International Rural School vs International School Maresme

	I International Rural School Barcelona, Spain	I International School Maresme Barcelona, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €7,980 - 8,580	Fees / year €7,178 - 11,576
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils 51	Pupils 140
Typical class size	Typical class size 12	Typical class size 14
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2019
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The school is located in Llinars del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain, at Disseminat 133 Can Ribó, 08450. It is in a rural, forested setting near the village center, accessible by local roads.	Location Carrer Carles Flotats 14, 08360 Canet de Mar, Barcelona. The school is located in Canet de Mar. The campus sits amid Canet de Mar's natural landscape.
Stages	Stages Early Years Foundation Stage, Primary, Secondary, and post-16 (A-Levels).	Stages MiNi ISM (Foundation Stage); Early Years; Primary (Key Stage 1 and 2); Secondary (Key Stage 3 and 4) with IGCSE; Spanish Curriculum Validation.
School type	School type Private British co-educational day school; BSO-accredited (British School Overseas).	School type British international school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 140+ students representing more than 25 nationalities. About 50% international students. Most common nationalities: American, Russian, British, Chinese and Spanish.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Learning Support is led by qualified SEND practitioners who tailor the curriculum and learning journeys to meet each student's needs. Language support helps students acquire English, with targeted small-group instruction during the initial year. Special needs education is provided in partnership with families and external professionals to maximise inclusion.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Spain (Catalonia).	Country affiliation British; follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure School day runs from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details School bus service is available.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and enrolment fees - Enrolment (registration) fee: EUR 780 per year. - Extracurricular enrolment fee: EUR 50 per year (applies to after‑school/extracurricular activities). Tuition fees by year group (as published) - Early Years Foundation Stage; Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 (Nursery, Reception, Primary): EUR 5,800 per academic year. This is shown as a monthly charge of EUR 580, billed September through June. The published fee package explicitly includes tuition, school material, books, instrument lessons, swimming lessons and school insurance. - Key Stage 3 (lower secondary): EUR 6,400 per academic year. This is shown as a monthly charge of EUR 640, billed September through June. The published fee package explicitly includes tuition, school material, books, instrument lessons, swimming lessons and school insurance. - Key Stage 4 (GCSE/IGCSE years) and post‑16 (A‑levels/IB/baccalaureate) fees are not listed in the published fee schedule provided. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is shown as a monthly charge billed from September to June (10 monthly payments). The published schedule presents both an annual fee and the corresponding monthly charge for those months. - The annual enrolment/registration fee is charged once per year. - Sibling discount: 10% discount on fees when children from the same family are simultaneously enrolled. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are listed; the school's published information presents standard day‑school hours (Monday–Friday 08:30 to 16:30). Boarding is not indicated as an available option. Other costs and recurring extras - Lunch service: Regular use EUR 135 (as listed); occasional use EUR 10 per day. The published schedule lists these charges for the lunch service. - Extracurricular lessons (Monday to Friday, 17:00–18:00): 1 day per week EUR 50; 2 days per week EUR 80. An extracurricular enrolment fee of EUR 50 per year is shown. - Summer camp (published dates shown for the camp period): EUR 480 for the full period indicated (lunch included) or EUR 160 per week. - Items not specifically priced in the published schedule include uniforms, transport/bus, examination/assessment fees, textbooks replacement beyond those listed as included, specialist trips, and some optional extracurriculars. These items were not given specific charges in the published fee sheet. Refund information - The published fee document does not specify a refund policy or detailed terms for refunds or cancellations. No refund schedule or conditions are listed in the fee sheet. Fee payment options - The published fee document does not specify accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, direct debit, credit card) or invoicing details. No payment method details are listed in the fee sheet. Notes about the published fee information (summary of limitations) - The available published fee schedule found is presented for Year 2019–2020 and supplies core figures for Early Years/Primary and Key Stage 3 only. Several categories that parents commonly require (detailed fees for Key Stage 4 and post‑16, explicit payment method instructions, a formal refund policy, uniform costs, and any boarding fees) are not included in that published fee sheet. The figures and line items above reflect what is shown in the school's published fee document.	