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After a decade of visionary leadership—and three transformational years leading Brewster’s expansion into Spain—Craig Gemmell will step down from his role as Head of School at Brewster Madrid, Murcia, and La Moraleja, as well as from his position as President of BA International, effective June 30.

Craig’s leadership has been instrumental in bringing Brewster’s mission to life in new international communities. Thanks to his vision and drive, Brewster Madrid opened in 2023, followed by Brewster Murcia in 2024. Both schools have quickly become thriving, mission-aligned communities grounded in academic excellence, belonging, and innovation. Brewster La Moraleja is scheduled to open in September 2025.

THE BEGINNING
Craig came on board as Brewster’s twelfth Head of School on July 1, 2015. Moving to Wolfeboro from Groton, Massachusetts, he and his family—educator Nancy Hughes and their boys, Jobe and Teddy—immersed themselves in campus life. Craig has often said he found a warm welcome from the campus community when he arrived.

Known as a disciplined but nonlinear thinker, Craig quickly and tactfully oversaw a period of transition, reshaping his leadership team. He took on a few campus issues right off the bat, including the need for tighter supervision of students 24/7 and overhauling Brewster’s cumbersome 80+ word manifesto about prepping students for college into the clear, concise mission statement every Brewster employee now knows by heart: “Brewster prepares diverse thinkers for lives of purpose.” He was also instrumental in visioning key campus master planning interventions and special capital projects, with investments in facilities for admissions, residential life, student life, and the arts.

Brewster’s serene backdrop of stunning New Hampshire lakes and mountains was a great landing spot for Craig, an avid outdoorsman, birder, and grower of dahlias. Growing up on his Connecticut family farm, and earning degrees in Ecology, Biology, and Environmental Studies, he has cultivated a lifelong relationship with the natural world, from which he draws frequent inspiration for his work.

Though a science scholar by training, Craig also brought his love of literature to his role, often quoting notable scholars, from authors Wendell Berry and C.S. Lewis to contemporary poet Billy Collins and fellow head of school Albus Dumbledore. Not one to keep his door shut, Craig’s accessibility has been his trademark. He famously gave out his cell phone number to the assembled group of parents at Orientation each year and said, sincerely, “Text or call at any time.” He made sure students knew that door was open to them, as well, and they took him up on the invitation, often stopping in for free-flowing conversation and just to check in. These seemingly small gestures and practices only bolstered what his new community of students, families, employees, alumni, and donors came to know of Craig’s warm charm, crisp humor, and unwavering belief in the importance of educating cognitively diverse learners.

LEADING THROUGH THE UNKNOWN
Craig’s time at Brewster also included an immense curveball that no one saw coming: the COVID pandemic. He led with clarity and action, pulling together close advisors who regularly assembled to not only meet the requirements of the state and federal government, but often to exceed them in an effort to create the safest environment for students, employees, and surrounding town neighbors. He asked everyone to be patient, vigilant, and—using one of his favorite words—nimble. Craig often noted that the school’s perseverance during the most frightening months of the pandemic was a true team effort among administrators, employees, students, parents, grandparents, friends, and Trustees.

NEXT STEPS
Over the next three months, Craig will continue to support Brewster through a thoughtful transition. A dedicated team of school leaders is in place to help ensure continuity and a smooth handoff. With Craig’s guidance and the strength of the leadership team he assembled, we’re confident that our international campuses will continue to flourish.

We are incredibly grateful for Craig’s many contributions to Brewster Academy and to the broader educational community. His impact on our students, faculty, and global vision will be felt for years to come.

Brewster Madrid is making it easier for families to learn about its innovative educational approach with the opening of a new Admissions & Info Point at El Encinar de la Moraleja Shopping Center.

This new space offers parents the opportunity to ask questions, explore the school’s philosophy, and book personal meetings with the admissions team.

📍 Location:El Encinar de la Moraleja Shopping Center
📅 Schedule a Meeting

Whether you’re considering Brewster Madrid for your child or simply want to learn more, the team is ready to welcome you.

