ISCAT International School of Catalunya vs The Olive Tree School

	I ISCAT International School of Catalunya Barcelona, Spain	T The Olive Tree School Barcelona, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €8,925 - 13,650	Fees / year €9,300 - 13,600
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 16 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils 150	Pupils 200
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2007	Opened 2010
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location La Garriga campus in La Garriga, Barcelona, Spain. The main address is Manuel Raspall, 8, 08530 La Garriga, Barcelona. The campus comprises four buildings (Blancafort, Manuel Raspall, Xavier Calls and Caselles) and can accommodate up to 300 students from Nursery to Year 13. It is about 30 minutes from Barcelona city centre and from the Costa Brava beaches; La Garriga is green and safe with a train station nearby for easy access to Barcelona.	Location Carrer les Modistes 8, Sant Pere de Ribes, 08812 Barcelona
Stages	Stages From 3 to 18 years (Nursery through Year 13).	Stages Nursery & Reception (Saplings); Primary School; Secondary School; ages 3–16
School type	School type British international day school.	School type British international school following the British Curriculum; NABSS-regulated
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Pupils come from 30 nationalities; English is the common language
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learning Support is led by qualified SEN practitioners who shadow progress, liaise between students, teachers and parents, and plan and deliver the Emotional Education programme. When ongoing specialised attention is required, ISCAT collaborates with external professionals and a visiting psychologist is available weekly; parents are involved in interventions.	Additional learning support Inclusive SEND policy; SEND specialists and classroom teachers ensure needs are understood and met; SENCo leads provision, coordinating universal and targeted support and PPPs; staff training and family involvement.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation British international school following the National Curriculum of England and Wales.	Country affiliation United Kingdom affiliation; British International School following the British Curriculum; NABSS-regulated
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Morning: 7.30–8.15 am (Early Morning); 8.30 am start with flexible arrival for Early Years until 9.00 am. Lunch: 12.45–2.00 pm for Early Years; 1.00–2.00 pm for Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 5. Afternoon: 2.00 pm start; 4.00 pm end; after‑school activities until 5.15 pm; after‑school care until 6.00 pm.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details ISCAT offers school transport with two routes: Mataró Parc Shopping Centre (Mataró) for families on the Maresme coast (about 30 minutes) and Barcelona (Plaza de Alfonso Comín, exit 6, Ronda de Dalt). Public transport options include Renfe Rodalies line R3 to La Garriga (La Garriga train station is about a two‑minute walk from campus) and Sagales bus service from Granollers to La Garriga.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Enrolment Fees - Enrolment fee (one-off): EUR 2,200. - Entrance test fee (for Secondary and A‑Level candidates only): EUR 50. - Sibling discount: third child onward receives 20% discount when siblings are enrolled simultaneously; the third child's enrolment can be free in the enrolment-fee line described. Tuition fees — annual (by age / year group) and termly (calculated) - Early Years (Nursery / Reception, ages 3–5): Annual EUR 8,436. Termly (annual ÷ 3) EUR 2,812.00 (calculated). - Key Stage 1 / Primary (Years 1–6, ages 5–11): Annual EUR 9,039. Termly (annual ÷ 3) EUR 3,013.00 (calculated). - Key Stage 3 (Secondary, Years 7–9, ages 11–14): Annual EUR 10,393. Termly (annual ÷ 3) EUR 3,464.33 (calculated). - Key Stage 4 (GCSE stage, Years 10–11, ages 14–16): Annual EUR 12,803. Termly (annual ÷ 3) EUR 4,267.67 (calculated). - Key Stage 5 (A‑Levels, Years 12–13, ages 16–18): Annual EUR 15,665. Termly (annual ÷ 3) EUR 5,221.67 (calculated). Notes on what the annual tuition includes: - Tuition, school materials, books and school insurance are included in the annual fee for the listed stages; re‑enrolment/pre‑inscription is also listed as included in the fee for the relevant stages. PE activities are specifically listed under some secondary stages. Other recurring costs and optional services - School lunch (monthly): Regular