Barcelona Advances Equity in Public Education Through Targeted Ratio Reductions and Network Integration

Barcelona's public education network will start the 2026-2027 academic year with reduced class ratios, targeting a maximum of 20 students per class in 73 percent of centres for the second cycle of infant and primary education.

Class Ratio Reductions in the Public Network

The city is applying these limits across its public centres to improve learning conditions. This approach builds directly on existing local services that manage enrolment and staffing in Barcelona's schools. Officials aim to reach the 73 percent target through adjustments in centre planning ahead of the September start.

Integration of Special Education Centre Lexia

The concerted Special Education Center CEE Lexia in the Gràcia neighbourhood will join the public network for the 2026-2027 school year. This step expands public provision for students requiring specialised support and aligns with ongoing equity measures managed by city education services.

Device Restrictions and Segregation Trends

Catalonia-wide rules will prohibit smartphones and smartwatches for students in compulsory education during the 2026-2027 year, applying to all schools and colleges in Barcelona. School segregation indices have already moved from 0.49 to 0.39 in pre-school and primary education and from 0.44 to 0.34 in secondary education between the 2020-2021 and 2023-2024 years. These recorded drops reflect sustained local efforts to balance school populations.

The number of international schools operating in Barcelona has increased from 16 in 2014 to 31 at present, enrolling 13,361 students. City services continue to coordinate public network changes alongside this growth.

Enrolment processes for the 2026-2027 year will proceed under the updated ratios and integration plans. Families can consult the city's education portal for centre-specific details on class organisation and support services.