Institució La Farga vs International School Maresme
Institució La Farga and International School Maresme are both in Barcelona, about 46 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes, and International School Maresme also offers EYFS. Published annual fees are €4,000 - 12,900 at Institució La Farga and €7,178 - 11,576 at International School Maresme, which puts International School Maresme roughly 11% higher. Institució La Farga takes pupils from 3 to 18, and International School Maresme from 1 to 16. Institució La Farga is the larger school, with around 1,530 pupils to International School Maresme's 140. Typical class sizes are 20 at Institució La Farga and 14 at International School Maresme.
British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils
Pupils
1,530
Pupils
140
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
14
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Spanish
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
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Opened
2019
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain. It is situated on Camí de Sant Cugat al Papiol, 36-46. The school is part of the Institució Familiar d'Educació network.
Location
Carrer Carles Flotats 14, 08360 Canet de Mar, Barcelona. The school is located in Canet de Mar. The campus sits amid Canet de Mar's natural landscape.
Stages
Stages
Early Childhood Education; Primary Education; Secondary Education; Baccalaureate.
Stages
MiNi ISM (Foundation Stage); Early Years; Primary (Key Stage 1 and 2); Secondary (Key Stage 3 and 4) with IGCSE; Spanish Curriculum Validation.
School type
School type
Private school.
School type
British international school
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
140+ students representing more than 25 nationalities. About 50% international students. Most common nationalities: American, Russian, British, Chinese and Spanish.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
Learning Support is led by qualified SEND practitioners who tailor the curriculum and learning journeys to meet each student's needs. Language support helps students acquire English, with targeted small-group instruction during the initial year. Special needs education is provided in partnership with families and external professionals to maximise inclusion.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Spain (Catalonia).
Country affiliation
British; follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales.
Tuition (regular school fees) — by year group - Guardería (nursery/early years): EUR 350 per month; equivalent annual figure given as EUR 3,875. Per-term equivalent (three-term academic division) = EUR 1,292 (annual ÷ 3). Per 10-month billing equivalent = EUR 387.50 per month. - Infantil (pre-primary) / Primaria (primary) / ESO (lower secondary): EUR 220 per month; equivalent annual figure given as EUR 2,200. Per-term equivalent (three-term academic division) = EUR 733.33. Per 10-month billing equivalent = EUR 220 per month. - Bachillerato (upper secondary): EUR 650 per month; equivalent annual figure given as EUR 6,910. Per-term equivalent (three-term academic division) = EUR 2,303.33. Per 10-month billing equivalent = EUR 691.00 per month (annual ÷ 10).
Billing schedule and payment terms - The school's standard practice for spreading the annual charge is to prorate costs into 10 monthly payments across the academic year (commonly used format for academic billing). Use of the 10-month proration is how monthly equivalents above are presented. Late-payment terms, specific instalment due dates, and any applicable administrative late fees are handled under the school's payment policy.
Boarding / Residence - Boarding is not offered; the school operates as a day school (no boarding fees apply).
Other costs and recurring extras - School lunch (comedor): typical range indicated between EUR 120 and EUR 172 per month depending on options selected; an institutional cost line for La Farga shows EUR 172 per month for lunch in one comparative study. - Material escolar (school materials): an annual cost of approximately EUR 220 is shown as a typical annual materials expense. - Transport (school bus): a typical monthly transport charge is shown around EUR 150 per month. - iPad / new-technology kit (when applicable): an annual technology fee/item is shown in the comparative breakdown at EUR 492 (one-off or annual depending on the provision model). - Insurance and small annual items: typical entries include school insurance and pastoral/psychopedagogical support fees (examples in the school-comparison breakdown include small annual charges such as EUR 73 for insurance). - Uniform / clothing: a specific single annual uniform amount is listed as part of the comprehensive cost breakdown where applicable; the comparative breakdown includes a clothing/uniform line in its totals. Individual uniform prices vary by item and are charged separately.
