Institució La Farga vs ISCAT International School of Catalunya

	I Institució La Farga Barcelona, Spain	I ISCAT International School of Catalunya Barcelona, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €4,000 - 12,900	Fees / year €8,925 - 13,650
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Boys School	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 1,530	Pupils 150
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Spanish	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2007
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
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 La Garriga campus in La Garriga, Barcelona, Spain. The main address is Manuel Raspall, 8, 08530 La Garriga, Barcelona. The campus comprises four buildings (Blancafort, Manuel Raspall, Xavier Calls and Caselles) and can accommodate up to 300 students from Nursery to Year 13. It is about 30 minutes from Barcelona city centre and from the Costa Brava beaches; La Garriga is green and safe with a train station nearby for easy access to Barcelona.
Stages	Stages Early Childhood Education; Primary Education; Secondary Education; Baccalaureate.	Stages From 3 to 18 years (Nursery through Year 13).
School type	School type Private school.	School type British international day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Learning Support is led by qualified SEN practitioners who shadow progress, liaise between students, teachers and parents, and plan and deliver the Emotional Education programme. When ongoing specialised attention is required, ISCAT collaborates with external professionals and a visiting psychologist is available weekly; parents are involved in interventions.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Spain (Catalonia).	Country affiliation British international school following the National Curriculum of England and Wales.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Morning: 7.30–8.15 am (Early Morning); 8.30 am start with flexible arrival for Early Years until 9.00 am. Lunch: 12.45–2.00 pm for Early Years; 1.00–2.00 pm for Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 5. Afternoon: 2.00 pm start; 4.00 pm end; after‑school activities until 5.15 pm; after‑school care until 6.00 pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details ISCAT offers school transport with two routes: Mataró Parc Shopping Centre (Mataró) for families on the Maresme coast (about 30 minutes) and Barcelona (Plaza de Alfonso Comín, exit 6, Ronda de Dalt). Public transport options include Renfe Rodalies line R3 to La Garriga (La Garriga train station is about a two‑minute walk from campus) and Sagales bus service from Granollers to La Garriga.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration (matrícula) - Guardería (early years): EUR 375 one-off registration fee. - Infantil, Primaria, ESO (compulsory stages covered under concertado arrangements): no separate registration fee listed (EUR 0). - Bachillerato (upper secondary): EUR 410 one-off registration fee. 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. Summary of key numbers (examples for quick reference) - Guardería: EUR 350 / month (annual EUR 3,875); registration EUR 375. - Infantil / Primaria / ESO: EUR 220 / month (annual EUR 2,200); registration EUR 0. - Bachillerato: EUR 650 / month (annual EUR 6,910); registration EUR 410. - Comedor (lunch): typical EUR 120–172 / month. Transport: EUR ~150 / month. Material: EUR ~220 / year. Technology kit: EUR ~492 / year. 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 fee (one-off): EUR 2,200. - Entrance test fee (for Secondary and A‑Level candidates only): EUR 50. - Sibling discount: third child onward receives 20% discount when siblings are enrolled simultaneously; the third child's enrolment can be free in the enrolment-fee line described. Tuition fees — annual (by age / year group) and termly (calculated) - Early Years (Nursery / Reception, ages 3–5): Annual EUR 8,436. Termly (annual ÷ 3) EUR 2,812.00 (calculated). - Key Stage 1 / Primary (Years 1–6, ages 5–11): Annual EUR 9,039. Termly (annual ÷ 3) EUR 3,013.00 (calculated). - Key Stage 3 (Secondary, Years 7–9, ages 11–14): Annual EUR 10,393. Termly (annual ÷ 3) EUR 3,464.33 (calculated). - Key Stage 4 (GCSE stage, Years 10–11, ages 14–16): Annual EUR 12,803. Termly (annual ÷ 3) EUR 4,267.67 (calculated). - Key Stage 5 (A‑Levels, Years 12–13, ages 16–18): Annual EUR 15,665. Termly (annual ÷ 3) EUR 5,221.67 (calculated). Notes on what the annual tuition includes: - Tuition, school materials, books and school insurance are included in the annual fee for the listed stages; re‑enrolment/pre‑inscription is also listed as included in the fee for the relevant stages. PE activities are specifically listed under some secondary stages. Other recurring costs and optional services - School lunch (monthly): Regular use EUR 200 per month; Occasional use EUR 14 per meal; Packed lunch option EUR 35 (monthly). - Early Morning Care (7:30–8:00): Regular use EUR 65 per month; Occasional use EUR 7 per day. - After‑School Care (16:15–18:00): Regular use EUR 75 per month; Occasional use charged at EUR 6 per 30 minutes. - School transport (monthly by route): typical full monthly charges shown are EUR 180–205 depending on route; occasional single‑journey price EUR 15. Transport must be paid termly, in advance, for full‑service users. Examination and exam‑related charges - GCSE (Year 11) exam fee: EUR 150 per subject. - AS Level (Year 12) exam fee: EUR 195 per subject. - A Level (Year 13) exam fee: EUR 315 per subject. - Additional exam charges: Special access arrangements EUR 35 per subject; re‑mark / re‑sit fees follow the same subject rates above and late entries incur double fees as noted. Boarding fees (if applicable) - No boarding fees appear in the current school fees document for the fees schedule