Meet the Head of School Building a Global Community at Lady Elizabeth School

When Simon Berry took up the role of Head of School at Lady Elizabeth School in January 2026, he made the move with his own family in tow, his two sons Dylan and Louie settling into Year 9 and Year 5 at the school he now leads. As a previous Director of Schools for a large education group in Qatar, he wanted to join a local school community where he could positively effect change and be a direct part of the school community.

Located in Spain’s Marina Alta region, Lady Elizabeth School brings together families from more than 60 nationalities within a British international school setting. The school follows the British curriculum from age two through to Sixth Form, combining academic pathways with a broad programme of sport, creative activities, trips and opportunities for personal development.

We spoke with Simon about what that international mix brings to daily school life, how the school supports students through each stage of their education, and what expat families in Alicante can expect from Lady Elizabeth School.

A Truly International Community: Learning Alongside 60+ Nationalities

One of the things I value most about Lady Elizabeth School is the truly international nature of our community. With more than 60 nationalities represented, our students are learning from one another every day, often without even realising it. They are exposed to different languages, cultures, traditions, perspectives and ways of thinking simply by coming to school.

I believe this is one of the great strengths of an international education. Our students develop an understanding that there is rarely just one way of looking at the world. They learn to listen, to ask questions, to appreciate differences and to work collaboratively with people who may have very different experiences from their own.

That diversity also helps prepare our students for life beyond school. Whether they go on to university, work internationally or build their future in Spain, they leave LES with a much broader understanding of the world and, importantly, a sense of confidence about their place within it.

The British Curriculum from Age Two: Building Strong Foundations Early

Our curriculum is designed as a journey from the earliest years through to university and beyond. Starting the British curriculum at age two gives children the opportunity to develop the foundations for future learning in a structured but age-appropriate way.

In the Early Years, we place a strong emphasis on communication, language, social development, independence and curiosity. Children learn how to interact with others, express themselves, solve problems and begin to develop the attitudes and behaviours that support successful learning.

As children move into Primary, these foundations become increasingly important. We build progressively towards strong academic outcomes in literacy, mathematics, science and the wider curriculum, while continuing to develop creativity, collaboration, resilience and independence.

For me, the key is continuity. We want every stage of a child’s education to build naturally on what has come before, so that by the time students reach Secondary they are confident learners who understand how to learn, not simply students who have learned how to pass tests.

Play-Based Learning for Early Years Pupils

Play is incredibly important in the early years because it is how young children make sense of the world. Our approach recognises that children learn best when they are actively involved, curious and able to explore.

Our Early Years environments are designed around the developmental needs of the children at each stage. They provide opportunities for imaginative play, construction, physical development, communication, creativity and exploration, alongside carefully planned adult-led learning.

Our teachers are constantly observing what children are doing and using those observations to extend their learning. A simple activity can become an opportunity to develop language, mathematical thinking, problem-solving or social skills.

We want children to be excited about coming to school. If we can establish that sense of curiosity and love of learning from the very beginning, we have created something that can stay with them throughout their education.

Finding the Right GCSE and A Level Pathway for Every Student: From Marine Sciences and Photography to Business or Computer Science

I think one of the responsibilities of a school is to recognise that success does not look exactly the same for every student. Our job is to help young people understand their strengths, interests and ambitions and then find the pathway that gives them the best opportunity to succeed.

We offer a broad range of GCSE and A Level choices because we want students to have genuine opportunities to pursue subjects that inspire them. We also provide guidance through our careers and future pathways programme, individual counselling, subject-choice discussions and conversations with teachers and families.

We use academic data and assessment information to help students make informed decisions, but we also listen carefully to the student. What are they interested in? What motivates them? What are their aspirations? What kind of learner are they?

Ultimately, I want our students to make choices because they understand themselves and their future options, rather than simply following what someone else thinks they should do.

Helping New Families Settle in From Day One

Moving school, and particularly moving to another country, can be a significant experience for a family. We therefore put a lot of thought into making that transition as positive and straightforward as possible.

From the admissions process onwards, we try to make families feel that they are joining a community rather than simply enrolling in a school. Our staff are available to answer questions, and once students arrive we make sure they are welcomed and supported by their teachers and peers.

