BISG expands with new junior school, strengthening Int’l education in Gambia

The inauguration ceremony, held at the school’s Pipeline campus, drew a distinguished audience including diplomats, education stakeholders, parents, board members, and students.

Speakers at the event included Mr William Arthur, Headmaster of BISG; Mr Muhammad Jagana, Chair of the Board of Directors; and Her Excellency Harriet King, British High Commissioner to The Gambia, who formally inaugurated the Junior School.

Founded in 2022, BISG has quickly established itself as a leading international school in The Gambia. In 2023, it became the first school in the country to receive accreditation from the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), a distinction that makes The Gambia only the second country in West Africa to host a COBIS-accredited institution.

In his remarks, Mr Jagana described the opening of the Junior School as “a gateway to possibilities”, stressing the importance of nurturing children academically, emotionally, and socially from an early age. He said the new school would provide a strong foundation for pupils to develop confidence, curiosity, and character, preparing them to become globally aware yet locally grounded citizens.

Headmaster William Arthur highlighted BISG’s mission of academic excellence, care, and holistic development. He noted that the Junior School completes a continuous educational pathway from early years through secondary education, ensuring students thrive in a consistent and supportive environment.

British High Commissioner Harriet King commended BISG for its rapid progress and COBIS accreditation, calling it a “significant achievement” for The Gambia’s education sector. She emphasised the role of primary education in shaping lifelong learning, critical thinking, and self-confidence, while also opening global opportunities for Gambian students.

The Junior School, which officially opens to pupils next week, will uphold the same high standards as the senior school, with a strong focus on quality teaching, student care, and wellbeing.

The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the Junior School and an optional tour of the new facilities, underscoring BISG’s commitment to nurturing young learners and strengthening British international education in The Gambia.