iCollege Barcelona: An Interview with Steven Lockwood, Director & Teacher

iCollege Barcelona is a pioneering pre-university college that blends academic excellence with personal growth, real-world experience, and future-ready skills. In this in-depth interview, we spoke with iCollege Barcelona Director and Teacher Steven Lockwood, to explore his unique journey in education and the vision behind this innovative institution.

With a background that spans professional tennis, international teaching, and leadership, Steven shares how he and his team are reimagining post-16 education to better prepare students for an ever-changing world.

Please tell us a little about your background in education and what led you to become the Director of iCollege Barcelona?

With over a decade of experience in international education as a qualified teacher and in leadership positions, my journey has always been driven by a deep belief in transformational learning. I have been most fortunate to have lived a great life, but my background in education was undoubtedly not the standard route. I was lucky to have traveled a lot when I was younger and represented Great Britain in tennis. This led me to gain an APT Tour World tennis ranking when I was 20 before having the chance to go and study at some brilliant colleges in California, USA. Something ‘strange’ happened to me when studying in the US, and I started to love reading more than competing on the tennis court. 

By my late 20s, I had transitioned from coaching on the tennis court to teaching in the classroom with experience in the US and UK. This transition was not just a career change, but a shift driven by a strong desire to make a difference in the world through education. This ambition I held when I first qualified as a teacher remains unchanged. My journey has shaped my perspective on education, viewing it not just as a process of academic achievement, but as a transformational journey of personal growth, curiosity, meaning, and purpose. 

Founding iCollege Barcelona was a natural progression in my journey, a chance to reimagine what post-16 international education could look like in today’s rapidly changing world. My vision was to create a learning environment that fosters academic excellence and equips young people with the mindset, skills, and confidence to navigate life with courage. As the Director, I am proud to lead a team of passionate individuals committed to helping each student unlock their potential, find their spark and make meaningful impacts.

What inspired the founding of iCollege Barcelona? What gap in education were you hoping to fill?

The founding of iCollege Barcelona was born out of a profound recognition that the traditional education system is no longer enough to prepare young people for the realities of today’s world. I have witnessed many frustrated, bored and anxious students who demand better. iCollege Barcelona exists to meet this demand! 

While developing knowledge is essential, many students leave school without the confidence, life skills, or real-world understanding needed to thrive in a fast-changing global landscape. I saw a gap — a need for a more human, flexible, and future-focused education model that blends academia with personal growth and practical life experience. iCollege Barcelona was created to fill that space as a modern “bridge” between theory and doing, education and life. We wanted to create an inspiring, real-world learning environment where students are treated as young adults — empowered, supported, and challenged to take ownership of their futures. iCollege Barcelona is not just another school; it’s a mindset shift — and a new kind of education designed for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.

As a pre-university college, what sets iCollege apart from a traditional high school or sixth-form college?

At iCollege Barcelona, we define ourselves as a pre-university life college—a purpose-driven, transformational learning environment for students primarily aged 16 to 20. Unlike many traditional high schools, we prepare students for the academic rigours of university and equip them with the life skills, personal development, and global entrepreneurial thinking necessary to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.

Learning development occurs in cutting-edge classrooms and seminar rooms within a Barcelona-based real-world innovation hub. We use a blended in-person and online learning model, utilising the best subject teachers and ensuring we can meet each student’s personalised interests. Students can also gain work experience with startups and international professionals, within our campus, preparing them to enter a changing world.   

Furthermore, our values of fun, freedom, flexibility, meaning, and purpose provide a different bedrock from the usual ‘lip service’ in many traditional schools. While meaningful learning should be challenging, we believe the process doesn’t have to be the accustomed ‘miserable dullness’ many conventional schools offer, but a fulfilling transformational journey. 

What makes iCollege’s curriculum unique compared to other international schools in Barcelona? 

Our unique offering combines internationally recognised A-Levels and BTEC qualifications, allowing students to tailor their education to suit their learning needs. We want our students to go deeply and passionately into their learning. 

Tailoring academic learning and discovery to fit each student’s needs is vital to us. We don’t believe in a ‘one size fits all’ IBDP approach from 16 onwards, whereby many students get stuck in subject areas and environments without interest or zeal. The quote attributed to Albert Einstein rings true for us: 

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.”

Moreover, our enrichment curriculum includes our “Life MPA Programme” (Master of Personal Administration), a unique offering that equips students with learning areas that most traditional schools don’t teach. This programme covers various topics to equip students with essential life insight and skills often overlooked in conventional academic settings. The MPA Programme fosters community and shared growth among our students (please see more below). 

Many schools follow a strict timeline for A-Levels, but iCollege offers more flexible study timelines. Why is this important for students?

While many schools follow a rigid timeline for A-Level studies, iCollege Barcelona can offer a slightly more flexible and personalised approach because of our modern blended teaching model. This personalisation can make a real difference in a student’s academic journey. Not all students learn at the same pace, so having the ability to accelerate or slow down can help each student reach their unrealised potential. 

This is especially important for international students who may need time to adjust to a new education system, language, or culture. Flexibility also allows students to balance their studies with real-world experiences such as internships, entrepreneurial projects, or sporting commitments, making education more relevant and practical. 

While we can be more flexible in our timetabling, we ensure that our students receive the rigorous teaching and guided learning opportunities they need to excel.

Can you tell us more about the ‘Life MPA Programme’ and how it benefits students personally and professionally?