Fee details Application / enrolment fees - Enrolment (one-off at first registration): EUR 650 per student. - Enrolment renewal (annual family fee): EUR 450 per family (charged in March). Tuition fees by year group (annual, per-term and per-month breakdowns) - Early Years (Pre‑Nursery / Nursery): Annual EUR 7,717.50. Monthly (10 payments, September–June): EUR 771.75. Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 2,572.50. - Key Stage 1 (Primary): Annual EUR 8,268.75. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 826.88. Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 2,756.25. - Key Stage 2 (Primary): Annual EUR 9,371.25. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 937.13. Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 3,123.75. - Key Stage 3 (Lower Secondary): Annual EUR 11,576.25. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 1,157.63. Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 3,858.75. - Key Stage 4 (IGCSE / Upper Secondary): Annual EUR 11,576.25. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 1,157.63. Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 3,858.75. (Note: the school divides the annual tuition into 10 monthly instalments (September–June) for billing; the per-term figures above are calculated by dividing the published annual fee by three to provide a standard per‑term view. This per‑term figure is an arithmetic conversion, not a separately published instalment in the welcome pack.) Billing schedule and payment terms - The published annual tuition is structured for payment as 10 monthly instalments covering September through June (no charge for July and August). Early‑payment discounts are available: a 5% discount when the full annual fee is paid before the end of the previous academic year, or a 3% discount if paid during the summer holidays before the new academic year begins. A 20% sibling discount applies from the third child onwards when siblings are enrolled simultaneously. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school (published school hours: 08:30–16:00). Additional / optional charges and regular ancillary fees - Lunch / catering: - School lunch (catered service): EUR 155 per month (charged over 10 months). - Packed-home lunch option: EUR 25 per month (10 months). - Occasional one‑day menu: EUR 12 per day. - Additional SEN (1:1) support: EUR 350 per month for temporary or permanent individual support (charged monthly). - After‑school care (occasional use, example 4:15–5:15pm): EUR 10 per hour. - Uniform, books and materials: the school lists uniform and books/materials as chargeable items; specific prices vary by item and new‑student packs are referenced in the welcome pack. (Uniform and materials are billed separately to tuition.) - Discounts: 20% discount for the third child onwards (when siblings are simultaneously enrolled). Early‑payment discounts of 5% (paid before the end of the previous academic year) or 3% (paid during the summer before the new year) apply to the annual fee. Refunds and cancellations - The school's welcome pack sets out terms for enrolment, renewals, and other financial conditions. Specific refund and cancellation rules (including any non‑refundability of enrolment or renewal fees and conditions for partial refunds of tuition) are governed by the school's published terms and conditions in the welcome pack. The welcome pack should be consulted for the definitive refund and withdrawal timetable and any associated penalties. Fee payment options - The welcome pack and admissions documentation describe the school's invoicing and instalment structure (10 monthly instalments) and the discount incentives for full annual prepayment. Specific accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, direct debit, credit/debit card) and any bank details or surcharges are provided in the school's enrolment paperwork and invoice instructions. For billing, the school issues invoices consistent with the 10‑month schedule and with the published early‑payment discount rules. Short note on completeness - The figures above are taken from the school's ISM Welcome Pack for the current academic materials; the welcome pack lists the annual tuition by Key Stage, the enrolment/renewal fees, discounts, and the ancillary charges quoted here. The welcome pack provides full terms and numerical detail; where a per‑term figure was required it has been calculated from the published annual fee (annual ÷ 3) and the published 10‑month monthly instalment (annual ÷ 10) was used for monthly values. The welcome pack contains the school's formal refund and payment‑method details and should be consulted directly for the exact contractual wording and for any itemised charges not reproduced in full above.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a polo uniform; polo shirts are available in the school shop.	Uniform requirement Formal uniform requires a long-sleeved polo shirt; lower garments are optional unless chosen, in which case black or dark blue bottoms must be worn. PE/Forest days use ISM t-shirts (long- or short-sleeve) with black or dark blue bottoms; Forest School days allow non-uniform active wear. Beginning February 2025, all students from Early Years to Year 6 must bring an apron for art and other activities, and Nursery to Year 2 will wear the apron at lunchtime.
