Island Primary
Founded 2022
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
National Curriculum (England)Accreditations
COBISIsland Primary is a primary school in Grand Cayman offering a British-curriculum education for students from Reception through Year 6. Founded in 2022, the school focuses on inquiry-based learning within a sustainably designed, nature-oriented campus.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
Island Primary is committed to providing a dynamic learning community that engages with and contributes to a diverse local and global society. The school's approach is rooted in the spirit of 'CaymanKind,' emphasizing a warm, welcoming environment where nature-based learning is a core component of the programme. It seeks to nurture responsible, appreciative citizens who value individuality and resilience.
Programmes
The school follows the revised British Curriculum (2014), with the Reception programme guided by the British Early Years Foundation Stage (2021) and the Cayman Islands Early Years Curriculum Framework. The curriculum integrates core subjects—English, mathematics, and science—with foundation subjects such as social studies, religious education, PSHE, and design and technology. Specialist instruction is provided in music, computing, physical education, and Spanish.
Student support
Learning support
The school maintains a dedicated pastoral leadership team, including a Head of Pastoral Care and specialized Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCo) for both the infant and junior sections. These professionals work alongside learning intervention staff to provide support and guidance for students.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does Island Primary offer?
- Island Primary offers National Curriculum (England).
- How much is tuition at Island Primary?
- Annual tuition at Island Primary is KYD 17.5K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does Island Primary hold?
- Island Primary holds accreditations including COBIS.
- Where is Island Primary located?
- Island Primary is an international school in George Town, Cayman Islands.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| All Year Groups | — | KYD 17.5K |
Other fees(5)
| Registration fee· Non-refundable and non-transferable registration fee payable upon applying. | KYD 300 |
|---|---|
| Materials· Annual one-time supply & resource fee charged in the first tuition invoice each year. | KYD 500 |
| Deposit· Placement deposit for new students to secure space, applied in full to the first tuition invoice. | KYD 600 |
| Deposit· Annual re-enrolment deposit for returning students to secure seat, applied towards next year's tuition. | KYD 600 |
| Enrolment fee· One-time per year Family/Teacher Association levy. | KYD 75 |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 5% reduction for the second child, 10% reduction for the third and subsequent children
- Full-payment discount: Built-in discount for annual and termly payments
Admissions
Island Primary accepts applications throughout the year for students from Reception through Year 6. The admissions process includes an online enrolment form, submission of previous school reports, a confidential referral from the current school, and an informal meeting or school visit. A non-refundable registration fee of $300 is required to process an application, and a $600 placement deposit is due upon enrolment confirmation to secure a student's place.
Calendar
The school year typically runs from late August to late June, divided into three terms. The 2026-27 calendar includes a mid-term break in October, February, and various public holidays such as Remembrance Day, National Heroes Day, and Emancipation Day. The academic year concludes on June 25, 2027, with reserve storm days scheduled for late June if required.
About the campus
Located in Buttonwood Park, George Town, the campus sits on 4.3 acres of landscaped grounds featuring local flora. The school is sustainably designed and includes classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Each classroom is designed with an outdoor learning deck to facilitate fresh-air instruction.
Stephen ColesPrincipalOriginating from Leicester, England, Steve has worked in the Cayman Islands education system since 2003, serving as a primary teacher, literacy coach, IB coordinator, and Deputy Principal. He holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Elementary Reading and Literacy, and is a certified COBIS Facilitator for middle leaders.
- Ems MellandDeputy Principal
Ems grew up in Botswana, Poland, and the U.K. before moving to the Cayman Islands in 2012. She holds a B.A. Hons in Music and Biblical Studies and completed her teacher training through the Graduate Teacher Training Programme at Beauchamp College, Leicester. She has extensive experience in music education and primary teaching.
- Jenn CowdroyDirector
Jenn is a co-owner of Island Primary and Island Montessori, managing the schools' administration and accounting while leading the development project for Island Primary. She holds an MBA in Finance, is an Accredited Director under the Canadian Institute of Chartered Secretaries, and has held various senior financial and management roles over the last 30 years.
- Hannah HudsonHead of Infants
Hannah grew up in Sunderland, England, and moved to the Cayman Islands in 2021. She holds a degree in Business Studies and Psychology, a PGCE in Primary Education, and is a qualified Maths Mastery Specialist and Specialist Leader of Education for maths. She also holds an NPQSL (National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership).
- Bertranne Abrams-MenkoHead of Juniors
Birch was born in Guyana, grew up in Jamaica, and has lived in Cayman for almost 30 years. She holds a B.S. Hons in Economics and Management from the University of the West Indies and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education. She has a background in youth ministry and previously owned and operated a Kindermusik studio.
- MacDonald MachinguraHead of Pastoral Care
MacDonald Machingura is listed as part of the Pastoral Leadership Team and as a specialist teacher.
- Monique LeSieurInfant SENCo
Monique LeSieur is listed as part of the Pastoral Leadership Team and as a specialist teacher.
- Allison HendrickJunior SENCo
Allison Hendrick is listed as part of the Pastoral Leadership Team and as a specialist teacher.
- Kate MolitorLearning Intervention
Kate Molitor is listed as part of the Pastoral Leadership Team.