WHAT? WHERE?

ELIS Murcia Spain primary school Buenavista Campus

El Limonar International School (ELIS Murcia) is a co-ed, all-through British international school for ages 3-18 yrs, part of the global Cognita family and celebrating its 35th anniversary. Early Years and Primary are based on the green, spacious Buenavista Campus, while the Senior School and Sixth Form sit a short 15-minute walk away at the sleek, state-of-the-art Montevida Campus.

Considered one of the best schools in Spain (the list of accolades is long), ELIS Murcia offers a British international curriculum that combines the best of the English and Spanish systems. What does this mean? Dual qualifications: British IGCSEs and Spanish ‘Graduate in Compulsory Secondary Education’ certificate, coupled with Spanish ‘Baccalaureate’ and English A-Level certificates.

Languages are huge here (children are bilingual from Infants and leave Senior school trilingual), the school values – respect, care, perseverance, kindness and honesty – create the foundation and there’s a healthy balance between academic excellence and developing passions beyond the classroom. Pupil numbers are strong: 875 across the whole school, 468 in the Lower School and class sizes average 18-20. Fun fact, 84% of pupils here are Spanish, with the rest made up of international students. The endless sunshine, global vibe and cultural diversity are box tickers for families right now.

As the for the Lower School’s location? It’s close enough to culturally rich Murcia yet far enough out to gain acreage and stellar transport links. ELIS Murcia’s Buenavista Campus, which means ‘good view’ – and the Sierra de Carrascoy mountains make for a stunning backdrop. It’s an easy 15 mins from the city centre and Murcia airport and it’s just 25 mins to the coast.

The big news is the new Middle School for Y7 and Y8 is now open. Handing some of the creative process over to the Y7s, they helped reimagine their learning spaces in the Galileo building. Very cool and a great way to invest the kids in keeping it looking box fresh.

FACILITIES

The Buenavista Campus is big – 63,000 sqm, no less – and comprises of the new Galileo Middle School, plus six learning blocks, that create a warm, unintimidating space. Early Years can be found at the bottom of the site in a purpose-built modern building, with a large outdoor play area. Sports facilities are excellent, classrooms are light and bright, kitted out with digital screens and 1:1 devices. Plus, there are IT and science labs, art rooms, drama and music studios and an amphitheatre with a tapestry of sails to provide much needed shade.

SPORT

As you sweep through the gates of ELIS Murcia Buenavista Campus you’ll spot the many tennis and padel courts, plus there are pitches, a swimming pool, sports hall and numerous play areas to suit all ages and abilities.

PE for Early Years focuses on physical development, game and play – fine tuning the little ones strength, balance, co-ordination and working as a team. In the Primary, the children work on their movement skills and teamwork in football, tennis, Acrosport, and basketball.

Football is big (hardly surprising in Spain) and one young fan proudly announced his allegiance to Tranmere Rovers – languishing at the bottom of the League Two table. It’s not as random as you might think, the school offers a four-day residential trip to the club. Ask the older students and you’ll find passionate support for Spain’s biggest clubs.

But what I was most impressed with was the school’s commitment to gender-neutral sport. If you’re looking for a more alternative list of physical activity, extra-curricular fun includes taekwondo, gymnastics, Spanish dance, ballet, as well as more traditional sports.

The school has many high-performing athletes – tennis players, rhythmic gymnasts, golfers, a snowboarder, and a Y9 pupil recently competed in the National Sailing Championships. These children are very well supported, with the school organising talks with sports psychologists, guidance to achieve sports scholarships to national and international universities and the flexibility to train and attend competition while continuing to tick all the academic boxes.

CREATIVE ARTS

Creativity is the life blood of any good primary education and ELIS Murcia is no exception. Music is a much-loved part of school life and there’s plenty on offer for all ages and abilities to have a go – singing, piano, violin, guitar, electric guitar, ukulele, bass, vocal and drums.

The School of Music provides personalised teaching from Early Years through to A Levels, with opportunities to join musical groups. There are termly and annual music events and festivals for the children to showcase their talents and you’ll find practical sessions and concerts taking pace in the amphitheatre. For those who want to take their musical talents to the next level, they can take official exams by ABRSM and RockSchool. Elsewhere, you’ll find drama and art studios.

