Welcome to Bellver College

Established 1950

We have educated 10,000+ students over our 75 years of history

 

Warm regards,

Vincent Deperrois – Principal

Principal’s Welcome

“ We create rounded individuals - who contribute to the world ”

On behalf of Bellver College’s team, I wish you a very warm welcome to the oldest private British school in Spain.

At Bellver, we are proud of our long-standing tradition of academic excellence, personal development, and inclusive values. Set in the heart of Mallorca, our school is more than just a place of learning, it is a vibrant, supportive community where every child is known, nurtured, and inspired.

We believe in preparing our students not only for outstanding exam results, but for life beyond the classroom, equipping them with the confidence, curiosity, and character to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Whether you are a prospective parent, pupil, or visitor, I invite you to explore our unique school and discover the Bellver spirit for yourself.

Principal’s Welcome

“ We create rounded individuals - who contribute to the world ”

On behalf of Belver College’s team, I wish you a very warm welcome to Bellver College, the oldest private British school in Spain.

At Bellver, we are proud of our long-standing tradition of academic excellence, personal development, and inclusive values. Set in the heart of Mallorca, our school is more than just a place of learning, it is a vibrant, supportive community where every child is known, nurtured, and inspired.

We believe in preparing our students not only for outstanding exam results, but for life beyond the classroom, equipping them with the confidence, curiosity, and character to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Whether you are a prospective parent, pupil, or visitor, I invite you to explore our unique school and discover the Bellver spirit for yourself.

Warm regards,
Vincent Deperrois – Principal

What makes us unique

Bellver College, the first and oldest private British school in Spain, is distinguished by its commitment to personalized education, with a maximum of fifteen students per class.

Our strong academic standards are reflected in the excellent results achieved by our pupils, all of whom secure a place at their first-choice university. Beyond academic excellence, we nurture well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to the world.

As an official Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel examination centre, we uphold the highest educational standards, supported by a teaching staff of whom 85% are qualified native English speakers.

What makes us unique

Bellver College, the first and oldest private British school in Spain, is distinguished by its commitment to personalized education, with a maximum of fifteen students per class.

Our strong academic standards are reflected in the excellent results achieved by our pupils, all of whom secure a place at their first-choice university. Beyond academic excellence, we nurture well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to the world.

As an official Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel examination centre, we uphold the highest educational standards, supported by a teaching staff of whom 85% are qualified native English speakers.

A History of our heritage

In 2025, Bellver College will celebrate its 75th anniversary, marking three quarters of a century of excellence in education. Its history is one of innovation, passion, and a steadfast commitment to nurturing well-rounded young people, prepared to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.

1950

Foundation of the school in Palma under the leadership of Don Pedro, a Roman Catholic priest. Initially, the school operates in the area of El Terreno, next to Bellver Castle; hence the name of the school. It responds to a need from the international community in Mallorca to provide high-quality education in English.

1960’s

The school, now located in Marivent area, offers boarding facility to international children. One of these students is Mark Muirhead, from Scottish descent, who asked his parents to study at the school while they were working in the Middle East.

1970’s

After finishing his studies at Bellver, Mark partners with Don Pedro to guide the future of the school, laying the foundations of Bellver as a modern international institution. He will then meet and marry Stephanie Johnson, a young teacher from Liverpool, who started at Bellver as a Primary School teacher. Together, they will continue to build the reputation of Bellver as a reference in international education in Spain.

1980’s

The school also becomes one of the first members of the National Association of
British Schools in Spain. Two major structural decisions are taken:

The opening to local Mallorcan students, fostering a multicultural community that remains central to the school’s identity.

The building of new school premises on the opposite side of the street where the school had been located since the mid-50s.

1990’s – 2000’s

Thanks to Mark and Stephanie Muirhead’s efforts and visionary leadership, the school experiences a steady growth in its alumni, from both the international and local communities.

2011

In December 2011, following the death Mark Muirhead, Stephanie Muirhead will carry on leading the school, and ensuring Bellver continues offering children of the island an education based in core values and academic excellence.

2013

Vincent Déperrois takes on the role of Principal of Bellver International College, introducing educational innovations that bring the real world into the classroom. He places particular emphasis on the development of self-awareness programmes, enabling students to recognise and nurture their own talents.

 

2025

Bellver International College enters a new chapter of its history and becomes Bellver
College, as ownership passes from Stephanie Muirhead to a group of entrepreneurs
led by former student Michael Schwalbach, together with Colm Kileen and Yuliya
Radko. Significant investments are announced to modernise facilities and explore
the creation of a new campus, strengthening Bellver’s foundations for the future.

In 2025, Bellver College will celebrate its 75th anniversary, marking three quarters of a century of excellence in education. Its history is one of innovation, passion, and a steadfast commitment to nurturing well-rounded young people, prepared to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.

 

 

1950

Foundation of the school in Palma under the leadership of Don Pedro, a Roman Catholic priest. Initially, the school operates in the area of El Terreno, next to Bellver Castle; hence the name of the school. It responds to a need from the international community in Mallorca to provide high-quality education in English.

1960’s

The school, now located in Marivent area, offers boarding facility to international children. One of these students is Mark Muirhead, from Scottish descent, who asked his parents to study at the school while they were working in the Middle East.

1970’s

After finishing his studies at Bellver, Mark partners with Don Pedro to guide the future of the school, laying the foundations of Bellver as a modern international institution. He will then meet and marry Stephanie Johnson, a young teacher from Liverpool, who started at Bellver as a Primary School teacher. Together, they will continue to build the reputation of Bellver as a reference in international education in Spain.

1980’s

The school also becomes one of the first members of the National Association of British Schools in Spain. Two major structural decisions are taken:

The opening to local Mallorcan students, fostering a multicultural community that
remains central to the school’s identity.

The building of new school premises on the opposite side of the street where the
school had been located since the mid-50s.

1990’s – 2000’s

Thanks to Mark and Stephanie Muirhead’s efforts and visionary leadership, the school experiences a steady growth in its alumni, from both the international and local communities.

2011

In December 2011, following the death Mark Muirhead, Stephanie Muirhead will carry on leading the school, and ensuring Bellver continues offering children of the island an education based in core values and academic excellence.

2013

Vincent Déperrois takes on the role of Principal of Bellver International College, introducing educational innovations that bring the real world into the classroom. He places particular emphasis on the development of self-awareness programmes, enabling students to recognise and nurture their own talents.

 

2025

Bellver International College enters a new chapter of its history and becomes Bellver
College, as ownership passes from Stephanie Muirhead to a group of entrepreneurs
led by former student Michael Schwalbach, together with Colm Kileen and Yuliya
Radko. Significant investments are announced to modernise facilities and explore
the creation of a new campus, strengthening Bellver’s foundations for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any more Questions? Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Any more Questions? Contact Us

Oldest Private British School in Spain.