École Française Ferdinand de Lesseps

Spain, Barcelona

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The school at a glance

Instructs in French

Fees €4,980 - 5,020

Ages 3 - 11 years

Pupil numbers 610

Type Co-educational

Bus Service No

Academic offering

Curriculum French Curriculum

Taught languages French, Spanish, English

Typical class size 25

Strengths Languages, Sport, Academic Enrichment

Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language

Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Elementary

Introduction

École Française Ferdinand de Lesseps is a French international school in Barcelona that serves children from ages 3 to 10. It participates in the AEFE network, linking its curriculum to French educational standards while reflecting Barcelona's multilingual culture. The school teaches in French and supports English, Spanish and Catalan from Moyenne Section, with targeted help for students who are non-French speakers. Its educational project rests on three axes: building practical foundations for learning, multilingual instruction and language support, and fostering cooperation and responsible citizenship. A dynamic, interactive pedagogy emphasizes project-based learning (ABP), coding and digital literacy, sport, music and language development. The library houses more than 15,000 references across four languages and hosts a yearly youth literature festival. Facilities include a comprehensive digital program, an on-site kitchen serving healthy, locally sourced meals, and sport facilities. With 150 years of teaching, the school embodies continuity, innovation, and inclusive education for all.

Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 707, Eixample, 08013 Barcelona, Spain

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The Essentials

Location

Located in Barcelona, Spain. The main site is at Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 707, 08013 Barcelona. An annex site operates at C/ Valencia 314 (Annexe).

Stages

Classes from Petite Section (early kindergarten) to CM2. The school comprises Maternelle and Élémentaire levels.

Type

French international school in Barcelona, part of the AEFE network.

Country affiliation

France (AEFE network).

School day structure

Day structure (Annex site Valencia 314): Morning arrival 8:00–8:30 (paid); free morning care 8:35–8:45; classes begin at 8:50. Dismissal is 16:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; Wednesday releases are at 12:30 before lunch or 13:15 after lunch. After‑school care runs to 16:25; extracurricular activities end at 17:15 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 16:30 on Wednesday.

Diving Deeper

Food Options

The school has an on-site cantine with a chef who prepares each dish. Meals are healthy and balanced and use seasonal fruits and vegetables. The program emphasizes sustainable sourcing by working with local producers and prioritizes zero-distance (kilometer-zero) ingredients; menus can be adapted for allergies, and food safety standards are observed. Lunchtime supervision is provided by a team of monitors.

Governance and Ownership

The school is part of AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad), linking 566 schools in 138 countries and guaranteeing education from kindergarten to the baccalaureate. The school is governed by a Comité de Gestion (Management Committee) and a Direction et Administration (Director and administration). The Comité de Gestion is chaired by Christophe Cortale and includes Jean Michel Lonjou, Julien Perrier, Jean Marc Andrieux, Carla Cortale, Bernadette Leconte and Thomas Duhart; the Direction et Administration includes Christelle Prévost as Directrice, Carmen Danon as Directrice du Service Administratif et financier, Catherine Diet as Responsable de l'Administration Scolaire, Eulàlia Corominas as Secrétaire de Direction, Ventura Fàbregas as Service Informatique, Joan Maurell as Service d'Intendance, and Montse Castaldi as Activités Extrascolaires.

Fees

Overview of mandatory tuition fees
- Tuition (Maternelle and Élémentaire): EUR 4,980 per year.
- Monthly billing option: EUR 498 per month (monthly billing is structured over ten months).

Fees per term (calculated)
- Per-term tuition (simple division of the annual tuition by three academic terms): EUR 1,660.00 per term (calculated).

Application / registration fee
- One-time registration fee (non‑refundable): EUR 728.00.
- The registration fee is required for admission and is not refundable under the school's financial rules.

Other compulsory and small annual charges
- Solidarity fund: EUR 20.00 per year (invoiced in October).
- Cultural outings contribution: EUR 20.00 per year (invoiced in September).