The school is a vibrant gallery of the children’s arty endeavours, and the children are asked to contribute creative ideas be it for the new Middle School or a recent art competition to design a mural for the library. For enthusiastic jazz handers, there are plenty of opportunities to step into the spotlight be it in regular assemblies, Christmas and summer performances or on key days like Book Day, STEAM Day etc. Big school performances usually take place in the amphitheatre, with space to fit the whole school.

SCHOOL

Blended learning is trending in UK schools right now, and ELIS Murcia has adopted this progressive approach to learning when it comes to our mini digital natives. iPads (from Y3) and laptops (from Y7) are provided by the school, with usage restricted to study, so there’s no Candy Crush being played on the sly in a maths lesson.

If you’re panicking about screen time and handwriting, the use of tech is used to enhance the learning experience, rather than replace basic skills. But coding, robotics and STEM are popular – and let’s be honest essential skills they need in the future.

The new Middle School at the Buenavista Campus is now open. Designed as a perfect transitional space for students in Y7 and Y8, this innovative facility bridges the gap between the Junior and Senior School at Montevida. Often Y7 and Y8 can feel like they’re in an exam holding pattern, waiting for the business end of your child’s academic journey to start. Having a space dedicated to their academic and personal growth will be a huge benefit.

LITTLIES

ELIS Murcia infants school (5) child on trike

Don’t worry, the littlies haven’t been forgotten. Early Years is the entry point for the young ELIS Murcia pupils – and it’s absolutely beautiful. The creativity injected into this space is next level good. There are six bright, light classrooms, with free flow access to the outside space. Children enjoy lots of time outside, learning through creative play – spending time in the outdoor kitchen, garden, supermarket, painting and riding the road on the sweet tricycles. They are child-led activities that have been designed by the teaching staff and often revolve around a topic like the Three Little Pigs.

It’s very sweet. Infants is home to Nursery, Reception and Y1 – the curriculum features an English phonics programme, plus two hours of Spanish per week. They have an astroturf area, a sleep room for an afternoon siesta for Nursery students and break times are usually in the classroom where they refuel and take a break from the sunshine. Having an uninhibited safe space for the littlies to explore, learn and grow in confidence, really works.

ACADEMICS

Entrance tests and interviews with a member of the SLT are the norm for entry into the school for Y3 and above. With 80% of the curriculum in English, linguistic proficiency is a must. I wouldn’t call it a pressure cooker, but there’s a healthy simmer as the children are encouraged to strive for excellence. The learning here is innovative, which aims to challenge and stretch through an adaptive curriculum. The result? Individual, greater depth of knowledge and understanding and a cohort of free thinkers. If you’re looking for value added learning, you’ll find it here.

Smallish class sizes and a dedicated, passionate specialist teaching staff are its recipe for success. ELIS Murcia is renowned for its academic rigour and values-based education. It’s obvious from visiting the school that the focus is very much on making learning fun to ensure each child thrives during their time here.

The curriculum allows for lots of open-ended activities, to encourage risk-taking, reflection and initiative where there is no ‘right answer’. It’s used to encourage creative thinking, growth mindset and a belief that hard work and determination can overcome barriers – exactly what the world needs right now. Children are not filtered into academic sets. The only exception is reception and Y1 phonics which follows the Read, Write, Ink method.

Every class is taught by a highly qualified specialist teacher or a teacher supported by a teaching assistant, so the kids are lavished with individual attention, striking a balance between collaboration and focus. Most of the children stay at ELIS Murcia until 18, with only a handful leaving due to relocation or a change in circumstances.

The commitment to languages is second to none. Children leave school fluent in Spanish and English, plus a high competency in either French, German or Chinese. Add in the strong dual curriculum, global citizenship and lots of outdoor learning and you have a cohort of confident, open-minded, respectful, forward-thinking students who are all set to make a positive mark on the world.

