British Secondary Education IGCSE
KEY STAGES 3 AND 4 - SECONDARY + IGCSE - 11 TO 16 YEARS OLD
The IGCSE Programme Near Barcelona That Opens Doors to the World
IGCSE Programme
International School Maresme offers a full Pearson Edexcel IGCSE programme for students aged 14–16 in Years 10 and 11, a globally recognised qualification that unlocks university access worldwide, delivered by specialist teachers in a safe, multicultural campus on the Maresme coast, just 45 minutes from Barcelona.
Years 10–11 (ages 14–16)
2-year programme leading to IGCSE examinations
Pearson Edexcel Accredited
UK-certified international curriculum, graded 9–1
Recognised in 160+ Countries
Open doors to universities on every continent
Dual Certificate Option
Equivalent to Spanish ESO — Título de Graduado en ESO
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What Is the IGCSE and why Does It Matter?
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is the world’s most widely taken international qualification for students aged 14 to 16. Designed by Pearson Edexcel, one of the UK’s leading examination boards, it provides a rigorous, internationally benchmarked academic foundation that top universities and employers in over 160 countries recognise and value.
At International School Maresme, students complete the IGCSE in Years 10 and 11, following the English National Curriculum that begins in our early years and continues all the way through secondary school. This means the transition into IGCSE study is seamless: students build on years of English-medium learning and are guided by experienced, specialist subject teachers throughout the two-year programme.
Unlike national systems that are confined to a single country, the IGCSE is genuinely portable. Whether a family moves from Barcelona to London, Singapore, New York, or Sydney, an ISM student’s IGCSE certificate carries the same academic weight, a significant advantage for internationally mobile families living in the Maresme region.
IGCSE Subjects at International School Maresme
| Core Subjects (All Students) | Optional Subjects (Choose 2) |
|---|---|
| • English Language | • Art & Design |
| • Mathematics | • Physical Education |
| • Double Science (Extended Programme) | • Information & Communication Technology (ICT) |
| • Spanish | • Global Citizenship |
| • Business Studies | |
| • Catalan | |
| • History & Geography of Spain | |
| • Physical Education | |
| • Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) |
What Comes After the IGCSE?
Successfully completing the IGCSE at International School Maresme gives students a powerful springboard for their future. Students graduate with two recognised qualifications and multiple progression pathways.
Why International School Maresme for Your Child's IGCSE
Pearson Edexcel Associate Centre
Fully accredited to deliver and examine IGCSE qualifications. Students sit official Pearson Edexcel examinations — the same assessments taken by students in international schools around the world.
Specialist Secondary Teachers
Every IGCSE subject is taught by subject specialists, not generalists. Our secondary team brings deep expertise in their disciplines and a thorough understanding of the Pearson Edexcel assessment requirements.
Multilingual Awareness
Students from over 30 nationalities study alongside each other at ISM. This rich diversity strengthens language skills and cultural intelligence — qualities that are priceless at university and in global careers.
Small Groups
Our intentionally small groups ensure every student receives personalised attention, targeted feedback, and the academic support they need to reach their full potential in IGCSE examinations.
Dual Accreditation (ESO + IGCSE)
ISM holds accreditation from both the Generalitat de Catalunya and Pearson Edexcel, giving students the rare advantage of holding an internationally portable certificate and the official Spanish secondary qualification simultaneously.
45 Minutes from Barcelona City
Our campus in Canet de Mar sits right on the beautiful Maresme coast, easily reachable from Barcelona, Mataró, Masnou, Vilassar de Mar, Premià de Mar, Calella, and surrounding towns — combining world-class education with an unbeatable quality of life.
Building the Foundation: Key Stage 3 at ISM (Years 7–9)
The IGCSE years do not begin in isolation. At ISM, the groundwork is carefully laid during Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), when students aged 11–14 study a rich, broad curriculum that develops both the knowledge and the study skills they will need to thrive in IGCSE examinations.