Food options	Food options Homemade meals for students are provided; lunch is available for a regular fee (Lunch Regular Use 135€; occasional use 10€ per day).	Food options Dining room serves nutritious, fresh, home-cooked meals. Lunch menus are nutritionally balanced and seasonally varied, with water available throughout the day; the school actively promotes healthy eating.
House system	House system —	House system Each pupil belongs to a House. The House system fosters pride, responsibility, and respect; House Points recognize pupil achievements.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is authorized by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Centre 08075979) and is accredited as a British School Overseas with triple accreditation: British, Cambridge and Spanish.	Governance and ownership ISM is a British International School delivering the English National Curriculum. It is recognised by the Generalitat de Catalunya, undergoes regular inspections by competent authorities, is certified by Pearson Edexcel as an Associate Centre enabling iGCSE and A-level examinations, and is a member of EPIC.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school offers a balanced and broadly based curriculum. It promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils and prepares them for opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. It follows the national curriculum, providing pupils with an introduction to the essential knowledge they need to be educated citizens and helping engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement. There is time and space in the school day and each week, term and year to range beyond the national curriculum specifications, with the curriculum providing an outline of core knowledge around which teachers can develop exciting and stimulating lessons to promote development of pupils' knowledge, understanding and skills as part of the wider school curriculum. Core subjects are English, Mathematics and Science. Foundation subjects include Art and design, Citizenship, Computing, Design and technology, Languages, Geography, History, Music, and Physical education.	Curriculum details ISM's curriculum is organized in five stages: MiNi ISM (Foundation Stage), Early Years, Primary (Key Stage 1–2), and Secondary (Key Stage 3–4). MiNi ISM follows a play-based approach in line with the EYFS framework, with English immersion and weekly storytelling sessions in Catalan and Spanish. The Early Years follow the Early Years Framework, focusing on the seven areas of Learning and Development and promoting social, language and personal development through play. Primary uses the National Curriculum for England; all students study Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Geography, Information Technology, Physical Education, Music, Art, Forest School and Personal, Health and Social Education, with Spanish from Year 1 and Spanish, Catalan and French from Year 2. Secondary offers Key Stage 3 and 4; core subjects include English, Mathematics, Sciences, Geography, History, Art, Music, Computer Studies, Spanish, Catalan, French and Physical Education, with Year 10–11 following the International General Certificate in Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the option to pursue A-levels after IGCSE. There is a Spanish Curriculum Validation path allowing students who complete Years 8–11 and achieve four passes at IGCSE to apply for the Spanish ESO certificate.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes. There is a teacher and a teacher assistant per class, with reinforcement teachers available.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
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 —	Social & emotional learning The school prioritizes social and emotional wellbeing as a core part of learning. It fosters a close-knit community where students feel seen, heard, and supported. A Star of the Week award and School Captain roles promote effort, kindness, and respect, reinforcing positive behaviours. Anti-bullying policies are robust, with regular workshops and clear reporting channels, and the Forest School programme supports wellbeing through outdoor learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) ISM's Learning Support department is led by qualified SEND practitioners who shadow the progress of all students from entry. We tailor and design the curriculum and learning journeys so every student can reach their potential. The team collaborates with families, teachers and external professionals to ensure all angles affecting development are addressed. Parents and significant family members participate in interventions to ensure optimum support, inclusion, and development.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language The medium of instruction is English in all year groups. Language support is provided by the Learning Support department and specialist practitioners. Upon arrival, teachers assess each student's language proficiency to determine placement. Students who do not have a strong grasp of English receive targeted attention in small groups during their first year to help catch up and access the curriculum.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Student emotional wellbeing is fundamental to academic achievement. UNICEF recognition as a Rights-Respecting Centre reinforces commitment to children's wellbeing. Inclusion & wellbeing covers language support and anti-bullying measures that nurture self-esteem, emotional resilience, positive social relationships and independence. The Forest School programme and other wellbeing initiatives support holistic development.