Welcome to SEK International School Catalunya.
We are delighted to welcome you to our international community—a place where students are inspired to grow academically, socially, and personally. Our purpose is to nurture thoughtful, confident, and compassionate learners who are well-prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. The success of our students stems from our blend of rigorous academic programmes, personalised support, and global perspective.
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, we offer a curriculum that emphasises critical thinking, creativity, intercultural understanding, and a commitment to service. These attributes help students develop self-confidence, resilience and leadership skills. Our community values bilingualism, cultural diversity, and the pursuit of excellence, supported by dedicated educators who foster an environment where each child can thrive.
We believe education is a partnership between school, students, and families. We encourage active involvement from parents and guardians, united by the shared goal of guiding our students toward their fullest potential. Together, we create a learning environment that is both nurturing and challenging.
To new and returning families: we thank you for your trust, and we look forward to accompanying your children on their educational journey with confidence, curiosity, and purpose.
| Number of students |
1020 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
More than 55 |
| Most common nationality |
Spanish |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
51% local : 49% international |
| Native English and Spanish speaking teachers |
SEK Catalunya employs teachers who include native English speakers as part of its instructional staff. The school teaches in English, Spanish and Catalan, with additional language instruction available through qualified teachers. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and Spanish |
SEK Catalunya offers language support for students. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
In addition to English, Spanish and Catalan, SEK Catalunya offers French, and German as additional language options. Russian and Chinese are offered as language A for MYP5 and DP native students. |
| Max. number of students per class |
24 |
| Average number of students per class |
20 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Intelligent classrooms, equipped with the latest technology and with a wide variety of teaching resources. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes. SEK Catalunya has used virtual classroom technologies and is prepared to do so in situations like COVID-19 quarantines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SEK Catalunya implemented online classes quickly when students were unable to attend in person, allowing learning to continue through digital platforms as part of the school’s continuity plan. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
SEK Catalunya does not have a religious practice integrated as part of its school programme. The school focuses on a pluralistic educational ethos that respects individual cultural and religious values, emphasising universal values such as freedom, solidarity and respect. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
Our students sit the full IB Diploma Programme examinations and, upon successful completion, are also awarded the US High School Diploma — with no additional exams required. |
| Results in these examinations |
SEK International School Catalunya maintains a 100% pass rate in the IB Diploma Programme. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Sometimes, especially in higher levels (Secondary and Baccalaureate), the Flipped Classroom model is used, which often involves reviewing materials or completing tasks at home in order to discuss and deepen understanding in class. |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
The amount of time required to complete homework varies depending on the student’s age and grade level. Teachers assign homework in line with the educational stage and individual needs of students. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
The school’s academic programmes are designed to prepare students for success in higher education, and graduates have a strong track record of university placement. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes. SEK Catalunya has a Psychopedagogical and Guidance Department that supports students with learning needs. |
| Learning support offered |
The Psychopedagogical and Guidance Department plays a key role in identifying potential learning needs at an early stage. It coordinates closely with teachers and families, liaises with external therapists when necessary, and oversees the implementation of curricular adaptations and Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) to ensure each student receives the appropriate support. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
The school’s Psychopedagogical and Guidance Department also supports students with high abilities through assessment and personalised follow-up. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
SEK Catalunya has a Psychopedagogical and Guidance Department that provides educational assessment and support services to all their students. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Our admission process begins with an initial meeting with the Admissions Department, followed by an interview with a member of the Psychopedagogical Department and, when required, a language assessment for non-native English speakers. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
The evaluation process includes review of academic records, report cards from the previous year, and an admission interview with the family and/or student |
| Waiting list |
Yes |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
There is no deadline to enroll. We have open enrollment all year round. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, we admit students once the course has started |
| School start time |
9:30 |
| School finish time |
17:15 |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Indoor football, basketball, volleyball, roller hockey, figure skating, swimming, synchronised swimming, golf, tennis, ping pong, fitness, multisport, Taekwondo, trail running, musical ensembles, electronic music, ballet, modern dance, drama, magic, arts and crafts, drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, video and image, audiovisual narrative and multimedia, yoga, robotics, drones, story time. |
| Sports activities included |
We offer a comprehensive Physical Education programme, including year-round swimming lessons for children aged 2 to 7. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Students can take part in our Swimming Team, Football Team, Roller Hockey Team, and Artistic Skating programme, promoting teamwork, discipline, and sporting excellence. |
| Facilities at the school |
Two Libraries (one for Early Childhood and Primary; one for Secondary and Baccalaureate)
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| Sports facilities at the school |
Our school offers excellent sports facilities, including a 7-a-side artificial grass football pitch, basketball courts, three padel courts, a swimming pool, and a covered sports hall. |
| Grades/ages available for boarding |
SEK Catalunya offers boarding (residence) for students approximately from around 11–12 to 18 years of age, providing accommodation for secondary and baccalaureate students. |
| Boarding facilities at the school |
The boarding house at SEK Catalunya provides an international residential experience with: -A multicultural living environment for personal and academic growth.
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| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
SEK International School Catalunya is one of the nine schools that form SEK International Schools. The school provides education for students from 4 months to 18 years of age, offering a comprehensive and internationally oriented learning experience. SEK Catalunya is a member of the IB® World Schools community and offers the full International Baccalaureate® continuum — Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) — integrated with the Spanish national curriculum. With a strong commitment to academic excellence, multilingual education and personal development, the school prepares students to thrive in an increasingly global and dynamic world. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
SEK-Catalunya is a multilingual school, teaching through the medium of English, Catalan and Spanish. At every stage of education 70% of the curriculum is delivered through the medium of English, 15% in Catalan and 15% in Spanish. Starting from year 5 of Primary Education it is possible, in addition, to study a fourth language: French or German. |
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) programmes cover the following educational stages:
•Primary Years Programme- PYP- Early Years and Primary
•Middle Years Programme -MYP- with Secondary Education
•Diploma Programme -DP- with Baccalaureate
The IB® Diploma Programme is a challenging two year pre-university curriculum, primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 18. It leads to a qualification that is widely recognised by the world’s leading universities.
Students learn more than just a body of knowledge. The Diploma Programme prepares students for university and encourages them to:
•Ask challenging questions
•Learn how to learn using the IB Approaches to Learning
•Develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture
•Develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures
We’re delighted that you’re considering SEK International School Catalunya for your child’s education.
Please call or email our Admissions team, with any questions.
We’re looking forward to answering all of your questions and welcoming your family to our school.