I have been considering the Life MPA Programme (Master of Personal Administration) for a long time. I have always found it staggering that we put so much effort into studying specific subject domains but don’t spend much time studying life itself.

Over the past few years, I have asked many students before they graduated from their GCSEs, A-Level or IBDP programmes: “So, you’re about to graduate. What do you feel you would have liked to learn but haven’t?” 

Many themes kept popping up: financial literacy, philosophy, AI, ‘how the real world works’, finding meaning, ‘real’ relationships, etc. Thus, some schools provide additional enrichment opportunities, but they can become a ‘tick box exercise’ and very much on the periphery. We want to do things differently and dedicate the time and exploration required to join a life study programme. Please see the main themes below:  

What kind of student thrives at iCollege?

We welcome students aged 16 and upwards who desire to mature and transition to university and life as flourishing young adults. We want all our students to explore their talents, interests, and passions so that they can make meaningful contributions to the world. 

For us, education is not just about passing exams—it’s about equipping young people to thrive at university and lead purposeful lives beyond it. If that is your son or daughter, please contact us here.

What does a typical day at iCollege Barcelona look like? How do you balance academic study, personal development, and real-world experience?

A typical day at iCollege Barcelona will be dynamic, purposeful, and designed to reflect students preparing to enter university and the real world. Mornings usually begin with focused academic sessions in A-Level or BTEC subjects, delivered in cutting-edge classrooms or small seminar-style groups. Students typically transition into hands-on workshops, project-based learning, or guided study opportunities as the day progresses. 

The innovation setting also means students are regularly exposed to real-world learning through guest speakers, startup visits, or networking opportunities. Our schedule allows students to personalise their programmes to manage their time and energy while building independence and responsibility. 

iCollege is based in Talent Garden Barcelona. How does this setting enhance students’ learning experiences? How does being in the Poblenou District, a hub for innovation and startups, influence students’ education and mindset?

Being based in Talent Garden Barcelona, one of Europe’s leading innovation hubs, gives our students a unique and inspiring learning environment. Unlike traditional school buildings, our college is embedded in a vibrant ecosystem of international companies, creatives, tech startups, and enterprises. 

This breaks down the artificial walls between study, work and life, helping students see themselves as learners and future creators, leaders, and innovators. This real-world setting creates a powerful atmosphere of possibility and progress—students are surrounded by people building the future, not just talking about it. Located in the heart of the Poblenou District, Barcelona’s dynamic hub of innovation and design, iCollege students benefit from direct exposure to the entrepreneurial mindset, modern work culture, and global energy that define the area. 

How does iCollege help students gain entry to top universities worldwide?

At iCollege Barcelona, university preparation is built into everything we do — from subject selection and academic mentoring to personal growth and global awareness. We offer internationally recognised qualifications, including International A Levels and BTEC Qualifications, which leading universities across the UK, Europe, the USA, and beyond widely accept.

Our students benefit from tailored university guidance, including help with personal statements, application strategy, interview preparation, and navigating different university systems. Small class sizes and close mentorship ensure that teachers know each student’s strengths and aspirations, enabling them to provide detailed academic references and personalised support. 

Beyond academics, our focus on life skills, leadership, communication, and entrepreneurial thinking helps students stand out as confident, well-rounded individuals in a competitive global admissions landscape. 

Your BTEC programme allows students to enter university at an advanced stage—how does that work?

Our BTEC Level 3 qualifications are equivalent to A-Levels and are accepted by universities worldwide for undergraduate entry. Our upcoming Level 4 and 5 BTEC qualifications offer students a practical, project-focused pathway to university and the opportunity to enter at an advanced stage. We have observed that some students don’t want to go directly to university and need more time to develop while wishing to gain hands-on experience. 

We aim to extend our BTEC Qualification offering at Level 3 in Business, Information Technology, Creative Media, and Travel/Tourism into Levels 4 and 5 – comparable to the first and second university years, particularly in the UK and Europe. Depending on the university and course, students who complete these qualifications can be eligible to enter directly into the second or even final year of a related bachelor’s degree. 

What opportunities do you provide for students who may not choose to follow the traditional university route?

We recognise that university isn’t the only path to success — and we’re committed to supporting students in exploring diverse and meaningful alternatives. Through our BTEC Qualification programmes, students gain real-world, career-focused qualifications highly valued by employers and industries worldwide. 

For those with entrepreneurial ambition, we offer dedicated enterprise modules and access to an innovation ecosystem where they can develop and launch their ventures. Students also interested in creative or technical fields may pursue internship opportunities. 

Our development pathways help students identify their strengths and design a future that fits their goals — entering the workforce, taking a gap year, building a portfolio, or continuing into professional or vocational education. We believe success and flourishing lives can look different for everyone, and we empower our students to confidently pursue their version of it. 

What advice would you give to parents and young people considering iCollege Barcelona? Where can prospective families find out more? 

We look forward to meeting you to find the best learning fit for your son or daughter’s ambitions and passions. Please express your interest and join our waiting list here. We welcome you to visit us and learn more about how we operate. Please visit our website or join our socials to stay abreast of what’s happening.

What’s your vision for the future of iCollege Barcelona?

Our vision for iCollege Barcelona is to become a global model for modern international education that bridges the gap between academic excellence, real-world skills, and personal growth. We aim to empower young adults worldwide to thrive in an unpredictable and fast-changing world. 

We plan to offer more flexible pathways, including higher-level BTEC qualifications (Level 4/5), and online or hybrid programmes to create genuinely global classrooms and meaningful worldwide collaborations.