For international families, schooling is often the first question when relocating to Sitges. The good news: the town and its immediate neighbours offer several well-regarded British schools teaching in English, alongside the free Catalan state system. This guide sets out the main options, who they suit, and what to budget.
British & international schools at a glance
| School | Location | Curriculum & ages | Language | Indicative fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British School of Barcelona — Sitges campus | Sitges | British (English National Curriculum); Early Years & Primary, ages ~2–11 | English | From ≈ €5,700 to ≈ €15,900 (2025/26) + ≈ €3,200 matriculation |
| British School of Barcelona — Castelldefels & Nexus | Castelldefels (~15–20 min) | British; IGCSE, A-Levels & IB Diploma, ages 3–18 | English | BSB fee schedule (upper end for secondary/sixth form) |
| The Olive Tree School | Sant Pere de Ribes | British to IGCSE/GCSE, ages 3–16 | English | ≈ €8,350 to €12,440 (2025/26) |
| Richmond International School | Sant Pere de Ribes | British to A-Levels, ages 3–18 | English | On application |
| Lycée Français Bel Air | Sant Pere de Ribes | French & Spanish curricula, nursery to secondary (both national exams) | French, Spanish, Catalan, English | On application |
| Lycée Français de Gavà — Bon Soleil | Gavà (~20 min) | French & Spanish curricula, to both baccalaureates, ages 3–18 | French, Spanish, English, Catalan | On application |
| The British College of Gavà | Gavà (~20 min) | British curriculum | English | On application |
| Learnlife Eco Hub | Castelldefels (~15 min) | Alternative/personalised learning, accredited American High School; primary | English | On application |
Fees are indicative for the 2025/26 year and drawn from each school’s published schedule and reputable directories; confirm the current figures and availability directly with the school.
British School of Barcelona (Sitges & Castelldefels)
BSB is the school most Sitges families know first, because it has a campus in Sitges itself for Early Years and Primary. Children then move to the larger Castelldefels campus — about 15–20 minutes along the coast — for secondary, where they can take IGCSEs followed by either A-Levels or the IB Diploma at BSB Nexus, the sixth-form centre. Teaching is in English throughout, and the school reports that the great majority of Sitges primary pupils continue within BSB for secondary.
The Olive Tree School and Richmond International
Both sit in Sant Pere de Ribes, a short drive inland from Sitges, and both follow a British curriculum in English. The Olive Tree School is a smaller, project-based school taking children from ages 3 to 16 (through IGCSE/GCSE), after which pupils typically move on for A-Levels or the IB. Richmond International School runs the full range from ages 3 to 18, including A-Levels, with a notably international student body. Class sizes at both are small.
Schools in nearby regions
Families considering a wider commute, or a specific curriculum, often look beyond the Garraf coast. We keep dedicated directories for each area: international schools in Barcelona (the deepest network — British, IB, American, French, German, Swiss and more), the Maresme coast, and Girona and the Costa Brava.
The Catalan state-school option
Public and publicly funded schools in Catalonia are free and teach primarily in Catalan (with Spanish and English also on the timetable) under the region’s immersion model — an excellent route to fluency for younger children. Enrolment depends on first being registered on the municipal padrón at your address, then applying in the Generalitat’s annual pre-registration window; for 2026/27, the pre-primary and primary window falls in March 2026. Families arriving mid-year are placed through the local education consortium.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best international schools near Sitges?
The most-used international schools for Sitges families are the British School of Barcelona (with an Early Years and Primary campus in Sitges itself and a full secondary campus in nearby Castelldefels), The Olive Tree School and Richmond International School (both in adjoining Sant Pere de Ribes). All teach a British curriculum in English. The right choice depends on your child’s age, the curriculum you want (British, IB or A-Levels) and how far you are willing to travel.
Is there a British school in Sitges?
Yes. The British School of Barcelona (BSB) has a campus in Sitges covering Early Years and Primary (roughly ages 2–11), teaching the English National Curriculum in English. Pupils typically continue to BSB’s Castelldefels campus — about 15–20 minutes away — for secondary, IGCSEs, A-Levels or the IB Diploma.
How much do international schools near Sitges cost?
Fees vary by school and year group. As a guide for 2025/26, British School of Barcelona tuition runs from roughly €5,700 in the earliest years to around €15,900 in upper primary, plus a one-off matriculation fee of about €3,200; The Olive Tree School runs from roughly €8,350 to €12,440. Richmond International School publishes fees on application. These figures are indicative — always confirm the current schedule directly with the school.
Can my child attend a Spanish state school in Sitges?
Yes, and it is free. Catalan public schools teach primarily in Catalan (with Spanish and English also taught), under the region’s language-immersion model. To enrol you must first be registered on the municipal padrón at your Sitges address, then apply in the Generalitat’s annual pre-registration window — for the 2026/27 year, the pre-primary and primary window runs in March 2026.
How far are these schools from Sitges?
The BSB Sitges campus is in the town itself. The Olive Tree School and Richmond International School are both in Sant Pere de Ribes, a few minutes inland. BSB Castelldefels (for secondary and sixth form) is about 15–20 minutes along the coast toward Barcelona.
Spotted an error, or a school we should add? Let us know here — we keep this guide up to date.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice, and figures are guides current as of 2026 that vary by property, region and circumstances. Always confirm with a qualified lawyer and tax adviser before proceeding.