Inside Newton College Alicante: Headteacher Hugo Liz de Castro on Multilingual Learning, IB and a School That Feels Like Family

Newton College is an international school in Elche, Alicante, welcoming children from eleven months old through to Sixth Form. When headteacher Hugo Liz de Castro joined the school in September 2024,  he was struck early on by the strength of its community, an ambitious school that is also, in his words, a deeply caring one.

Welcome to Newton College, Alicante

What Makes Newton College Stand Out

We are a multilingual and multicultural community where children grow up surrounded by different languages, cultures and ways of seeing the world. Our learning definition says that “learning is a journey that grows curious and confident minds”, and that really captures what we want for every child at Newton.

I joined Newton College in September 2024, and what struck me very quickly was the feeling of community. Newton is an ambitious school, but also a very caring one. You feel it in the way teachers speak to children, in the relationships with families, and in the pride people have in the school.

What made Newton feel right for me was that its purpose is not only to prepare students for exams, but to prepare them for life. Multilingualism, international-mindedness and wellbeing are not separate ideas here, they are part of everyday school life.

Academic success matters, of course, but our purpose goes beyond results. We want children to feel happy, safe and known, and to develop the confidence, kindness, curiosity and skills they need to thrive in Spain, in Europe and in the wider world.

A Curriculum Built on Three Foundations: British, Spanish and IB

How the British, Spanish and IB Curricula Work Together

I would say the combination of programmes gives children the best of different worlds. The British curriculum provides strong academic foundations, the Spanish curriculum keeps students connected to Spain, and the IB programmes help them become curious, reflective and internationally minded learners. For families, this means flexibility and future options, whether their child’s path is in Spain, the UK, Europe or beyond.

What the Primary Years Programme (PYP) Adds to the British Curriculum foundation

The PYP adds curiosity and inquiry to strong academic foundations. Children still build key skills in reading, writing, maths and science, but they also learn to ask questions, make connections and explain their thinking. It supports our belief that learning is a journey that grows curious and confident minds.

How the Middle Years Programme (MYP) Shapes Secondary Education

The MYP helps teenagers see learning as connected to real life. Students still develop strong subject knowledge, but they also learn to think critically, reflect, communicate and take more responsibility for their learning. It helps them become more independent, thoughtful and confident young people.

Choosing Between the Spanish Pathway and the IB Diploma in Sixth Form

To help a family work out which path suits their child best, we start with the student, not the programme. We look at their strengths, interests, language confidence, wellbeing, university plans and learning style. Both pathways are valuable. Our role is to guide families honestly so the decision feels right academically, emotionally and personally.

Growing Up Multilingual at Newton

Learning Naturally Across English, Spanish, Valencian and German

Young children experience languages very naturally. They learn through songs, stories, play, routines and friendships. At Newton, English and Spanish are central to school life, Valencian connects children to the local community, and other languages such as German and French open further doors as they grow.The aim is confidence, not pressure. We want children to see languages as bridges to people, cultures and opportunities.

Life as Part of the Newton Community

What “Big Family” Really Means as the School Grows

For us, being a big family means that children are not just numbers. It means teachers know their students, families know who to speak to, and children feel they belong. As the school grows, we work hard to keep that warmth, care and personal connection at the centre.

Putting Wellbeing First, Every Day

Wellbeing is often found in small daily moments: a warm welcome, a tutor check-in, or a teacher noticing when something is not quite right. We have high expectations, but children reach them best when they feel safe, supported and understood. Our purpose is to help children flourish academically, socially and emotionally.

Supporting Students Who Join Newton Mid-Year

We begin with belonging. A child needs to feel safe and welcome before they can learn confidently. New students are supported through induction, tutor care, buddy systems, language support and close communication with families. We also value the language and culture they already bring. They are not starting from zero; they are adding new languages to who they already are.

The Value of Newton’s International Student Community

Our international community is one of Newton’s greatest strengths. Children grow up learning alongside classmates from many different countries, languages and cultures. This helps them become open-minded, respectful and comfortable with difference from a very young age. For our students, international-mindedness is not just something they study, it is something they live every day.

Life on the Costa Blanca: Newton’s Setting in Alicante

Elche gives Newton a very special setting. We are close to the Mediterranean, surrounded by history, culture and nature, and connected to a vibrant local community. This helps our students feel rooted in where they live while also looking outwards to the wider world. We want children to be proud of their local environment and culture, while developing the confidence to belong anywhere.

What Being Part of the International Schools Partnership Brings to Students

Being part of ISP gives our students access to a much wider international learning community. I am especially excited about opportunities that connect students with other young people around the world, whether through language, sustainability, leadership, wellbeing, academic projects or global learning experiences. For me, the real value is helping students see that they are part of something bigger than one school or one country.

Plan Your Visit to Newton College

How to Arrange a Visit and Find Out More

Families are always welcome to contact the school, arrange a visit and meet our team. The best way to understand Newton is to come and feel the school in person: to see the classrooms, meet the teachers, and experience the atmosphere. Families can find out more through the Newton College website or by contacting our Admissions team directly.

About Hugo Liz de Castro, Headteacher

Hugo Liz de Castro is the Headteacher of Newton College in Elche, Alicante. He has worked in international education across different countries and school contexts, with experience in school leadership, multilingual education, curriculum development and community-focused school improvement. He believes that education is about much more than academic results, it is about helping children grow as curious, confident, kind and resilient young people who are ready for life.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Newton College

What ages does Newton College accept?

Newton College welcomes children from eleven months old right through to Sixth Form.

What curriculum does Newton College follow?

Newton combines the British National Curriculum with the Spanish education system and International Baccalaureate programmes, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in Primary and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Secondary.

Is Newton College bilingual?

Yes. English and Spanish are central to daily school life, with Valencian introduced from Year 1 of Primary and German from Year 6. French and Chinese are also available as extracurricular languages.

What options do students have in Sixth Form?

Students can choose between a Spanish international pathway or the IB Diploma Programme, opening pathways to universities in Spain and abroad.

How does the school support a child joining partway through the year with little English or Spanish?

New students are supported through induction, tutor care, a buddy system, language support and close communication with families, with the aim of helping every child feel they belong from the outset.

Where is Newton College located?

The school is in Elche, close to Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández International Airport, around 20 minutes from Alicante.

Is Newton College part of a wider school network?

Yes. Newton is part of the International Schools Partnership (ISP), giving students access to a broader international learning community and opportunities to connect with peers around the world.

How can families find out more or arrange a visit?

Families are welcome to contact the school directly to arrange a visit and meet the team, or to find out more through the Newton College website.

Read more articles about international education on the MumAbroad blog