British international education at ISM

Q: How does the British education system work?

The British education system is organised into different stages called Key Stages, ranging from early years education to university entrance. It is designed to encourage autonomy, critical thinking and creativity from an early age.Pupils start in Early Years (3 to 5 years old), continue with Primary School (5 to 11 years old) and Secondary School (11 to 16 years old), where they prepare for the IGCSE, an internationally recognised qualification. They then take A-Levels (16 to 18 years old), equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato and valid for admission to universities around the world.British international education adopts this same model in schools outside the United Kingdom, combining academic excellence with flexibility and a personalised approach to learning.

Q: What is a British international school?

A British international school is an educational centre that follows the UK curriculum and adapts it to an international context. This means that classes are mainly taught in English and pupils can obtain official qualifications such as IGCSE and A-Levels, which are recognised by universities in more than 160 countries.British international education in these schools focuses on the holistic development of the student, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, communication and personal confidence. In addition, the multicultural environment allows pupils to interact with classmates of different nationalities, preparing them for a global future.

Educational Stages

At International School of Maresme (ISM), we are committed to providing a high-quality British education that combines academic excellence, personal development and emotional wellbeing. Following the National Curriculum for England, we help children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to thrive in an increasingly global world.

Our educational approach encourages curiosity, critical thinking, creativity and independent learning. Through small class sizes, personalised support and meaningful learning experiences, every child is encouraged to reach their full potential while developing a lifelong love of learning.

Our British Curriculum Journey: Supporting Every Stage of Your Child's Growth

At ISM, our British education pathway is carefully structured to support children at every stage of their development. From their first experiences in Early Years through to Primary and Secondary education, pupils benefit from a consistent, nurturing and academically ambitious learning journey.

A British education where every child is known, valued and supported. Through personalised learning, strong relationships and a welcoming international community, we help children build the foundations for future success both inside and outside the classroom.

MiNis (1–3 years)

The MiNis programme is designed for our youngest learners, providing a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment where children can feel safe, happy and confident as they take their first steps in education.

Through play-based learning, sensory exploration and caring relationships, children develop communication, social and emotional skills while discovering the world around them at their own pace.

Early Years (3–5 years)

Our Early Years programme follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework from England, helping children build strong foundations for future learning through play, exploration and meaningful experiences.

Children develop confidence, independence and curiosity while benefiting from full English immersion, personalised support and opportunities to learn both inside and beyond the classroom.

Primary School (Years 1–6 | Ages 5–11)

Our Primary School follows the National Curriculum for England, providing children with a strong academic foundation while nurturing confidence, independence and a lifelong love of learning.

Through a broad and balanced curriculum, pupils develop key skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Computing, the Arts and Physical Education. Small class sizes, personalised learning and full English immersion help every child thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Secondary School / IGCSE (Years 7–11 | Ages 11–16)

Our Secondary programme prepares students for the internationally recognised IGCSE qualifications, combining academic challenge with personalised support and wellbeing.

Students develop critical thinking, resilience, communication and independent learning skills while studying a broad range of subjects taught through the British Curriculum. This stage provides excellent preparation for future pathways, including A-Levels and international university opportunities.

Private Tour: Come to know each other

We invite families to book a private tour at ISM, explore our learning environment, meet our teachers and leadership team, and discover first-hand how our personalised British education supports every child’s academic and personal development.

Comparison of British primary education with the Spanish education system

Educational Structure

The British education system is organised into clearly defined Key Stages, allowing learning objectives and development milestones to be carefully adapted to each age group. This structured approach supports a smooth progression from Primary School through to Secondary education.

Language of Learning

At ISM, English is the main language of instruction and communication throughout the school day. This immersive environment helps children develop fluency naturally, while also maintaining connections with local languages and culture.

Teaching Methodology

British education places a strong emphasis on active learning, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving. Rather than focusing solely on memorisation, children are encouraged to ask questions, collaborate with others and apply their knowledge through meaningful experiences.

Preparing Students for a Global Future

The British Curriculum is internationally recognised and equips pupils with the academic knowledge, confidence and transferable skills needed to succeed in future educational pathways, both in Spain and internationally.

