A nuturing, diverse, and inclusive environment

The Olive Tree School in Barcelona is a British co-educational school catering to children aged 3-16. The school curriculum emphasizes creative thinking, problem-solving, and experiential learning. Classes are kept small (max 20) to ensure personalized learning and provide the best emotional support.

The schoolโ€™s facilities include spacious classrooms, a playground, a library, an art room, and a music room. Students are encouraged to develop a sense of social responsibility through various community service projects. The school also offers after-school activities such as Taekwondo and musical theatre, amongst other things. The schoolโ€™s mission is to provide a nurturing, diverse, and inclusive environment where children can reach their full potential intellectually, emotionally, and socially.

The Olive Tree Mission

To inspire young people to be effective and passionate learners.

To empower young people to become compassionate and active global community members.

To equip young people with the skills they will need in all areas of their life.

More than a school, The Olive Tree is a community, a family, a safe, friendly & creative environment where my child has been growing and developing. He goes and comes back happy and excited about his day at school. Amazing teachers that truly care for your childโ€™s well-being and totally support them in every way they need as they understand we are all unique and they get to know each personality and support them to the best they can. I am so grateful and thankful to be part of this wonderful community. More than a school! We made friends! We are family! Thank you!

– Hermana (parent of the Olive Tree)

Now, five years since I left The Olive Three School, am still grateful for the opportunity, growth, insight, support and love I received there. A warm bath that gave me wings and confidence to follow my educational journey further and with strength and believe in myself. I am forever grateful for the OTโ€™s head teacher, Audrey, whom has always taught me to follow my own path at my own pace.

– Raphi (former Student)

Why choose The Olive Tree School

Discover why this school is worth considering โ€“ from its teaching ethos and facilities to its activities and children’s support.

As a British school, we follow the British Curriculum and adapt it in a manner that allows each child to enhance their strengths while exploring their interests within a positive and supportive environment. Our ultimate goal is for all our students to cultivate a love for learning, as it serves as the foundation for their academic achievements and the development of essential life skills required in our rapidly changing world.
In Primary (ages 5 to 10) and Secondary Years 7 to 9, we use project-based learning rather than a reliance on textbooks. Classroom materials are drawn from a wide range of sources, placing emphasis on collaborative projects and self-expression as our pupils explore the world around them, our culture, world religions and history, and the scientific world. We actively encourage our students to take pride in effectively expressing themselves both verbally and in writing. Nurturing a passion for reading is instilled right from the early years in our Saplings classes and throughout Primary and Secondary. Our pupils are continuously encouraged to expand their exploration of English literature with the abundant resources available in our school libraries.

As pupils progress to Years 10 and 11, preparing for their GCSE examinations, the focus changes to optimise performance and exam technique exam. However, the importance of collaboration is maintained as the whole group works together to do as well as they can in their exams. As a result, we have consistently achieved results well above the UK average.
Our school is inspected in Primary and Secondary by The British Council (NABSS). The most recent inspection for the Secondary section took place in November 2020, resulting in the maximum authorization granted for a duration of 4 years. The Primary section was last inspected in February 2022, also receiving the maximum authorization for a period of 4 years. In the latest reports, the exceptionally high level of English was noted by the inspectors.

  • Dedicated science laboratory for Secondary
  • Well stocked Primary library
  • A separate library for Secondary pupils
  • A theatre with a capacity for an audience of around 150 
  • Outdoor sports area incorporating football pitch & 2 basketball courts
  • Various Outdoor learning spaces.
  • Landscaped gardens.
  • NEW IN 2024-2025: Additional covered exterior sports area 1000m2 – volleyball, basketball and additional  7-a-side football pitch
  • Musical Theatre Club (Junior & Senior)
  • LAMDA tutoring
  • Individual Music lessons available at lunch and after school: guitar, piano, drums and other instruments on request.
  • Spanish Club
  • Taikwando Club
  • Football Club (Junior & Senior)
  • Forest School Club
  • Coding Club
  • Digital Music Club
  • Parents Spanish Club
  • Tea-Time Playgroup (ages 3 to 5) 16.00 to 17.00
  • After School Club – Arts & Crafts (ages 6 to 11)  16.00 to 17.00

In cases where children require additional assistance with their learning, our specialized teachers conduct assessments to determine their needs. Subsequently, a personal support program for them is agreed with parents. This may be short-term speech therapy, aid for dyslexia, or a comprehensive ongoing program designed to address more complex learning challenges. Support programmes are regularly reviewed, and parents are kept up to date with progress and any changes required to the learning & support plan. There is a regular liaison between those responsible for individual support & the regular class teachers and online activities to consolidate individual support tutoring.

To optimise the learning experience for exceptionally gifted children, individual support is also provided. Pupils are assessed, and mentoring is provided to ensure they are stretched appropriately and that they are able to express and develop their skills. 

When conflict arises, as it does in any school, pupils need to learn how to deal with it and reach positive outcomes through dialogue and kindness. We have thorough protocols which are followed when conflict arises. Both parents and pupils are made aware of their protocols from the beginning of their time in the school. Details are provided in the Primary and Secondary School Handbooks, which are regularly updated and distributed to all parents.

As pupils progress into Secondary and adolescence, their emotional development is extremely important. In school, each pupil has various trusted staff members to whom they can reach out. There is a Pupil Welfare Officer who is specifically responsible for helping any child experiencing emotional challenges. In addition, pupils tend to have close relationships with their class tutor, and both the Assistant Head, Maria Iriarte, and the Head of Secondary, Audrey Reeder, have an open-door policy. All pupils know they can approach these figures of trust in total confidence. 

The Olive Tree School was recently reviewed by The Good School Guide. You can read the full review here.

YouTube video

My kids spent 6 fantastic years here. Wonderful, dedicated teachers who are really focused on the children. Small class sizes meant both my kids got loads of attention if and when they needed help and were pushed on when they needed that too. There is a real community here, teachers and admin know all the families and the children really well. There is not a school at all like this out here. They’ve taught my children how think critically, how to question everything and how to be curious about the world around them. I highly recommend this school for anyone looking for the best rounded education that is truly child centred.

– Sean H (Parent of the Olive Tree)