Introduction to Nabss

The National Association of British Schools in Spain was founded in 1978 to promote, uphold and defend British education in Spain.

The Association

In order to members of NABSS, schools must fulfill the criteria of `Britishness´ published on this website and achieve full authorisation, via British inspection, from the appropriate Spanish authorities.

(Affiliate membership is available to universities and bodies of further education or educational providers.)
The rigour of the NABBS inspection system, and of the authorisation process itself, , provides a yardstick for parents and teachers, who are  choosing schools in Spain.

The National Association of British Schools in Spain or ´Nabss´, insists on regular inspection of member schools and provides continuous professional training for Heads and teachers throughout Spain.

Nabss is held in high regard by both the Spanish and British educational authorities and is consulted on new developments. The Association enjoys a very strong relationship with the British Council in Spain, and Council members sit on the Inspection Monitoring Committee.

Aims

• Represent and defend the interests of member schools
• To uphold the prestige of British education
• Develop the spirit of collaboration among member schools
• To promote, maintain and defend British education and co-operate with the British Council, Spanish Ministry and other authorities regarding legalisation relating to foreign schools in Spain.
• Provide a legal, administrative and accounting  service for the Association
• Promote educational and cultural events as well as publishing educational materials related to British education
• To support the professional development of staff in NABSS schools.
• To provide an effective inspection service.

 

Introduction to Schools

 

The Schools

Nabss´ schools base the pupils´ studies on the National Curriculum, employ fully qualified staff, and are expected to follow standard British practice in teaching and learning, leadership and management etc.(see document of `Britishness´.) Students and staff in Nabss´ schools  benefit from the multilingual and culturally diverse environment of British schools in Spain. Pupils are well prepared for life in an increasingly complex world.

Nabss´ schools offering the whole age range are required to run a broad selection of GCSE, AS and A level courses, or the International Baccalaureat, and to prepare students for university entry in Spain or the UK. The Spanish authorities give full recognition to A levels and grant direct access to Spanish universities for Nabss´ students with the appropriate A level passes.

An elected committee of Headteachers and owners of Nabss´ schools is responsible for the general management of the Association and its inspection service.. Members are also kept up- to-date with all relevant legislation, both in Spain and the UK.

As NABSS is a membership organisation, all queries and requests for information should initially be directed to the individual member schools. The Nabss´ website lists all schools both alphabetically and by geographical area. Each school site contains full information regarding contact names, e-mail and site addresses and telephone numbers. Many schools can be contacted via a link to their own websites.