International Rural School vs Kensington School Barcelona

	I International Rural School Barcelona, Spain	K Kensington School Barcelona Barcelona, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €7,980 - 8,580	Fees / year €4,647 - 18,513
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 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), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 51	Pupils 260
Typical class size	Typical class size 12	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 1966
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 The Kensington School is located in the Pedralbes district of Barcelona at Carrer dels Cavallers, 31/33, 08034. The current campus was purpose-built in 1988 and spans four floors. It is close to Exit 9 of the Ronda de Dalt and has a wide range of bus and metro links to areas across the city.
Stages	Stages Early Years Foundation Stage, Primary, Secondary, and post-16 (A-Levels).	Stages Early Years; Junior School; Senior School; Sixth Form
School type	School type Private British co-educational day school; BSO-accredited (British School Overseas).	School type The school offers the British Curriculum.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support SEND learning areas are available. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for students from different language backgrounds.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Spain (Catalonia).	Country affiliation The school follows a British curriculum.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
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 fee - A one-time, non-refundable enrolment fee is charged per child on registration: EUR 4,647.00 (Junior School & Early Years), EUR 6,171.00 (Senior School, Form 1–5), EUR 6,230.00 (Sixth Form). Tuition fees (by school stage) — amounts per year, per term and monthly option - Junior School & Early Years: - Annual tuition: EUR 13,941.00. - Per term: EUR 4,647.00. - Monthly (10 instalments): EUR 1,394.10 (payments debited over 10 months, September–June). - Senior School (Form 1 to Form 5): - Annual tuition: EUR 18,513.00. - Per term: EUR 6,171.00. - Monthly (10 instalments): EUR 1,851.30. - Sixth Form: - Annual tuition: EUR 18,690.00. - Per term: EUR 6,230.00. - Monthly (10 instalments): EUR 1,869.00. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual advance payment (discounted amount if paid in advance): payment due 31 July 2025. Discounted annual amounts (annual-advance) are EUR 13,522.77 (Junior), EUR 17,957.61 (Senior), EUR 18,129.30 (Sixth Form). A 3% discount is applied for annual advance payments made before 31 July 2025. - Termly billing and due dates (term amounts equal to one third of the full annual fee): - Term 1 due 31 August 2025 — Junior EUR 4,647.00; Senior EUR 6,171.00; Sixth Form EUR 6,230.00. - Term 2 due 10 December 2025 — same term amounts. - Term 3 due 31 March 2026 — same term amounts. - Monthly direct debit: available only from a Spanish bank account and collected over 10 instalments (around the 10th of each month, September–June). A direct debit authorisation form must be completed. Cash is not accepted for tuition or lunch payments. Bank transfer is accepted for termly or annual advance payments. Overdue accounts may incur interest charges; the school may refuse readmission for non-payment. Use SURNAME + CLASS as payment reference when transferring. Bank details: Banco de Santander IBAN ES76 0049 4736 2623 1004 8251, SWIFT BSCHESMM. Boarding - The school operates as a day school (no boarding facilities). What is included in tuition - Tuition includes: all schoolbooks and materials; external examination costs (GCSEs and similar); school accident insurance; staff-led extracurricular clubs; day trips and educational activities. Optional / additional costs - School lunch (optional): two rate bands depending on age/phase: - Early Years – Junior 3: Annual EUR 1,722.00; Per term EUR 574.00; Monthly EUR 172.20. - Junior 4 – Upper 6: Annual EUR 1,902.00; Per term EUR 634.00; Monthly EUR 190.20. - Daily school lunch (ad hoc use) is charged at a flat rate of EUR 10.00 per day. For accounting purposes, lunch payments must be settled by the same payment method as tuition; the lunch service will continue to be charged unless cancelled in writing. No refund is made for withdrawal during a term for lunch. - School uniform: a school uniform is required and is available from the school's official suppliers; the uniform cost is charged separately (price not published in the fee schedule). - Non-educational or optional excursions, special activities, transport (if provided) and other extras may be charged in addition to tuition. Specific charges for optional services are billed separately. Discounts - Sibling discounts: 10% for the 3rd child, 15% for the 4th child and 20% for the 5th child (applies to tuition). A 3% discount is given for annual advance payments made before 31 July 2025. Refunds and notice - The enrolment fee is a one-time, non-refundable charge per child and is payable on registration. - No refund will be made for withdrawal during a term. Any discount or refund for students arriving or leaving before the end of an academic term is at the discretion of the Management Committee. - A minimum of one month's written notice is required if a student is to leave the school. Payment options summary - Acceptable methods: monthly direct debit (Spanish bank account only) and bank transfer for termly or annual payments. Cash cannot be accepted for tuition or lunch payments. Specific bank details and reference instructions are provided for transfers. Overdue accounts may incur interest.
