The British education system is implemented in countries around the world.

Equivalencies between the British and Spanish systems

The British education system is implemented in countries around the world. Its prestige is due to its focus on the comprehensive development of students, the stimulation of critical thinking and academic excellence. For families in Spain, it is useful to know how each stage of the British system relates to its equivalents in the Spanish system. Although both pursue similar objectives — to educate, prepare for adult life and facilitate access to university — there are differences in structure, teaching methods and the way students are assessed. 

When do children start school in the British system?

In the British system, children usually begin their formal schooling at the age of four, in a  year known as Reception, which corresponds to the last year of early childhood education, (also known as EYFS). Before that, they can attend voluntary nurseries, but compulsory schooling begins in Reception.

This early start is accompanied by a curriculum designed to promote emotional, social and linguistic development, and to help children begin to relate to learning in a playful and natural way. In comparison, in the Spanish system, compulsory schooling begins at the age of six, although most families enrol their children in Infant Education from the age of three. 

Educational stages in the British system

The British system is structured into several clearly differentiated stages, called Key Stages, which accompany academic progress from early childhood to university entrance.

Each stage has specific objectives and a series of core subjects that students must take, although there is some flexibility for each school to adapt its educational offering.

EYFS (Early Years)

The first stage is called EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) and comprises Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Reception classes, from two to five years of age. Its purpose is to lay the foundations for cognitive, emotional and motor development.

In EYFS, learning is approached as a process of discovery, stimulating children's natural  curiosity and encouraging purposeful play, fine and gross motor skills and early communication skills. It is a stage in which special attention is paid to emotional well-being and the development of autonomy, so that children enter primary school with confidence and self-assurance.

Key Stage 1, 2 (Primary)

After EYFS, pupils enter Key Stage 1, which comprises Year 1 and Year 2, from five to seven years old. In this cycle, children consolidate basic literacy and numeracy skills and are introduced to subjects such as Science, Geography, History, Art and Physical Education.

Key Stage 2, from seven to eleven years old, covers Year 3 to Year 6. During this stage, the curriculum is expanded, project work is encouraged, and a greater level of autonomy in learning is introduced.

Key Stage 3 & 4 (Secondary)

Key Stage 3, from age 11 to 13 (Year 7 and Year 8), marks the beginning of secondary education. Here, core subjects—English, maths, and science—are explored in greater depth, and subjects such as Drama, Music, and additional languages are added, preparing students for the next academic phase.

Key Stage 4, covering ages 14 to 16 (Year 9 to Year 11) corresponds to the IGCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) cycle. During these three years, students choose a set of subjects—some compulsory, such as English, mathematics and science, and others optional, depending on their interests. At the end of Year 11, pupils take their IGCSE exams, the results of which determine their access to the IB Diploma.

This stage is comparable to the end of ESO in the Spanish system, although with a much more personalised approach in terms of subjects and an assessment system based on external examinations.

IB Diploma (or International Baccalaureate)

After IGCSEs, students who wish to continue their studies enrol in Sixth Form, which covers Year 12 and Year 13. During this period, some British schools, such as St. George Barcelona, offer the option of studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.

The IB is an internationally recognised programme that combines rigorous academic training with a strong component of personal and social development. The International Baccalaureate in Barcelona offers students the opportunity to study six subjects, write a research essay and participate in the CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service) component, which gives them a global profile that is highly valued by universities around the world.

In the UK, IBDP students outperform their A Level peers in terms of enrolling in top universities and achieving first-second class honors.

Differences between the British and Spanish systems

The main difference between the two systems lies in flexibility and methodology. The British system focuses on learning based on research, critical thinking and active student participation, while the Spanish system has traditionally favoured a homogeneous, memory-based approach.

Furthermore, the fact that IGCSE and the IB Diploma carry such significant weight introduces an element of responsibility and preparation for university life that contrasts with the continuous assessment prevalent in Spain.

Another relevant difference is the language of instruction, which in the British system is English, opening up a window of international opportunities for students and giving them advanced language skills.

Admission and enrolment process

At St. George Barcelona, we accompany each family throughout the admission process to ensure a smooth and personalised transition. Our team reviews the student's academic record, conducts an interview to learn about their qualities and, if necessary, schedules an English test to ensure proper integration. 

Once the place has been confirmed, we guide families through the enrolment process and the first steps to ensure a warm and welcoming transition.