use EUR 200 per month; Occasional use EUR 14 per meal; Packed lunch option EUR 35 (monthly). - Early Morning Care (7:30–8:00): Regular use EUR 65 per month; Occasional use EUR 7 per day. - After‑School Care (16:15–18:00): Regular use EUR 75 per month; Occasional use charged at EUR 6 per 30 minutes. - School transport (monthly by route): typical full monthly charges shown are EUR 180–205 depending on route; occasional single‑journey price EUR 15. Transport must be paid termly, in advance, for full‑service users. Examination and exam‑related charges - GCSE (Year 11) exam fee: EUR 150 per subject. - AS Level (Year 12) exam fee: EUR 195 per subject. - A Level (Year 13) exam fee: EUR 315 per subject. - Additional exam charges: Special access arrangements EUR 35 per subject; re‑mark / re‑sit fees follow the same subject rates above and late entries incur double fees as noted. Boarding fees (if applicable) - No boarding fees appear in the current school fees document for the fees schedule provided. A historical boarding schedule (Academic Year 2019–20) exists showing examples of boarding charges (for reference only): Registration EUR 1,000; Full boarding (7‑day) EUR 39,500; Weekly boarding (Mon–Fri) EUR 30,000; one‑term option EUR 16,000; refundable deposit EUR 3,000. The current fees document does not list boarding charges. Refund information - The current fees document does not specify any general refund policy for tuition or enrolment. The historical boarding schedule (2019–20) explicitly listed a refundable boarding deposit (EUR 3,000) in that older boarding schedule. No refundable‑fee rules for current tuition or enrolment are specified in the current fees document. Billing schedule and payment terms - The fees document explicitly states that the school transport tariff for regular users must be paid termly, in advance. The fees document does not provide detailed general tuition billing dates, payment‑deadline schedule, or standard late‑payment penalties within the fees pages provided. Fee payment options - The current fees document does not list accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer, direct debit, credit card) or specific bank details. Short summary of missing items in the published fees document - The published fees material lists annual tuition by stage, the one‑off enrolment fee, ancillary monthly charges (meals, care, transport) and examination charges, and it specifies that transport is paid termly in advance. The published fees material does not state a detailed tuition billing schedule (specific payment dates or term‑dates for tuition), does not list accepted payment methods, and does not include a general refund policy for tuition/enrolment. Historical boarding fees are available in an older boarding schedule but boarding is not listed in the current fees document.	Fee details Registration & Admissions Fees - Registration fee: €2,830 payable on admission for pupils entering above Nursery/Reception; this fee is paid once and is non-returnable. - Reduced registration fee for a second child: €1,830. - Waiting-list fee: €300 per child to join the waiting list; this fee is non-refundable and is deducted from the registration fee if the child subsequently registers. Tuition fees (annual amounts by year group) - Nursery (age 3): €9,300 per year. - Reception (age 4): €9,300 per year. - Year 1 (age 5): €11,900 per year. - Year 2 (age 6): €11,900 per year. - Year 3 (age 7): €11,900 per year. - Year 4 (age 8): €11,900 per year. - Year 5 (age 9): €11,900 per year. - Year 6 (age 10): €11,900 per year. - Year 7 (age 11): €13,100 per year. - Year 8 (age 12): €13,100 per year. - Year 9 (age 13): €13,100 per year. - Year 10 (age 14): €13,600 per year. - Year 11 (age 15): €13,600 per year. (Annual tuition figures as published for the current school fees schedule). Sibling discounts - A 30% discount in tuition is applied for a third child and any subsequent children from the same family. Billing schedule and payment terms - The public fee materials list annual tuition amounts and registration/ waiting-list fees but do not publish a detailed billing schedule (for example: per-term invoice amounts, instalment deadlines, required deposits, or late-payment penalties). The school requires payment of the registration fee to secure a place. Boarding - Boarding fees: Not applicable. No boarding programme or boarding fees are listed in the school's publicly published admissions and fees materials; the school operates as a day school for ages 3–16. Other costs and regular extras - School lunches: Contracted