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International School Costa Brava

Spain, Girona

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €9,700 - 14,500
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 190
Type Co-educational
Opened 2020
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Taught languages Spanish, Cantonese
Typical class size 12
Strengths Outdoor Education, Languages, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

International School Costa Brava (ISCB) is a British international school in Platja d'Aro, Girona, delivering the English National Curriculum from Early Years to A-Levels. It is recognised by the Generalitat de Catalunya and is a Pearson Edexcel certified centre for iGCSE and A-Levels, with examinations taken in English and tailored support. The campus blends modern learning spaces with nature, including a private 30-hectare forest and sea views, and outdoor learning is integrated across the curriculum. Facilities include a library, science lab, art room and dining area, with Early Years and Primary/Secondary learning spaces. The school emphasises concept-driven, student-centred learning in small classes and places wellbeing at its core. ISCB offers a multilingual, multicultural environment supported by specialist teachers and a dedicated university guidance service. An Art program collaborates with Escola de Ceràmica de la Bisbal, and Forest School runs from Early Years through Post-16, with water sports and hiking opportunities.

Fanals Avenue, 70, 17250 Platja d'Aro i S'Agaró, Girona, Spain

The Essentials

International School Costa Brava has 190 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location

ISCB is located in Platja d'Aro on the Costa Brava, in the province of Girona. It is set in the heart of Platja d'Aro with private forest and sea views, offering an ideal space for outdoor learning. Forest School and a range of indoor facilities support growth, discovery and achievement.

Stages

Early Years, Primary, Secondary / iGCSE, and A-Levels

Type

British International School

Additional learning support

Special education needs

Country affiliation

United Kingdom

School day structure

School day runs from 8:30am to 3:45pm.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

New school uniform implemented from September 2024.

Food Options

Daily lunch is provided to all students.

House System

House system with House Points; every pupil belongs to a House.

Governance and Ownership

Independent private school; recognised by Generalitat de Catalunya; Pearson Edexcel Associate Centre; UNICEF Rights Respecting School; EPIC member.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School Costa Brava ranges from EUR 9,700 to EUR 14,500 for 2026/27.

Application & enrolment fees

- Enrolment fee: EUR 1,000 per student, payable at the time of enrolment.
- Enrolment renewal charge: EUR 400 per family (listed as charged in April).

Tuition fees by year group (amounts published as monthly fees billed over 10 months)

- Early Years to Key Stage 2 (ages 3–11)
- Monthly fee (10 months): EUR 935.
- Annual total (10 months): EUR 9,350.
- Typical term breakdown (Autumn 4 months / Spring 3 months / Summer 3 months):
- Autumn term (4 months): EUR 3,740.
- Spring term (3 months): EUR 2,805.
- Summer term (3 months): EUR 2,805.

- Key Stage 3 (ages 11–14)
- Monthly fee (10 months): EUR 1,035.
- Annual total (10 months): EUR 10,350.
- Typical term breakdown:
- Autumn term (4 months): EUR 4,140.
- Spring term (3 months): EUR 3,105.
- Summer term (3 months): EUR 3,105.

- Key Stage 4 (ages 14–16)
- Monthly fee (10 months): EUR 1,250.
- Annual total (10 months): EUR 12,500.
- Typical term breakdown:
- Autumn term (4 months): EUR 5,000.
- Spring term (3 months): EUR 3,750.
- Summer term (3 months): EUR 3,750.

- Key Stage 5 / A-Level (ages 16–18)
- Monthly fee (10 months): EUR 1,450.
- Annual total (10 months): EUR 14,500.
- Typical term breakdown:
- Autumn term (4 months): EUR 5,800.
- Spring term (3 months): EUR 4,350.
- Summer term (3 months): EUR 4,350.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Published tuition amounts are shown as monthly fees billed over 10 months (monthly amounts listed above).
- Early-payment discounts on the annual fee are offered: 5% discount when the annual fee is paid before 31 July, or 3% when paid before 30 September.
- A 15% discount on the annual fee is listed for holders of the single-parent family card (terms noted alongside sibling/simultaneous-enrolment conditions).
- A sibling discount applies from the third child onward (20%) when siblings are simultaneously enrolled.
- Charge for each returned payment receipt: EUR 50.

Boarding fees

- No boarding provision or boarding fees are listed in the published fee materials.