Optional services and their fees
- School lunch (demi‑pension):
- 5 meals/week: EUR 163.00 per month.
- 4 meals/week: EUR 131.00 per month.
- Single meal (ticket): EUR 10.00 per day.
- After‑school activities (weekdays, 16:05–17:15):
- 1 day/week: EUR 15.50 per month.
- 2 days/week: EUR 31.00 per month.
- 3 days/week: EUR 46.50 per month.
- 4 days/week: EUR 62.00 per month.
- Single session ticket (homework help): EUR 9.50 per day.
- Morning reception (8:00–8:30): EUR 26.00 per month (or single ticket option: EUR 3.00 per day).
- Wednesday activities (13:45–16:30): EUR 76.00 per month.
- Classes of discovery (school trips / “classes vertes”) are not included in the standard tuition and are billed separately when they take place.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing frequency and schedule: tuition and fees are invoiced monthly and the school operates a monthly billing system spread over ten months (September to June).
- Payment due dates: monthly payments are due in advance between the 1st and the 5th day of each month.
- Preferred payment method: domiciliation bancaire (direct debit). Families must submit and sign the direct‑debit authorization form and return it to administration at least 15 days before the due date to take effect.
- In the event a direct debit is rejected, the family is required to pay by bank transfer; rejected payments incur a handling fee (currently EUR 6.00).
- Invoices are sent by email to the parent responsible before each due date; families must ensure the provided email addresses are operational.
- Employer or third‑party payment: the school will accept payment by an employer or third party if an attestation of coverage is provided that specifies the pupil(s) and the fees to be covered.
- Any month started is due in full (arrivals or departures during a month do not pro‑rata that month). Non‑payment after formal reminders may lead to exclusion of the pupil without entitlement to refunds; outstanding sums remain collectible.

Boarding (internat)
- Boarding is not offered for the levels covered by the school (maternelle and élémentaire); no boarding fees apply.

Other costs parents should expect
- School supplies, textbooks and class materials are the responsibility of parents; lists of required materials are published each year.
- Extra charges may apply for occasional single tickets for canteen or activities when used on an ad‑hoc basis; those tickets are billed on the following month's invoice.
- Sibling discounts: reductions are applied when several siblings attend simultaneously (example scales are provided in the school's financial rules).

Refund information and special cases
- Registration fee: non‑refundable in all cases.
- Monthly fees and other billed amounts: any month commenced is payable in full; exclusion from the school does not give rise to reimbursement of fees already billed.
- Canteen refunds or reductions: a reduction of canteen fees may be granted for medical absences of at least two consecutive weeks outside school holidays upon written request and presentation of a medical certificate.
- In case of rejected payments or unpaid invoices, collection and administrative fees may be applied and non‑payment can affect future enrollment.

Accepted forms of payment (practical notes)
- Regular/direct method: domiciliation bancaire (direct debit) is the standard payment route.
- Alternative/exception method: bank transfer is used to settle amounts when a direct debit fails or upon specific arrangement.
- Employer/third‑party billing: possible when a signed attestation is provided describing the fees to be covered and the pupil(s) concerned; the school issues invoices accordingly.
- Invoices are issued electronically and families should provide valid contact details and banking information in good time.

Academics

Curriculum

The school's educational project rests on three axes and centers on student well-being and universal success. Axis 1 consolidates foundations of effective and practical learning, including DRAS (move, replace, add, delete); improving written production; handwriting; mathematical practice; programming and coding. Axis 2 provides oral and written instruction in four languages, with multilingualism, and includes language support for non-French speakers and for students who do not speak Spanish or Catalan; English is introduced from Moyenne Section. Axis 3 promotes cooperation and taking responsibility through communication and expression, belonging to the school community, cooperation, and non-violent conflict resolution. The school uses a dynamic, interactive pedagogy featuring ABP (project-based learning) and activities such as sport, music, and language learning. The library houses over 15,000 literary references in French, English, Spanish, and Catalan to support literacy and cultural exploration.

Parent Experience

History

More than 150 years of teaching. Our founder, Ferdinand de Lesseps, dedicated his efforts to promoting communication among peoples across the world. He was the consul of Barcelona and maintained a strong connection with the city. His commitment to multiculturalism, critical thinking, and his attachment to Barcelona are the pillars of our school. We are proud to continue training future generations.

Community

We are a French school in Barcelona with a dynamic, evolving approach based on language immersion and a humanist, secular and inclusive project. Students receive multilingual instruction in French, English, Spanish and Catalan, reflecting a diverse and international community. The education emphasizes respect for others' opinions and beliefs, developing critical thinking while valuing cultural diversity. The pedagogy promotes the pleasure of learning through active methods, with a strong emphasis on reading, culture, sport and the arts, including athletics, circus, climbing, swimming and theatre.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

APEELB is the association of families. It represents parents of students. It participates in educational projects and makes proposals. It is involved in building projects. It organizes conferences and educational colloquia. A membership form is available for those who wish to join.

Facilities

Facilities Overview

The École Française Ferdinand de Lesseps is located at Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 707, 08013 Barcelona. It is a French multicultural and multilingual school with instruction in French, English, Spanish and Catalan starting in the Moyenne Section. The school relies on a comprehensive digital program throughout schooling. It houses a library with more than 15,000 references in French, English, Spanish and Catalan. A new on-site kitchen supports the cantine, offering healthy, locally sourced meals and accommodating dietary needs.

