By Fatou Krubally
The British International School Gambia (BISG) officially opened its Junior School on Thursday, marking a significant expansion of British international education in the country.
The inauguration took place at the school’s Pipeline campus and was attended by diplomats, education stakeholders, parents, board members, and students.
The ceremony featured speeches from BISG Headmaster William Arthur, Chair of the Board of Directors Muhammad Jagana, and Her Excellency Harriet King, British High Commissioner to The Gambia, who formally inaugurated the Junior School.
Since its establishment in 2022, BISG has rapidly gained recognition as a leading international school in the country. In 2023, it became the first school in The Gambia to receive accreditation from the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), making the country only the second in West Africa to host a COBIS-accredited institution.
At the event, Board Chair Muhammad Jagana described the opening of the Junior School as “a gateway to possibilities,” highlighting the importance of nurturing children academically, emotionally, and socially from an early age. He added that the Junior School would provide a strong foundation for students to develop confidence, curiosity, and character, preparing them to become globally aware and locally grounded citizens.
Headmaster William Arthur underscored the school’s mission of academic excellence, care, and holistic development. He said the Junior School completes a continuous educational pathway from early years through secondary education, allowing students to thrive in a consistent and supportive environment.
High Commissioner Harriet King lauded BISG for its rapid progress and COBIS accreditation, calling it a “significant achievement” for The Gambia’s education sector. She emphasized the importance of primary education in fostering lifelong learning, critical thinking, self-confidence, and global opportunities for students.
The Junior School will open to pupils next week, maintaining the same high standards as the senior school in teaching, care, and student wellbeing.
The ceremony concluded with the official unveiling of the Junior School, followed by tours of the new facilities, showcasing BISG’s continued commitment to nurturing young learners and strengthening British international education in The Gambia.