The English School of Asturias: A British Education in a Multicultural Environment

The English School of Asturias is the only British international school in the Asturias region. They offer bilingual education for students aged 2 to 18 in a diverse global community, where over 30 nationalities coexist.

This multicultural setting enriches the educational experience and fosters a global understanding among their students. In addition, the school’s bilingual approach encourages cultural exchange and prepares students to navigate the increasingly interconnected world with confidence.

We spoke with Headteacher Natalia Cáceres, about what makes the school unique, from its bilingual approach and personalised learning to its strong sense of community and global outlook. Natalia also shares how the school helps students adapt, thrive, and prepare for future success at universities in Spain, the UK, and beyond.

The school follows the British curriculum. How does this educational framework shape your students’ daily learning experience?

The British curriculum allows our students to learn in a practical and cross-curricular way, connecting content across different areas of knowledge. This approach promotes a deeper and more meaningful understanding, moving away from learning based solely on memorisation. In this way, our students develop critical, creative, and analytical skills that enable them to apply what they have learned in real-world contexts and better prepare for future challenges.

Personalised attention is a core part of your philosophy. How do teachers at The English School of Asturias identify and nurture each student’s unique strengths and potential?

At The English School of Asturias, we firmly believe that personalised attention is the foundation for each student’s academic and personal success. Our teaching team knows their students well and adapts teaching methods to their individual needs, pace, and learning style. As a data-driven school, we use baseline data from PT and CAT4 assessments to gain a deep understanding of each student’s potential, strengths, and areas for development. This valuable information allows teachers to tailor their teaching strategies and set realistic yet ambitious targets for every learner. Through continuous monitoring, one-to-one tutorials, and close communication with families, teachers identify each student’s strengths and help them develop them to the fullest. This ongoing support enables every student to reach their full potential in a trusting and supportive environment.

Bilingualism is central to the school’s educational project. How do you approach teaching English so that it becomes a natural and confident language of communication for your students?

At ESA, we don’t just learn in English – we learn through English. From an early age, our students are immersed in a bilingual environment that makes the language a natural tool for communication. English is integrated across all areas of learning, allowing them to develop strong language skills and express themselves with confidence and fluency.

What role does Spanish play in your curriculum, and how do you ensure that students are fully bilingual and prepared for both British and Spanish academic paths?

At our school, students not only learn and master English, but also develop a strong competence in Spanish, achieving true and balanced bilingualism. From Primary school, students study Spanish Language, and as they progress, they begin to take subjects from the national curriculum in Secondary school. This ensures they gain a deep understanding of both the language and Spanish culture.

In addition, students enrolled in the British Sixth Form prepare for their A Level examinations, which open the doors to universities in the United Kingdom and around the world. At the same time, they study two specific degree-related subjects from the Spanish curriculum, with the aim of sitting the PCE (Specific Competency Tests), designed to achieve the highest possible grade for admission to Spanish universities. 

In what ways do you see bilingual education shaping your students’ confidence, curiosity, and outlook on the world?

Bilingual education has a profound impact on the way our students engage with the world. It gives them the confidence to communicate in different contexts, fosters their curiosity about other cultures, and helps them develop an open and international mindset.

How do you prepare students to thrive in an increasingly globalised world, whether that means studying at a university in Spain or abroad?

At The English School of Asturias, we prepare our students to thrive in a globalised world through an international, personalised, and values-based education.

From the earliest stages, we foster essential skills such as communication, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving – competencies that are fundamental for success in any environment. In addition, through our PSHE programme, we develop students’ emotional and social learning, helping them become confident, empathetic, and resilient individuals.

Our multicultural environment enhances our students’ international mindset, as they are surrounded by diverse cultures and ways of thinking, providing them with a global perspective and adaptability.

What kinds of extracurricular activities do you offer students, to explore their interests and develop new skills?

At The English School of Asturias, we offer a comprehensive extracurricular programme designed to support the all-round development of our students. Through sport, creativity, technology, and other areas of interest, our students can discover new passions, develop skills, and enjoy enriching experiences beyond the classroom.

How does the school foster a strong sense of community among students, parents, and staff?

At ESA, we believe that an important part of education is the shared experience between students, families, and staff. That’s why we foster a close, collaborative, and welcoming school community, where everyone feels part of school life.

This spirit is reinforced through transparent and ongoing communication with families, as well as the celebration of school and cultural events, and participation in projects that strengthen connections.

At ESA, we organise events such as the Summer Fair, Sports Days, UN Week, and much more. We also run team-building activities that promote collaboration and nurture a true sense of community.

Many families joining an international school are moving from abroad. How do you help new students adapt smoothly and feel settled?

ESA ensures that new students are supported in their academic and curricular adjustment, as well as in their emotional wellbeing. Upon the arrival of a new student, the staff are informed so that they can implement appropriate strategies and organise group activities in the classroom to welcome the newcomer and encourage positive integration with their classmates. 

In addition, each new student is assigned a buddy — a classmate who accompanies them during their first days at school and helps them settle in both socially and academically.

Within the first two weeks after arrival, the Key Stage Coordinator and tutor of the students will conduct a settling in meeting with the student’s family. The family will also be introduced to the Family representative of their year group in the Family Forum.

Furthermore, the Admissions Officer maintains direct contact with the new student and their family to ensure a smooth transition into school life. Should any specific needs be identified, the Admissions Officer liaises with the Pastoral Care Leader to coordinate appropriate support and take concrete action when necessary.

Asturias is known for its natural beauty and family-friendly lifestyle. What makes it such a special place for families to live?

Asturias boasts a natural environment with green landscapes, mountains, and beaches, offering an unparalleled quality of life. It is a safe, peaceful, and welcoming region, where families can enjoy a healthy lifestyle, surrounded by nature and a strong sense of community. In addition, Asturias has organisations that support the integration of international families.

As education continues to evolve, how is The English School of Asturias adapting to new challenges and preparing students for the future?

At The English School of Asturias, we understand that education is constantly evolving and that preparing students for the future requires innovation, flexibility, and a global perspective. That is why we continuously adapt our teaching methods to meet the new challenges of the 21st century, integrating technology, critical thinking, and creativity into everyday classroom life. Our approach is based on active and experiential learning, encouraging students to explore, collaborate, and solve real-world problems.

What achievements or milestones are you most proud of as a school community?

At our school, we are proud of the remarkable achievements of our students and the strength of our academic community. Eighty percent of our students have reached the C2 level of the CEFR, reflecting their exceptional language proficiency. In the International Baccalaureate, our students achieved an average score of 31 points, above the global average, and have received offers from top universities in Ireland, England, France, the Netherlands, the United States, and Spain.

Every student who undertook the IB examinations succeeded, with 95% achieving passing results, and our highest score reaching 40 points. Year 11 students also excelled in the 2024/2025 IGCSE examinations, with 91.5% of grades between A and C. Our dedication to academic excellence has been recognised through our inclusion in Micole’s Best Schools rankings in both 2024 and 2025.

What advice would you offer to parents considering a British education for their children in Spain?

The British system offers a comprehensive education that goes beyond academic content, fostering independence, curiosity, and critical thinking from an early age.

At a British school like The English School of Asturias, students learn through practical experience, develop the ability to communicate confidently in English, and acquire skills that prepare them for a global future. In short, choosing a British education means opting for a modern, bilingual approach that focuses on the full development of each student, both academically and personally.

Where can families find out more about the school? 

You can learn more about our school through our website, and social media channels on Instagram and Facebook. If you need further information or would like to arrange a visit, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Read more articles on the MumAbroad blog and find more highly recommended international schools in Spain.