Despite all the uncertainty generated by Brexit, a British education in Spain remains a strong academic reference point. It continues to be very well regarded as an educational option. This was the main conclusion reached at a seminar organised by the British Chamber of Commerce. Taking part as a panelist was the School´s Headmistress, Mercedes Hernández.
British education is in very good health in Spain. All those taking part in the seminar, held in Malaga earlier this month, completely and unanimously agreed. In total, there are 128 Schools with more than 60,000 children. Over half of these come from Spanish families, which means that over the last decade, there has been an increase of 60% in the number of British Schools in Spain.
Everyone agreed that a British education continues to have a world-class reputation. This isn´t just because English remains the predominant language in many areas. It is also because the British education system promotes inquisitiveness, discovery, research and independent thinking.
Speakers also highlighted other qualities of a British education, namely, that it helps to develop problem solving skills and that it encourages global awareness, teamwork and a competitive spirit. All of these help students to become better citizens of the world.
As well as the Headmistress of the British Council School in Madrid, others taking part were: Adrian Massam, President of NABSS (National Association of British Schools in Spain); Jane Cooper, ex Head of Inspection at BSO (British Schools Overseas); Adam Austerfield, National Vice-President of the British Chamber of Commerce and Director of Development at the London School of Economics; Nigel Fossey, Academic Director at King's Group; Amanda Hughes, Director of the Laude San Pedro International College; and Heather Bell from the British School of Barcelona.