Curriculum – Bellver College

Curriculum Overview

Bellver College offers a full British education for students aged 3 to 18, following the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to A-Levels.

We are a fully accredited British school, and English is the language of teaching and learning across all subjects, with the exception of Spanish, Catalan, and modern foreign language classes.

Our teaching is delivered by qualified, native-level English-speaking staff, ensuring academic fluency, confidence, and preparation for global opportunities.

At the same time, our students benefit from strong Spanish integration, including local language and culture, as well as compliance with Spanish educational standards preparing them for life in Spain and beyond.

Early Years (Ages 3-5)

Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) offers a warm, nurturing start to school life. We follow the English EYFS curriculum, blending structured play with early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development.

Children learn through hands-on experiences in a secure, dedicated Early Years environment with:

• Early reading, writing, and numeracy foundations
• Specialist lessons in Music, PE, and Art
• Play-based learning that fosters independence, imagination, and curiosity

With small class sizes and dedicated staff, we ensure every child is known, supported, and given the best possible start. In Early Years we always have two dedicated teachers in the classroom.

Primary (Ages 5-11)

Our Primary School follows the English National Curriculum (Key Stages 1 & 2), adapted for our international context, thanks to the Cambridge Primary 1 programme and enriched with strong Spanish integration.

Children study a broad and balanced programme that includes:

▪ English, Maths, Science
▪ Spanish Language & Culture, plus Catalan (from Year 2) Spanish is offered in two tracks – for native speakers and for non-native speakers
▪ Art, Music, PE and Computing
▪ Topic-based learning in History, Geography, and PSHE

We offer a supportive, structured environment that nurtures academic progress, creativity, and confidence. Cross-curricular projects, regular performances, and school trips bring learning to life.

Secondary (Ages 11-16)

Our Secondary School builds on the British curriculum (Key Stage 3 and IGCSE years), combining academic rigour with personal development.

In Years 7–9, students study a full curriculum:

▪ English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
▪ Spanish, French, German
▪ History, Geography, PSHE
▪ Art, Film Studies, Drama, PE, Computer Science

In Years 10–11, students prepare for IGCSEs. We are an accredited Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel exam centre, allowing students to take official exams on campus.

Subjects typically offered at IGCSE include:

▪ English Language & Literature
▪ Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
▪ Mathematics & Further Maths, Computer Science
▪ History, Geography, Art & Design, Drama, Business, Travel & Tourism
▪ Spanish, French, German

We emphasise strong academic foundations, exam preparation, and growing independence as students transition toward A-Levels.

A-Levels (Ages 16-18)

Bellver’s Sixth Form offers a focused AS and A-Level programme, preparing students for top universities in the UK, Spain, and around the world.

Students typically select 3–4 A-Level subjects from a wide range, including:

▪ English Literature
▪ Mathematics & Further Maths
▪ Biology, Chemistry, Physics
▪ Business, Travel & Tourism
▪ History, Geography
▪ Spanish, French, German
▪ Art & Design, Computer Science
Sixth Form students benefit from:
▪ A dedicated study room and personalised support
▪ University and career guidance
▪ Opportunities for leadership and House involvement

With a long history of academic success, our graduates leave Bellver confident, capable, and ready for their next step wherever in the world it may be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bellver College unique within Spain’s educational landscape?

Bellver College is the first and oldest private British school in Spain, founded in 1950. Over more than 75 years, it has educated over 10,000 students. What makes Bellver stand out includes:

Small class sizes – a maximum of 15 pupils per class.
Highly qualified staff – 85% of teachers are native English speakers.
Outstanding academic results – all pupils secure their first-choice university place.
Holistic education – developing not only academic excellence but also personal integrity and social responsibility.
Official accreditation as a Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel examination centre.

What stages of education does Bellver College offer, and which curriculum does it follow?

Bellver provides a complete British education for pupils aged 3 to 18, following the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to A-Levels:

Early Years (Ages 3–5): play-based learning focused on early literacy, numeracy, and emotional development.
Primary (Ages 5–11): Cambridge Primary curriculum, adapted to our international context and enriched with Spanish and Catalan.
Secondary (Ages 11–16): a full academic programme leading to IGCSE examinations, covering sciences, humanities, and languages.
Sixth Form (Ages 16–18): A-Level studies, with personalised university guidance for entry into top universities in the UK, Spain, and worldwide.
English is the main language of instruction, complemented by strong Spanish integration to prepare students for both local and global futures.

What does a typical school day at Bellver look like?

The Bellver school day balances academic focus with creativity, wellbeing, and play:

Gates open: 8:45 AM
Registration: 8:55 AM
Lessons begin: 9:10 AM
Finish: 4:15 PM (Primary) / 4:10 PM (Secondary)
Additional services include:
Morning Club (from 8:00 AM) – a calm, supervised start to the day.
After-School Club (until 5:00 PM) – for children aged 3 to 7.
Wide range of after-school activities such as sport, music, drama, robotics, yoga, dance, and debate.
Each day is designed to encourage curiosity, independence, and social growth.

What facilities and services does the school provide?

Bellver College occupies a secure urban campus opposite Marivent Palace, featuring purpose-built spaces for every stage of learning, including:

Fully equipped science laboratory and art studio.
Multi-purpose concert hall for music, drama, and dance.
Dedicated Sixth Form study room and learning support areas.
Separate dining halls for Primary and Secondary, with nutritious meals prepared by a professional catering partner.
On-site multi-sports court and partnership with the Princesa de España Sports Centre, offering access to a full-size sports field, athletics track, and Olympic swimming pool.
The environment is designed to promote safety, creativity, and academic excellence.

How does the admissions process work?

Bellver operates a rolling admissions system, welcoming applications throughout the year, subject to availability. As classes are intentionally small, early application is recommended.
The process involves:

Initial enquiry – contact the Admissions Team or arrange a school visit. Call (+34) 971 40 16 79 / 971 40 42 63 or send an email to info@bellvercollege.com
Application submission – including recent school reports and supporting documents.
Family interview – and, from Year 4 upwards, an Entrance Evaluation may be required.
Offer and enrolment – successful applicants receive a full welcome pack with uniform, timetable, and transition details.
Many families choose Bellver from the Early Years stage, ensuring continuity, stability, and a strong sense of belonging throughout their child’s education.

Any more Questions? Contact Us

Oldest Private British School in Spain.