Skip to main content

About Us

Welcome

Esther Herranz Frías, General Director
Mike Barrett, Director

European International School of Barcelona (former Col.legi Europa) is a private educational institution founded in 1996 by a group of teaching professionals led by the Herranz-Frías family who, after more than 50 years dedicated to teaching and managing educational centres, devised a singular space conceived for the development of a unique, comprehensive and holistic educational project, specially designed for pupils to grow and develop in their full dimension. A space where students, families and teachers together form a learning community that seeks to develop and fulfil the students’ full potential for the benefit of the common good.

We are an independent school, with a focus on humanity, ecology and internationalism, which is in constant evolution and with a great capacity to create tailor-made programmes for each of its students. We seek to optimise the time our students spend with us, nurturing the development of their talents and skills, promoting awareness of sustainability and placing great value on what each student can contribute to society in their unique and singular way, supporting and accompanying them in their personal, humanistic and academic growth.

All of this with the sole objective of helping our students to become curious, inquisitive, empathetic and lifelong learners.

The best years of your life
At EISB, we believe in fostering a warm, enriching, and unforgettable experience for both students and their families. We are dedicated to providing the support and resources necessary to make their time with us truly exceptional. This commitment to creating a positive and nurturing environment is at the heart of our pursuit of excellence.
Our raison d’être

We believe in an education that prioritises the development of character alongside academic achievement. By fostering a strong moral compass and a sense of social responsibility, we empower our students to make a positive impact on the world. We are committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are equipped to thrive both personally and professionally.

Our approach to education fosters empathy, inclusion, and a global perspective that transcends borders. We are committed to innovative teaching methods that empower students to not only acquire knowledge and skills but also develop critical thinking and resilience.

We aim to inspire

We aspire to nurture inquisitive, informed, and compassionate young people who are committed to making a positive impact on the world. We foster a strong culture of respect and intercultural understanding.

We strive to develop students into lifelong learners who will become active and engaged citizens, making a positive impact on their communities and the world around them. We believe in empowering students to become agents of change, fostering empathy and promoting a more humane society.

Our mission

At the heart of EISB’s educational project is a commitment to values-based education. We achieve this through a holistic model that places the individual at the epicentre of both teaching and learning. Prioritising a global approach, we transcend boundaries and embrace innovative pedagogical methodologies. This empowers our students to acquire skills and knowledge, enhancing the development of character and integrity in their actions.

Our vocation for education is driven by our unwavering commitment to each of our families to assist them in the education of their children, a commitment that fuels our passion and our determination to make it our path to excellence.

Promoting the talents of our students

We are aware that each pupil is unique, and has his or her own strengths and qualities. Some excel in science, others in languages, mathematics, the arts, sports or the performing arts.

At EISB, we are fully committed to creating an environment where all students have the opportunity and necessary support to explore their interests, develop their passions and acquire the skills and knowledge they need to thrive and be happy.

Our vision of commitment

EISB is defined by a sense of unwavering commitment that permeates every aspect of our students’ educational experience. We believe that providing a motivating environment is the key to sparking the joy of learning.

At EISB, this strong commitment is tangible and easily recognisable in the active participation of every member of its community.

Celebrating diversity

Our school thrives as a vibrant and diverse community. The minute you step into EISB, you can feel the strong community spirit that defines it. With students, teachers and families from over 60 different nationalities, EISB is a true reflection of the vibrant tapestry of diversity that makes up its community. Built on a foundation of shared values and united by a common vision, our community, which comes from different parts of the globe, unites to create a dynamic cultural mosaic that promotes global awareness and intercultural understanding.

Commitment to educational excellence

At EISB, we place great emphasis on “educational excellence”, mindful of the fact that our mission goes far beyond academic achievement. While academic excellence remains the cornerstone of our programme, our purpose transcends it. EISB believes that in order to achieve a well-rounded education, a child’s intellectual growth must be complemented by opportunities for social, emotional, physical and creative development. Our commitment is to provide a holistic education that prepares students for the challenges of the future.

Our History

Mrs. Herránz Frías – Founders European International School of Barcelona

An educational institution forged after 40 years of experience

The European International School of Barcelona is a private educational institution founded in 1996 by a group of educators led by the Herranz-Frías family.

Drawing on more than 40 years of experience in teaching and school management, they conceived a unique space for a distinctive educational project—one specially designed to help students grow and develop in all aspects.

With a humanistic and universal approach, our institution promotes values-based education, embracing the latest pedagogical trends. Our aim is to ensure that our students, beyond being competent, become—above all—good people.

‘Always build and educate. Always educate with and for harmony, coexistence, love, and the respect that all children deserve, regardless of race, language, religion, political beliefs, or place of origin… EUROPE WITHOUT BORDERS!’ (Ms Herranz)


This is a short story that explains the history of our school, from its beginnings to the present day, adapted so that young and old alike can enjoy it as a family. The texts have been written by Nuria Miret and the illustrations drawn by Pilarín Bayés.