school lunch price is €8.95 per day when taken every weekday of the month; occasional daily lunches are priced at €9.95 per day. - Uniform, books, learning resources, exam fees, extracurricular clubs, individual music tuition, transportation, or other optional charges are not itemised in the published annual-fee graphic. Specific optional-cost items and their prices are not publicly listed. Refund information - Registration fee and waiting-list fee are explicitly stated as non-returnable/non-refundable. No public, detailed tuition-refund scale (for withdrawal part-way through the year, prorated refunds, or exceptional refunds) is published in the fee materials. Fee payment options - The school's publicly available fee pages and admissions information do not specify accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, credit/debit card, direct debit) or invoicing methods. The registration fee is required to secure a place. Brief summary of missing or unspecified items (for clarity) - The published materials provide annual tuition amounts by year group, registration and waiting-list fees, sibling discount and lunch prices, but they do not publish: a full per-term breakdown or instalment schedule; payment deadlines or late-payment penalties; accepted payment methods; a detailed list of additional compulsory fees (uniform, learning resources, exam or activity fees) or their prices; nor a formal, detailed tuition-refund schedule for mid-year withdrawal. These items were not located in the school's publicly posted fees and admissions pages.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Boarding is offered with the following options (Academic Year 2019-2020): 7-day week boarding 39,500 €, Weekly Boarding (Mon–Fri) 30,000 €, and a 1-term option 16,000 €. Registration 1,000 €, Deposit 3,000 €. Extras are not included (excursions, extracurricular activities and afternoon & weekend clubs).	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement ISCAT has implemented a dress code. All students up to Key Stage 3 must wear school uniform. Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 do not have to wear a uniform but must follow the dress code. The uniform is supplied by Minime Uniformes.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school dining room service is available to all students. There are two dining rooms: one for Early Years and Key Stage 1, and another for Primary and Secondary. Students may use the school catered lunch service or bring a packed lunch. Menus are prepared by a local La Garriga catering company and supervised by a dietician; special menus are available for dietary requirements. Lunchtime supervision is provided by staff. The monthly menu is available on the intranet. Use of the dining room is charged monthly and is not included in tuition; occasional lunches may be paid on the day; a small charge may apply for those bringing packed lunches.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership Regulated and authorised by The British Council via NABSS.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The International School of Catalunya follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales from Early Years through to A-Levels. Year 10 Secondary students (aged about 15-16) take IGCSE examinations. A-Levels are a two-year programme preparing students for university. Official exams include SATs, I/GCSE, and International A-Levels. The Early Years Foundation Stage begins in Reception (3-5 years) and Primary education starts in Key Stage 1; Secondary begins in Key Stage 3 (Year 7-9) and continues to Key Stage 4 (Year 10-11).	Curriculum details The Olive Tree School offers pupil-centred learning for 3-16 year olds. Montessori- and Waldorf-inspired pedagogy places thinking, exploration and creative problem solving at the heart of learning; the curriculum sits alongside the British framework, with pupils taking UK GCSE assessments at age 16. The Olive Tree School is a Pearson Edexcel GCSE centre. Class sizes are small, about 20 pupils, and the total pupil roll is around 200.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes around 20 pupils. The school has about 200 pupils.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results GCSE results show strong progress across 2015-2025. 64% of pupils achieved grade 7 or above across all subjects and 94% achieved grade 5-6 or above. In English, 67% achieved grade 7+ and 100% achieved grade 4+; in Maths, 82% achieved grade 7+ and 100% achieved grade 4+; in Science, 43% achieved grade 7+ and 99% achieved grade 4+.