Sports Facilities

Sport activities are numerous and varied. Sport is essential as a vector of values and stimulates creativity, concentration and teamwork. Sport, along with art and culture, are pillars of self-knowledge and development. These activities are integrated into the school's pedagogy to support holistic student growth.

Academic Facilities

Axis 1: Consolidate the foundations of effective and practical learning. Axis 2: Oral and written instruction of the four languages: French, Spanish, Catalan and English, starting from the Moyenne Section. Axis 3: Cooperation and taking responsibility. The school emphasizes multilingualism, with targeted support for non-French-speaking students and for those learning Spanish or Catalan, plus a project-based approach (ABP) and coding. The library hosts more than 15,000 references in four languages and runs a yearly youth literature festival with authors and illustrators; it supports building a shared and personal literary culture. The school provides EBEP support for students with special educational needs and a dedicated teacher to facilitate inclusion.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Extrascolaire activities help children discover new hobbies: sports, sciences and artistic activities. The Casal Ferdinand provides a multilingual, multi-activity camp during school holidays, with language practice in French, Spanish, Catalan and English, as well as theatre, movement and song, nature and environmental activities, and exploration of global cuisines. The school offers a flexible morning welcome for families, including a free early-morning welcome from 8:35 a.m. and a paid service for arrivals between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. The school also offers homework assistance through its extras programs.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school provides multilingual instruction in French, English, Spanish and Catalan. The school relies on a comprehensive and ambitious digital program throughout schooling. A significant emphasis is placed on reading to build a rich literary culture.

Arts & Creative

A wide cultural offering is at the service of personal enrichment. Culture is integrated into the educational approach. Literature is given significant attention to build a rich literary culture.

Cultural & Language

Students receive multilingual instruction in French, English, Spanish and Catalan. Open to the world: a multicultural and multilingual French school. This environment supports language development and cross-cultural understanding.

Social & Hobbies

The school offers numerous and varied sports activities. These activities promote self-knowledge and the development of the child. Sport contributes to the development of students.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Sport, art and culture are pillars of self-knowledge and the development of the child. These pillars shape daily life at the school and support holistic growth. The school promotes personal enrichment through active participation in sports and cultural activities.

Languages

Language Provision

French, English, Spanish and Catalan are taught. Instruction is plurilingual. Classes run from Petite Section (early kindergarten) to CM2 (5th grade).

Bilingual Teaching

The school offers multilingual education in French, English, Spanish and Catalan.

Reputation

Accreditations

AEFE network member (Agency for French Education Abroad). We open the doors to the world. Visiting calendar. Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year is open. Registrations are open from December 1, 2025. Five pathways for an excellent education: Languages — Students receive multilingual instruction in French, English, Spanish and Catalan. Sport — The numerous and varied sports activities foster self-knowledge and the development of the child. New technologies — The school relies on a comprehensive and ambitious digital program throughout schooling. Literature — A strong emphasis is placed on reading to build a rich literary culture. Culture — A wide cultural offering serves to enrich each student's personal growth. Our pedagogy. Life at the School. Direct access. Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 707, 08013 Barcelona. Email: lesseps@ecolelesseps.net. Phone: +34 932 32 16 12. Generalitat school establishment code: 08005357. Instagram presence. The school is part of the AEFE network.

Admissions

Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year is offered for classes from Nursery (Petite Section) through CM2. Registrations are open from December 1, 2025. Online registration is available. For the current school year (2025-2026), enrollment is available. The school provides five pathways for excellence in education: Languages; Sport; Digital technology; Literature; Culture. Languages: Students receive a multilingual education in French, English, Spanish, and Catalan. Sport: A wide range of sports activities fosters self-knowledge and the development of the child. Digital technology: The school maintains a comprehensive and ambitious digital program throughout schooling. Literature: Reading is given significant emphasis to build a rich literary culture. Culture: A broad cultural offering serves the personal enrichment of each student.

School Events

The school has not added events

FAQs

Where is École Française Ferdinand de Lesseps located in Barcelona?

The school is located at Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 707, 08013 Barcelona, with an annex site at C/ Valencia 314 (Annexe). The head office can be reached by phone at +34 932 32 16 12 or by email at lesseps@ecolelesseps.net.

What ages and school levels do you teach?

The school serves children from 3 to 11 years old, offering classes from Petite Section through CM2 across Maternelle and Élémentaire levels. Instruction follows a French international primary structure adapted to a multilingual context.

What curriculum and educational approach does the school follow?

The school is part of the AEFE network and bases its educational project on three axes: consolidating foundational skills (including coding and handwriting), multilingual instruction and language support, and cooperation/responsible citizenship. Teaching uses a dynamic, interactive pedagogy with project-based learning (ABP), digital literacy, sport and music integrated into daily practice.

