The English Montessori School (TEMS) has officially opened its new Explorer Campus in Madrid. Located on Calle Sopelana 11, in the Moncloa-Aravaca area of the city, the new site represents a major step forward in the school’s ongoing mission to provide an education rooted in excellence, sustainability, and innovation.
Designed for pupils aged 7 to 16 (Year 3 to Year 11), the Explorer Campus embodies the spirit of exploration and curiosity that lies at the heart of the Montessori philosophy. It provides a modern, eco-friendly space where students can learn through experience, discovery, and connection with the natural world.
“A dream brought to life”
At the inauguration, Jonathan Gunzi, Headteacher of TEMS, which is part of the Cognita group of schools, reflected on the years of dedication and teamwork that made the project possible:
“It is a real honour to stand here today and to see the result of thousands of hours of effort and creativity. This campus reflects the passion and commitment of our entire community. Together, we’ve built not just a school, but an environment where children can thrive.”
The event brought together education authorities, Cognita representatives, families, and members of the media. Among the special guests was Leticia Iglesias, news presenter, communications expert and currently Director of Communication and Sustainability at Línea Directa. As a mum at the school, she highlighted the vital role of collaboration between schools and families in shaping well-rounded individuals:
“A building without these teachers, without these families and children, is just a warehouse. Education is a shared journey, and TEMS makes that partnership possible.”
A campus designed for the future
The Explorer Campus has been created as a model for 21st-century learning — a place where sustainability and pedagogy go hand in hand. The new site spans a plot of 11,151 square metres, with 7,005 square metres of built area, and has been developed according to strict standards of energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and educational innovation.
Among its many facilities are:
- 14 Junior classrooms, 24 Senior classrooms, and 6 support classrooms, complemented by laboratories, a library, and dedicated art and music rooms.
- 4,146 square metres of outdoor space, over half of which is dedicated to gardens and green areas, including a large terrace on the second floor.
- 2,000 square metres of sports facilities, featuring football, basketball and volleyball courts, table tennis areas, calisthenics spaces, and a climbing wall.
- A 500-metre green trail surrounding the school, designed for outdoor lessons, exploration, and mindfulness activities.
- A 334-square-metre multi-purpose hall accommodating more than 300 people, adaptable for performances, academic events, and assemblies.
Reflecting TEMS’s firm commitment to sustainability, the building includes a natural green façade and 114 solar panels, which will supply over 10% of the school’s total energy consumption. These features demonstrate how modern architecture can blend aesthetic appeal, functionality, and environmental awareness.
A growing community of learning and discovery
At TEMS, every building tells a story of learning as a journey. Pupils begin in Discovery House and Voyager House, where curiosity and exploration are first nurtured. The new Explorer Campus continues this educational narrative, symbolising the next stage in each child’s growth – a stage where they learn to question, collaborate, and explore the world around them.
For over 50 years, The English Montessori School has been a leader in combining the Montessori method with the British curriculum. Its holistic, multilingual, and internationally minded approach prepares students not only for academic success but also for life in a global society.
The school’s recent acquisition of Montessori School La Florida and the introduction of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) further strengthen this vision. With three post-16 academic pathways – Spanish Bachillerato, International Baccalaureate, and A Levels – TEMS offers students the flexibility to choose a route that best suits their aspirations and future ambitions.