The Senior school exam results are impressive and way above national average You don’t earn a reputation as ‘one of the best schools in Spain’ without a great staff and consistently excellent results. Exam results are impressive – 2025 IGCSE: 98% achieved 5 passes at 4 and above, 98% achieved 5 grades at 4 and above with English and Maths, 50% hit the jackpot and passed with grades 7 and above. A-Level results: 99% achieved A*–E pass grades, 83& achieved A*–C pass grades and 59% achieved A*–A grades. Many students go on to study at top universities all over the world. The system is a bit different in Spain: graduating students receive a final ‘Nota’ grade (combined A-Levels & ‘Pruebas de Competencia Específica’ results, for students attending Spanish Universities). An impressive 40% achieve a Nota grade between 12 and 14 with an average of 11.005.

ELIS Murcia’s secret weapon is Technical Director Toni Marín – if you want a place at Spain’s top unis, this is the man to have on speed dial. His ability to plan pathways for the students and top-notch contacts at Spain’s top unis are gold standard.

It’s a very different approach to the English education system, so traditionalists can struggle with the progressive offering here, but the results speak for themselves and the children I met were happy, confident and loved learning.

SEND

There is an inclusive approach to SEND, with a fully adaptive programme to support learners with additional needs, most commonly dyslexia and dyspraxia. Through the Support Class Programme and dedicated team of specialist-trained staff the children have access to the tools and strategies they need to succeed. Stretch and challenge happens as a matter of course in the classroom, with all the kids having access to challenges. If your child has dyslexia, for example, in one part of the curriculum, it doesn’t mean they can’t have a go at higher level thinking in another subject. That kind of inclusivity is not common in many classrooms, so it’s refreshing to see here.

They don’t currently have anyone with significant needs that requires specific interventions, but some children receive external support on top of what is offered in the classroom for specific things like dyslexia.

PASTORAL

Prioritising wellbeing is not just a ‘nice to have’, it’s become a key part of school and an essential life skill. It’s a relatively small school and everyone from the teaching staff to the admin and catering staff know the children well and spot any changes in behaviour. The kids are the best eyes and ears and there are leadership roles for all year groups from Eco Heroes, Student Council and Oracy Ambassadors! to Digital and Student leaders.

Talking is something we might take for granted, but if you need to get something off your chest, there’s always someone to listen here. Class tutors keep a close eye on the kids, each child is asked to name three adults they are happy to talk to at the school, there are Worry Boxes in classrooms to post problems, weekly pastoral meetings and they use the CPOMs platforms to monitor and communicate wellbeing and educational support.

Elis Murcia Lemon tree values ethos and mission

The school is full of lemons – El Limonar is a lemon grove – an infographic of a lemon tree visually reminds everyone what the school stands for. The root of everything is wellbeing, making sure families and children feel supported, safe, and valued. The trunk is the strong educational offer and the leaves represent cultural identity, values, attitudes and responsibility to be good global citizens.

When students graduate, they proudly call themselves the Limoncitos, ‘the little lemons’. Global citizenship is a big part of school life – underpinned by the five school values (respect, care, perseverance, kindness and honesty). There is a danger in some parts of the world that you can live in a bit of a bubble, so looking beyond your own borders can only be a good thing.

THE HEAD

Vanessa Grimward Executive Principal ELIS Murcia

Vanessa Grimward was appointed Executive Principal in 2023, overseeing ELIS Murcia Lower and Senior school as well as ELIS Villamartín. Vanessa has her feet well and truly under the table (she’s worked in different roles at the school over 26 years) and brings a reassuring calmness and twinkle in her eyes. She’s very likeable, knowledgeable and has the quiet determination to get stuff done.

This is woman very plugged into educational developments and is interested in how it can enhance a child’s learning experience and staff development, but not at the expense of traditional teaching or for the sake of jumping on a trend. It comes from her own curiosity to learn about this stuff and to understand the negatives as well as the positives.

She’s backed by a strong senior team including Deputy Head María Dios, Head of Lower School Yanalie Stevens and Head of Upper School Lealand Pearce. And it shows. At the 2025 Cognita Awards, ELIS Murcia scooped three major accolades, including School of the Year 2025, plus awards recognising collaborative practice and standout leadership (Lealand took home We Stay Ahead). A pretty compelling endorsement of a leadership team that delivers quietly, consistently and very effectively.

All the heads are very different but are united in squeezing out the potential of every pupil, nurturing global citizenship and a love of educational innovation from metacognition to AI. Just like Team GB, it’s all about marginal gains.