Other costs and optional/additional fees

- Lunch / healthy snack plan: Monthly charge (10 months) EUR 195 (annual total EUR 1,950).
- Additional support services (listed amounts):
- General additional support: EUR 80 per month (assessed individually).
- Additional English support for Key Stage 3/4/5: EUR 150 per month.
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) additional support: EUR 100 per month.
- SEN intensive support: up to EUR 750 per month.
- Note: an entry for “Additional English support for Key Stage 1/2” is shown but an explicit amount is not given in the published fee document.
- Examination entry fees (IGCSE / AS / A2 / A-level): EUR 70 per exam.
- The Early Years / Key Stage 1–2 monthly fee listing specifies that school material, books and school insurance are included within that fee; secondary-level listings indicate school insurance is included.
- No separate uniform fee is specified in the published fee material.

Refund information

- No explicit refund policy or refund procedure is published in the school's fee dossier.

Fee payment options

- The published fee materials list fee amounts, discounts and administrative charges but do not specify accepted payment methods (for example: credit card, debit card, or bank transfer are not enumerated in the fee document).

Summary of immediate actions required by families

- Enrolment fee payment (EUR 1,000 per student) is required at enrolment.
- Decide whether to pay the annual tuition in full to qualify for early-payment discounts or to follow the monthly (10-month) billing schedule.
Academics

International School Costa Brava teaches British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

ISCB follows the British National Curriculum for England in all Key Stages, from Early Years to Post-16, finishing with A Levels. The school is a British international school recognised by the Generalitat de Catalunya and a Pearson Edexcel certified centre, enabling iGCSE and A-Levels examinations. Teaching emphasizes concept-driven, student-centred learning with personalised support, small class groups and wellbeing. Forest School is a feature of the campus, supporting outdoor learning. The school is multilingual and multicultural, with specialist teachers and teaching assistants delivering personalised attention. University guidance provides tailored advice to help students choose universities worldwide and to prepare their applications.

Higher Education Progression

University Guidance provides tailored advice to help students choose universities worldwide and to prepare their applications. A-Levels are offered in Key Stage 5 (ages 16–18) to prepare learners for entry into top international universities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

ISCB supports students' emotional well-being as central to academic achievement, with a team of highly qualified teachers and specialist practitioners. The school nurtures self-esteem, emotional resilience, and positive social relationships through methods rooted in social pedagogy and restorative practice. Inclusion and wellbeing are integrated into daily life, guided by an emphasis on belonging and mutual respect. ISCB is a UNICEF Rights Respecting School, embedding children's rights into school life and practice. Anti-bullying policies are in place to protect students and promote a safe, respectful learning environment.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

ISCB's SEND department is led by qualified practitioners. Support begins on entry, with progress monitored and the curriculum and learning pathways adapted so every student can thrive. The school works in partnership with families, teachers, and external specialists to understand and meet each learner's needs. The approach is grounded in inclusion, classroom differentiation, and emotional wellbeing. Sensory provision supports learners via a Sensory Room and a Sensory Walk as part of personalised support.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Language support programmes accelerate English fluency for students who need it. Upon arrival, teachers assess language proficiency to determine appropriate placement. Students who do not have a strong command of English receive targeted attention in small groups during their first year to catch up. All classes are taught exclusively in English, creating a language-rich environment. The school emphasizes language immersion to support access to lessons and overall learning.

Mental Wellbeing

The emotional well-being of students is fundamental to academic achievement. A team of qualified teachers and specialist practitioners supports students in emotional education and wellbeing. The school fosters self-esteem, emotional resilience, and positive social relationships. Wellbeing is integrated with inclusion and language and SEND support to create an inclusive learning environment. Anti-bullying policies help ensure every student feels safe and respected.

Safeguarding

ISCB provides safeguarding and a secure, supportive learning environment. Anti-bullying policy is in place to protect students. ISCB is a UNICEF Rights Respecting School and commits to protecting and promoting the rights of all children. UNICEF recognition and EPIC membership guide school policies and practice, supporting safeguarding and international collaboration. ISCB is a Generalitat de Catalunya recognised centre, which underpins safeguarding standards and quality education.
Parent Experience

History

ISCB was established in Platja d'Aro, Girona in 2020, beginning a journey of concept-driven education based on the British National Curriculum. It is the only British International School in the Girona province and all classes are taught exclusively in English, with an art program that collaborates with Escola de Ceràmica de la Bisbal. In 2021, ISCB launched the Forest School Programme, enriching learning through nature. In 2023, facilities, curricula, and community partnerships were expanded. By 2025 ISCB describes itself as thriving within a unified community.

