ᐅ Top High School in Barcelona ᐅ British Sixth Form in Gavà

World-Class International High School Education in Barcelona

Years 12 & 13 | Ages 16 to 18

At our British international High School in Barcelona, students are challenged, supported, and inspired to excel beyond expectations. Located on an expansive green campus near the beach, and just minutes from the airport and city centre, the British College of Gavà offers a truly distinctive learning environment. Recognised by Forbes among the top schools in Spain, we are also one of the few high schools in Barcelona to offer 3 internationally recognised Sixth Form pathways, alongside a bespoke programme for elite athletes. This ensures students can choose their ideal route to success. Each pathway develops advanced academic and real-world skills, enhanced by state-of-the-art facilities for academics, technology, sports, and the arts. With comprehensive university and careers guidance, our graduates are ready to succeed at top universities and in competitive careers worldwide.

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Why Choose Our Top High School in Barcelona?

Academic Excellence & Global Pathways

Our high school students can choose from the IB Diploma (IBDP), IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), or A Levels, depending on their interests and aspirations. All programmes are taught by highly experienced teachers, over 80% of whom are native British English speakers.

We are among the few schools in Spain offering the IBCP and the only school with professional partnerships in sports innovation (Barça Innovation Hub), performing arts (Institute of the Arts Barcelona), and entrepreneurship (SUMAS).

Students achieve excellent academic results, with IBDP cohorts scoring above global averages, and many attaining over 40 points. This leads to top university placements, including the UK's Russell Group and leading institutions in Spain and Europe. Recent graduates have pursued Mathematics on a full scholarship at Warwick University, while others have secured sports scholarships in the US. Our bespoke university and careers programme ensures most graduates progress to their first-choice universities, setting them up for global academic and professional accomplishments.

Holistic Preparation & Enrichment

At Sixth Form, students can continue to develop their multilingual skills beyond English, with options in Spanish, French, Russian, and Catalan, broadening their prospects for studying and working internationally.

Aspiring athletes benefit from a flexible academic structure that accommodates demanding training and competition schedules, enabling them to complete the American High School Diploma. Alumni have progressed to become professional football players in European clubs and Division I tennis teams at US universities.

Our extensive co-curricular and extracurricular programmes offer over 50 activities, enabling students to explore a wide range of interests and gain real-life skills in sports (with watersports), performing and visual arts, technology, academics, and life skills. Standout opportunities include financial and investment literacy, driving lessons, STEM, and professional coaching provided for team sports and performing arts. Together, these experiences nurture unique talents, personal growth, and exceptional future readiness.

Why Choose Our Top High School in Barcelona?

Our International Sixth Form Curriculum Pathways in Barcelona

At our international High School in Gavà, Baix Llobregat, all Sixth Form Pathways offer globally recognised qualifications. Our differentiated approach ensures pupils are guided to select the pathway and subjects that best align with their individual talents, skillset, and future university and career ambitions, providing comprehensive preparation for securing unmatched international opportunities after graduation.

IB Diploma Programme (IBDP)

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a rigorous and holistic programme, designed to serve as an ideal stepping stone from Sixth Form to university. Students study one subject from six subject groups: Studies in Language and Literature, Sciences, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Mathematics, and The Arts. Alongside these, the three IBDP core elements—Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS)—help them develop research, analytical thinking, and personal growth.

Learn more about the IBDP

IB Career-related Programme (IBCP)

Our IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) combines two or three IB Diploma subjects with four IB Core subjects and a career-related course. This combination provides the perfect balance between academic rigour and practical, career-focused learning for students with clear professional goals.

At our Gavà High School, students can choose from the following IBCP professional pathways: Performing Arts with the Institute of the Arts Barcelona, Innovation in Sports with Barça Innovation Hub, or Entrepreneurship with SUMAS (a Swiss Sustainability Management School). All pathways provide hands-on experiences with industry experts and offer qualifications recognised by UCAS for UK university entry.

Learn more about the IBCP

A Levels

The Pearson Edexcel A-Level programme is a British International pathway that allows students to specialise in three to four subjects from a wide range, including Business Studies, Drama, Psychology, Art & Design, and Modern Languages. This pathway emphasises in-depth subject knowledge, independent study, and critical thinking. Some subjects include coursework or practical components, ensuring students develop a balanced skill set. A Levels are highly regarded by UK universities and cultivate the analytical and research skills essential for higher education success.