International Opportunities

A globally recognised curriculum that prepares children for future educational pathways in Spain and abroad.

When choosing a school, families often consider not only academic outcomes but also the learning environment, teaching approach and future opportunities available to their children. A British Primary education offers a balanced pathway that combines academic excellence, personal development and international perspectives.

Frequently asked questions about British international education

Is British international education suitable for non-English-speaking children?

Yes, the model is designed for progressive immersion. Although English is the language of instruction, the supportive linguistic environment and methodology enable students to adapt successfully. In addition, other languages (such as Spanish or Catalan) are often incorporated depending on the context.

Are British qualifications valid for university admission in Spain?

Yes – in many cases, A-Levels allow access to Spanish and other countries' universities. At our school, we also offer validation of the Spanish curriculum where appropriate.

What are the differences between an international British school and a Spanish-English bilingual school?

A bilingual Spanish-English school may teach most subjects in Spanish, with reinforcement in English. In contrast, in British international education, the British curriculum is the basis, it is taught mainly in English, and the qualifications are internationally recognised.

How do you select a British international education centre or programme?

It is important to check: the accreditation of the British curriculum (e.g. IGCSE, A-Levels), the qualifications of the teaching staff, the language of instruction, the proportion of international students, individualised monitoring, and university admission figures.

What extra costs are involved in British international education?

Depending on the school, there may be additional costs compared to the conventional system, due to resources, infrastructure, international teaching staff and certifications. It is advisable to check fees and services included.

How does the British education system work?

The British education system is organised into different stages called Key Stages, ranging from early years education to university entrance. It is designed to encourage autonomy, critical thinking and creativity from an early age.

Pupils start in Early Years (3 to 5 years old), continue with Primary School (5 to 11 years old) and Secondary School (11 to 16 years old), where they prepare for the IGCSE, an internationally recognised qualification. They then take A-Levels (16 to 18 years old), equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato and valid for admission to universities around the world.

British international education adopts this same model in schools outside the United Kingdom, combining academic excellence with flexibility and a personalised approach to learning.

What is a British international school?

A British international school is an educational centre that follows the UK curriculum and adapts it to an international context. This means that classes are mainly taught in English and pupils can obtain official qualifications such as IGCSE and A-Levels, which are recognised by universities in more than 160 countries.

British international education in these schools focuses on the holistic development of the student, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, communication and personal confidence. In addition, the multicultural environment allows pupils to interact with classmates of different nationalities, preparing them for a global future.

Where is the best education system in the world?

According to leading international rankings (such as the PISA report), the countries with the best education systems in the world tend to be Finland, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Canada. However, the British education system stands out for its global recognition and its ability to adapt to international contexts through British international education, which is present in more than 160 countries.

This model combines academic tradition, pedagogical innovation and an active methodology that prioritises practical learning and student autonomy, making it one of the most valued options for families seeking quality and international exposure.

Fees and discounts

AGE	YEAR GROUP	UK KEY STAGE	ANNUAL FEES	MONTHLY FEES (12 months)	INCLUDES
1-2	Minis 1	Early Years	-	345€ or 465€ (11 months)	Tuition School material Books School insurance
2-3	Minis 2		-	345€ or 465€ (11 months)
3-4	Nursery		8.020,00 €	668,35 €
4-5	Reception		8.020,00 €	668,35 €
5-6	Year 1	Key Stage 1 (Primary)	8.600 €	716,70 €
6-7	Year 2	Key Stage 1 (Primary)
7-8	Year 3	Key Stage 2 (Primary)
8-9	Year 4
9-10	Year 5
10-11	Year 6
11-12	Year 7	Key Stage 3 (Secondary)	9.700 €	808,35 €	Tuition School insurance
12-13	Year 8
13-14	Year 9
14-15	Year 10	Key Stage 4 (Secondary)	12.000 €	1.000 €
15-16	Year 11	Key Stage 4 (Secondary)	12.000 €	1.000 €

* Except for Minis, the annual fee is divided into 12 installments, one payment each month of the year.

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