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Kensington School Barcelona
The oldest British curriculum school in Barcelona, opened in 1966 and still small at around 270 pupils across 3 to 18. Families who want a tight, family feel English school in Pedralbes pick this over the bigger British operators.
In brief
The oldest British-curriculum school in Barcelona, opened in 1966 and still small at around 270 pupils across 3 to 18. Families who want a tight, family-feel English school in Pedralbes pick this over the bigger British operators.
One form of entry per year keeps classes small and teachers visible. Parents new to the city consistently single out how Kensington absorbs late arrivals, including a free Spanish programme for parents that softens the landing. IGCSE and A Level outcomes are solid for the size.
The flip side of small is fragile. Communication from the office can feel thin, with decisions arriving without much consultation, and fee increases of 5 to 10 percent a year are a recurring frustration. Teacher turnover has caused some grumbling when long-tenured staff are replaced by newer hires.
The Pedralbes location is residential and 20 to 30 minutes from the centre by car. Families wanting a large peer group, on-site swimming pool, or full IB should look at Oak House or BSB; Kensington's pull is the small, anglophone, settled feel.
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| EYFS and Junior School (ages 3-11) | 3 | €13,941 |
| Senior School (ages 11-18) | 11 | €18,690 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Registration Fee - Junior / EYFS (one-time) | €4,647 | |
| Entry Registration Fee - Senior (one-time) | €6,171 |
Reviews
- Long-running British school in Barcelona, founded 1966, with Pearson Edexcel pathways and small year-group sizes.
- Recurring parent praise centres on warmth and small classes. One parent said the individual attention was 'amazing'; others describe children as happy and motivated.
- Parents say the school has helped families through messy arrival situations, and that free Spanish classes for parents have eased the move into Barcelona.
- Counter-signal exists. Parents flag poor communication, decisions taken without notice or consultation, limited facilities for the size of fees, and annual fee increases of 5-10% with new charges added on top.
- Independent parent feedback is light. Mentions from parents are mainly comparative ('look at Kensington alongside BFIS and ASB'), not focused review.
Positives
- Class size and teacher attention. Recurring praise for small classes and individual attention.
- Family fit and pastoral support. Parents credit the school with supporting them through transitions and offering Spanish lessons for parents.
- Standing in Barcelona. Mentioned consistently among the British/international options alongside BFIS and ASB.
Considerations
- Communication. Some parents say decisions are made without notice or consultation.
- Facilities and fees. School described as small with limited facilities; fees increase annually with regular new charges.
Leadership
Duncan Giles
Duncan Giles serves as the Headmaster of Kensington School Barcelona, continuing the legacy established by his late father, Edward Paul Giles, who founded the school in 1966. Under his leadership, the school maintains a commitment to small class sizes, personalised learning, and academic excellence within a supportive, family-oriented environment. Mr. Giles is actively involved in the international education community in Spain and was elected as the President of the Barcelona International Schools Association (BISA) in 2024. He emphasizes the importance of pastoral care and ensuring each student reaches their full academic potential through the British curriculum.
Academic results
- GCSE Grades 9-7 (2025) 65%
- A-Level A*/A (2025) 61%