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Barcelona Reduces Class Sizes, Integrates Gràcia Center in 2026-2027 Education Overhaul
City services focus on smaller classes, integration of a Gràcia center and new restrictions to support local families.
How we reported this
Barcelona's public network will begin the 2026-2027 academic year with reduced class ratios, aiming for 73% of centers to have a maximum of 20 students per class in infant and primary education.
Class Size Reductions in the Public Network
The changes target infant and primary levels across Barcelona centers. Local services are adjusting staffing and space allocations to meet the target. This step supports families who rely on the public system for early education.
Integration of CEE Lexia in Gràcia
The concerted Special Education Center (CEE) Lexia in Gràcia will be integrated into the public network for the 2026-2027 school year. The move reflects ongoing equity improvements through city decisions on network expansion. Residents in the Gràcia neighbourhood can access the updated services once the integration takes effect.
Segregation Trends and Device Policies
School segregation in Barcelona has dropped significantly from 0.49 to 0.39 in pre-school and primary, and from 0.44 to 0.34 in secondary education between 2020-2021 and 2023-2024. Smartphones and watches are completely banned in all schools and colleges in Catalonia for the 2026-2027 academic year, prohibiting use in any situation for students in compulsory education. These measures address equity through consistent rules applied across public and concerted sites.
Growth in International Options
The number of international schools in Barcelona has nearly doubled over the last decade, growing from 16 in 2014 to 31 today with 13,361 students. City services continue to manage demand alongside the public network updates.
Families can review enrollment details through official city channels ahead of the new academic year to align with the updated ratios, integration and restrictions.