IT’S OFFICIAL: One of the best schools in Spain is in the south of Tenerife
One of the best international British schools in Spain has officially been confirmed as being in the south of Tenerife, following a detailed inspection by accredited British school inspectors. Out of more than 4,000 international British schools worldwide, only around 60 achieve the top rating of “Outstanding in every aspect”.
This status is usually associated with elite institutions in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Dubai, where annual fees can exceed €20,000. However, families in Tenerife can now access the same level of recognised British education at a significantly lower cost.
Following a three-day inspection carried out by a team of four professional inspectors, Wingate School has once again been officially rated “Outstanding in every category”. This marks the second consecutive top rating for the Arona-based school, meaning that from 2022 to at least 2028 it is recognised as one of the highest-performing international British schools in the world.
During the inspection, evaluators assessed several areas including the quality of education, teaching and assessment standards, student achievement, leadership and management, as well as the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils. Inspectors also held meetings with both parents and students as part of the comprehensive review process.
According to the official report, the school was praised for creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment, shaped by strong British values. Inspectors highlighted that positive relationships across the school community underpin a high standard of education, while the consistent focus on student welfare, health and safety provides the optimum conditions for both academic success and personal development.
For British families living in Tenerife or considering relocating, one of the school’s standout features is its strong English-speaking environment. Nearly all teachers are native English speakers and approximately 65% of students are international, meaning pupils are fully immersed in English throughout the school day. This helps children transition smoothly back into life in the UK later on, whether for university or future careers.
School owner Jonathan Green said the inspection feedback reflects the core ethos of the institution. He noted that while academic success is important, the school places equal emphasis on wellbeing, kindness and behaviour, aiming to create a safe community where students feel valued and supported.
He explained that inspectors specifically highlighted the school’s extremely positive ethos and culture, underpinned by kindness and exemplary behaviour, as well as the strong relationships formed between staff and pupils. According to Green, happy children are more confident learners and more likely to succeed both academically and personally in the long term.
Despite its strong pastoral focus, academic results remain a major strength. Recent international examination results have placed the school firmly on the global map. Out of around 700,000 students who sat international British IGCSE exams worldwide, Wingate students took 12 Best in World and Best in Spain awards. Best in the World for English and Best in Spain for Spanish (with one student achieving both), and Best in Spain for Psychology.
The representative for the examination board, to whom the exams are shipped off to for marking, said “I’ve never seen anything like that before in my life. An amazing achievement, that must have been a really special cohort.”
Representatives from the examination board reportedly described the results as exceptional, noting they had rarely seen such a high level of achievement from a single group of students.
Another key indicator of the school’s performance is its pupil-to-teacher ratio, which remains significantly lower than many comparable institutions. Classes are capped at 24 students, and with three-level streaming in most subjects, many lessons are even smaller. The current teacher-to-student ratio across the school stands at 13:1, dropping to 11:1 when teaching assistants are included, allowing for more personalised attention and targeted lesson planning.
Education experts often view smaller class sizes as a major advantage, as they support both academic progress and student confidence through more individualised teaching approaches.
Visitors to the School frequently comment on the atmosphere, with pupils seen playing on sports courts and green shaded park areas during breaks. Staff say this balance between academic structure and a relaxed, supportive environment helps students feel secure and motivated in their learning.
For British residents in the south of Tenerife, the latest inspection result places Arona firmly on the educational map, confirming that a world-class British education is available locally without the need to relocate to mainland Spain or other international hubs.
Admissions for the new school year are now open, so find out more at the Wingate School website: https://www.wingateschool.com/
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