The award-winning school’s group Principal, Richard Cairns, has joined forces with the leading educational provider Intellego Education, led by Chairman and Director of Education Dr Stephen Spurr, to open schools across multiple major European cities.
Brighton College International 7th May 2025
Brighton College is set to open its first schools in continental Europe, offering girls and boys aged 3 to 18 an education that blends proven academic excellence with a culture of kindness, curiosity and confidence.
In partnership with Intellego Education, Brighton College will launch new schools in Madrid, Rome and Lisbon. Each will combine world-class teaching, inspiring learning spaces and a warm, inclusive school community. Boarding will also be offered, ensuring families have flexible options that support both local and international pupils. Pupils will benefit from the same pioneering curriculum and opportunities that have seen Brighton College pupils progress to the world’s top universities.
Flagship European Openings: Brighton College Madrid, Rome and Lisbon
Doors will open from September 2027 for the first Brighton College schools in continental Europe.
These launches mark a significant step in meeting the rising demand for premium British education across the continent. According to the Independent Schools Council (ISC), nearly half a million UK citizens relocate abroad each year, with around 40% moving to Europe. Many families are drawn to Iberia and Italy for their vibrant international communities, lifestyle and pro-business tax regimes.
The ISC census of 2025 also revealed a very significant number of families from Italy and Spain leaving England for tax reasons after recent changes in the UK. Overall, the number of pupils leaving UK schools from Spain fell by 12.6% and from Italy by 11.6%, the largest exodus from any European countries. The main regret when leaving the UK has been saying goodbye to the UK’s world-leading private schools.
“There is undoubtedly an influx back into mainland Europe of parents who have learned to value UK private education highly, and we anticipate significant demand and excitement in Madrid, Rome and Lisbon for schools that replicate the ethos, traditions and ambitions of the very best private schools in the UK and, in particular those of Brighton College, which this year was ranked highest in the country for its academic results”, said Richard Cairns, Group CEO of Brighton College and the only head in the UK to win Tatler Head of the Year twice.
At the heart of every Brighton College school is the belief that outstanding teaching changes lives. Each school recruits only the most talented and dedicated educators, whose expertise and enthusiasm inspire pupils to achieve more than they imagined possible. This commitment to excellence has placed Brighton College consistently among the highest-performing schools in the UK.
The College’s approach is highly personalised; no two children are the same, and the teaching philosophy allows each pupil to develop as an individual while discovering their strengths and passions. In every classroom, pupils are encouraged to think critically, embrace creativity and cultivate a lifelong love of learning.
In Madrid, Rome and Lisbon, families will join communities where academic achievement is matched by the development of values and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of each individual country. Pupils will be prepared not only for academic success, but for lives of purpose, leadership and contribution.
“This is a hugely exciting venture, bringing to Madrid, Rome and Lisbon an educational philosophy that has won Brighton College numerous global awards but, more importantly, one that has demonstrated that success is most readily found where kindness underpins everything. Children who are happy are children who thrive”, said Richard Cairns.
“Through our partnership with Brighton College, pupils in Europe will benefit from an education provided by the UK’s most exceptional leaders and teachers, in world-class facilities designed to encourage discovery and academic achievement”, commented Dr Stephen Spurr, Chairman and Director of Education at Intellego Education, adding that “Brighton’s unrivalled reputation, both in the UK and abroad, combined with Intellego’s deep experience of education in Spain, Italy and Portugal will offer excellent opportunities for pupils and their families.”
Categories: Brighton College School News