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 Emotional Education is provided throughout Primary and Secondary. The school aims to create independent learners and thinkers within a safe and supportive environment where every student can thrive and develop positive academic, life and interpersonal skills.	Social & emotional learning Welfare is a priority for pupils aged 11–16. A trusted tutor supports each pupil with a consistent daily tutor, and mentoring occurs every two weeks in a safe, private space. There is an open-door policy with the three heads for emotional support, and a school psychologist is available for private sessions when beneficial. A PSHE programme runs weekly to address identity, relationships, safety, health, and related topics. The school also offers a Girls' Talk Club for 11–16 year olds and an LGBTQ+ Club to explore gender, equality, and related issues.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The Olive Tree School has an inclusive SEND policy with SEND specialists and classroom teachers who ensure that every child's needs are understood and met, aiming for each child to reach their full potential. The school has named SENCo leaders in primary and secondary, external SEND training for staff, and a structured approach (assessment, planning, provision, review) to identify and support pupils with SEND, with regular liaison with families. SEND staff include dedicated specialists and a Speech and Language Therapist, and there is a formal process for monitoring and adjusting provision.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Entry to Early Years requires no prior knowledge of English, while entry to Secondary and A-Levels requires an adequate level of spoken English.	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Emotional Education is embedded across Primary and Secondary. The school offers Forest School Education and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and is a UNICEF Rights Respecting School with Gold Award.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through a robust welfare framework: a dedicated tutor for each pupil, regular mentoring, and an open-door policy with senior leaders. A school psychologist provides additional professional support, and PSHE is designed to create a safe space for discussion of health, relationships, and life choices. The welfare and mentoring programmes reinforce emotional and social development alongside academics.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding A designated safeguarding lead is in place, with safeguarding and pupil welfare embedded in the school's support structures. The SEND policy and welfare provisions include regular family liaison (at least every half-term) and ongoing staff training on SEND and safeguarding-related practices to ensure pupils are supported in a safe, inclusive environment.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school has its main La Garriga campus, comprising four buildings—Blancafort, Manuel Raspall, Xavier Calls and Caselles—that host up to 300 students from Nursery to Year 13. The school has a safe play area for younger children and a park with a football field and basketball hoops used by older students. The campus is positioned about 30 minutes from Barcelona city centre and from the beaches of the Costa Brava, with the Pyrenees about 1.5 hours away. The town of La Garriga has shops, restaurants, sport clubs, a cinema and a train station within a short walk, and the nearest airports are in Barcelona and Girona.	Facilities overview The Olive Tree School has a Science lab, an ICT room, a busy Art studio, two peaceful libraries, a vibrant Music room, outdoor classrooms, two vegetable plots, and a theatre. Four upright pianos are placed around the school for pupils to enjoy playing. A 1000 square metre sports hall provides indoor space for physical education and sport. The school was founded in 2010 and moved to its current premises in 2012, and it now educates around 200 pupils in small, family-feel classes of about 20.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has a safe play area for younger children and a park featuring a football field and basketball hoops for older students.	Sports facilities A 1000 square metre sports hall provides indoor space for physical education and sport.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school has four buildings—Blancafort, Manuel Raspall, Xavier Calls and Caselles—that host classrooms for Nursery to Year 13. A library is used by Year 1 for reading and learning activities. The school follows the British National Curriculum and supports small class sizes to enable personalised learning. Forest School pedagogy provides weekly outdoor learning sessions in local forests.	Academic facilities The school has a Science lab, an ICT room, a busy Art studio, two libraries and a theatre to support academic work. It follows the British Curriculum as a British International school and offers iGCSE exams at age 16. English is the language of instruction, with pupils from around 30 nationalities.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school has a wide after-school program including Dance, Chess, Cooking Club, Multi-sports, Arts & Crafts, Football Club, Pre-robotics & Robotics, Martial Arts, Little Explorers, Maths Club, Tennis and Homework Club. Activities run Monday to Thursday from 16:10 to 17:10 and are organised by ISCAT staff and other qualified professionals, with further information available on the intranet or at the school office. Forest School sessions take place weekly, led by Forest School teachers in natural settings. The school has a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award program for Secondary students, including volunteering, physical, skills and an expedition.	Extra curricular facilities Each class performs a Shakespeare production in the theatre and a termly Theme Day explores a single theme across disciplines. There are half-termly trips to the coastline, Roman and prehistoric sites, local festivals and arts venues in the city. Book Club involves reading and discussing a novel with classmates. Science Week features visiting speakers, workshops and a pupil-led Science Fair. Arts Week celebrates the arts with visiting artists, pupil productions, workshops and visits to Barcelona, followed by recitals and Summer/Winter Concerts.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Founded in 2007, The International School of Catalunya (ISCAT) is a British school located in La Garriga, Barcelona. It offers formal British education to students aged 3 to 18, from Early Years to A Levels, with the National Curriculum of England and Wales; GCSE is taken around age 16, followed by A Levels, all of which are recognised and convalidated by local Generalitat and international institutions. ISCAT complements the core curriculum with Forest School and the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools programme. In 2012, ISCAT became the first school in Spain to offer Forest School under the guidance of Forest Leader Emma Montgomery. It is an accredited UNICEF Rights Respecting School with a Gold Award, and the articles of the Rights of the Child underpin the learning programme and day-to-day governance.	History The Olive Tree School was founded in 2010 in a small house to provide warm, personalised teaching and creative, high-quality learning. The school moved to its current premises in 2012 and now has around 200 pupils. The original aims are kept: small, family-feel classes of about 20 pupils and close, trusting bonds with adults. The education is pupil-centred, drawing on Montessori and Waldorf-inspired approaches that encourage thinking, exploration and learning in nature.
