Private School in Barcelona:

Private School in Barcelona

Looking for a Private School in Barcelona for the Final Years?

The final years of school are when everything starts to matter a little more—grades, subject choices, and preparing for life after graduation.

That’s why many families in Barcelona choose a private school or sixth form college that offers:

→ An internationally recognised qualification (A Levels)

→ Small class sizes and personalised support

→ English-speaking instruction

→ Strong university counselling and mentoring

At The Learn Academy, we offer a different kind of private education in Barcelona, one designed for curious, ambitious teens aged 16 to 19 who are ready to specialise, grow, and get ready for university life.

Why Families Choose TLA Over Traditional Private Schools

Sixth Form is the final stage of secondary education in the UK system. It’s where students focus on the subjects that matter most to them and prepare for university or their next steps in life.

Why Families Choose TLA Over Traditional Private Schools

Sixth Form is the final stage of secondary education in the UK system. It’s where students focus on the subjects that matter most to them and prepare for university or their next steps in life.

→ British A-Level curriculum taught fully in English

→ Accepting students from IB, Bachillerato, and other systems

→ Max class size of 15

→ Personalised academic mentoring

→ Full university support (UK, EU, US, and more)

→ British A-Level curriculum taught fully in English

→ Accepting students from IB, Bachillerato, and other systems

→ Max class size of 15

→ Personalised academic mentoring

→ Full university support (UK, EU, US, and more)

How is Sixth Form different from IB or Bachillerato?

Comparison Table - A Levels, IB, Bachillerato

Sixth Form

(A-Levels) allows students to specialise in 3–4 subjects. It offers depth, flexibility, and space to focus on what they enjoy or excel in.

Read our page: What are the A Levels?

IB

IB requires students to study 6 subjects across a broad range, plus complete Theory of Knowledge, CAS hours, and an Extended Essay.

Bachillerato

Bachillerato (in Spain) is also broader and typically tied to local university entrance exams.

If your teen knows what they’re passionate about—or wants a more focused academic path—Sixth Form is often the better fit.

What are the A Levels?

A-Levels (Advanced Level qualifications) are subject-based qualifications recognised globally. They allow students to:

Specialise in 3 or 4 subjects they enjoy or are good at
Gain deep academic knowledge
Prepare directly for university-level study

They’re ideal for students who already have a direction—or want the space to discover it without juggling 6+ subjects like in the IB.

A Levels vs IB: Which Is Right for Your Teen?

Read the guide now

Group photo of students with gloves and rubbish bags at beach clean up

Enquire About Our Private School in Barcelona

Subjects You Can Study in Sixth Form

We offer the broadest range of A-Level subjects in Barcelona, including:

Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Psychology
English Literature
History
Geography
Business
Economics
Art & Design
Spanish (for native and non-native speakers)

View our A Levels subjects

Daily Life at TLA

The Learn Academy follows the Catalan academic calendar, running from September to June and broken into 3 terms.

TLA School Calendar

Schedule

The school day commences promptly at 8:50 am and concludes at 4:15 pm.
Throughout the day, there are 5 class periods, each lasting 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Compulsory school hours are from 10 am to 3 pm. During this time, students must either attend classes, utilise study rooms on campus, or study outside or in a local cafe.
Each day at 10 am, students must be on campus at 10 am daily for a 20-minute form group session, where attendance is taken and safety ensured. Any absences prompt email notifications to parents. Sessions cover topics like mental health, cultural celebrations, and global citizenship projects.
Outside of these mandatory hours, students have flexibility to arrive late or depart early from campus.

Study Periods

Using the iPads conveniently located near the entrance, students have the option to sign themselves out and study in nearby cafes or outdoor spaces within a designated radius.

We encourage students to strike a balance between off-campus study periods and utilising the on-site study rooms to maximise productivity. Study periods play a vital role in A Level preparation, assisting students in effectively managing their homework and study commitments.

Weekly Timetable

TLA includes a weekly assembly into the timetable. It is a time where we come together as a school community, share achievements and announcements and present awards to celebrate the achievements of our students.

We offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities scheduled through the week, such as Duke of Edinburgh, book club, model United Nations, and various student-led groups.

How Our Private School Prepares Our Students for University

We don’t just teach. We guide.

Every student at The Learn Academy is assigned an academic mentor. They’ll support your teen through:

A-Level study planning
Study skills and time management
UK university applications (UCAS)
U.S. applications (Common App)
Personal statements and interview prep
Pathways to medicine, Oxbridge, arts, and more

We know how overwhelming the next step can feel. That’s why our support starts early and goes deep.

Universities our graduates attend ⟶

List of University Logos where TLA students have been accepted

Graduate Stories

Dylan Rose

Dylan, a 2024 graduate of The Learn Academy, is now pursuing a BBA at Esade. With immense support from TLA teachers and guidance through the UCAS process, Dylan credits his academic success and personal growth to the school.