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding ISM is committed to child protection and safeguarding; a Designated Safeguarding Lead oversees safeguarding practices. Anti-bullying policies and reporting channels are in place to protect students. UNICEF recognition as a reference centre for children's rights reinforces the school's safeguarding ethos. The school maintains robust safeguarding policies as part of everyday school life.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Facilities include a vegetable garden for hands-on learning, and homemade meals are provided for students. Transportation is available via a school bus, and monthly trips to museums and cultural sites are organized. Work experiences are offered for secondary students. The school maintains small class sizes with a teacher and teaching assistant per class, plus reinforcement teachers to support individual learning.	Facilities overview International School Maresme has spaces for learning and outdoor education. The campus includes a library, sensory room, science lab, art room, dining room, and outdoors learning spaces. Sport facilities include a forest area with a treehouse, an outdoor gym, a volleyball field, a football field, and a swimming pool. There are dedicated playgrounds for Early Years, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, and Secondary. Additional on-site spaces include a chicken's farm, a Meeting room, and a Teachers' room.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Sport facilities include a volleyball field, football field, forest area, treehouse, outdoor gym, and swimming pool.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities International Rural School is a private British school in Llinars del Vallès teaching Early Years Foundation Stage, Primary, and Secondary, with A-Levels equivalent to Bachillerato-Selectividad. The curriculum follows the English National Curriculum and emphasizes music as an interdisciplinary component, explored through instruments, history, and language. The school pursues personalized education with roughly one teacher for every 12–15 students, and learning occurs in classrooms, outdoors, and through weekly outings. The pedagogical approach draws on Decroly, Dewey, and Freinet to foster curiosity, confidence, and responsible citizenship.	Academic facilities Academic facilities include a library, sensory room, science lab, art room, and dining room, plus outdoor learning spaces.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Core subjects and extracurricular lessons during school time include piano, violin, robotics, chess, Chinese, and swimming. The program includes workshops and weekly projects. A vegetable garden and homemade meals are provided, and monthly trips to museums and cultural sites support learning beyond the classroom. School-based work experiences for secondary students supplement academic study.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Established in 2019, International School Maresme is a British international school located in Canet de Mar, Barcelona. It delivers the National Curriculum of England and Wales from Pre-Nursery through Year 11, with all classes taught in English. The campus includes an on-site woodland and a Forest School programme that supports outdoor learning. The school serves a diverse community with over 25 nationalities and around 170 students, and maintains small class sizes with an average of about 12 pupils. The school is UNICEF Rights-Respecting Centre accredited for 2022–2026.
Community	Community The learning process is promoted in different educational environments: in the classroom, in the open air, and weekly outings in the neighbourhood. The school offers monthly trips to museums and cultural trips. Olympic Week is described on the site as a themed learning event with activities such as vocabulary, art, and physical activities. The school nurtures cordial coexistence and social skills among students as part of their personal development.	Community ISM fosters a close-knit community with small classes: each year group has a single class averaging 11 pupils (never more than 18), enabling strong teacher–pupil relationships and regular, personalized feedback. The Forest School programme on the on-site woodland supports wellbeing and practical learning, complemented by a values-led, wellbeing-focused environment. The UNICEF Rights-Respecting Centre accreditation (2022–2026) underpins safeguarding and holistic development, while collaboration among teachers, parents and students forms a core aspect of school life.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The PTA plays a vital role in fostering a strong and supportive educational community. Its primary goal is to create a collaborative environment where parents, teachers, and the school administration work together to enrich the educational journey of students.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The school delivers the British National Curriculum of England and Wales across all year groups from Early Years to Secondary. Learning by doing is central, with hands-on learning, practical investigations, project‑based work and real‑world applications. Small classes enable personalised education, with an average of about 11 pupils per year group. Critical thinking, communication and emotional education underpin the approach.