Community	Community ISCAT fosters a friendly, family atmosphere and actively involves parents and carers in the early years. Forest School sessions are a core part of the learning experience, with weekly visits to the local forest. The UNICEF Rights Respecting School programme reinforces school values and governance, with elected class representatives forming student councils and collaboration with families and local businesses. Recent News highlights ongoing outdoor learning, climate action projects, and student activities within the ISCAT community.	Community The Olive Tree School provides a framework of School Life that supports pupil welfare and enrichment, including a Pupil Welfare program and a Pupil Enrichment Programme. After-School Clubs, Inspiring Speakers, and a Calendar of events are part of school life, fostering a connected community. The school also emphasizes open communication with families through ongoing activities and opportunities to participate in learning through its calendar and events.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association Family Learning Forums invite families to regular workshops and talks on practical ways to support your child's education. Last year, topics included helping your child become an independent learner; anxiety in adolescence and how to pre-empt it; your child's online life; fostering a love of reading; the child-centred approach between ages 3-6; and how to help your child with primary mathematics. Open Classrooms invite families into their child's classroom once a month to see their work. Twice a year, Open Forum events give families the chance to set the agenda for a round table with the headteachers and school owners. Parents can use the Open Door Policy to talk with a headteacher about any aspect of their child's learning or welfare. The Events Committee is a group of parent volunteers who plan a calendar of social events enjoyed by the school community, such as an International Food Fair, a Christmas Fair, a Spring Book Fair and a Summer Garden Party.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual ISCAT offers formal British education to students aged 3 to 18, from Kindergarten to High School. The program is based on the British National Curriculum. The school emphasises small class sizes to foster stronger teacher–student relationships and personalised learning. The school aims to create independent learners and thinkers and to develop positive academic, life and interpersonal skills.	Academic & intellectual Primary Pupil Enrichment Programme runs on Wednesday afternoons and includes Forest School in the woods, swimming with trained instructors, and cultural trips and workshops in Barcelona (Picasso Museum, Miró Foundation, Science Museum, the port, Botanical Gardens and historic districts). Students also participate in Making a Difference charity activities, an annual drama production in the theatre with costumes and music, and an overnight trip to a farm or place of natural interest. The Secondary Enrichment Programme extends learning beyond the curriculum with topics such as Ancient Civilizations, Antarctica, NASA space exploration, and World Religions, and it includes a Shakespeare production in the theatre each year. It also features a Book Club, Model United Nations, Science Week and Arts Week, and concludes with Summer and Winter Concerts.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative ISCAT offers after-school activities including Dance and Arts & Crafts. The program also includes Chess, Cooking Club, Multi-sports, Football Club, and Pre-robotics & Robotics, along with Martial Arts, Little Explorers, Maths Club and Tennis. Activities are run Monday to Thursday from 16:10 to 17:10 by ISCAT staff and other suitably qualified professionals.	Arts & creative Arts and performing arts are central to The Olive Tree School's culture. An annual drama production in the theatre with costumes and music and termly instrument recitals are complemented by Summer and Winter Concerts. After-School Clubs include Junior and Senior Musical Theatre with full productions, and LAMDA acting examinations. Piano, guitar, drums and other instrumental lessons are available; there is a vibrant Music room with multiple upright pianos.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language ISCAT has a multicultural environment. The school uses the British National Curriculum. The school has native teachers.	Cultural & language Primary enrichment includes cultural trips and workshops in Barcelona such as the Picasso Museum, Miró Foundation, Science Museum, the port, Botanical Gardens and historic districts. A Shakespeare production in the theatre takes place each year for secondary students. Secondary enrichment also includes a termly Theme Day, a Book Club and Model United Nations. LAMDA (London Academy graded examinations in Acting) is offered as part of After-School Clubs.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies At ISCAT we offer a range of after-school activities designed to complement your child's learning and development. Activities take place Monday to Thursday from 16:10 until 17:10 and are organised and run by ISCAT staff and other suitably qualified professionals. The following activities are offered this year: Dance, Chess, Cooking Club, Multi-sports, Arts & Crafts, Football Club, Pre-robotics & Robotics, Martial Arts, Little Explorers, Maths Club, Tennis and Homework Club.	Social & hobbies After-School Clubs cover sport, arts and crafts, and performance. Primary Football and Primary Volleyball and Secondary Football/Volleyball are available, along with Secondary Basketball. Taekwondo has run for more than 10 years, with grading day. Contemporary Dance, Coding, Sewing, Junior and Senior Musical Theatre and instrumental lessons (piano, guitar, drums) are also offered.