Refunds and cancellations - No centrally published, itemised refund schedule for tuition or registration fees was found in the public fee summaries consulted; refunds and cancellation terms are managed under the school's enrollment and payment policy and typically depend on timing of withdrawal and which specific fees or services were paid. Parents should expect that one-off registration fees and specific service charges (e.g., ordered technology kits, uniform suppliers) may be non-refundable once purchased.
Fee payment options - Common payment methods in the documents reviewed include bank transfer and recurring monthly instalments (prorated payments). Credit-card acceptance and direct-debit arrangements are commonly available at similar schools; specific accepted methods (credit card, direct debit, bank transfer, on-line payment portal) are applied according to the school's finance office procedures.
Brief note on coverage: the figures above are extracted from recent comparative fee breakdowns and school-fee summaries for La Farga and present the regular tuition, registration, common ancillary services (lunch, transport, materials, technology) and the standard billing format (10 monthly instalments). Some specific items (exact instalment due dates, precise refund conditions, optional extracurricular pricing, and any targeted discounts or sibling reductions) are determined by the school's current payment policy and enrolment contract and are handled administratively by the school's finance office.
Fee details
Application / enrolment fees - Enrolment (one-off at first registration): EUR 650 per student. - Enrolment renewal (annual family fee): EUR 450 per family (charged in March).
Tuition fees by year group (annual, per-term and per-month breakdowns) - Early Years (Pre‑Nursery / Nursery): Annual EUR 7,717.50. Monthly (10 payments, September–June): EUR 771.75. Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 2,572.50. - Key Stage 1 (Primary): Annual EUR 8,268.75. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 826.88. Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 2,756.25. - Key Stage 2 (Primary): Annual EUR 9,371.25. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 937.13. Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 3,123.75. - Key Stage 3 (Lower Secondary): Annual EUR 11,576.25. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 1,157.63. Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 3,858.75. - Key Stage 4 (IGCSE / Upper Secondary): Annual EUR 11,576.25. Monthly (10 payments): EUR 1,157.63. Per term (annual ÷ 3): EUR 3,858.75.
(Note: the school divides the annual tuition into 10 monthly instalments (September–June) for billing; the per-term figures above are calculated by dividing the published annual fee by three to provide a standard per‑term view. This per‑term figure is an arithmetic conversion, not a separately published instalment in the welcome pack.)
Billing schedule and payment terms - The published annual tuition is structured for payment as 10 monthly instalments covering September through June (no charge for July and August). Early‑payment discounts are available: a 5% discount when the full annual fee is paid before the end of the previous academic year, or a 3% discount if paid during the summer holidays before the new academic year begins. A 20% sibling discount applies from the third child onwards when siblings are enrolled simultaneously.
Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school (published school hours: 08:30–16:00).
Additional / optional charges and regular ancillary fees - Lunch / catering: - School lunch (catered service): EUR 155 per month (charged over 10 months). - Packed-home lunch option: EUR 25 per month (10 months). - Occasional one‑day menu: EUR 12 per day. - Additional SEN (1:1) support: EUR 350 per month for temporary or permanent individual support (charged monthly). - After‑school care (occasional use, example 4:15–5:15pm): EUR 10 per hour. - Uniform, books and materials: the school lists uniform and books/materials as chargeable items; specific prices vary by item and new‑student packs are referenced in the welcome pack. (Uniform and materials are billed separately to tuition.) - Discounts: 20% discount for the third child onwards (when siblings are simultaneously enrolled). Early‑payment discounts of 5% (paid before the end of the previous academic year) or 3% (paid during the summer before the new year) apply to the annual fee.
Refunds and cancellations - The school's welcome pack sets out terms for enrolment, renewals, and other financial conditions. Specific refund and cancellation rules (including any non‑refundability of enrolment or renewal fees and conditions for partial refunds of tuition) are governed by the school's published terms and conditions in the welcome pack. The welcome pack should be consulted for the definitive refund and withdrawal timetable and any associated penalties.