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Ram Kontar

Ram, a 2024 graduate of The Learn Academy, is now pursuing a Business degree at La Salle Ramon Llull University. With the constant support from TLA’s teachers and a welcoming environment, Ram found the application process smooth and his time at school enjoyable.

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Community Testimonials

I can comfortably say it is the best school in Barcelona by a long shot

I’ve been attending this school for 2 years now, and I can say it is the best school in Barcelona. The teachers are excellent, they provide a warm, safe, and fun learning environment for students, they all excel at teaching their respective courses in a dynamic manner. Additionally, the overall vibe of the school is incredibly warm and welcoming, all of the students get along really well and it creates a really great environment, the class sizes create a close knit environment that make even classes about difficult or less interesting topics incredibly entertaining. It’s evident that the teachers really care about the overall health and well-being of their students, not just their grades. As a student who has lived in Barcelona for over 5 years and has been to a variety of different schools, this is by far the best one in BCN. The Director, Hannah Grech, has done an amazing job running this wonderful school

Paddy Wright

The service and dedication they provide is unmatched in Barcelona"

I have been attending classes with the centre’s teachers and worked alongside the Director, Hannah Grech, for over 5 years now. The atmosphere is also excellent and curated well by the teachers who build a trustworthy platform for students to express themselves and relate to others, something that is lacking at other institutions in the city. Would highly recommend the group/personal classes as well as the full time A level program as I have really enjoyed and benefited working so closely with their teachers.

Jordan Price

"The service and dedication they provide is unmatched in Barcelona"

I have been attending classes with the centre’s teachers and worked alongside the Director, Hannah Grech, for over 5 years now. The atmosphere is also excellent and curated well by the teachers who build a trustworthy platform for students to express themselves and relate to others, something that is lacking at other institutions in the city. Would highly recommend the group/personal classes as well as the full time A level program as I have really enjoyed and benefited working so closely with their teachers.

Jordan Price

"I can comfortably say it is the best school in Barcelona by a long shot"

I’ve been attending this school for 2 years now, and I can comfortably say it is the best school in Barcelona by a long shot. The teachers are all excellent, they provide a warm, safe, and fun learning environment for students, they all excel at teaching their respective courses in a dynamic manner ( my favourite probably being English) . Additionally, the overall vibe of the school is incredibly warm and welcoming, all of the students get along really well and it creates a really great environment, the class sizes create a very cozy and close knit environment that make even classes about difficult or less interesting topics incredibly entertaining. It’s evident that the teachers really care about the overall health and well-being of their students, not just their grades. As a student who has lived in Barcelona for over 5 years and has been to a variety of different schools, this is by far the best one in BCN. The director, Hannah grech, has done an amazing job running this wonderful school.

Paddy Wall

"A truly unique experience"

After graduating from The Learn Academy I took a gap year to travel and gain work experience, however I will be attending university for my undergraduate studies in September 2024 in the UK. I was accepted to both the University of Glasgow or Edinburgh. I will be studying a joint honours degree in Philosophy and Mathematics.

During my time at TLA and within a smaller school community, we as students had a lot more opportunity to communicate one on one with teachers, which allowed for more curated and efficient study, suited to us individually. This also helped tremendously with exam nerves, as it made me feel more confident in my abilities. Additionally, I really enjoyed the social side of TLA. A small school situated in the city of Barcelona resulted in a truly unique experience, meeting people from all over the world, creating a strong and close community.

Zeb Alexander

Common Private School FAQs

Is Sixth Form the same as IB or Bachillerato?

Not exactly. Sixth Form = A-Levels. It’s more specialised and less broad than IB or Spanish Bachillerato.

Do students need to speak English fluently?

Yes. All classes, mentoring, and materials are in English.

Can students switch to A-Levels from another system?

Yes, we accept students from the Spanish system, American schools, IB programs and more.

What makes The Learn Academy different from other international private high schools in Barcelona?

Unlike larger private international schools that serve all age groups, The Learn Academy focuses exclusively on students aged 16–19. It offers a pre-university environment with a strong academic focus, personalised support, and a mature, respectful culture.

Do A Levels prepare students for university in Spain or other countries?

Yes. A Levels are internationally recognised and accepted by universities in the UK, US, Europe (including the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain), and beyond. At The Learn Academy, we provide tailored support for each country’s admissions requirements.

What universities do your students go on to?

Top universities in the UK, Europe, and the U.S., depending on each student’s goals.
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How much is a private international school in Barcelona?

Fees vary depending on the school, year group, and curriculum. Most private international schools in Barcelona charge anywhere between €8,000 and €20,000 per year. At The Learn Academy, our tuition is competitively priced for a boutique-style education focused on A Levels and university preparation. You can view our fee structure here.