Interview with James Batten, Elian’s British School of La Nucía

Elian’s British School of La Nucía is a vibrant, forward-thinking international school offering a full British education for students aged 1 to 18. What makes the school truly unique is their strong sense of community combined with academic excellence and innovation.

Set in a stunning hillside location overlooking the Mediterranean, Elian’s British School of La Nucía purpose-built campus provides a learning environment that inspires creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning. The school blends the best of the British curriculum with an international outlook and a deep connection to their local environment and culture. 

We spoke with Head of School James Batten to find out more about the school. 

Get to know James Batten, their Head of School

What is the educational philosophy that guides Elian’s British School of La Nucía, and how does it shape the learning experience for students of different ages?

Elian’s British School of La Nucía offers a comprehensive education for students aged 1 to 18, covering all stages: Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and the International Baccalaureate. Our philosophy is built on the belief that every child has unique potential and deserves an education that nurtures both academic achievement and personal growth. We focus on developing confident, compassionate, and independent learners. Our educational approach is designed for a global world, promoting innovation, talent, personal development, and academic excellence.

The school is part of the Dukes Education Family. How does being part of this network benefit your students and teachers? 

As part of the prestigious Dukes Education group we firmly believe that education goes beyond books and languages, it is people who make the real difference. Within our learning community, we cultivate bilingual education (English and Spanish) based on the British curriculum, enriched by the Spanish education system and the International Baccalaureate, providing genuine English immersion from the earliest stages.

Being part of the Dukes Education Family gives us access to a global network of outstanding schools that share best practices, resources, and professional development opportunities. Our teachers collaborate with colleagues worldwide, enriching their expertise and bringing fresh ideas into the classroom. For students, this means opportunities for international exchanges, joint projects, and global connections that broaden their horizons and prepare them for life in an interconnected world.

Elian’s British School of La Nucía places strong emphasis on language learning. How do you support the acquisition of multiple languages?

Language learning is at the heart of our curriculum. While English is the main language of instruction, we place great importance on Spanish and offer additional language opportunities such as Valencian, and German. Our approach combines immersive experiences, cultural exposure, and a focus on communication skills. We want our students to not only speak multiple languages, but also to appreciate the cultures they represent.

How early are students introduced to different languages, and what strategies are used to help them become confident communicators in English, Spanish, and beyond?

From the very beginning,often as early as our nursery stage, children are exposed to English and Spanish through play, stories, and songs. As they progress, language instruction becomes more structured but remains interactive and dynamic. Our teachers use drama, debates, and real-world contexts to help students use language meaningfully and confidently. Bilingualism and multilingualism are celebrated as key life skills that open doors to future opportunities.

What impact do you see multilingualism having on students’ overall learning and development? 

Multilingualism enhances far more than communication: it strengthens cognitive flexibility, improves problem-solving skills, and fosters cultural awareness. Students who learn in more than one language develop sharper listening skills, greater creativity, and a broader perspective on the world around them. At Elian’s British School of La Nucía, we see daily how multilingual students become adaptable, confident learners who approach challenges with curiosity and resilience. These lifelong skills support not only academic success but also personal growth in an increasingly global society.

Many families joining Elian’s British School of La Nucía come from different countries or educational systems. How do you help pupils adapt smoothly to a new school environment?

Our goal is to make every new student feel welcome, understood, and supported from day one. We begin with a personalised transition process since the beginning that includes welcome meetings, buddy systems, and close collaboration with families. Teachers take time to understand each child’s background, strengths, and needs, allowing us to tailor their learning experience. Through gentle integration, inclusive classroom practices, and ongoing communication, so pupils feel at home and confident in their new school.

What support systems are in place to help newcomers (both students and parents) feel part of the Elian’s British School of La Nucía community?

Community is at the heart of Elian’s British School of La Nucía. New families are welcomed and supported by our dedicated admissions team, who guide them as they settle in and become familiar with school life. We organise “Breakfast at Elian’s,” a monthly meeting designed to strengthen communication between families and the school leadership. In addition, we offer information sessions and cultural activities that encourage parents to meet one another and build meaningful connections. For students, our pastoral care team, form tutors, and educational psychologist ensure they always have someone to talk to. This strong support network helps newcomers feel included, valued, and part of something bigger.