QUIRKS

It’s global outlook for starters. There are 17 nationalities represented at ELIS Murcia and the school connects with other Cognita Schools around the world. Cultural differences have become its superpower – a true representation of diversity, tolerance, and a celebration of culture. Global Be Well Day is the highlight of the school year when all 100+ Cognita Schools come together every September for a day of wellbeing fun. This year’s theme was ‘Giving’ which kicked off with a dance performance, followed by activities at sensory exploration stations and friendship bracelet making.

Not so much a quirk, but the vast amount of Spanish sunshine is seductive. If you’re planning a move abroad, Murcia is a beautiful, family-friendly spot. The upside for the children is the amount of time spent outside soaking up that vitamin D, splashing through science experiments (or actual puddles on eco-learning days!).

The cat with many names. You’ll find this slinky tabby guarding the door to reception. Much loved by the staff and pupils it will respond to pretty much any name, Susie, Sammy. No one really knows what its actual name is.

MOBILE PHONE POLICY

ELIS Murcia is a mobile free school for all age groups. iPads and laptops are provided by the school, with all the safety settings in place (read more here). There’s really no need to bring in their own digital devices, and it means, during a busy day of lessons, they’re able to focus, be sociable and creative. Cue grateful parents everywhere. Although it’s fair to say, once the Senior school teens leave the campus the first thing they’ll do is check their messages.

WRAP AROUND CARE

The school day starts at 9.15am and academic lessons end at 4.20pm. The Beehive gives you the flexibility to drop off as early as 8am and there are after school clubs to extend the day if needed. The gift to working parents are the Summer and Easter Camps. While the endless sunshine and outdoor fun is going to keep them away from the digital nanny during the school holidays, the camps are a lot fun, (*whisper it) educational and the opportunity to try something new. Book them in and boot them out.

TRANSPORT

Many of the children arrive by car, but a fleet of 13 school buses scoop up the children and take them to and from Murcia City and the Provinces – La Manga, Cartagena, Mazarrón and Fuente Álamo – within an hour of the school. Depending on route, fees range from 170€ to 205€ per month. Bus transport is free for the third, and successive, child in a family.

REPORTS

ELIS Murcia has been recognised as one of the best schools in Spain. It is inspected every four years by the National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABSS) and a certificate of accreditation from the British Council allows schools to operate. The Spanish Ministry of Education also authorise all school to ensure the standards are being met and can turn up at any time to inspect.

ELIS Murcia is also accredited by the prestigious Council of International Schools (CIS). Only three schools in Spain hold this kitemark of excellence and it is the only one in the Southeast region.

FEES

Fees are on the upper end for the area but very enticing for families living or relocating to Spain. Nursery and Reception fees are: 735€ per month (£637.58); Y1-Y2 830€ (£720); Y3-Y6 905€ (£785) and Y7 985€ (£854.38). Lunches are compulsory until the end of Y11 and cost an extra 165€ to 182€ per month. Sibling discounts are available – 10% for the second child, 20% for the third, and 40% for the fourth child onwards.

WORD ON THE GROUND

It’s one of the best schools in Spain and for good reason. Community is key and parents love the regular communication, any issues that pop up are not left to fester and the focus is very much in ensuring the children are happy, academically supported and have opportunities to find their passions. Although the 4.20pm finish might take some adjustment for those new to Spain, the work-life balance outweighs the need to adjust.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

GOOD FOR: Anyone looking for a nurturing, progressive school that prepares children for the real world. This is a school that reaches for the academic stars but with the pressure dialled down. The result? Kind, conscientious pupils who are supported to reach their potential.

NOT FOR: If you don’t prescribe to a progressive ethos, innovative teaching and global outlook, ELIS Murcia may not be the school for you. Anyone looking for long days. Work-life balance is big here – there’s A LOT to be said for adopting the Spanish way of life.

DARE TO DISAGREE: Regular Open Days take place throughout the year, but all prospective parents are welcome to book a private tour with the Admissions Officer which will include a meeting with a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

ELIS Murcia (Buenavista Campus), Colonia Buenavista, s/n, 30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain. Open Day & Discovery Day on 21 Oct.

El Limonar International Lower School (ELIS), Murcia, Spain

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