32% of people born in Spain, who are currently aged between 25 and 29, have a higher education degree. This figure falls to 23% for migrants to Spain who were born in countries in Latin America, 17% for those born in countries in Asia, and 6% for those of African descent, according to a report by the Funcas analysis centre. At the Miquel Taradell Institute in Barcelona, though, where 95% of those enrolled are immigrants, almost all pupils go on to pursue higher education degree.  

Veronica Santos, director of the institute, notes in an interview that this high rate is achieved despite the institute being located in the district with the highest educational drop-out rate in the city. Moreover, she underlines that almost everyone in the school finishes their secondary education studies and that 90% of students pass the entry exams for university (PAU). 

Students and teachers at the school identify the following contributing factors for the success of the institute:

• Learning takes place in a constructive, peaceful, respectful environment.
• The light, spacious architectural design of the building is conducive to good learning.
• Students are generally supported in their leanring by their families.
• There are strong interpersonal connections between teachers and pupils.
• At 300, there is a relatively small number of pupils, guaranteeing time for attention tailored to everyone’s specific needs.
• The school follows a system of co-teaching (having 2 lecturers per class) when possible, especially in language classes.

The institute was recently awarded the Barcelona Award for Education for its prolonged collaboration with other cultural partner institutions in the neighbourhood. Its latest project, “Escola en residència” (School in residence), is undertaken in conjunction with the Centre of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (CCCB), one of the most important cultural actors in the city. Project participants attend 2 lectures a week, given by cultural professionals including philosopher Marina Garcès, singer Maria Arnal, podcaster and journalist Ana Pacheco, former minister Manuel Castells and Pakistani writer Fatima Bhutto. Students at the institute are also offered advice support in securing scholarships and grants for universities by volunteers and experts from relevant sectors. Since the beginning of the project, approximately 100 students have enrolled at university, marking a big achievement for the institute.