provided. A historical boarding schedule (Academic Year 2019–20) exists showing examples of boarding charges (for reference only): Registration EUR 1,000; Full boarding (7‑day) EUR 39,500; Weekly boarding (Mon–Fri) EUR 30,000; one‑term option EUR 16,000; refundable deposit EUR 3,000. The current fees document does not list boarding charges. Refund information - The current fees document does not specify any general refund policy for tuition or enrolment. The historical boarding schedule (2019–20) explicitly listed a refundable boarding deposit (EUR 3,000) in that older boarding schedule. No refundable‑fee rules for current tuition or enrolment are specified in the current fees document. Billing schedule and payment terms - The fees document explicitly states that the school transport tariff for regular users must be paid termly, in advance. The fees document does not provide detailed general tuition billing dates, payment‑deadline schedule, or standard late‑payment penalties within the fees pages provided. Fee payment options - The current fees document does not list accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer, direct debit, credit card) or specific bank details. Short summary of missing items in the published fees document - The published fees material lists annual tuition by stage, the one‑off enrolment fee, ancillary monthly charges (meals, care, transport) and examination charges, and it specifies that transport is paid termly in advance. The published fees material does not state a detailed tuition billing schedule (specific payment dates or term‑dates for tuition), does not list accepted payment methods, and does not include a general refund policy for tuition/enrolment. Historical boarding fees are available in an older boarding schedule but boarding is not listed in the current fees document.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
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 The International School of Catalunya follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales from Early Years through to A-Levels. Year 10 Secondary students (aged about 15-16) take IGCSE examinations. A-Levels are a two-year programme preparing students for university. Official exams include SATs, I/GCSE, and International A-Levels. The Early Years Foundation Stage begins in Reception (3-5 years) and Primary education starts in Key Stage 1; Secondary begins in Key Stage 3 (Year 7-9) and continues to Key Stage 4 (Year 10-11).
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
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 —
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 —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions Book a private visit. The admissions process is designed to be enjoyable and straightforward. Meet the admissions team at the school for an initial interview with our director to view facilities, meet teachers and students, and ask all questions regarding our educational programme. Submit enrolment forms and all required documentation. Early years: Families aspiring to enter Early Years will have an initial interview with the school director, and subsequently complete and submit the enrolment form and other documentation as outlined in the enrolment pack. Reception: Families aspiring to enter Reception, should there be places available in this year group, complete and submit the enrolment form and other documentation as outlined in the enrolment pack including, where applicable, a copy of the child's last school report. No knowledge of English is required for entry to the Early Years programme. Primary: Families aspiring to enter Primary, should there be places available, will be asked to complete and submit relevant enrollment documentation on offer of a place. These students are usually required, as part of the admissions process and without any further obligation, to spend at least half a day in their prospective class. This replaces the traditional 'entrance test' and allows our teachers to evaluate the level of English and social disposition in a natural and holistic way, at the same time giving the child the opportunity to experience a day at ISCAT. For students entering Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and Year 2) no previous knowledge of English is required, although this would be a distinct advantage. Students entering Key Stage 2 (from Year 3 to Year 6) are required to have some knowledge of English. Secondary & A-Levels: Students aspiring to enter Year 7 and above will be asked to attend an initial interview with a member of the secondary teaching team. Should a place be available, candidates are then required, as part of the admissions process and without any further obligation, to spend at least half a day with their prospective class. This replaces the traditional ‘entrance test' and allows our teachers to evaluate the level of English and social disposition in a natural and holistic way, at the same time giving the child the opportunity to experience a day at ISCAT first-hand. If ISCAT deems the student to have the necessary competencies and level of English to join the group, the enrolment form and other documentation as outlined in the enrolment pack should be completed and submitted to the school office, together with copies of the child's school reports for the previous two academic years. Please note that all students wishing to enter the school in Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 (Year 7 and above) must have an adequate level of spoken English. Open enrolment: Get to know in-person our school! We will accompany you personally and answer any questions you may have about the school, our learning spaces and the different educational stages.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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