Best secondary schools in Barcelona

Secondary School in Barcelona, Sant Just Desvern

Leading Global Secondary Education in Barcelona

12-16 years


Our Secondary School in Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona, offers internationally acclaimed study pathways and exceptional opportunities for students to discover and develop their talents. Recognised among the most innovative and top-ranked schools in Spain, we provide pupils with elite international programmes, including the MYP and Dual American Diploma, guided by highly experienced teachers and coaches.

The results speak for themselves: our Secondary pupils regularly participate in national and international competitions and exhibitions, earning outstanding recognitions in mathematics – including 1st place in the Pangea Math Competition – as well as in competitive sports and advanced artistic projects. At La Miranda, they thrive in a high-tech, multilingual, and future-focused environment, laying a strong foundation for success in leading universities and international careers.

Secondary school with international curriculum in Barcelona
 

Why Choose Our Secondary School in Barcelona, Sant Just Desvern?


Reasons to choose our Secondary education in Barcelona are endless. Pupils continue studying up to 5 languages, giving them an unrivalled advantage when entering international universities and pursuing global careers. Through our Apple Distinguished School programme and access to cutting-edge technology, students gain the digital expertise needed to excel in tomorrow’s high-tech world.

Excellence in mathematics opens doors to careers in engineering, medicine, finance, and personal investment ventures. Medal-winning extracurricular coaches provide exceptional opportunities to shine in athletics and music, while a strong focus on STEM, science, and programming equips students for the most in-demand professions in the global job market. 

Our pupils become prepared for emerging careers and shifts in the job market. They also cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and a strong value system, giving them the resilience and confidence to tackle any challenge in the future.

Secondary School Curriculum

Our Comprehensive Academic Programme with MYP


Our Secondary School blends the strengths of the Catalan education system with the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP), offering students a well-rounded education that prepares them for further studies in Spain or abroad. Guided by an Outcome-Based (OB) philosophy, the MYP helps students develop essential knowledge and skills while encouraging independent thinking.

Learners also have the option to pursue the Dual Diploma from Academica, earning both a Spanish and a U.S. high school qualification. Throughout the programme, they benefit from personalised guidance that allows them to tailor their studies to their individual goals and talents.

A defining element of the MYP is ‘Service as Action,’ where students put classroom learning into practice through community projects. These experiences foster leadership, empathy, and a genuine sense of responsibility – qualities that extend well beyond the classroom.

Bilingual Secondary education

Secondary School Core and Elective Subjects


At La Miranda, students benefit from a balance of core and optional subjects during their Secondary years. From MYP2 to MYP5, they can explore a variety of elective subjects that change each year. These are taught in different languages depending on the subject and teaching staff.

Our core subjects, built on the IB MYP framework, provide a consistent and solid foundation – helping students grow confidently in their knowledge and skills each year. These core subjects include Maths, Sciences, Languages, Humanities, Arts, PE, and Design Technology, taught through a mix of Catalan, Spanish, and English to develop bilingual academic fluency.

Options may include French, Mandarin Chinese, STEM, Marketing, Business, and Debate, among others. This flexible structure allows students to pursue their personal interests, broaden their multilingual skills, and prepare for future study pathways.

Personalised IBDP Subject Selection


While following the national regional curriculum with an Outcome-Based (OB) philosophy through the Middle Years Programme (MYP), students have the option to continue with either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the National Baccalaureate (Nat Bacc).

In MYP5 (IB Middle Years Programme) and National Baccalaureate (Nat Bacc), our students receive individual guidance on choosing subjects that suit their strengths, interests, and future goals. Similarly, students following the National Baccalaureate programme are supported in selecting subjects aligned with their abilities and aspirations. The process begins with CAT4 testing, which highlights each student’s cognitive potential. This is combined with their academic performance and personal interests to give a clear picture of where their talents lie.

Students then take part in one-to-one interviews with the Head of Secondary, University Counsellor, and psychopedagogy specialists. They also join orientation sessions, academic fairs, and subject presentations – allowing them to get a clear understanding of their options before they make a decision.

Parents are actively involved throughout, making sure every student's decisions are made with full support from home. This comprehensive, student-centred process helps our learners to make informed, confident choices that set them up for academic success and future career opportunities.