KS3 students at ISM study English, Maths, Science, History, Music & Drama, ICT, Spanish, Catalan, Phisical Education, PSHE and Assembly Time, all taught in English. By the time students begin Year 10 and start the IGCSE programme, they have developed strong academic confidence, linguistic proficiency and the skills needed to successfully meet the demands of examined subjects.
Find out more about our full educational pathway: Educational Stages at ISM
Feel free to visit us:
- Pearson Edexcel IGCSE — internationally recognised in 160+ countries
- Delivered in Years 10–11 (ages 14–16) on the English National Curriculum
- Core + elective subjects tailored to each student's strengths and goals
- Dual accreditation: IGCSE + Spanish ESO certificate
- Pathway to A-Levels, IB, and universities worldwide
- Small classes with specialist teachers in a multicultural campus
- Located in Canet de Mar — 45 minutes from Barcelona, serving the whole Maresme coast
An International School Serving Barcelona and the Maresme Coast
International School Maresme is located in Canet de Mar, in the heart of the Maresme region north of Barcelona. We serve families from across the local area, including Mataró, Calella, Pineda de Mar, Premià de Mar, Masnou, El Masnou, Alella, Vilassar de Mar, Argentona, and Barcelona city, who are looking for a genuinely international British-curriculum education.
For expat families relocating to Barcelona or the Maresme coast, ISM offers a smooth transition: the school’s multicultural environment, English-medium instruction, and internationally recognised qualifications mean children can join at any stage without losing academic momentum. For local Spanish families who want to give their children a bilingual and internationally competitive education, the IGCSE, combined with the Spanish ESO certificate, is the ideal choice.
The Maresme region is one of the most desirable places in Spain to raise a family: the coastline, the climate, the proximity to Barcelona’s business districts and airport, and the growing international community all make it an exceptional base. ISM has been part of this community since 2019 and is committed to providing the highest-quality British international education to every family who calls this coast home.
Frequently Asked Questions — IGCSE at ISM
Here you will find answers to some of the most common questions about IGCSE at International School Maresme.
What is the IGCSE and who is it for?
The IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is the world’s most widely sat international qualification for students aged 14–16 (Years 10 and 11). It is awarded by Pearson Edexcel and is recognised by universities and employers in over 160 countries. At ISM, students complete the programme over two years and sit official Edexcel examinations at the end of Year 11.
What subjects are offered in the IGCSE at International School Maresme?
All ISM students study the following core subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Double Science, Spanish, Business Studies, Catalan, Physical Education and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education). In addition, students choose two optional subjects from: Art & Design, Physical Education, History, ICT and Global Citizenship.
Is the IGCSE recognised in Spain?
Yes. ISM’s dual-accreditation status means that students who complete the IGCSE can also obtain the Spanish ‘Título de Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria’ (ESO). This is possible thanks to ISM’s accreditation by the Generalitat de Catalunya and Pearson Edexcel simultaneously, giving families the best of both worlds.
Can my child join in Year 10 or Year 11 from another school?
Yes, subject to availability and an assessment of the student’s academic level. Families are encouraged to book a private school visit to discuss their child’s specific circumstances with our admissions team. Our multilingual team can support transitions in English, Spanish, and Catalan.
What happens after the IGCSE at ISM?
IGCSE graduates can progress to A-Level courses — a natural continuation of the British international curriculum — which are accepted by universities worldwide, including top institutions in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. Students can also explore the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma at other institutions if they prefer.
Where is International School Maresme located?
ISM is located in Canet de Mar on the Maresme coast, approximately 45 minutes north of Barcelona by car or train. We serve families from across the Maresme region — including Mataró, Calella, Premià de Mar, Masnou, Vilassar de Mar, Alella, Argentona, and Pineda de Mar — as well as families relocating to Barcelona from abroad.
How do I start the admissions process?
The best first step is to book a private school tour to meet our team, visit our campus, and see our students in action. From there, our admissions team will guide you through every step of the application process — from assessment to enrollment.