Our international community is a real advantage here. Many of our families have themselves experienced moving countries or schools, so there is often an immediate understanding of what a new family may be going through.

For students, friendships are particularly important. Tutors, teachers and classmates all play a role in helping a new student feel that they belong. We want that feeling of belonging to start as quickly as possible.

More Than 20 After School Clubs, Duke of Edinburgh and Model United Nations

Our extracurricular programme is an important part of what makes LES more than simply a place where students attend lessons. We want students to discover interests and talents that they may not have known they possessed.

The PlusClubs programme provides a broad range of after-school activities, giving students opportunities to participate in sport, creative activities, technology, languages and many other areas. As students get older, opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Model United Nations allow them to develop leadership, independence, communication and teamwork.

These experiences are valuable because they develop the whole person. A student who may not initially see themselves as a leader might discover that ability through an expedition, a performance or a Model United Nations debate.

Some of the most important learning in a young person’s life happens outside the classroom, and we want LES to provide plenty of opportunities for that learning to happen.

Sports Facilities That Build Confidence for Every Student

Sport is a very important part of school life at LES. Our facilities, including two swimming pools, an astro pitch and indoor sports courts, provide students with excellent opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities.

However, for me, the real value of sport goes beyond physical fitness. Sport teaches students about teamwork, discipline, resilience, competition and how to respond when things do not go according to plan.

We want sport to be accessible to everyone, not just students who see themselves as elite athletes. A student might discover confidence through swimming, teamwork through football, perseverance through athletics or simply the enjoyment of being active with friends.

Those experiences contribute significantly to wellbeing and confidence, and they help students develop many of the life competencies that we want them to take with them beyond school.

A 400-Seat Theatre, Recording Studios and Space to Create

Our creative facilities give students the opportunity to take ideas from their imagination and turn them into something tangible. The theatre, recording studios, photography facilities and other creative spaces provide an environment in which students can experiment, perform and develop their individual voices.

Creative subjects are sometimes seen as being separate from academic learning, but I don’t see them that way. Creativity develops communication, confidence, problem-solving and the ability to take risks.

Standing on a stage in front of an audience, performing with a band, producing a piece of photography or recording music requires courage. Students have to be prepared to make mistakes, learn from them and try again.

Those are exactly the kinds of experiences that help young people become confident and resilient. We are very fortunate to have facilities that allow our students to explore their creativity at such a high level.

Language Trips and Residentials

Trips and residential experiences are some of the moments that students remember most strongly from their school years. They provide learning opportunities that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom.

Language trips allow students to use their language skills in authentic situations and experience the culture associated with the language they are studying. Residential trips also give students the opportunity to become more independent, work as part of a team and experience new environments.

There is often a different side to a student that emerges when they are away from the normal routines of school. Students learn to organise themselves, support their friends, overcome challenges and take responsibility.

For that reason, we see trips and residentials as an important part of education rather than an additional extra. They contribute to academic learning, personal development and the relationships that students build with one another.

University Fairs, Counselling and the Future Pathways Programme

Our approach to future pathways is about starting conversations early rather than waiting until a student reaches Year 13.

We want students to understand the range of opportunities available to them and to make decisions based on good information. University fairs give students and families the opportunity to meet representatives from different institutions, while our counselling and careers provision provides more individualised guidance.

We also look carefully at each student’s academic profile, interests and aspirations. The conversations around subject choices, university applications and future careers should be personalised because every student’s journey is different.

Importantly, we do not see university as the only definition of success. For some students it will be the right next step; for others, different forms of further education, training, employment or entrepreneurship may be more appropriate. Our role is to make sure students understand their options and leave LES with a clear sense of direction and confidence about what comes next.

Life on the Costa Blanca: The Marina Alta Lifestyle

The location is undoubtedly one of the special features of Lady Elizabeth School. We are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by the Mediterranean landscape, with the sea, mountains and beautiful communities of the Marina Alta right on our doorstep.

There is a wonderful quality of life here. Families can enjoy the outdoors, the climate, beaches, sport and the many cultural and recreational opportunities that the area provides. At the same time, we are part of a genuinely international community, which gives families the benefits of living in Spain while maintaining connections with the wider world.

That lifestyle also influences school life. We make the most of our environment through outdoor learning, sport, trips and activities, and there is a strong sense of community within the school.

