
New Cambridge School Bucaramanga - Sede Cañaveral
Part of Cognita, Secular
Updated July 2026
New Cambridge School is a leading international school in Santander, Colombia, with over 55 years of history, offering a bilingual education that integrates the Colombian national curriculum with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It is part of the Cognita family of schools and serves students from early years through to pre-university levels.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school follows a constructivist model that emphasizes active, meaningful, and contextualized learning. It is a secular institution that focuses on developing critical thinking, global citizenship, and social-emotional intelligence. Its core pillars include 'Global Success,' 'Everything Matters,' 'Full Potential,' and 'Actively Engaged Students,' all aimed at forming leaders who can solve real-world problems.
Programmes
The academic programme spans from early years (starting at 8 months) to Upper Secondary (grade 12). It features the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, a bilingual curriculum in Spanish and English, and opportunities for French language learning. The school is accredited by Cognia, allowing students to graduate with an American diploma, and utilizes methodologies such as HighScope and inquiry-based learning.
Outcomes
New Cambridge School has consistently ranked in the top 3 of the national 'Pruebas Saber 11' rankings over the last seven years, leading the ranking in 2017 and 2021. Students have achieved perfect scores on the Saber 11 exam and received the 'Andrés Bello' distinction for academic excellence. The school is recognized for its quality in the 'Ranking Col-Sapiens' and its educators have received international recognition, such as the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award.
Student support
Learning support
The Learning Support Center (LSC) provides comprehensive academic, socio-emotional, and personal support through an inclusive approach. The interdisciplinary team includes specialists in psychology, occupational therapy, nursing, and speech therapy who offer individual monitoring, screening, and targeted interventions to help students reach their full potential. The school also implements the RULER programme from Yale University to develop social and emotional skills.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- What curriculum does New Cambridge School Bucaramanga - Sede Cañaveral offer?
- New Cambridge School Bucaramanga - Sede Cañaveral offers IB Diploma.
- What accreditations does New Cambridge School Bucaramanga - Sede Cañaveral hold?
- New Cambridge School Bucaramanga - Sede Cañaveral holds accreditations including IB and Cognia.
- Where is New Cambridge School Bucaramanga - Sede Cañaveral located?
- New Cambridge School Bucaramanga - Sede Cañaveral is an international school in Bucaramanga, Colombia.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The admissions process involves a personalized tour, submission of an application form with required documentation, and a family interview combined with an academic assessment for applicants aged five and older. The school offers benefits for siblings and children of alumni, including a 'Little & Big Brother' programme and zero-tuition enrollment for children of graduates. Admissions advisors are available at the Cañaveral, Cabecera, and PreU campuses to guide families through the process.
Calendar
New Cambridge School operates on a 'Calendar B' schedule, with the academic year beginning in August and concluding in the first week of June. The school observes standard breaks for the October recess, Christmas, and Holy Week.
About the campus
The school operates across three specialized sites: the main campus in Floridablanca (serving students from 8 months to grade 9), the 'Little Cambridge Cabecera' site in Bucaramanga (early years to grade 3), and the 'PreU Campus' in Girón (inspired by the British 'Sixth Form' model for grades 10-12). Facilities are designed to support innovation, research, and creativity, and the school maintains a certified food service plant managed by nutrition and culinary professionals.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a range of after-school activities and arts and sports programmes designed to develop student talents. It utilizes a 'Houses System' to promote healthy competition and strengthen student belonging. Additionally, students have access to 'Global Experiences' through the Cognita network, which include academic immersions, summer camps, and leadership programmes in countries such as Canada, the USA, Spain, the UK, and France.






Carolina Charry ReyesRectoraCarolina Charry Reyes is a bilingual speech-language pathologist with a postgraduate degree in Organizational Communication Management and a Master’s degree in Administration. With over 13 years of experience in the education sector, she is a consultant for the Global Innovation Management Institute and was awarded the “Innovators of Santander” prize. As rector, she focuses on fostering a culture of excellence and preparing students to be global citizens.
Juliana OrtegaEarly Years Cañaveral DirectorJuliana Ortega is the Early Years Cañaveral Director.
- Martha AngaritaLittle Cambridge Cabecera Director
Martha Angarita is the Little Cambridge Cabecera Director.
- Vanessa BuitragoPrimary School Cañaveral Director
Vanessa Buitrago is the Primary School Cañaveral Director.
- Catalina RomeroLower Secondary School Director
Catalina Romero is the Lower Secondary School Director.
Leonardo JiménezUpper Secondary School DirectorLeonardo Jiménez is the Upper Secondary School Director.
- Rafael SuescúnArts Director
Rafael Suescún is the Arts Director.
- Lina MurilloLearning Support Center Director & Safeguarding Leader
Lina Murillo is the Learning Support Center Director and Safeguarding Leader.
Jenny PereiraAdministrative and Operational DirectorJenny Pereira is the Administrative and Operational Director.
- Mónica ChacónMarketing and Experience Director
Mónica Chacón is the Marketing and Experience Director.
IB Diploma
Cognia