Community & service	Community & service ISCAT is a UNICEF Rights Respecting School Programme. The school has earned UNICEF's Rights Respecting Schools Gold Award and is one of the first schools to pioneer the project outside of the UK. These values are embedded throughout the culture of the school, with class representatives forming part of a student council or steering group and collaboration with families, local businesses and UNICEF UK and Catalunya through fundraisers and awareness events.	Community & service Making a Difference is a charity-focused activity within the Primary Enrichment Programme. The Events Committee coordinates community service projects and cultural festivals to engage families and the wider community.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award is offered to ISCAT Secondary students. Year 10 students prepare for the Bronze Award each year by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. The award is a natural progression from Forest School activities in Primary and helps students develop important life skills and independence, with experiences and friendships that stay with them.	Leadership & professional Model United Nations provides a platform for pupils to engage in mock diplomacy; Debating Club is offered as an After-School Club. LAMDA offers graded acting examinations. Inspiring Speakers brings professionals from various fields to talk with pupils about careers and pivotal experiences.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing ISCAT follows Forest School pedagogy, a learning approach that uses outdoor environments to teach and inspire. Forest School sessions occur weekly in settings such as forests, mountains or the beach, led by Forest School teachers. Outdoor learning fosters personal relationships, self-esteem, self-knowledge and environmental awareness.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Forest School sessions are led by a trained Forest School Instructor. Swimming is offered as part of Primary Enrichment. There are Primary Football, Secondary Football, Primary Volleyball, Secondary Volleyball and Secondary Basketball clubs. Taekwondo has run for over 10 years with grading. Contemporary Dance and instrumental lessons support physical and creative wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction with native English teachers. Spanish is a compulsory subject in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. Catalan is offered as a subject and is optional for international students; Catalan classes are required from Year 8 to Year 11 for those wishing to convalidate their studies locally.	Language provision English, Spanish and Catalan are taught. The school follows the UK GCSE system and is an authorised Pearson Edexcel exam centre.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching ISCAT teaches in English as the language of instruction, with native English teachers supporting learning. Spanish is a compulsory subject in Key Stage 3 and 4. Catalan is offered as a subject and is optional for international students; for those wishing to convalidate their studies in Spain, Catalan classes are required from Year 8 to Year 11.	Bilingual teaching The Olive Tree School teaches in English, Spanish and Catalan.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Gold UNICEF Rights Respecting School Award	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations UNICEF Rights Respecting School Gold Award; NABSS member; British Council oversees inspections; Edexcel centre; AQA recognised; Generalitat of Catalunya registers ISCAT as a private foreign centre.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Book a private visit. The admissions process is designed to be enjoyable and straightforward. Meet the admissions team at the school for an initial interview with our director to view facilities, meet teachers and students, and ask all questions regarding our educational programme. Submit enrolment forms and all required documentation. Early years: Families aspiring to enter Early Years will have an initial interview with the school director, and subsequently complete and submit the enrolment form and other documentation as outlined in the enrolment pack. Reception: Families aspiring to enter Reception, should there be places available in this year group, complete and submit the enrolment form and other documentation as outlined in the enrolment pack including, where applicable, a copy of the child's last school report. No knowledge of English is required for entry to the Early Years programme. Primary: Families aspiring to enter Primary, should there be places available, will be asked to complete and submit relevant enrollment documentation on offer of a place. These students are usually required, as part of the admissions process and without any further obligation, to spend at least half a day in their prospective class. This replaces the traditional 'entrance test' and allows our teachers to evaluate the level of English and social disposition in a natural and holistic way, at the same time giving the child the opportunity to experience