Stop by and discover how Brewster Madrid is redefining education! 🚀✨

Brewster Madrid Ranked #14 Among the Best Schools in Spain  for 2025

We are proud to announce that Brewster Madrid has once again been recognized as one of the top 100 schools in Spain for 2025, earning an outstanding #14 spot in this prestigious ranking. This recognition is particularly remarkable given that, in just two years since opening our doors, we have achieved the incredible milestone of making it onto this list both years. This achievement highlights our unwavering commitment to educational excellence.

Our inclusion in this list, published by the renowned platform MiCole, reaffirms our position as one of the top choices for families seeking exceptional education in Spain. We are honored to receive this recognition, which celebrates the collective efforts of our entire Brewster Madrid community: students, families, and our dedicated staff. At Brewster Madrid, we believe in continuous growth and innovation.

Thank you for being part of our incredible educational community and for joining us on this exciting path toward the future!

Dear Brewster Family,

A big round of applause is deserved for the Class of 2025 - our second cohort of seniors!  They have been accepted to over 100 universities in over 7 countries with over 10 million dollars in scholarship funds being awarded across all offers!

Our tradition continues with the Senior Acceptance Slideshow which showcases where students have been accepted to universities around the world. It is important to note that offers are still forthcoming, so this list is by no means complete. However, it is a testament to their hard work, not just this year during application season, but during their high school years. We hope this will spread excitement and inspire forthcoming seniors for what future years may offer as we share praise for them around Brewster this week.

The potential for our upcoming graduating class of 2025 for Brewster Madrid is limitless! It will be exciting to see them walk across the stage in June and learn where they intend to commit for their future endeavors later this spring. Please give them congratulations and a round of applause when you see them!

Murcia, November 8, 2024 –

Brewster Murcia has officially opened its doors, establishing itself as an educational institution with a strong commitment to the community. This event marks the expansion of Brewster Academy’s innovative approach and was attended by distinguished figures such as Luis Eduardo Gómez, Director of Educational Centers for the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia; and members of the institution, with the special participation of families and faculty.

Craig Gemmell, President of Brewster Academy and Brewster Academy Spain, highlighted three core principles in his speech:

Transformation at the Core: “Brewster’s vision is based on transformation: an education with the power to change communities and the lives of the students in our care,” stated Gemmell, emphasizing Brewster’s transformative approach to education.

A Commitment to the World: Reflecting on current challenges, he noted, “Our world is not well, and many feel, understandably, confused and powerless. What can we do with these feelings? I suggest that we commit ourselves here, together, and make Brewster Murcia a great school.”

A Call for Collaboration and Growth: Addressing the students, faculty, and families of Brewster Murcia, Gemmell encouraged everyone to join forces to build a school that fosters excellence and opportunity, reminding all that “through the actions of our students today and tomorrow, the world will be transformed.”
The event concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative inauguration plaque.

Brewster Murcia positions itself as an educational project dedicated to excellence and with a strong purpose to positively impact the community of Murcia and the lives of its students.

On January 30th, Brewster Madrid held a special event at the Real Club de Golf de La Moraleja to introduce its innovative educational program to prospective families.

During the gathering, academic leaders for students aged 3 to 18 were available to answer questions about the school’s comprehensive curriculum. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet the admissions and corporate teams, who shared Brewster Madrid’s vision and commitment to academic excellence.

This event allowed families to gain firsthand insight into how the Brewster Model fosters both academic and personal growth, reinforcing the school’s dedication to providing a top-tier education.

Brewster Madrid is excited to welcome prospective students and families to campus for our Virtual Information Session.

At the meeting, you will hear from students and faculty, and learn about the admission process and the Brewster difference.

Brewster Madrid is excited to welcome prospective students and families to campus for our Open House days during this academic year.

At your visit, you will hear from students and faculty, and learn about the admission process and the Brewster difference.

We hope you will join us!