Community

ISCB sits in Platja d'Aro on the Costa Brava, with private forest and sea views that support outdoor learning through Forest School. The school serves a multicultural community with more than 50 nationalities and over 50 students; it encourages student involvement through assemblies, house systems, and student committees. Cultural celebrations reflect the multicultural community, including Day of Languages, Sant Jordi and Halloween, and after-school clubs provide a range of extracurricular opportunities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The PTA strengthens school life through monthly meetings where families share questions, raise topics and receive updates. It supports constructive dialogue between parents and the school leadership team and helps connect families, especially those new to the school. It enables participation in school events and community moments organized by ISCB and supports initiatives that strengthen the sense of community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Costa Brava Campus is in Platja d'Aro, Girona, and is the only International British School in the province of Girona. The campus combines learning spaces with access to nature, supporting students from Early Years to A-Level. It sits about 20 minutes' walk from the beach, offering dynamic outdoor learning opportunities. Costa Brava's private forest spans 30 hectares and provides an outdoor educational space integrated into the curriculum. The environment is designed to promote emotional wellbeing, curiosity, and creativity through regular outdoor learning and coastal exposures.

Sports Facilities

Sport facilities include a volleyball field, football fields, and basketball fields. Forest School & Hiking and Outdoors PE equipment support outdoor physical education. Water sports are available on campus. The campus has extensive outdoor spaces for various sports and activities, including direct access to natural environments for active learning.

Academic Facilities

Library, Science lab, Art room, and Dining room are on campus, with ample outdoors learning spaces and views to the Mediterranean Sea. Early Years classrooms and Primary/Secondary learning spaces are designed to support progression from Nursery through to A-Level. The campus features additional outdoor learning areas and facilities, including spaces with views of the Mediterranean Sea. Forest School provision is part of the school's approach to learning, supported by the surrounding forest and outdoor spaces.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Forest School Programme enables students to explore, discover, and connect with nature in an outdoor learning environment. Farm and Forest spaces, along with meeting rooms and other facilities, support experiential activities beyond standard lessons. Outdoor learning spaces and Forest School activities are complemented by a variety of playgrounds and informal outdoor learning areas. Regular access to beaches and natural surroundings provides authentic learning experiences and environmental education.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

ISCB follows the British National Curriculum for England in all Key Stages, from Early Years to post-16, finishing with A Levels. The school offers IGCSE and A‑Levels as externally assessed qualifications. These programmes and assessments are moderated by official regulatory bodies, underpinning rigorous academic standards.

Arts & Creative

ISCB provides creative spaces for art, music and drama. These spaces support engagement with creative disciplines as part of the school programme.

Cultural & Language

ISCB promotes a multilingual and multicultural environment with students from diverse cultures and backgrounds. A multilingual and multicultural approach is woven into school life. A linguistic reception supports language needs for families.

Social & Hobbies

ISCB offers a variety of after‑school clubs and extracurricular opportunities to explore interests, develop new skills and build social connections.

Leadership & Professional

University Guidance provides tailored advice to help students choose universities worldwide and prepare their applications.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Forest School uses the Costa Brava setting to provide hands-on outdoor learning. The Forest School programme develops confidence, critical thinking and a meaningful connection with the environment. Outdoor spaces, including a private forest and sea views, support wellbeing and active learning.
Languages

Language Provision

The British National Curriculum for England is followed in all key stages (Early Years through A-Levels). English is the language of instruction across the school. Early Years learning takes place in a bilingual environment.

Bilingual Teaching

Early Years learning takes place in a bilingual environment.

Immersion Programs

English is the language of instruction across key stages, delivering language immersion.
Reputation

Accreditations

Generalitat de Catalunya recognised (British curriculum followed at all stages).
Pearson Edexcel certified centre (enables iGCSE and A-Levels exams).
UNICEF recognised as a reference centre for children's rights education.
EPIC member, the association of private and independent schools in Catalonia, guaranteeing quality educational standards and an international collaboration network.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Personal Interview with the family. The admissions team will interview the family and the student candidate. This first meeting introduces the school's philosophy and programs and helps determine if the school model fits the student's needs. If your family is abroad, virtual interviews are available. 2. Candidate Assessment. The assessment is based on a personal interview with the candidate, an academic transcript or report, and references from the previous school. When necessary, the candidate will undertake an entrance test. A trial day/period is recommended to ensure a smooth transition. If there are learning difficulties, social-emotional or other needs, this should be communicated to the admissions team at the time of initiating the application. 3. Acceptance and Enrolment. Students accepted must fill out additional documentation before starting, in addition to paying the corresponding tuition and other pertinent payments. If there is no place, the admissions team will work to resolve the situation as soon as possible. Preference will be given to families who already are at school.
School Events
The school has not added events