Is École Ferdinand de Lesseps co-educational and how large is the student body?

The school is co-educational and currently has a total of 610 pupils. It is a multicultural French international school operating in Barcelona.

When can we apply and when do registrations open for the next school year?

Registrations for the 2026-2027 school year open from December 1, 2025, and online registration is available. Enrollment is offered for classes from Nursery (Petite Section) through CM2 and places for the current school year are also available.

Is there a one-time registration fee and how much is it?

Yes, a one-time non‑refundable registration fee of EUR 728.00 is required for admission. The registration fee is charged under the school's financial rules and is not refundable.

How are tuition and other fees billed, and what payment methods do you accept?

Tuition and fees are invoiced monthly and the school operates a monthly billing system spread over ten months (September to June); payments are due in advance between the 1st and the 5th of each month. The preferred payment method is domiciliation bancaire (direct debit), with bank transfer accepted when direct debit fails or by special arrangement; employer or third‑party payment is possible with a signed attestation specifying the pupil(s) and fees to be covered.

What happens if a direct debit is rejected or payments are late?

If a direct debit is rejected the family is required to pay by bank transfer and rejected payments incur a handling fee of EUR 6.00. Non‑payment after formal reminders may lead to exclusion of the pupil without entitlement to refunds and outstanding sums remain collectible.

Are there other compulsory annual charges we should know about?

Yes, families are billed a Solidarity fund charge of EUR 20.00 per year (invoiced in October) and a Cultural outings contribution of EUR 20.00 per year (invoiced in September). These small charges are mandatory and invoiced with the school's billing schedule.

Do you offer school lunches and can the menus accommodate allergies or dietary needs?

The school has an on-site kitchen with a chef who prepares healthy, seasonal meals using locally sourced ingredients, and menus can be adapted for allergies. Lunchtime supervision is provided by a team of monitors to ensure safety and well-being.

How much does the school lunch cost if we choose the canteen?

The school lunch options are priced as follows: 5 meals/week for EUR 163.00 per month, 4 meals/week for EUR 131.00 per month, and a single meal (ticket) for EUR 10.00 per day. Canteen tickets used on an ad‑hoc basis are billed on the following month's invoice.

Is boarding available at the school?

Boarding (internat) is not offered for the levels covered by the school (maternelle and élémentaire). All provision is for day students only.

What languages are taught and when is English introduced?

Instruction is plurilingual with French as the primary language and English, Spanish and Catalan taught; English is introduced from Moyenne Section. The school provides oral and written instruction across four languages to support multilingual development.

Do you provide support for children who do not speak French on arrival?

Yes, the school offers targeted language support for students who are non-French speakers and for those who do not speak Spanish or Catalan, including tailored language assistance starting from Moyenne Section. The school also provides EBEP support for students with special educational needs and has a dedicated teacher to facilitate inclusion.

What academic and digital facilities does the school have?

The school runs a comprehensive digital program throughout schooling and incorporates programming and coding into its foundational skills work. Academic facilities include a well-resourced library with over 15,000 references in French, English, Spanish and Catalan and support for project-based learning and digital literacy.

What sports and extracurricular activities are available?

Sports activities are numerous and varied and are integrated into the school's pedagogy to promote teamwork, creativity and concentration. Extrascolaire offerings include sports, sciences and artistic activities, an after‑school homework help program, and the Casal Ferdinand holiday camp with multilingual activities such as theatre, movement, song, nature and culinary exploration.

What is the typical school day schedule and dismissal times?

At the Annex site the paid morning reception runs from 8:00–8:30 and a free early welcome from 8:35–8:45; classes begin at 8:50. Dismissal is at 16:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with Wednesday releases at 12:30 before lunch or 13:15 after lunch; after‑school care runs to 16:25 and extracurricular activities end at 17:15 on most weekdays and at 16:30 on Wednesday.

How central is literature and the library to school life?

Literature is a strong focus: the school library houses more than 15,000 references across French, English, Spanish and Catalan and hosts a yearly youth literature festival with authors and illustrators. The library supports literacy development and the building of a shared literary culture among pupils.

Who governs the school and who is the head of school?

The school is part of the AEFE network and is governed locally by a Comité de Gestion chaired by Christophe Cortale alongside a Direction et Administration team. The Directrice (head of school) is Christelle Prévost.

What are the tuition fees at École Française Ferdinand de Lesseps?

Annual tuition at École Française Ferdinand de Lesseps ranges from EUR 4,980 to EUR 5,020 depending on year group. Fees are reviewed each year, so check the school's current fee schedule before applying.

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