First British International School Opens in Cape Verde
The landscape of education in Cape Verde marks a historic milestone this Wednesday with the official opening of the British International School Cape Verde (BISCV) in the capital city of Praia. The institution, the first of its kind in the archipelago, welcomes an initial cohort of 52 students up to age 11.
A Global Curriculum in the Heart of Praia
Operating out of the Palmarejo Baixo neighborhood, BISCV follows the prestigious Cambridge curriculum, a global standard utilized by more than 10,000 schools across 162 countries. Founder William Arthur, an experienced educator who has previously established international schools in Gambia and Senegal, emphasized the institution’s commitment to providing a world-class education primarily in English.
The school’s faculty reflects its international mission, featuring a blend of local Cape Verdean educators and international teachers recruited from the United Kingdom, the United States, Ghana, Gambia, and India.
Tuition and Accessibility
The school has established a tiered tuition structure. For Cape Verdean students, monthly fees are set at 250 euros for preschool and 300 euros for grades 1 through 6. For international students, rates rise to 400 euros for preschool and 550 euros for primary grades. Higher rates apply to students whose education is sponsored by private corporations, diplomatic missions, or international organizations.
Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
Lisa Bandari, the UK Ambassador to Cape Verde, hailed the opening as a significant step in deepening the relationship between the two nations. She noted that the school complements existing initiatives, such as the scholarship programs that allow Cape Verdean students to pursue master’s degrees at British universities.
“We wanted to give Cape Verdean youth and children the opportunity to have a British education,” Ambassador Bandari stated, adding that while the school is a private initiative, it enjoys the full support of both the Cape Verdean government and the British Embassy.
Overcoming Infrastructure Hurdles
The road to opening was not without its obstacles. William Arthur identified water supply as the primary challenge during the facility’s installation, noting that meeting strict international health and safety standards was non-negotiable. “For a school, hygiene is paramount. Ensuring a consistent supply was a significant hurdle, but essential for the safety of our students,” he said.
Ana Santos, representing Cape Verde’s National Directorate of Education, welcomed the new addition to the country’s academic map, stating that the institution will offer students a unique “educational experience oriented toward an international context.”
Image: Pexels – Gustavo Fring