Secondary schools close to Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona

University Preparation and Future Success for Secondary Students


University preparation begins early in our Secondary School. With expert counselling, workshops, and international university fairs, students gain the skills, insight, and confidence they need to plan their futures. Our most recent results speak for themselves – 100% of La Miranda students qualified for university entry, with more than half earning distinction and securing places at their first-choice institutions.

Graduates go on to study medicine, engineering, business, law, and the arts at leading universities across Europe, North America, and beyond. Specialist advisors provide personalised guidance on subject selection, university entry requirements, and international applications, while students gain real-world insight through university fairs, career seminars, and expert-led workshops.
Secondary school with English in Barcelona

Language Excellence and Global Qualifications in Secondary School


Languages are a cornerstone of our curriculum. Students master up to 5 languages during their time at Secondary School; studying English, Catalan, and Spanish, with the option to add French and Mandarin Chinese. 

During the MYP, they can earn global qualifications such as the Cambridge English exams, and the DELF and YCT/HSK certifications for French and Mandarin Chinese. Students will also sit Competències Bàsiques, the official state exams, in MYP5. 

The rich linguistic environment our school creates helps students to become globally aware, and prepared to excel on the world stage.

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Our Exceptional Secondary School Facilities


Just minutes from Barcelona’s Diagonal, our extensive campus is designed to meet the needs of Secondary students at every stage.

Our advanced science laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology create immersive, practical lessons that bring theory to life for our students. The iTech Suite and dedicated robotics classroom encourage innovation through programming, STEM projects, and virtual reality – giving learners the chance to experiment, analyse, and apply their learning in real-world contexts. 

Our top sports facilities – including a semi-Olympic heated indoor pool, gymnasium, and outdoor courts – support both high-quality physical education and competitive athletic development. Complementing this, our 300-seat auditorium and multimedia studios enhance our performing arts offering; fostering the development of articulate, capable students who are prepared to succeed.
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Inspiring Teachers and Academic Support in Secondary Education


Our Secondary teachers are internationally experienced, highly qualified, and deeply committed to their students. Many are multilingual and bring global perspectives into their classrooms. More than subject experts, they act as mentors – guiding, motivating, and supporting every student to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our Secondary Enrichment Activities in Sant Just Desvern


In Secondary School, our extracurricular programme takes students beyond the classroom. They can explore their passions, and gain recognition at regional, national, and international levels.

Academic & Enrichment Clubs

  • Olympiads, writing competitions, research projects
  • Model United Nations (MUN) – regional, national and international recognition

Sports & Fitness

  • Basketball, judo, MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), swimming, water polo, WSR (Waterpolo, Surf, Rescue)
  • Club Wave, cheerleading

Creative & Performing Arts

  • Musical theatre, art, graphic design
  • Healthy cooking, Crochet & Craft workshops, YogaMind
  • Music: Piano, guitar, violin, cello, drums, oboe, flute, singing, electric guitar, bass

Technology & Academic Support

  • Video Game Programming, Virtual Reality (MYP 2–5)
  • Kumon, Languages, Tutoring
  • Speech Therapy, Re-education

Preparing Well-Rounded, Culturally Intelligent Global Leaders


At our Secondary School in Barcelona, Sant Just Desvern, students participate in subject-specific Olympiads, writing competitions, research projects, and the Model United Nations (MUN) programme – broadening their academic horizons, analysing global issues, and developing advanced public speaking, negotiation, and leadership skills. 

Regular involvement in MUN, debate tournaments, and other academic competitions allows learners to demonstrate subject mastery while honing formal communication in English, Spanish, and additional languages – reflecting our commitment to nurturing academically ambitious, globally competent students.

Our sports teams in basketball, football, swimming, and tennis train with expert coaches and compete at local and national levels. Recreational sports help students to stay active and maintain wellbeing. 

At the same time, the arts are deeply valued at La Miranda, with weekly music sessions, drama, and visual arts supported by professional spaces for high-quality performances and exhibitions.

Additional Services for Secondary Students


Healthy Eating

On-site, freshly prepared meals are overseen by a dedicated nutritionist and cater to vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, and age-specific needs. Using locally sourced ingredients and a sugar-free approach, we encourage Secondary School students to develop lifelong healthy eating habits.

Safe and Convenient Transport

Our Barcelona school bus service provides secure and reliable transportation, with routes and schedules designed to suit different age groups and family routines.

Contact Us Today


Discover how La Miranda’s Secondary School in Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona, provides a multilingual, future-focused education that enables every student to thrive.