Learn more about A Levels

e-Athletes Programme

The e-Athletes programme delivers an American high school education through flexible online learning via the US Performance Academy. NCAA-approved courses accommodate demanding training schedules and international competitions without compromising academic standards. Personalised timetables and close coordination between teachers, families, and coaches ensure students achieve both sporting and academic goals. The programme provides a strong foundation for US university sports scholarships while maintaining excellence across core academic subjects, preparing students for success both on and off the field.

Learn more about the e-Athletes programme

Sixth Form Assessment

At our top High School in Barcelona, assessment across all Sixth Form pathways meets the highest international standards, awarding qualifications recognised by universities worldwide. Each programme uses its own methodologies to evaluate learning:

IB Diploma Programme (IBDP)
Students complete externally assessed IB exams in each subject, graded 1–7. Internal assessments, along with the three core components—Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS—allow learners to demonstrate understanding through coursework, projects, and practical investigations, developing research, analytical, and critical thinking skills for university success. The maximum score is 45 points.

IB Career-related Programme (IBCP)
Assessment blends IB subject exams with career-related evaluations. Students complete Personal and Professional Skills, a Reflective Project, Language Development, and Service Learning activities. This integrated approach ensures the development of academic knowledge, professional skills, and practical experience, supporting pathways to higher education and diverse careers.

A Levels
A-level students take externally assessed Pearson Edexcel exams in their chosen subjects, graded A*–E. Exams are complemented by coursework or practical assessments in some subjects, allowing students to demonstrate mastery of content, analytical thinking, and independent learning—skills highly valued by universities worldwide.

e-Athletes Programme
Students complete continuous and semester-based assessments within the US Performance Academy online platform. Coursework, projects, and examinations lead to the American High School Diploma, ensuring readiness for US university applications.

Language Immersion in High School

At our British High School in Barcelona, English is the language of instruction across all Sixth Form pathways. This full immersion helps students develop the advanced language skills they need to thrive at top universities and in international academic and professional settings.

Students can also continue learning additional languages in Sixth Form, with options in Spanish, French, and Russian, while Catalan remains available for those planning to attend universities in Catalonia. This flexible, multilingual approach ensures students meet local requirements while keeping global opportunities open.

BCG’s international community, with students from over 45 countries, naturally fosters multilingual growth. Daily conversations, collaborative projects, and classroom interactions allow learners to practise and develop their language skills in authentic contexts. This diversity enhances cultural understanding, enriches classroom discussions, and prepares students to thrive in an increasingly globalised world.

Premium High School Facilities in Gavà, Barcelona

Our Barcelona High School offers extraordinary facilities that provide an ideal environment for advanced study and personal development. The secondary building features classrooms equipped with cutting-edge technology and best-in-class resources, as well as three fully equipped science laboratories, ICT rooms, and quiet study areas.

Students have access to a professional-standard art suite, drama and music studios with individual practice rooms, and an auditorium hosting performances, guest speakers, and more. Our spacious sports hall, fitness centre, and outdoor facilities—including a 3G football pitch, basketball court, and beach volleyball court—enable students to excel in a wide range of sports, with watersports offered in collaboration with the Olympic Canal.

The school’s green campus—rare in the region—provides open outdoor areas that support physical activity, wellbeing, and hands-on learning. A new Sixth Form centre is set to open soon, designed to be among the very best of its kind in Spain.

Expert High School Teachers

Our Sixth Form teaching team at BCG consists of highly qualified professionals with extensive international experience and deep subject expertise. More than 80% are native English speakers, providing authentic language immersion for our diverse student body. Many hold advanced degrees and specialised training in IB and A-level methodologies, delivering world-class teaching that prepares students to thrive at university.

Teachers act as mentors and role models, fostering a strong work ethic, responsibility, and a global mindset. Small class sizes enable personalised attention, with staff tailoring their approach to each student’s learning style and aspirations. Additionally, Sixth Form students benefit from 25 minutes of dedicated tutor time for targeted guidance and monitoring progress.

Career and university guidance is integral to our approach. Teachers work closely with counsellors to support university applications, scholarships, and career exploration—ensuring every student is challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.

High School Enrichment Activities in Barcelona

Our Sixth Form enrichment programme extends learning beyond the classroom, offering a wide range of opportunities in sports, creative and performing arts, STEM, academic extension, life skills, and sustainability. Students in Years 12 and 13 can explore new interests, refine their talents, and develop essential skills for future university and career success.

