The British School of Barcelona Comes to the Maresme: A New Chapter for International Families
For families considering a move to the Maresme Coast, education is often one of the most important decisions. Choosing the right school can shape not only a child's academic journey, but also where a family chooses to live, how they settle into the community, and how confidently they make the move to a new country.
That is why the arrival of The British School of Barcelona's new Maresme campus is such exciting news for the region.
Opening in Cabrera de Mar in September 2026, the BSB Maresme represents a major development for international education north of Barcelona. For relocating families, it adds another compelling reason to consider the Maresme as one of Catalonia's most attractive places to live.
A New International School for the Maresme Coast
The British School of Barcelona is already one of the best-known international schools in Catalonia, with established campuses in Barcelona, Castelldefels, and Sitges. The new Maresme campus will extend that educational offering to families living along the coast north of Barcelona.
Located in Cabrera de Mar, the campus will be ideally positioned for families in towns such as Alella, El Masnou, Teià, Vilassar de Mar, Cabrils, Mataró, Sant Vicenç de Montalt, and Sant Andreu de Llavaneres.
For many families, this could be a significant lifestyle advantage. Until now, access to international schooling has often influenced whether families choose Barcelona city, the western suburbs, or areas closer to existing international campuses. With the BSB opening in the Maresme, families will have more flexibility to enjoy coastal living while remaining connected to a recognized British international education.
Why Cabrera de Mar Makes Sense
Cabrera de Mar is a natural fit for this new campus.
Set between the Mediterranean Sea and the hills of the Serralada Litoral, Cabrera offers the kind of environment many international families are looking for: green surroundings, open space, sea views, proximity to beaches, and easy access to Barcelona.
It is also centrally located within the Maresme, making it practical for families living across the region. For those relocating from abroad, this creates more options when choosing where to live. Rather than basing every decision around Barcelona city, families can consider a wider range of towns, each with its own character and lifestyle.
What Are BSB's Plans for the Maresme Campus?
The BSB Maresme is planned as a purpose-built campus designed to grow over time.
The school is expected to open in September 2026 for younger students, with Early Years and Primary education forming the first phase. The next stage will include expansion into Secondary education from September 2027.
Once fully developed, the campus is expected to serve students from early childhood through to age 18, creating a long-term educational pathway for families who want continuity.
This phased approach is important for relocating families. It means that the BSB Maresme is not simply a small satellite campus, but part of a broader vision to create a full international school community in the region.
A Boost for International Families Moving to Maresme
The arrival of the BSB Maresme is likely to make the region even more attractive to international families.
The Maresme has already become increasingly popular with families seeking more space, a healthier lifestyle, access to nature, and a calmer alternative to Barcelona city. The area offers beaches, mountain trails, sports clubs, marinas, traditional towns, and excellent transport connections.
However, school choice is often a decisive factor. For international families, having a well-known British school in the region may make the relocation decision much easier.
It supports families who want:
A British-style international education
English-language learning
A multicultural school community
A long-term educational pathway
Coastal living without losing access to Barcelona
More flexibility when choosing where to live
For many parents, this combination is exactly what they are looking for.
What This Means for the Maresme Property Market
Education and property are closely linked, especially for relocating families.
When a respected international school opens in a region, nearby towns often become more attractive to buyers and renters. Families want to live within a manageable distance of school, which can increase interest in surrounding communities.
For the Maresme, the new BSB campus may strengthen demand in areas such as Cabrera de Mar, Cabrils, Vilassar de Mar, Argentona, Mataró, Teià, Alella, El Masnou, and Sant Andreu de Llavaneres.
Families may look for homes with:
Easy school access
Outdoor space
Sea or mountain views
Good road connections
Proximity to beaches
Family-friendly neighborhoods
Space for remote working
Access to local services
For international buyers, this could make the Maresme even more appealing as a long-term relocation destination.
Why the Maresme Is Becoming a Family Relocation Hotspot
The new BSB campus fits into a wider trend.
More families are choosing the Maresme because it offers something increasingly rare: a genuine quality-of-life upgrade within easy reach of a major European city.
Barcelona remains close enough for work, culture, healthcare, travel, and business. Yet the Maresme offers more space, a slower pace, a stronger connection to nature, and a more relaxed environment for children.
Families can enjoy:
Beach walks before or after school
Weekend hikes in the hills
Local markets and town festivals
Outdoor sports and activities
Larger homes than in the city
A safer, more community-focused lifestyle
A balance between international living and Catalan culture
With the arrival of the BSB Maresme, the region's appeal becomes even stronger.
A New Era for Education in the Maresme
The opening of the BSB Maresme is more than just a new school. It is a sign of the region's growing importance as a destination for international families.
As demand for international education increases, the Maresme is positioning itself as a serious alternative to Barcelona city and other established expat areas. Families no longer need to choose between high-quality education and coastal living. Increasingly, they can have both.
Choosing Where to Live Near the BSB Maresme
Families considering the new campus should think carefully about lifestyle as well as distance.
Some may prefer the village atmosphere of Cabrils or Cabrera de Mar. Others may want the convenience and train connections of Vilassar de Mar or El Masnou. Families looking for larger homes and privacy may explore Alella, Teià, Sant Vicenç de Montalt, or Sant Andreu de Llavaneres. Those wanting more urban services may consider Mataró.
Each town offers something different, and the right choice depends on your priorities, budget, commute, and preferred lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
The arrival of The British School of Barcelona in the Maresme is an exciting development for the region and a major advantage for relocating families.
It reinforces what many residents already know: the Maresme offers an exceptional balance of coast, countryside, community, and connectivity. With a new international school on the way, the region is set to become even more attractive for families seeking a high-quality lifestyle near Barcelona.
For parents planning a move to Catalonia, the BSB Maresme could be an important part of the decision-making process. It opens the door to a lifestyle where children can benefit from international education while growing up close to the sea, nature, and one of Spain's most desirable coastal communities.
Thinking About Moving to the Maresme?
At Coastal Living Relocation Services, we help families explore the best towns, neighborhoods, schools, and lifestyle options across the Maresme Coast. We also support you with legal, tax, immigration, banking and financial aspects. Whether you are considering a move from Barcelona or relocating internationally, we can help you understand your options and make confident decisions.
If you are interested in living near the BSB Maresme or exploring family relocation to the Maresme Coast, we would be delighted to guide you through the process. Please contact us at info@coastal-living.es