Fee payment options - The welcome pack and admissions documentation describe the school's invoicing and instalment structure (10 monthly instalments) and the discount incentives for full annual prepayment. Specific accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, direct debit, credit/debit card) and any bank details or surcharges are provided in the school's enrolment paperwork and invoice instructions. For billing, the school issues invoices consistent with the 10‑month schedule and with the published early‑payment discount rules.
Short note on completeness - The figures above are taken from the school's ISM Welcome Pack for the current academic materials; the welcome pack lists the annual tuition by Key Stage, the enrolment/renewal fees, discounts, and the ancillary charges quoted here. The welcome pack provides full terms and numerical detail; where a per‑term figure was required it has been calculated from the published annual fee (annual ÷ 3) and the published 10‑month monthly instalment (annual ÷ 10) was used for monthly values. The welcome pack contains the school's formal refund and payment‑method details and should be consulted directly for the exact contractual wording and for any itemised charges not reproduced in full above.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Offers Educació Infantil (early childhood), Educació Primària (primary), Educació Secundària (secondary), and Batxillerat (baccalaureate). The teachings imparted at the centre adjust to current legislation and to the curricula of the educational stages the school provides. The centre's mission is to place its pedagogical knowledge and educational experience at the service of families, so that students become integral persons, solidary citizens, and competent professionals, through personalized attention and the promotion of academic excellence in diversity, the pursuit of truth, and the practice of Christian virtues. The vision is to become a humanist and innovative educational institution that contributes to the improvement of society through the comprehensive formation of many families and education professionals. The values are based on Christian humanism: respect for every person, personal integrity with autonomy, responsible use of freedom, and a climate of optimism, trust and collaboration. General objectives include promoting coexistence, educational equity, helping each student relate to themselves, others and the world, and ensuring a firm yet flexible application of norms.
Curriculum details
ISM's curriculum is organized in five stages: MiNi ISM (Foundation Stage), Early Years, Primary (Key Stage 1–2), and Secondary (Key Stage 3–4). MiNi ISM follows a play-based approach in line with the EYFS framework, with English immersion and weekly storytelling sessions in Catalan and Spanish. The Early Years follow the Early Years Framework, focusing on the seven areas of Learning and Development and promoting social, language and personal development through play. Primary uses the National Curriculum for England; all students study Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Geography, Information Technology, Physical Education, Music, Art, Forest School and Personal, Health and Social Education, with Spanish from Year 1 and Spanish, Catalan and French from Year 2. Secondary offers Key Stage 3 and 4; core subjects include English, Mathematics, Sciences, Geography, History, Art, Music, Computer Studies, Spanish, Catalan, French and Physical Education, with Year 10–11 following the International General Certificate in Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the option to pursue A-levels after IGCSE. There is a Spanish Curriculum Validation path allowing students who complete Years 8–11 and achieve four passes at IGCSE to apply for the Spanish ESO certificate.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
Batxillerat results in PAU exceed 100% pass rate. In recent years PAU results have surpassed the standard pass rate, indicating strong academic performance.
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
The school accompanies students from early years through to university. Graduates progress to higher education, and PAU results indicate success in university admissions. The centre emphasizes personalized attention to prepare students for higher education.
Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
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Admissions
1. Personal Interview with the family. The admissions team interviews the family and the student candidate to introduce the school's philosophy and programs and to assess whether the school model fits the student's needs. If the family is abroad, virtual interviews are available.
2. Candidate Assessment. The assessment includes a personal interview with the candidate, an academic transcript or report, and references from the previous school. An entrance test is used when necessary. A trial day or period is recommended to support the transition. If the student has learning difficulties, social-emotional or other specific needs, communicate this to the admissions team at the time of initiating the application.
3. Acceptance and Enrolment. Accepted students must complete additional documentation and pay tuition and other charges before starting. If there is no place after acceptance, the admissions team will work to resolve the situation promptly. Preference will be given to families who already are at school.