doris
Currency
I

International School Maresme

Spain, Barcelona

Save school

· Reviewed by · Chief Marketing Officer

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €7,178 - 11,576
Ages 1 - 16 years
Pupil numbers 140
Type Co-educational
Opened 2019
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Taught languages French, Spanish
Typical class size 14
Strengths Outdoor Education, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Leadership and Professional
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

International School Maresme, established in 2019 in Canet de Mar, is a school delivering English National Curriculum from Pre‑Nursery to Year 11, with classes taught in English. Curriculum is organised into MiNi ISM (Foundation), Early Years, Primary (KS1–2) and Secondary (KS3–4). MiNi ISM uses a play‑based EYFS approach with English immersion and weekly storytelling in Catalan and Spanish. Early Years Framework supports development through seven areas of learning. Primary follows the English curriculum, with Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Geography, IT, PE, Music and Art; Spanish is taught from Year 1, with Catalan and French from Year 2. Secondary offers KS3–4 and IGCSE in Years 10–11, with a Spanish Curriculum Validation option. The campus features a woodland with Forest School, library, science lab, art room and swimming pool. UNICEF Rights‑Respecting Centre; small classes (11–12) and 25 nationalities. Clubs include Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, and Leadership and Professional.

Carrer Carles Flotats, 14, 08360 Canet de Mar, Barcelona, Spain

The Essentials

International School Maresme has 140 pupils, typical class sizes of 14, instruction in English.

Location

Carrer Carles Flotats 14, 08360 Canet de Mar, Barcelona. The school is located in Canet de Mar. The campus sits amid Canet de Mar's natural landscape.

Stages

MiNi ISM (Foundation Stage); Early Years; Primary (Key Stage 1 and 2); Secondary (Key Stage 3 and 4) with IGCSE; Spanish Curriculum Validation.

Type

British international school

Pupil Nationality Mix

140+ students representing more than 25 nationalities. About 50% international students. Most common nationalities: American, Russian, British, Chinese and Spanish.

Additional learning support

Learning Support is led by qualified SEND practitioners who tailor the curriculum and learning journeys to meet each student's needs. Language support helps students acquire English, with targeted small-group instruction during the initial year. Special needs education is provided in partnership with families and external professionals to maximise inclusion.

Country affiliation

British; follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales.

School day structure

School day runs from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Formal uniform requires a long-sleeved polo shirt; lower garments are optional unless chosen, in which case black or dark blue bottoms must be worn. PE/Forest days use ISM t-shirts (long- or short-sleeve) with black or dark blue bottoms; Forest School days allow non-uniform active wear. Beginning February 2025, all students from Early Years to Year 6 must bring an apron for art and other activities, and Nursery to Year 2 will wear the apron at lunchtime.

Food Options

Dining room serves nutritious, fresh, home-cooked meals. Lunch menus are nutritionally balanced and seasonally varied, with water available throughout the day; the school actively promotes healthy eating.

House System

Each pupil belongs to a House. The House system fosters pride, responsibility, and respect; House Points recognize pupil achievements.

Governance and Ownership

ISM is a British International School delivering the English National Curriculum. It is recognised by the Generalitat de Catalunya, undergoes regular inspections by competent authorities, is certified by Pearson Edexcel as an Associate Centre enabling iGCSE and A-level examinations, and is a member of EPIC.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School Maresme ranges from EUR 7,178 to EUR 11,576 for 2026/27.

Application / enrolment fees
- Enrolment (one-off at first registration): EUR 650 per student.
- Enrolment renewal (annual family fee): EUR 450 per family (charged in March).

Tuition fees by year group (annual, per-term and per-month breakdowns)
- Early Years (Pre‑Nursery / Nursery): Annual EUR 7,717.50. Monthly (10 payments, September–June): EUR 771.75. Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 2,572.50.
- Key Stage 1 (Primary): Annual EUR 8,268.75. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 826.88. Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 2,756.25.
- Key Stage 2 (Primary): Annual EUR 9,371.25. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 937.13. Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 3,123.75.
- Key Stage 3 (Lower Secondary): Annual EUR 11,576.25. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 1,157.63. Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 3,858.75.
- Key Stage 4 (IGCSE / Upper Secondary): Annual EUR 11,576.25. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 1,157.63. Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 3,858.75.

(Note: the school divides the annual tuition into 10 monthly instalments (September–June) for billing; the per-term figures above are calculated by dividing the published annual fee by three to provide a standard per‑term view. This per‑term figure is an arithmetic conversion, not a separately published instalment in the welcome pack.)

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The published annual tuition is structured for payment as 10 monthly instalments covering September through June (no charge for July and August). Early‑payment discounts are available: a 5% discount when the full annual fee is paid before the end of the previous academic year, or a 3% discount if paid during the summer holidays before the new academic year begins. A 20% sibling discount applies from the third child onwards when siblings are enrolled simultaneously.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school (published school hours: 08:30–16:00).