EISB Campus

EISB has extensive facilities climatized with aerothermal energy, in one of the best residential areas of Sant Cugat del Vallès. Surrounded by nature (Parc Natural de Collserola) and occupying a surface area of 20.000 m², these facilities include a football pitch, an exclusive indoor sports hall, adapted to the different educational stages, a theatre with 500 seats, two heated swimming pools, playgrounds and outdoor basketball courts.

The extra-curricular offer includes more than 35 different sports and artistic activities, including basketball, football, rhythmic gymnastics, ballet, judo, synchronised swimming, mountain biking, theatre, instrumental music and singing, among others.

EISB Team

EISB Team

283

EISB Team

224

Teachers

68

Nationalities

+30

Years of experience

Meet our team, a committed and highly qualified group that drives academic success and the holistic development of our students with passion and dedication.

Esther Herranz
CEO
Mike Barret
School Principal Headmaster
Praline Hudson
Head of Admissions Office
CEO
School Principal Headmaster
Head of Admissions Office
Nursery Coordinator
AHS Coordinator – School Counselor
Linguistic adaptation Centre Coordinator
Sports Coordinator
Head of Reception
Infant School Coordinator
Primary Coordinator
Primary Curricular Coordinator
Secondary Y1, Y2 Coordinator
Secondary Y3, Y4 Coordinator
National & International Baccalaureate Coordinator School Counselor
Psychology Department
Attention to Diversity
Finance Department
Human Resources Department
Facilities & IT Manager & Security
Marketing & Communications
Nurse
Extra-curricular Activities
Art & Protocol
School Dining & Housekeeping Coordinator
Chef
    Anna Nogué

    Nursery Coordinator

    Lyn McBride

    Infant School Coordinator

    Blanca Fusté

    Primary Coordinator

    Joan Carbonés

    Primary Curricular Coordinator

    Víctor González

    Secondary Y1, Y2 Coordinator

    Manel García

    Secondary Y3, Y4 Coordinator

    Sergio Mairal

    National & International Baccalaureate Coordinator School Counsellor

    Maria Cassina

    AHS Coordinator – School Counsellor

    Ivan de la Torre
    Linguistic adaptation Centre Coordinator
    Toni Olivares
    Sports Coordinator
    Belén Martínez
    Head of Reception
    Eladio Herranz

    Psychology Department

    Oriol Herrerías
    Attention to Diversity
    Sergi Gilgado

    Finance Department

    Jessica Rodriguez

    Human Resources Department

    Interview with admissions
    Josep Lluís Marqués

    Facilities & IT Manager & Security

    Aida Sells

    Marketing & Communications

    Cintia Carmona
    Nurse
    Pep Olivé

    Extra-curricular Activities

    Mónica Griera

    Art & Protocol

    Cristina Valencia
    School Dining & Housekeeping Coordinator
    Albert Laffite
    Chef

    JOIN OUR TEAM!

    Why work at EISB?

    • Committed, cohesive and highly consolidated team
    • We are a big family, and throughout the year, we warmly and enthusiastically welcome new members to our community, aiming to promote an atmosphere of mutual learning
    • Committed to continued excellence
    • We are motivated by lifelong learning and find our primary source of learning in our students
    • Our diverse backgrounds and perspectives provide the basis for our collective strength
    • Mentoring programme for newly arrived staff
    • We are in a unique setting, surrounded by nature and natural light. Located in one of the best residential areas of Sant Cugat del Vallès, very well connected by public transport
    • Benefits for teachers’ children
    • We have the support of the educational psychology department to train us and help us to understand emotional and learning related issues if needed
    • Exceptional food cooked by our own chefs
    • Possibility to use the sports facilities and swimming pool as well as the school transport
    • Opportunities to travel around the world under the academic and ERASMUS+ programmes

    EISB Community

    EISB Alumni

    We are extremely proud of our growing network of alumni, who view our school as their second home. We are deeply invested in cultivating lasting bonds with our alumni community and their families, regardless of time or geography. Nothing gives us greater pleasure than to welcome them back home and to see that the affection and admiration remains intact over time. EISB will always be their home.

    EISB Families

    We are proud to have a community of parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and a long etcetera who are enthusiastic about participating in school events.

    Throughout the year, we organise a wide range of activities to share unique moments together.

    Some examples are the Welcome Day at the beginning of the school year or the termly coffee mornings for new families, Halloween and Carnival celebrations, the Solidarity Concert in December, the lovely festivals of Infant and Primary, the long awaited graduation of the 2nd Baccalaureate or the traditional Family Fun day and the International Family Fair at the end of the school year. We love to celebrate with our families and the school is always open to more ideas and suggestions to further enhance the sense of community that is so characteristic of our school.

    Do you need more information?

    For further information, we recommend a personalised interview with our Admissions team, who will be delighted to assist you at our school or online.