As former British Consul-General in Spain between 2005-2010, I saw at firsthand the extraordinarily high standard set by the five King’s College schools in Spain. I am in no doubt that drawing on its considerable experience of operating in a Hispanic country; King’s College The British School of Panama will become Central America’s benchmark school, playing a significant role in helping Panama establish itself as the region’s top educational centre.

Britain’s links with Panama are strong and growing. A British Consulate was first established here in the 1840s. Britain was one of the first nations to recognise Panama’s independence from Colombia. Since the early 19th century, British traders doing business with the countries along the Pacific coast of South America recognised the importance of Panama’s strategic position, as indeed did Scotland in the late 17th century when it attempted to establish a colony in Darien.

Today, the UK is the biggest foreign direct investor in Panama. Top British companies such as, Cable and Wireless, HSBC, SABMiller, London and Regional Properties, BP, JCB, Aggreko, and Glaxo Smith Kline are well established. Many others are looking to set up and harness Panama’s growing potential as the region’s trade and logistics hub.

Britain excels in education. Four of the top six Universities in the World are British. Britain’s school curriculum and exams are globally recognised as the “gold standard”, accepted by Universities around the world, including the US and across Europe. King’s College is at the forefront of some two thousand British International schools around the world providing outstanding education.

The arrival of King’s College in Panama will enable Panamanian and expatriate families to give their children the best education and start in life. It will open the door to UK Universities and the very best of others around the world. It will give children in Panama a head start and contribute greatly to Panama’s future prosperity.

Sincerely,

Michael John Holloway, OBE
Her Majesty’s Ambassador