The Antofagasta British School

The Antofagasta British School is a science‑humanities educational establishment founded in Antofagasta on June 5, 1918, to educate the children of English immigrants under English education standards. The school is governed by The Antofagasta British School Educational Corporation, a nonprofit entity composed exclusively of the parents and guardians of the students, and operates under statutes approved by the Ministry of Justice with governing bodies (Assembly/Board) whose members are elected from among the guardians. Its first physical location (1918–1981) was in the old colonial‑style house at Zenteno and Iquique, on the grounds of the Antofagasta‑Bolivia Railway (FCAB); it was then known as Colegio Inglés and welcomed all children of British subjects in the city. Years later FCAB employees opened admission to their Chilean staff's children, forming a bilingual community. In 1982 the school moved to the current building on Pedro León Gallo Street in the southern sector of the city, constructed in record time thanks to the leadership and personal contributions of the directors of the era. Today ABS enrolls more than 860 students from Mini Kinder to IV Medio (the final year of upper secondary), taught by 70 teachers and supported by 40 administrative and support staff.

The ABS community includes School Life ABS, CEPAD, CEAL 2022–2023, and alumni networks. School Life ABS develops actions to promote healthy coexistence through promotion, prevention, and response to conflicts, framed by respect, dialogue, and the commitment of students, teachers, and guardians to ensure a learning‑friendly environment. CEPAD is a parent association with the objective of delivering value to children and parents in a social context, inviting parents to contribute ideas to enrich education and to participate in activities that strengthen the British family community; CEPAD leadership includes President Claudia Cisternas, Vice‑President Daniela Meneses, Secretary Javiera Olivera, Treasurer Macarena Rojas, and Alternate Directors Astrid Lobos and Milenka Sandoval. CEAL 2022–2023 sets out objectives for the student body to represent issues, needs and aspirations; promote organized and democratic student expression; foster holistic development and wellbeing; ensure positive convivencia and inclusive life; promote student wellbeing and universal human rights; and encourage solidarity, environmental awareness, positive leadership, and cultural values through its programs; CEAL 2022–2023 officers include President, Vice‑President, Executive Secretary, Management/Finance Secretary, Public Relations and Communications ABS, Convivencia Escolar ABS, Medio Ambiente ABS, Deportes ABS, Responsabilidad Social, and Cultura.

CEPAD is the school's parent association with the objective of delivering value to children and parents in a social context. It invites parents to contribute ideas that make their children's education an enriching experience and to participate in activities that bring families together as a British school community. CEPAD leadership includes President Claudia Cisternas, Vice‑President Daniela Meneses, Secretary Javiera Olivera, Treasurer Macarena Rojas, Alternate Directors Astrid Lobos and Milenka Sandoval. CEPAD engages parents in planning and supporting school events and initiatives that enhance student life and community wellbeing.