a day at ISCAT. For students entering Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and Year 2) no previous knowledge of English is required, although this would be a distinct advantage. Students entering Key Stage 2 (from Year 3 to Year 6) are required to have some knowledge of English. Secondary & A-Levels: Students aspiring to enter Year 7 and above will be asked to attend an initial interview with a member of the secondary teaching team. Should a place be available, candidates are then required, as part of the admissions process and without any further obligation, to spend at least half a day with their prospective class. This replaces the traditional ‘entrance test' and allows our teachers to evaluate the level of English and social disposition in a natural and holistic way, at the same time giving the child the opportunity to experience a day at ISCAT first-hand. If ISCAT deems the student to have the necessary competencies and level of English to join the group, the enrolment form and other documentation as outlined in the enrolment pack should be completed and submitted to the school office, together with copies of the child's school reports for the previous two academic years. Please note that all students wishing to enter the school in Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 (Year 7 and above) must have an adequate level of spoken English. Open enrolment: Get to know in-person our school! We will accompany you personally and answer any questions you may have about the school, our learning spaces and the different educational stages.	Admissions 1. Express interest and initiate the admissions process: Families contact the admissions department to express interest in joining The Olive Tree School. Admissions staff pass the family's details to one of the four headteachers to arrange a visit and discuss the child's profile, including educational history and any needs. Previous school reports for the past two years and any educational psychologist's reports are requested to inform the assessment. The school provides English education for ages 3–16 and teaches the British National Curriculum. 2. Documentation review and language/SEND assessment: The headteachers consider the previous reports and any additional documentation provided by the family. They evaluate the child's level of English and any special educational needs. The process takes into account the child's age, educational history, and language needs. There is no formal exam or entry test. 3. Two-day taster and family visit: If the headteachers believe the school may meet the pupil's needs, a two-day taster visit is offered for the child in the classroom. The family is provided with a tour of the school and a meeting with a headteacher. The aim is for the class teachers to further evaluate the child's suitability to join the class and the school. The process ensures the family can experience the environment before a decision is made. 4. Two further taster days and pre-trial form: The two taster days take place; Parents complete a ‘pre-trial' form before or on the first day. Observations are made by the teacher and passed to the headteacher. The headteacher makes a decision regarding the child's admission. 5. Communicating the decision: The admission decision is communicated by the admissions department. If admission is denied, the family is given clear reasons why the school cannot meet the child's needs. The headteachers may offer detailed guidance in finding a more suitable school. 6. Registration and waiting list option: If admitted, the family is guided through the administrative process; registration forms are completed and the matriculation fee paid. If there are no spaces in the desired year group, the child may be added to a waiting list. 7. 8-week evaluation after joining: After joining, the pupil's progress is monitored for eight weeks. Any concerns are relayed to the headteachers and the SENCo, with transparent communication to the family. If no concerns arise, the child remains on the school roll. 8. Monitoring and potential withdrawal if concerns persist: If initial concerns arise, targets are set and monitored from weeks 2–4. By Week 8, headteachers decide whether the child can continue at The Olive Tree or whether the place should be withdrawn under the registration terms. If withdrawal is decided, the school offers support and guidance in finding an alternative school.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Joining the waiting list is possible when there are no spaces in the relevant class. Joining the waiting list does not guarantee a place for September 2026. The fee to join the waiting list is 300€ per child and is non-refundable; if you subsequently register your child with us, the fee is discounted from the registration fee. Places are allocated strictly in chronological order from the date the child entered the waiting list. From 1 April 2026, places that become available are assigned to waiting list children strictly in chronological order from their waiting list entry date.
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