FAQ
What is iCollege Barcelona?
We are a reimagined international college seeking to educate students to become their best selves. We are dedicated to students aged 16 and upwards who desire to mature and transition to university and life as flourishing young adults. Many students are stifled in closed, fearful, traditional environments unfit for the modern world. We want to change this by providing the beauty of academic rigour and discovery with an entrepreneurial global mindset and skillset fit for the contemporary world.
Where is iCollege Barcelona located?
iCollege Barcelona is set within an innovative co-working learning school. Please see here:
What are the college hours?
Regular operating hours are from 9:00 to 17:00, following an academic calendar. Timetables will be tailored to individual needs and college scheduling, where necessary. Students are welcome to study on-site outside operating hours, where appropriate.
How will students be organised?
We always aim to keep subject class sizes small but collaborate as a whole college within the enrichment programme. However, depending on their subjects and learning needs, students will be given appropriate dispensations where required. We will naturally support our students in integrating and developing great friendships.
How long does the admissions process take?
This depends on the circumstances. We want iCollege Barcelona to be a good fit for each student. Please see more on the admissions page.
We will not be able to travel to Barcelona in person to enrol. Will this be a problem?
No. Admission steps can be completed remotely.
What level of English is required to be accepted?
In cases where the level of formal English might not be at the appropriate age expectation, an individual action plan will be considered. Please see the admissions pages.
My son/daughter doesn’t speak Spanish; does this matter?
No. Students can learn Spanish at an A-level but must enter at a baseline level to access the specification requirements. All qualifications and communication will be conducted in English (outside of additional language learning).
Is there a dedicated iCollege Barcelona bus service?
No. Barcelona is excellent for public transport, and our site is easily accessible.
Does iCollege Barcelona provide food?
No. Students must bring or buy their lunches and snacks. However, there are kitchen facilities where students can heat their food and make hot drinks. In addition, there are excellent food choices in the surrounding area.
How often are there parent meetings and reports?
Because we are a small, dedicated college, we encourage regular and natural communication. Formal reporting will be published every learning term, as will parent days.
Does iCollege Barcelona have a dress code?
No. We don’t require students to wear a college uniform. However, students must follow our policy on the ‘appropriate dress code’ in a professional working environment.
Will students receive a computer device?
No. Each student must bring their devices that best suit their learning needs.
Is iCollege Barcelona a traditional school?
Students will complete world-renowned, accredited British A-Level and BTEC qualifications to enter higher education and the world of work. Our learning approach blends in-person, evidence-based teaching with modern virtual learning provisions. We will achieve this with values and by learning in an innovative environment that challenges everyone to explore their better selves.
How will lessons be taught?
A-level and BTEC subject disciplines will be taught weekly by in-person iCollege Barcelona subject specialists and via synchronous online lessons from fully qualified learning teachers in the United Kingdom. This learning model yields students the best access to subject-specialist teachers.
What’s the difference between A Level and BTEC qualifications?
A-Levels and BTECs are two distinct qualifications often pursued by students aged 16-19 (and beyond for BTEC qualifications). Both qualifications are world-renowned and widely accepted for entering higher education and the world of work. Many factors depend on each student, which will be discussed during enrollment.
A-levels are academically focused and theory-based. They typically involve studying three or four subjects over two years, with assessments primarily through final exams.
BTECs are more skill-based qualifications that combine practical learning with coursework and occasional exams, making them suitable for students who prefer hands-on experience.
While A-Levels are commonly recognised for university entry, especially for theoretical degrees like medicine or law, BTECs provide pathways to higher education in fields such as business or engineering. Both qualifications are respected worldwide and can even be combined, offering students the flexibility to tailor their education to their goals.
Can students study a combination of both A-Level and BTEC qualifications?
Yes, this can be a healthy learning plan. We always advise that students study three to four subject areas regardless of their qualification type. We naturally encourage all our students to study BTEC Business, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.
Why not use the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, IBDP?
We believe A-level and BTEC qualifications offer students more flexible choices and individual progression. We want to tailor learning to meet the needs of each individual, as opposed to a generic learning ‘one size fits all’ board programme model. Additionally, our Enrichment programme presents all students with extended skills and personal opportunities to receive a rounded education outside of diluted ‘tick-box’ requirements.
Upon graduation, can students enter Spanish universities?
Yes. Students can enter Spanish universities, both public and private, depending on entry requirements and academic performance. They can also access universities in the UK and around the world. Students need to have an idea of where they would like to go before entering iCollege Barcelona so we can prepare the best pathway possible.
Will students gain work experience?
Yes. One of iCollege Barcelona’s key aims is to help arrange regular work experience opportunities for each student. The days of only ‘study’ and then only ‘work’ have become wholly blurred for modern development.
How much homework is set?
We don’t use the term homework at iCollege Barcelona, but as ‘guided study’ (what work teachers set) and ‘independent study’ (individual preparation and wider reading). The demands of A-Level and BTEC learning are considerable (5-6 hours per week per subject area of expected guided study). In short, students must be self-motivated to work, struggle and improve! We will do everything to provide the best learning environment and stimulus to succeed, but the effort must come from each individual. This is where the real-life rewards and transformation occur.
What extra-curricular opportunities are available?
We deliver a ‘Life MBA Young Leaders Programme’ as part of our Enrichment offering. This programme allows students to develop leadership skills, gain practical experience, and network with industry professionals. We also use the fantastic opportunities and facilities around us to provide additional extracurricular activities. Please see the Enrichment page for more details.
What learning support is available?
iCollege Barcelona values all students who bring different learning experiences and strengths to their personalities. Interventions and additional support, utilising various strategies and specialist professionals, will be discussed and implemented individually where appropriate.
Where will A-level external examinations take place?
A-Level examinations can be taken at the British Council in Barcelona where appropriate. We will guide and support students in registering for these examinations. External examinations will incur additional fees.
What Examinations Boards will iCollege Barcelona use?
The Pearson/Edexcel and Cambridge Assessment International Education examinations boards depending on the subject area. Additional qualification providers will be utilised where appropriate.