A Guide for Families Living in Sant Cugat

By Ruth Sale

After 35 years of living in Spain and working in different international schools in Girona and Sant Cugat as a teacher and in Admissions, I totally understand that choosing the right school for your child is a big decision and, if you are new to Catalunya, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. The education system here offers quite a few options, each with its own approach to language, curriculum and philosophy. If you are living in Sant Cugat – a city that is famous for its international feel and excellent schools – you will want to understand these choices so your child’s transition is smooth and happy.

So, what are your options?

In Catalunya, schools fall into three main categories: Public (state), semi-private (Concertada) and fully private or international. Each has its own personality, so let’s walk through them together.

Public schools (Escoles Públiques)

These are completely funded by the government, so tuition is free – you will only pay for books, materials and sometimes meals. Classes are taught mainly in Catalan, with Spanish as a subject and English introduced later. They follow the official Catalan/Spanish curriculum and places are assigned through a lottery system during the annual enrolment period.

Expect mixed classes, no uniforms, and larger groups of students. The big plus is that they are free and help children integrate into the local culture and language. The challenge? If your child does not speak Catalan yet, the immersion can feel intense at first.

Semi-private schools (Escoles Concertades)

These schools are privately managed but receive some state funding. Families usually pay a monthly fee (around €150 to €250) plus meals and activities. Catalan is often the main language although many schools also teach Spanish and English, and some are bilingual or even trilingual.

They follow the official curriculum but can add extras like more English, arts or religious education. Many are linked to Catholic organisations, though secular options exist and admissions go through the same public process as state schools. These schools tend to have smaller classes, more personalised attention and sometimes uniforms. They are a nice middle ground – more flexibility and resources than public schools but not as costly as private ones.

THE MAIN SCHOOLS IN SANT CUGAT

Private & International Schools: Agora Sant Cugat International School (ASCIS), European International School of Barcelona (EISB), CreaNova School, Hatikva – Private Jewish school, Japanese School in Barcelona, Tretzevents Waldorf-Steiner – Private Catalan school.

Semi-Private Schools (Catholic schools): La Farga, Col·legi Pureza de María Sant Cugat, Viaró Global School, El Pinar de Nuestra Señora, Santa Isabel.

Semi-Private Schools (Non-Catholic schools): Avenç, Liceu Politècnic, Thau Sant Cugat.

Public Primary Schools (Infant & Primary): Cuitat d’Alba, Collserola, Gerbert d’Orlhac, Jaume Ferran i Clua, Joan Maragall, La Floresta, La Mirada, L’Olivera, Pi d’en Xandri, Pins del Vallès, Turó de Can Mates.

Public Primary & Secondary School: Institut-Escola Catalunya.

Public Secondary Schools (Secondary & National Baccalaureate): IES Angeleta Ferrer i Sensat, IES Arnau Cadell, IES Centre d’Alt Rendiment Esportiu (CAR), IES Joaquima Pla i Farreras, IES Leonardo Da Vinci.