For families considering an international education, I think the combination of an excellent British education and the Mediterranean lifestyle is a very compelling one.

Connecting Globally Through the ISP’s ILOS Programme

Being part of the International Schools Partnership gives LES students access to opportunities that extend well beyond our own campus.

The International Learning Opportunities for Students programme, or ILOS, enables students across the ISP network to connect with and learn alongside young people from other ISP schools around the world. These experiences can involve collaboration, cultural exchange and opportunities to develop skills and perspectives through an international context.

For our students, that is incredibly valuable. They are already part of a diverse international community at LES, but being able to connect with students in other countries takes that experience another step further.

It reinforces the idea that education is not confined by geography. Our students can learn with and from peers around the world, develop greater cultural understanding and build confidence as global citizens.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Lady Elizabeth School

What excites me most is the opportunity to continue building on the very strong foundations that already exist at LES.

I want us to be a school that combines academic ambition with a genuinely caring culture. We will continue to focus on excellent teaching and learning, while ensuring that every student feels known, supported and challenged.

I am particularly excited about further developing our whole-school approach to learning, our Life Competencies, multilingualism, student wellbeing and future pathways. I also want to continue strengthening the partnership between the school, our students and our families.

Ultimately, my ambition is quite simple: I want every student who leaves Lady Elizabeth School to look back on their time here with a sense of achievement, belonging and gratitude. They should leave with strong academic foundations, but also with the confidence, resilience, curiosity and compassion to make a positive contribution to the world around them.

There is a huge amount of talent and potential within our community, and I am excited about what we can achieve together in the years ahead.

Find out more about Lady Elizabeth School, including current tuition fees, admissions and upcoming Open Day dates, or contact the school’s admissions department directly.

About Simon Berry, Head of School:

Simon Berry is an experienced international school leader and currently serves as Head of School at Lady Elizabeth School in Alicante, Spain, an established British international school for students aged 2 to 18.

Throughout his career, Simon has had the privilege of working in a range of international educational settings, including Qatar, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. These experiences have shaped his approach to leadership and given me a deep appreciation of the diversity, opportunities and challenges that exist within international education.

As Head of School, Simon is passionate about creating a school culture where every student is known, valued and challenged to achieve their potential. He believes strongly that academic excellence must sit alongside personal development, wellbeing and the skills and character young people need to succeed beyond school.

At Lady Elizabeth School, his focus is on continually improving the quality and consistency of learning, strengthening safeguarding and wellbeing, developing multilingualism, supporting staff and building strong relationships with families and the wider community. He particularly values creating an environment where students are encouraged to embrace challenges, understand why they are learning and take increasing responsibility for their own progress.

Simon believes that great schools are built around great people. His role as a leader is therefore not simply to set direction, but to develop and empower others, create the conditions for people to succeed and establish a culture of collaboration, trust and continuous improvement.

He is proud to lead a genuinely international school community at Lady Elizabeth School. The diversity of its students, families and staff is one of its greatest strengths, and he believes the school’s responsibility is to prepare young people not only for their next stage of education, but to become confident, compassionate and capable global citizens.

FAQs

What ages does Lady Elizabeth School take students from?

Lady Elizabeth School follows the British curriculum from age 2 through to 18, taking students from the Early Years all the way to A Level.

How international is the Lady Elizabeth School community?

Families at Lady Elizabeth School represent more than 60 nationalities, giving students daily exposure to different languages, cultures and perspectives.

What subjects can students choose at GCSE and A Level?

Alongside traditional academic subjects, students can choose options including Marine Sciences, Photography, Business and Computer Science, supported by individual guidance on finding the right pathway.

What extracurricular activities does Lady Elizabeth School offer?

The school runs more than 20 PlusClubs after-school activities, alongside programmes including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Model United Nations, plus sports facilities that include two swimming pools, an astro pitch and indoor courts, and creative facilities including a 400-plus-seat theatre and recording studios.

Where is Lady Elizabeth School located?

The school sits on the Costa Blanca in the Marina Alta region near Alicante, Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Is Lady Elizabeth School part of a wider school network?

Yes. Lady Elizabeth School is part of the International Schools Partnership, which includes the International Learning Opportunities for Students (ILOS) programme connecting students with peers at other ISP schools around the world.

Read more articles about international education on the MumAbroad blog