Additional / optional charges and regular ancillary fees
- Lunch / catering:
- School lunch (catered service): EUR 155 per month (charged over 10 months).
- Packed-home lunch option: EUR 25 per month (10 months).
- Occasional one‑day menu: EUR 12 per day.
- Additional SEN (1:1) support: EUR 350 per month for temporary or permanent individual support (charged monthly).
- After‑school care (occasional use, example 4:15–5:15pm): EUR 10 per hour.
- Uniform, books and materials: the school lists uniform and books/materials as chargeable items; specific prices vary by item and new‑student packs are referenced in the welcome pack. (Uniform and materials are billed separately to tuition.)
- Discounts: 20% discount for the third child onwards (when siblings are simultaneously enrolled). Early‑payment discounts of 5% (paid before the end of the previous academic year) or 3% (paid during the summer before the new year) apply to the annual fee.

Refunds and cancellations
- The school's welcome pack sets out terms for enrolment, renewals, and other financial conditions. Specific refund and cancellation rules (including any non‑refundability of enrolment or renewal fees and conditions for partial refunds of tuition) are governed by the school's published terms and conditions in the welcome pack. The welcome pack should be consulted for the definitive refund and withdrawal timetable and any associated penalties.

Fee payment options
- The welcome pack and admissions documentation describe the school's invoicing and instalment structure (10 monthly instalments) and the discount incentives for full annual prepayment. Specific accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, direct debit, credit/debit card) and any bank details or surcharges are provided in the school's enrolment paperwork and invoice instructions. For billing, the school issues invoices consistent with the 10‑month schedule and with the published early‑payment discount rules.

Short note on completeness
- The figures above are taken from the school's ISM Welcome Pack for the current academic materials; the welcome pack lists the annual tuition by Key Stage, the enrolment/renewal fees, discounts, and the ancillary charges quoted here. The welcome pack provides full terms and numerical detail; where a per‑term figure was required it has been calculated from the published annual fee (annual ÷ 3) and the published 10‑month monthly instalment (annual ÷ 10) was used for monthly values. The welcome pack contains the school's formal refund and payment‑method details and should be consulted directly for the exact contractual wording and for any itemised charges not reproduced in full above.
Academics

International School Maresme teaches British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage) for students aged 1 to 16.

Curriculum

ISM's curriculum is organized in five stages: MiNi ISM (Foundation Stage), Early Years, Primary (Key Stage 1–2), and Secondary (Key Stage 3–4). MiNi ISM follows a play-based approach in line with the EYFS framework, with English immersion and weekly storytelling sessions in Catalan and Spanish. The Early Years follow the Early Years Framework, focusing on the seven areas of Learning and Development and promoting social, language and personal development through play. Primary uses the National Curriculum for England; all students study Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Geography, Information Technology, Physical Education, Music, Art, Forest School and Personal, Health and Social Education, with Spanish from Year 1 and Spanish, Catalan and French from Year 2. Secondary offers Key Stage 3 and 4; core subjects include English, Mathematics, Sciences, Geography, History, Art, Music, Computer Studies, Spanish, Catalan, French and Physical Education, with Year 10–11 following the International General Certificate in Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the option to pursue A-levels after IGCSE. There is a Spanish Curriculum Validation path allowing students who complete Years 8–11 and achieve four passes at IGCSE to apply for the Spanish ESO certificate.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school prioritizes social and emotional wellbeing as a core part of learning. It fosters a close-knit community where students feel seen, heard, and supported. A Star of the Week award and School Captain roles promote effort, kindness, and respect, reinforcing positive behaviours. Anti-bullying policies are robust, with regular workshops and clear reporting channels, and the Forest School programme supports wellbeing through outdoor learning.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

ISM's Learning Support department is led by qualified SEND practitioners who shadow the progress of all students from entry. We tailor and design the curriculum and learning journeys so every student can reach their potential. The team collaborates with families, teachers and external professionals to ensure all angles affecting development are addressed. Parents and significant family members participate in interventions to ensure optimum support, inclusion, and development.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The medium of instruction is English in all year groups. Language support is provided by the Learning Support department and specialist practitioners. Upon arrival, teachers assess each student's language proficiency to determine placement. Students who do not have a strong grasp of English receive targeted attention in small groups during their first year to help catch up and access the curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing

Student emotional wellbeing is fundamental to academic achievement. UNICEF recognition as a Rights-Respecting Centre reinforces commitment to children's wellbeing. Inclusion & wellbeing covers language support and anti-bullying measures that nurture self-esteem, emotional resilience, positive social relationships and independence. The Forest School programme and other wellbeing initiatives support holistic development.

Safeguarding

ISM is committed to child protection and safeguarding; a Designated Safeguarding Lead oversees safeguarding practices. Anti-bullying policies and reporting channels are in place to protect students. UNICEF recognition as a reference centre for children's rights reinforces the school's safeguarding ethos. The school maintains robust safeguarding policies as part of everyday school life.
Parent Experience

History

Established in 2019, International School Maresme is a British international school located in Canet de Mar, Barcelona. It delivers the National Curriculum of England and Wales from Pre-Nursery through Year 11, with all classes taught in English. The campus includes an on-site woodland and a Forest School programme that supports outdoor learning. The school serves a diverse community with over 25 nationalities and around 170 students, and maintains small class sizes with an average of about 12 pupils. The school is UNICEF Rights-Respecting Centre accredited for 2022–2026.

