Meet
the Team

Elizabeth Compton is the Principal of Baleares International College, Sant Agustí, a role she has held since 2023. She holds a PGCE with QTS from the University of Bedfordshire and a BA (Hons) in Education from Leeds Metropolitan University, alongside the NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship). With over sixteen years of experience in primary education across the UK, Spain and China, she brings a rich international perspective to her leadership.

Elizabeth’s educational philosophy centres on evidence‑informed practice, strong relationships, and a culture where wellbeing and academic ambition go hand in hand. She is committed to developing confident, curious learners through high-quality teaching, coherent curriculum design and inclusive, nurturing environments.

Her global experience — including senior roles in Shanghai, Valencia and Mallorca — has shaped her belief in collaborative learning, culturally responsive classrooms and purposeful, inquiry‑driven pedagogy.

Outside the classroom, Elizabeth enjoys walking her dog, travelling, swimming and spending time with her family, and is passionate about creating school communities where children feel known, valued and inspired to thrive.

Melanie Eccleshall is the Vice Principal at Baleares International College Sant Agustí, Year 4 class teacher, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator and Designated Safeguarding Lead. She has been a valued and dedicated member of the team since 2020 as a class teacher and as Vice Principal since 2022, leading on Pastoral Care and support within the school. Trained in the UK with a BA(Honours) and Postgraduate qualification in Primary Education from Aberdeen University, along with professional experience in both the UK and the USA, Melanie brings a strong international perspective to her role. As Vice Principal, she has responsibility for Wellbeing across the school, including EAL and SEN.

Mel´s teaching philosophy is rooted in a child‑centred approach that recognises every learner as unique, capable, and on their own individual journey. She aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment where children feel valued, listened to, and encouraged to express their ideas. She places a strong emphasis on developing inquisitive minds, encouraging children to ask questions, explore, and think critically. By fostering curiosity and ownership of learning, she supports children in becoming motivated, independent learners who take pride in, and responsibility for, their own educational journey.

Melanie lives on the island with her husband and enjoys the sunshine and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. Outside of school, she loves travelling, spending time with her two grown‑up daughters and three grandsons, as well as hiking, cooking, enjoying the cinema, and exploring the beautiful beaches of the Balearics.

Sara Lister is the Assistant Vice Principal at Baleares International College Sant Agustí, as well as a full-time Year 3 teacher. She has over 16 years' experience teaching all year groups. She joined our school in 2020, having previously worked at another school in Mallorca, as well as schools in London and her hometown of Reading in Berkshire.

Sara’s first degree was in Tourism Management at Plymouth University, and she spent the first 6 years of her career working in the travel industry and exploring a lot of Europe – a passion which she continues to pursue. After a quick career break to backpack around the world, followed by a quick spell as an estate agent, she decided to follow her dream of working with children and undertook her Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) at Reading University.

Sara’s teaching philosophy is fun, engaging and child centred. She loves incorporating music and drama, two of her other passions, into her lessons. She has enjoyed directing several shows and performances at Sant Agustí, and her passion for amateur dramatics shines through in her drama club productions.

Outside of teaching, Sara enjoys travelling abroad with her husband, hiking in the mountains, and going to the cinema and theatre. An avid cook, she loves experimenting with new gluten-free baking recipes and vegetarian dishes.