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 All pupils up to Form 5 are expected to adhere to the school's uniform policy and wear the school uniform correctly at all times.
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 Lunches are prepared on site using locally sourced ingredients from Ametller Origin; meals are provided by contracted suppliers and are not compulsory, with packed lunches allowed.
House system	House system —	House system Three Houses—Lancaster, Middlesex, and Victoria—place all students; House competitions are held throughout the year, culminating in the House Cup awarded each June.
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 —
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 Kensington School follows the National British Curriculum of England and Wales with small modifications for the international context. In the Senior School, Key Stage 3 includes Art, Drama, English, French, General Science, Geography, History, Computer Science, Music, PSHE, Physical Education and Spanish, with Spanish and French taught in small sets of around 10. Students sit external iGCSE/GCSE examinations at age 16, and Kensington is an Edexcel Centre for Learning. The Art and Design curriculum runs across Key Stage 3 and 4, with GCSE Art and Design offered in Key Stage 4. The Sixth Form offers two-year A Level courses across Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, French, Geography, History, Mathematics, Art, Physics and Spanish, with AS and A2 Levels available through Edexcel and university application guidance. The Catalan programme, launched in September 2023, is taught by four native teachers and covers Catalan language and literature as well as geography and history; from Form 1 to Form 5 Catalan is studied and convalidation is possible for students who complete the programme.
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 Class sizes are deliberately small in the Junior School. In Senior School, Spanish and French are taught in small sets of around 10 to support language progression.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results Examination results at GCSE and A Level are consistently above the UK national average and above other British schools in Spain. Kensington School is an Edexcel Centre for Learning. These results are achieved by experienced teachers working with relatively small groups of motivated students.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Sixth Form is recognised as an A Level centre of excellence with results significantly above the national average in the United Kingdom and among the leading Sixth Forms in Spain. AS and A2 Levels are offered through Edexcel (London). Students receive guidance with applications to universities worldwide.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented The Kensington Award is an extra-curricular program modeled on the UK Duke of Edinburgh Award; it is open to students from Form 4 and above and challenges them to develop resilience and independence by learning a new skill, taking up a new activity, and volunteering, with the final expedition serving as the culminating challenge.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning PSHE is a statutory part of the National Curriculum of England and Wales and is therefore taught as a separate subject at Kensington School until the age of 16. PSHE education can be described as 'learning to live life well'. It deals with real-life social and economic issues affecting children, their families and communities. During the one lesson per week (once every two weeks during GCSE years) a broad range of issues is presented and discussed. Specific topics include keeping healthy, nutrition, relationship with others, citizenship, understanding yourself, bullying, time management, illegal substances, personal safety, study skills, public speaking, money management, racism and tolerance in society. The promotion of our pupils' personal development and emotional wellbeing is a fundamental aspect of education and PSHE lessons make an important contribution in this regard.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) SEND learning areas exist on campus. The school has a Learning Support Policy in place. The SEND facilities indicate targeted support for learners with additional needs. Small class sizes enable teachers to tailor lessons to individual needs. Admissions involve discussing a child's educational needs and suitability for the school and curriculum.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language EAL is a subject in Kensington School BCN's curriculum.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing PSHE education supports personal development and emotional wellbeing. It covers a range of topics that help students understand themselves and manage their emotions. School assemblies reinforce PSHE topics and Form Tutors support ongoing wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is included among School Policies.
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 The current site was purpose built in 1988 and remains a small school with limited class sizes. It is spread over four floors, with the Junior School on the first floor and Senior School classrooms plus a library on the second. The ground floor houses a gymnasium, theatre area, dining hall, ICT suite and administration offices. An A Level Art studio, SEND learning areas and a relaxation room for Sixth Form support learning.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Physical Education classes take place on-site in the gymnasium and on the multi-purpose sports pitch. The school also uses extensive facilities at the nearby municipal sports complex of L'Hospitalet Nord. The Can Caralleu municipal swimming pool is available via a short bus journey.
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 Science laboratories for Physics, Chemistry and Biology are on the third floor. The second floor houses Senior School classrooms and a library. The on-site A Level Art studio, SEND learning areas and an ICT suite support teaching and student work.