Families  play a crucial role in our community, which is why we work closely with our Parent Delegates, a group of representatives from each year group, allowing us to respond quickly to families’ feedback and ensure their voices are heard. Beyond formal channels, we encourage families to take part in school events, and volunteering opportunities, fostering a collaborative environment where parents, teachers, and students work together. By creating these strong partnerships, we nurture a sense of shared responsibility and pride in our school community, reinforcing the values of support, inclusion, and engagement that define life at Elian’s British School of La Nucía.

For families relocating to Spain, joining a British school might feel like a big change. How do you help parents understand and engage with the British education model?

We understand that for families relocating to Spain, joining a British school can feel like a significant change. From the very beginning, we provide clear guidance to help parents understand and feel fully engaged with the British education model. Through orientation meetings, and detailed explanations of the correspondence between British and Spanish school years, we ensure families have a clear picture of what to expect at each stage. Regular communication, parent–teacher conferences, and practical resources on assessment, learning pathways, and daily routines help parents follow their child’s progress with confidence. Our door is always open, questions are encouraged, and support is continuous.

Could you tell us about some of the extracurricular opportunities available for pupils?

Extracurricular activities are a vital part of the Elian’s British School of La Nucía experience. Students can choose from a wide range of clubs and programmes, including sports, performing arts, music, STEAM, robotics, chess and cooking. Our specialist facilities, sports areas, and creative spaces allow pupils to explore talents beyond the classroom. These activities nurture teamwork, perseverance, creativity, and leadership, helping students discover passions that shape their futures.

How do teachers and staff ensure each student feels valued and supported as an individual?

Every child at Elian’s British School of La Nucía is known and cared for. Our teachers adopt a personalised approach, recognising that each student has unique abilities, interests, and ways of learning. Small class sizes, strong pastoral care, and regular monitoring of academic and emotional well-being ensure that no child goes unnoticed. We encourage open communication and provide tailored support through enrichment, intervention programmes, and guidance counselling. Our aim is for every student to feel confident, respected, and able to thrive.

At Elian’s British School of La Nucía, we also encourage our students to take on active roles in the school community through initiatives such as our Student Council, Digital Leaders, and Sports Captains, providing leadership for our Social Action Plan. To reinforce our students’ curricular progress and support a smooth transition through each educational stage, we offer programmes such as the GuideMe Programme and the Elis Programme (language immersion), ensuring that learning is engaging, continuous, and aligned with each student’s individual needs.

The school enjoys a beautiful location on the Costa Blanca. From your perspective, what makes Alicante and the surrounding region such a wonderful place for families?

The Costa Blanca offers an exceptional quality of life. Its climate, natural beauty, and safe, welcoming communities make it an ideal place for families from around the world. Alicante combines rich cultural heritage with modern infrastructure and outdoor activities that allow children to grow up active, healthy, and connected to nature. Our hillside location reflects this: students learn in an inspiring environment with the sea and mountains as their backdrop. It’s a place where families quickly feel at home.

What would you say are the key values that you hope every student carries with them after they leave the school?

At Elian’s British School of La Nucía, we hope that every student leaves the school carrying a set of key values that guide them throughout life. We want them to be confident, compassionate, and principled, approaching the world with integrity and a sense of responsibility. Respect, curiosity, resilience, and care for others and the planet are central to who they become. We also aim for our students to be open-minded, reflective, and willing to take thoughtful risks as they continue their journey. Above all, we want them to believe in their potential and pursue their goals with passion and purpose, embracing diversity and thinking critically as global citizens.

How do you see the school evolving in the coming years? Are there any exciting new initiatives or developments planned?

The school continues to evolve as a dynamic, future-focused school. We are expanding our innovation and digital learning programmes, strengthening our International Baccalaureate pathways, and enhancing facilities to support arts, sports, and sustainability. Being part of the Dukes Education Family also opens doors for new international collaborations and opportunities for both students and staff. Our vision is to keep growing while maintaining the warmth, community spirit, and personalised education that define us.

Finally, what advice would you give to parents who are considering an international education for their children, particularly when moving to a new country?

Choosing an international school is a significant decision, especially during a relocation. My advice is to look for a school that not only offers academic excellence but also prioritises well-being, community, and personal development. Visit the campus, talk to teachers, and get a feel for the environment. A good international education will help your child adapt, thrive, and grow into a confident, open-minded global citizen. Above all, trust your instincts when a school feels like the right fit, it usually is.

Read more about Elian’s British School of La Nucía on their website.

Find more International Schools in the Costa Blanca