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school provides artistic activities, music and theatre, storytelling and cooking activities linked to topics students explore. Students engage in creative expression as part of their learning. Projects arise from the children's own interests and the classroom environment. Artistic activities are integrated with language and science topics to support engagement.	Arts & creative After-school clubs include Arts & Crafts (Year 1 to Year 6), Cooking (Reception to Year 6) and Drama (Year 1 to Year 7). Irish dance and Jiu jitsu are also offered, with Multisports as another option. Cambridge Exam Prep is included as part of the club program. Clubs run from 4:15 pm to 5:15 pm Monday through Thursday and may be led by our teachers or by external providers.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Our multicultural and multilingual environment includes more than 25 nationalities and over 140 students, with international students making up about half the community. The medium of instruction from Early Years to Secondary is English. Multiculturalism and diversity are promoted, fostering respect for different languages and backgrounds. UNICEF recognition as a reference centre for children's rights demonstrates the school's commitment to rights‑respecting practices.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school nurtures cordial coexistence and social skills among students to support personal development. Social development is fostered through daily interactions and collaborative activities. Students learn to collaborate, communicate and respect others as part of their routine. These dynamics contribute to a positive classroom community.	Social & hobbies Weekly assemblies celebrate students' achievements and help build a sense of community. The Student Council empowers student ownership and civic engagement. Each House fosters pride, responsibility and respect, contributing to a supportive school culture. After‑school clubs provide hands‑on opportunities in Arts & Crafts, Cooking, Multisports, Drama, Irish dance and Jiu-jitsu.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) fosters collaboration between families and staff. UNICEF recognition as a reference centre for children's rights underscores the commitment to children's rights. Inclusion and wellbeing are supported through language support and anti-bullying measures.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The Student Council provides leadership opportunities for students. The school is led by a Head teacher and Deputy Headteacher, supported by specialist teachers and teaching assistants.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Forest School programme is delivered on-site in the school woodland, supporting wellbeing through outdoor learning. UNICEF recognition and wellbeing initiatives, along with language support, contribute to a safe, inclusive environment. Anti-bullying measures and safeguarding practices support students' overall wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction and the school follows the English National Curriculum. Chinese is taught as a subject.	Language provision English, Spanish, Catalan and French are taught. English is the language of instruction under the National Curriculum for England and Wales. Spanish is learned from Year 1, and from Year 2 students study Spanish, Catalan and French. In Secondary, students study English, Spanish, Catalan and French as core and additional language subjects, and the school provides a Spanish Curriculum Validation pathway, including the ESO certificate.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching English is the language of instruction across the curriculum. MiNi ISM is immersed in English all day, with two weekly storytelling sessions in Catalan and Spanish. From Year 1, students learn Spanish; from Year 2, they learn Spanish, Catalan and French. The National Curriculum for England and Wales is delivered across all stages, underpinning English-language instruction throughout the program.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs MiNi ISM is English-immersion all day. Two weekly storytelling sessions are conducted in Catalan and Spanish. From Year 1, students learn Spanish; from Year 2, they study Spanish, Catalan and French. In Secondary, English remains the instruction language, with English, Spanish, Catalan and French taught as language subjects.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations British School Overseas (BSO); Triple accreditation: British, Cambridge and Spanish certification	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions 1. Personal Interview with the family. The admissions team interviews the family and the student candidate to introduce the school's philosophy and programs and to assess whether the school model fits the student's needs. If the family is abroad, virtual interviews are available. 2. Candidate Assessment. The assessment includes a personal interview with the candidate, an academic transcript or report, and references from the previous school. An entrance test is used when necessary. A trial day or period is recommended to support the transition. If the student has learning difficulties, social-emotional or other specific needs, communicate this to the admissions team at the time of initiating the application. 3. Acceptance and Enrolment. Accepted students must complete additional documentation and pay tuition and other charges before starting. If there is no place after acceptance, the admissions team will work to resolve the situation promptly. Preference will be given to families who already are at school.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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