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 Theatre area supports school performances and events. The on-site gymnasium and multi-purpose sports pitch enable a range of activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Kensington School is an international school offering the British Curriculum within a warm, family-oriented environment. Founded in 1966, it is one of the oldest British curriculum schools in Spain. Its values and ethos have remained for over 50 years, shaping the supportive community we are proud of today.
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 The school operates within a close-knit community that emphasises its family-oriented ethos. The Latest News includes events such as Middlesex House Sports Day Champions 2026, a Lower 6th Pre-University visit to the ESADE campus, and ceramics workshops, reflecting a culture of school-wide activities and engagement.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
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 Art Club, Ballet, Crafts, Digital Art, Drama, Fencing and Musical Theatre are part of Kensington School's Extra Curricular programme. The programme also offers a variety of sports clubs. Activities are held on site from Monday to Thursday, 16:00 to 17:00. The activities promote respect, cooperation and teamwork among diverse groups of students.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Spanish and English Language clubs for parents are available. These language clubs are part of Kensington's Extra Curricular programme. Activities are held on site from Monday to Thursday, 16:00 to 17:00. The language clubs take place on site during the after-school window.
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 The Extra Curricular programme promotes respect, cooperation and teamwork among diverse groups of students. The programme includes Art Club, Ballet, Crafts, Digital Art, Drama, Fencing, Musical Theatre and a variety of sports clubs. All activities are held on site from Monday to Thursday, 16:00 to 17:00. These activities encourage social interaction among peers.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service The Kensington School Student Council promotes student leadership through project-based activities with specific roles and responsibilities across year groups. The Charity Committee plans events and raises funds for causes including Syrian refugees and disasters in Peru. The Charity Committee also organizes community service activities such as coordinating efforts with Esperança to support Barcelona's homeless. The Eco Committee involves Junior and Senior students in environmental projects and aims to enhance sustainability within the school and local community.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The Kensington School Student Council promotes student leadership through project-based activities with specific roles and responsibilities across year groups. Students are encouraged to make strategic decisions, communicate and collaborate effectively, and use their voices to create societal change. Council members are mentored on leadership strategy and will document their leadership journeys. This experience can support UCAS applications and interviews.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing In our small school community, student wellbeing and support are at the heart of everything we do. The pastoral team provides personalised guidance, emotional support, and practical help, creating a safe and nurturing space where students feel valued and understood. With smaller class sizes and a caring atmosphere, we foster a sense of belonging and encourage students to develop resilience, confidence and a positive mindset both inside and outside the classroom.
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 is the language of instruction in the British Curriculum, with EAL support available for students who need English. Spanish is taught in two streams: Native Speakers and Spanish as a Second Language. French is taught as a second language by the French Department. Catalan is taught through a Catalan Programme launched in 2023, with Catalan language and literature and geography/history taught in Catalan.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching Spanish is offered in two streams: Spanish for Native Speakers and Spanish as a Second Language. French is taught as a second language by the French Department. A Catalan Programme was launched in September 2023 to support Catalan language and culture, with four native Catalan teachers delivering Catalan language and literature, and geography and history taught in Catalan. English is the language of instruction in the British Curriculum, with EAL support for students who have limited English.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Spanish is taught in two streams, enabling immersion in Spanish for learners with different backgrounds. A Catalan Programme launched in 2023 delivers Catalan language and literature, with geography and history taught in Catalan, delivered by four native Catalan teachers. French is taught as a second language by native-speaking teachers, supporting immersion in French language and culture. English remains the language of instruction, with EAL support for students who need language assistance.
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 Kensington School is academically non-selective and welcomes students, including those studying in their second or third language. The school offers the British Curriculum. The admissions process has four stages: Stage 1 Enquiry requires a completed Admission Enquiry Form, copies of the child's last school reports, and a discussion of the child's educational needs and suitability for the school and curriculum; Stage 2 School Visit provides a personalised tour, opportunities to chat with staff and students, and a meeting with the Headmaster; Stage 3 Offer requires a copy of the child's passport, copies of the parents'/guardians' passports, and payment of the Enrolment Fee; Stage 4 Confirmation occurs once all required documents and payments are received, after which you will receive a Letter of Confirmation, a Welcome Pack, and Starter Information. If a year group is full and entry requirements have been satisfied, a waiting list may be joined. A Trial Day can be arranged through the Admissions Team.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waiting list may be joined when a year group is full and the applicant has satisfied the entry requirements.
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