-school offerings. Co-curricular activities include the High School First Robotics Competition and Middle School First Lego League. In High School, Start-Up Academy and AI & Machine Learning provide advanced opportunities in technology and entrepreneurship.	Academic & intellectual The school primarily teaches in English, with Spanish and Catalan taught through dedicated classes. A fourth language is offered from primary school. The curriculum blends the Spanish National Curriculum with international elements, and in the upper years students may pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or Nacional Bachillerato. In early years, children learn in an international environment with activities in English, Spanish, and Catalan.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative BFIS offers co-curricular arts after school, including Elementary Musical Theater and Middle School/High School Theater Production. Elementary School provides Performance Art and Musical Theater, while Middle and High School stage Theater Production. Instrumental music is offered after school with options such as piano, guitar, drums, and violin.	Arts & creative The school provides a music program and a broad range of arts activities. Students learn to play instruments as part of the curriculum, and music features in after-school options such as musical theatre and dance. Primary school offers a rich variety of clubs and activities to pursue creative interests in art and music.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Model United Nations through BFISMUN is a student diplomacy program. BFISMUN holds annual conferences, including BFISMUN 2026. Committees include the Security Council, UNHRC, DISC, ECOSOC, with a middle school General Assembly committee. All committees are conducted in English.	Cultural & language Language of instruction is primarily English, with English, Spanish, and Catalan studied across the curriculum. From early years, English, Spanish, and Catalan are taught; from primary onward a fourth language is offered. The IBDP is taught in English, and Nacional Bachillerato is offered in upper secondary.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Elementary after-school activities include Cooking, Chess, and Little Makers, along with instrument lessons in Piano, Guitar, Drums, and Violin. Middle School adds Dungeons & Dragons, Fitness, Swimming, Fencing, and Cheer. High School includes Robotics, Musical Theater, Fencing, and instruments as after-school options.	Social & hobbies Primary students have access to a rich variety of clubs and activities, including chess from age five. The school hosts student-initiated clubs like HeforShe and Immediate Change, fostering leadership and social involvement. Mindfulness and wellbeing are integrated into tutor time, with weekly personal time and outdoor activities.
Community & service	Community & service Eco School initiatives are led by the Going Green Club. The Going Green Club began in 2018 and has about 40 members, mainly from Middle and High School. BFIS earned the Green Flag award from Eco-Schools for environmental work and promotes sustainability through initiatives such as reducing single-use plastics, reducing cafeteria waste, creating rooftop gardens, and promoting recycling.	Community & service Special guests and authors regularly visit to lead talks and workshops that inspire students. Open Mind Week brings parent and community speakers to share experiences and careers, enriching the school community.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Start-Up Academy and AI & Machine Learning are High School co-curricular options that develop technology and entrepreneurial skills.	Leadership & professional Secondary students lead morning assemblies in English, Spanish, and Catalan. The school fosters leadership through student-initiated clubs and projects, such as HeforShe and Immediate Change. Specialist teachers support students in developing knowledge across subjects and in leadership and career skills.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing BFIS offers team sports across Elementary, Middle School, and High School, including volleyball, basketball, and soccer/futsal. Interscholastic competition includes El Consell, Iberia League, and BISA League, with participation in local and international school leagues.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing is a daily focus, starting with a wellbeing emphasis and activities like Tai-Chi. Physical activity is an important part of the everyday programme, with opportunities for sport and outdoor play. Mindfulness activities are part of tutor time, and weekly personal time gives students space to pursue interests.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the primary language of instruction; Spanish is taught as an additional language, and Hispanic Individuals and Societies is taught in Spanish; all other classes are taught in English. Spanish Language Acquisition Program (SLAC) supports non-native Spanish speakers, with placement based on an initial assessment. Spanish is mandatory for all students, with various levels for Spanish acquisition, and Catalan is offered as a native language but not mandatory for non-Spanish students.	Language provision Languages of instruction are primarily English, with regular use of Spanish and Catalan. Early years languages taught are English, Spanish, and Catalan. Primary and secondary programs teach English, Spanish, Catalan, and additional languages such as French, Chinese, and German. IBDP and Nacional Bachillerato include English, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching English is the primary language of instruction; Spanish is taught as an additional language, and Hispanic Individuals and Societies is taught in Spanish; all other classes are taught in English.	Bilingual teaching The school teaches in English as the main language of instruction, with Spanish and Catalan used regularly. Early years students learn in English, Spanish, and Catalan. From primary onwards, a fourth language is introduced (French, Chinese, or German). In secondary, languages taught include English, Spanish, Catalan, French, Chinese, and German; in the IBDP and Nacional Bachillerato, English, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese are taught.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Students are exposed to up to four languages each week, with English as the primary language of instruction. They immerse in English while some subjects are taught in Spanish and Catalan. From primary onwards, they can begin study of French, Chinese, or German.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations CIS-member; IB; GOA Proud Member; ECIS; MSA-CESS; Ministerio de Educación; Generalitat de Catalunya	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions BFIS has a flexible, rolling admissions process for students aged 3–17 (Early Childhood–IBDP), year-round; siblings are accommodated. The four-step process is: 1. Online Application; 2) Assessments; 3) Review of Application; 4) Enrollment. Step 1: Applications are submitted through OpenApply; a non-refundable 250 Euro fee applies; documents must be original copies with English translations in PDF. Step 1 documents depend on grade; typical items include the Application Form, Health Form, Vaccination Records, Student Passport, Parents' Passports, Student Photo, School Report Cards, and Teacher Questionnaires. Step 2: Assessments vary by grade: Early Childhood includes an in-person observation (30–40 minutes) or video samples; Elementary can include in-person observation or video/work samples; Middle/High requires MAP Math and English and a writing sample; ESL considerations may apply. Assessments do not guarantee a place. Step 3: Admissions decisions are communicated within two weeks after completion of Step 1–2; outcomes include Qualified - Acceptance (space offered on a rolling basis) and Qualified - Waiting List (space offered when available; waitlist positions change). Step 4: Enrollment occurs when space is available; enrollment paperwork includes Enrollment Contracts, SEPA Direct Debit, updated Vaccination/Immunization Records, Doctor Health Form, Parent Health Form, Data Protection Consent, and guardian documentation as required; documents must be PDFs. BFIS may require a legal guardian residing in Spain and related documents (powers of attorney, BFIS Legal Guardian Form).	Admissions Step 1 Make an enquiry. Submit our online enquiry form, email, or call us. The admissions team will respond with information about next steps. You can reach us via the enquiry options on the site to begin the process. Step 2 Discover our school. We'd love to show you around our campus. You'll explore our facilities, meet our teachers, and get a feel for our inspiring learning environment. If you can't visit in person, a one-to-one virtual discovery meeting is available. English is the primary language of instruction, with opportunities to learn Spanish and Catalan. Step 3 Submit your application. Next, submit your online application form and supporting documents. If your child is in secondary school, they'll have a personal interview. You'll hear back from our team about the outcome of your application. Step 4 Accept your place. If you've been offered a spot, you'll secure it by paying the registration fee appropriate to your child's grade. You'll receive a notification with the offer details. The admissions team is available to explain how the process will work for you.
Scholarships	Scholarships No scholarships or financial aid are offered at BFIS currently.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist BFIS uses a waiting list when a grade is full. A prioritization sequence determines which qualified students on the waitlist are offered space, and a candidate's position on the waitlist changes as others are added. When a place becomes available, the Admissions Office contacts the family by email.	Waitlist —
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