With over 50 co-curricular and extracurricular options, our sixth formers can excel in competitive sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, sailing, and martial arts; perform in the theatre, choir, or musical productions; develop technical skills with LAMDA, film, or stage lighting; or enhance life skills through Duke of Edinburgh, driving lessons, and financial literacy.

By collaborating with peers, specialist teachers, and coaches, students strengthen teamwork, communication, resilience, and adaptability—skills that are essential for success in higher education and beyond.

Life Skills Programme

Our life skills programme equips Sixth Form students with practical abilities, independence, leadership, and career-ready competencies to stand out at school, university, and beyond. Activities include:

STEM & Innovation: Technology projects, Virtual Reality sessions, and the Strategy Gaming Society develop creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation, preparing students for STEM and digital careers.
Model United Nations (MUN): Builds research, negotiation, diplomacy, and public speaking skills for global engagement and international careers.
Duke of Edinburgh Award: Fosters resilience, teamwork, leadership, navigation, and problem-solving through adventurous and practical challenges.
Driving Lessons: Provides essential road safety knowledge and practical driving skills.
Meditation & Wellbeing: Promotes mindfulness, stress management, and academic focus.
Financial Literacy: Penny Shares, investment activities, and Economics clinics teach informed money management and business skills.

University & Careers Guidance at High School

At our private High School in Barcelona, students receive comprehensive university admissions counselling, including support with application forms, personal statements, essays, and interview training. This ensures their submissions clearly showcase their strengths and aspirations.

The programme covers major international application systems, including UCAS for the UK, the Common Application for the US, and European admission pathways, enabling students to pursue opportunities worldwide. Scholarship guidance further enhances access to competitive institutions.

Students are supported in their university research through Unifrog, a leading careers and university platform. This tool allows them to explore courses, compare universities, and understand entry requirements across multiple countries. Personal tutors work closely with each learner to refine choices and develop strategic applications that increase their chances of admission.

Regular university fairs, guest speakers, and campus visits give students valuable insight into higher education pathways, helping them make well-informed decisions.

Sports

Our Sixth Form sports programme in Gavà offers a wide range of recreational and competitive options in individual and team sports, encouraging students to stay active while developing technical skills, discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Competitive teams in football, basketball, and volleyball proudly represent the school in inter-school and BISA tournaments across Barcelona. Training is led by highly experienced coaches for girls’ volleyball, Mugendo instructors for martial arts, and BCG alumni athletes across other sports. Partnerships with organisations such as Humaes Sport Group provide professional-level coaching and performance monitoring in basketball.

Sixth Form students can also take part in archery, beach volleyball, boxing, cricket, football, golf, horse riding, netball, padel, running, sailing, climbing, table tennis, tennis, touch rugby, indoor volleyball, and watersports. Many graduates have gone on to professional sporting careers or earned university sports scholarships in the US, highlighting the programme’s long-term impact.

Arts

Beyond BCG's artistic curriculum options in A Levels, IBDP, and IBCP, the visual and performing arts are a key part of our Sixth Form co-curricular and extracurricular programmes, giving Years 12–13 students opportunities to develop and showcase their creative talents. Activities include Art Club, Ceramics, Senior Choir, Latin Dance & Culture, Dance Club, Drama Club, school musicals, school musical band, stage lighting, LAMDA courses, and the annual Summer Showcase. LAMDA courses, taught by certified instructors, develop public speaking, performance, and dramatic interpretation skills.

These experiences foster transferable abilities such as creativity, collaboration, effective communication, problem-solving, discipline, and adaptability. Students gain hands-on experience in performance, production, and technical roles, preparing them for higher education or careers in music, theatre, film, and the wider creative industries.

Additional Services for Our High school Students

School Transport
BCG offers a safe, reliable, and convenient bus service connecting Barcelona city, Castelldefels, and the surrounding areas to our high school in Gavà. Our extensive bus routes ensure that all students have access to our exceptional sixth form education, regardless of where they live. Routes are reviewed annually to meet family needs, with the option to add stops based on demand.

School Meals
Our on-site culinary team prepares fresh, nutritious meals daily, inspired by Mediterranean dietary principles. Menus are designed by a nutritionist and cater to all dietary needs, allergies, and cultural preferences, supporting student wellbeing while promoting healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.

Discover how our top high school education in Barcelona can prepare your child for their dream university and future career.

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Sixth Form in Barcelona