Community

ISM fosters a close-knit community with small classes: each year group has a single class averaging 11 pupils (never more than 18), enabling strong teacher–pupil relationships and regular, personalized feedback. The Forest School programme on the on-site woodland supports wellbeing and practical learning, complemented by a values-led, wellbeing-focused environment. The UNICEF Rights-Respecting Centre accreditation (2022–2026) underpins safeguarding and holistic development, while collaboration among teachers, parents and students forms a core aspect of school life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The PTA plays a vital role in fostering a strong and supportive educational community. Its primary goal is to create a collaborative environment where parents, teachers, and the school administration work together to enrich the educational journey of students.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

International School Maresme has spaces for learning and outdoor education. The campus includes a library, sensory room, science lab, art room, dining room, and outdoors learning spaces. Sport facilities include a forest area with a treehouse, an outdoor gym, a volleyball field, a football field, and a swimming pool. There are dedicated playgrounds for Early Years, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, and Secondary. Additional on-site spaces include a chicken's farm, a Meeting room, and a Teachers' room.

Sports Facilities

Sport facilities include a volleyball field, football field, forest area, treehouse, outdoor gym, and swimming pool.

Academic Facilities

Academic facilities include a library, sensory room, science lab, art room, and dining room, plus outdoor learning spaces.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school delivers the British National Curriculum of England and Wales across all year groups from Early Years to Secondary. Learning by doing is central, with hands-on learning, practical investigations, project‑based work and real‑world applications. Small classes enable personalised education, with an average of about 11 pupils per year group. Critical thinking, communication and emotional education underpin the approach.

Arts & Creative

After-school clubs include Arts & Crafts (Year 1 to Year 6), Cooking (Reception to Year 6) and Drama (Year 1 to Year 7). Irish dance and Jiu jitsu are also offered, with Multisports as another option. Cambridge Exam Prep is included as part of the club program. Clubs run from 4:15 pm to 5:15 pm Monday through Thursday and may be led by our teachers or by external providers.

Cultural & Language

Our multicultural and multilingual environment includes more than 25 nationalities and over 140 students, with international students making up about half the community. The medium of instruction from Early Years to Secondary is English. Multiculturalism and diversity are promoted, fostering respect for different languages and backgrounds. UNICEF recognition as a reference centre for children's rights demonstrates the school's commitment to rights‑respecting practices.

Social & Hobbies

Weekly assemblies celebrate students' achievements and help build a sense of community. The Student Council empowers student ownership and civic engagement. Each House fosters pride, responsibility and respect, contributing to a supportive school culture. After‑school clubs provide hands‑on opportunities in Arts & Crafts, Cooking, Multisports, Drama, Irish dance and Jiu-jitsu.

Community & Service

Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) fosters collaboration between families and staff. UNICEF recognition as a reference centre for children's rights underscores the commitment to children's rights. Inclusion and wellbeing are supported through language support and anti-bullying measures.

Leadership & Professional

The Student Council provides leadership opportunities for students. The school is led by a Head teacher and Deputy Headteacher, supported by specialist teachers and teaching assistants.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The Forest School programme is delivered on-site in the school woodland, supporting wellbeing through outdoor learning. UNICEF recognition and wellbeing initiatives, along with language support, contribute to a safe, inclusive environment. Anti-bullying measures and safeguarding practices support students' overall wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision

English, Spanish, Catalan and French are taught. English is the language of instruction under the National Curriculum for England and Wales. Spanish is learned from Year 1, and from Year 2 students study Spanish, Catalan and French. In Secondary, students study English, Spanish, Catalan and French as core and additional language subjects, and the school provides a Spanish Curriculum Validation pathway, including the ESO certificate.

Bilingual Teaching

English is the language of instruction across the curriculum. MiNi ISM is immersed in English all day, with two weekly storytelling sessions in Catalan and Spanish. From Year 1, students learn Spanish; from Year 2, they learn Spanish, Catalan and French. The National Curriculum for England and Wales is delivered across all stages, underpinning English-language instruction throughout the program.

Immersion Programs

MiNi ISM is English-immersion all day. Two weekly storytelling sessions are conducted in Catalan and Spanish. From Year 1, students learn Spanish; from Year 2, they study Spanish, Catalan and French. In Secondary, English remains the instruction language, with English, Spanish, Catalan and French taught as language subjects.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Personal Interview with the family. The admissions team interviews the family and the student candidate to introduce the school's philosophy and programs and to assess whether the school model fits the student's needs. If the family is abroad, virtual interviews are available.

2. Candidate Assessment. The assessment includes a personal interview with the candidate, an academic transcript or report, and references from the previous school. An entrance test is used when necessary. A trial day or period is recommended to support the transition. If the student has learning difficulties, social-emotional or other specific needs, communicate this to the admissions team at the time of initiating the application.

3. Acceptance and Enrolment. Accepted students must complete additional documentation and pay tuition and other charges before starting. If there is no place after acceptance, the admissions team will work to resolve the situation promptly. Preference will be given to families who already are at school.
School Events
The school has not added events