The leadership, management and governance are outstanding and have played a key role in recent improvements to pupils’ behaviour and the quality of education which have led to significantly higher examination results.
BSO inspection report
Donat grew up in Northern Ireland and after graduating from university with a degree in education, moved to Gran Canaria.
Teaching infants in a British school grounded his experience and desire to work with young people, and he went on to found a British International School in 1989 with his wife Mary.
They have 3 children, all born in Gran Canaria, and has recently become a proud grandfather of 3.
In 2004 Donat obtained an MBA in Educational Management and in 2006 he became involved with the Executive Committee of NABSS (National Association of British Schools in Spain). He was the President of the Association from 2010 to 2015.
NABSS represents the interests of more than 100 British Schools in Spain, providing a full inspection system, coordinating professional development and promoting cooperation and communication between the schools. 40,000 students are educated in British schools in Spain.
In the 2016 New Year’s Honours list, Donat was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for “services to British education in Spain”.
When not spending time with his family, Donat likes water sports and enjoys walking, swimming and cycling.
Mary grew up in Northern Ireland and after graduating from University of Ulster, In 1986 she moved with her husband to Gran Canaria in Spain.
She taught secondary students in a British school on the island and then moved to teaching infants at the school she founded with her husband in 1989.
Further studies with the Open University and Leicester University led to a move out of the classroom and Mary now has responsibility for the administration at Oakley and ensuring effective communication among the school community.
Since 1989 Oakley College has grown to accommodate students between 2 and 18 years of age, offering IGCSE and A-levels.
Mary and Donat, have 3 children and are proud grandparents of three.
Terry joined Oakley College in 2014, he was born and raised in Yorkshire in the North of England. He studied at The University of Wolverhampton (UK) and Akron University (USA).
In between his studies Terry worked as a plasterer, fork lift truck driver and lifeguard before finally graduating from the University of Leeds as a teacher in 1995.
From 1995 to 2009 Terry worked in and around the city of Bradford as a teacher of English and History. He was also a Year Head and worked within a behaviour management unit; whilst also attending Huddersfield University part time, working on a second degree.
In 2009 he moved to Zanzibar, off the east coast of Africa and worked for 5 years at the International School of Zanzibar.
Outside of school Terry enjoys swimming, cycling and music.
Marta joined Oakley College in 2014. She was born and raised in Gran Canaria and moved to Brighton to complete her University studies, completing an honours degree in Applied Psychology and Sociology and Masters (MSC) in Applied Positive Psychology at the University of East London.
Marta then worked in the mental health sector in the UK for 10 years before returning to Gran Canaria to work as the Student Care and Guidance counsellor at Oakley.
Marta is passionate about supporting children’s mental health, wellbeing and Special Educational Needs in school as well as helping each child develop their personal strengths and flourish.
Marta enjoys spending time with family, friends and surfing.
