Newton College

Lima, Peru

About Newton College: Newton College (NC), is an international school based in Lima, Peru. With around 1,300 students and just under 200 teachers it is a well established school with a strong reputation.

School Mission: Newton College is a Peruvian-British school committed to developing the full potential of students in order for them to become well-rounded and successful citizens.

School Vision: To be recognised worldwide for its academic excellence and educational style.

Head to the Newton College website for further details and information.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

The school package is decent, but with no housing allowance and only a 50% fee remission for tuition it’s not likely to be the best school for many teaching families, especially if you’re only on one salary.

Overall compensation package rating

The salary is competitive – you’ll be paying 15% tax and paying 10% of earnings into your pension fund. Depending on your lifestyle you should still be able to live comfortably and potentially save.

Tuition benefits

The school only offers 50% discount on tuition fees for staff children (and only two dependents per teacher).

Housing

There is no housing allowance included in the package.

Flights

Flights are provided at the beginning and end of placement only for teachers and dependents.

Healthcare

Private healthcare coverage is provided by the school.

Adjustment for kids

The school has around 1,300 students and while the majority of children are Peruvian, there are some international students.

If your kids are older it may be challenging to start with integrating into the school. The amenities are fantastic, as are the CCA options.

Average class sizes

Class sizes are around 24 kids per class, but smaller at nursery and post 16 level (approximately 15 per class).

Teaching experience required

While you need to hold a teaching qualification and certification (ideally with a Bachelor’s degree), this school does accept newly qualified teachers (with a minimum of one year experience).

Curriculum

International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, DP)

Retirement/pension benefits

Teachers pay 10% of their earnings into a private pension fund which you can transfer out of Peru when you leave.

School history & stability

The school was originally established in 1979.

Newton College – Additional Benefits

  • Relocation allowance (start and end)
  • Language lessons
  • Excellent PD
  • Excess baggage allowance
  • Employment opportunities for non teaching spouses

What Teachers are Saying About Newton College

You’ll never have a bad meal in Lima and socially there’s lots to do. But it’s challenging if you don’t speak Spanish. Peru’s beauty is undeniable and has so many travel opportunities. Just be warned – the daily hour commute (from Miraflores/Barranco area) to school each way in horrendous traffic.


EX TEACHER, NEWTON COLLEGE

Newton College has some good academic leaders in key positions and has undergone good development over the last 10 years or so. CPD is generally available (usually online).

CURRENT TEACHER AT NEWTON COLLEGE

Peruvian kids (85% of the student body) are very chatty. So you’ll need decent classroom management skills. If you’ve got kids my advice is that it’ll probably work if they’re young and flexible enough to learn Spanish and integrate. Older teenagers with little Spanish may struggle socially – though academically they should be fine.

EX-TEACHER AT NEWTON COLLEGE
  • Chaufa - an authentic Peruvian dish featuring chicken, fresh peppers and lime
  • Historic Casa de la Literatura Peruana in Lima's city centre - a place you can explore if you decide to work at Newton College.
  • Andean woman selling homemade dolls in Lima, Peru

The benefits aren’t the best. There is no housing, flights are only every two years. They do cover all costs with visas and relocation package is good. But you’ll have to find your own housing and the tuition benefit is only 50%. You also pay 50% for your health insurance. The plan is decent and covers some dental.

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, NEWTON COLLEGE

The overall environment has become toxic and most years there is an expat or two who has broken contract. Many only renew because they’ve got a Peruvian partner and admin is made up of lifers with Peruvian partners. Many have little to no experience as international educators and can’t create an environment to address the needs of foreign teachers.

EX TEACHER, NEWTON COLLEGE

Life in Lima has become unpredictable with numerous protests and strikes. The school pays on time and values its teachers. How much you can save depends on your lifestyle, but some people can save between USD $1,000 to $2,000 each month.

CURRENT TEACHER, NC

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: Fair to Good – Lima is a big city with a mix of neighbourhoods. So safety can depend on where you live. Newton is located in La Molina, one of the more secure and affluent districts of Lima. Many expat families choose to live nearby or in other well-established residential areas such as Surco, San Borja, Miraflores or Barranco. Like any major Latin American city, a good level of awareness is needed, but day-to-day life in La Molina and surrounding areas is generally safe.
  • Adaptability: High – With a significant expat community, new families often find it relatively easy to adapt. While Spanish is essential for navigating daily life, many families report that even a basic grasp goes a long way. La Molina is largely residential, with access to supermarkets and cafés. Lima itself offers world-class restaurants (it’s consistently ranked as one of the world’s top culinary capitals) and plenty of cultural attractions. Traffic in Lima is well-known as a challenge. Consider where you’ll live and what’s the best choice for your family.
  • Cost of Living: Moderate to High – Housing in La Molina and other expat-friendly districts is generally more expensive than in other parts of the city. Domestic help is affordable, and local produce at markets is fresh and inexpensive. Imported goods, international brands, and dining at high-end restaurants can quickly add up. Utilities are reasonably priced, though internet and mobile services can be more expensive than you might expect.

General Overview for Teaching Families

Newton College (NC) is a not-for-profit international school that was founded in 1979. It caters for students from pre-school through Grade 12 and has grown into one of Peru’s leading international schools. Accredited as an IB World School, Newton offers the full International Baccalaureate programme (PYP, MYP, DP), preparing students for success at universities worldwide.

The school has a diverse community of around 1,300 students, though like most Peruvian schools many of the students are local. Instruction is delivered in both English and Spanish, and the school is committed to developing well-rounded citizens through strong academics, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and a focus on skills such as research, communication, and critical thinking.

The campus is located in La Molina, an affluent and secure district of Lima at the foothills of the Andes. The setting includes extensive green space, sports facilities, and even a lake. Newton also operates its own Amazon Study Centre, where Year 7 and Year 12 students participate in unique field-based learning experiences that connect them with Peru’s biodiversity. Facilities are modern and designed to support academics, arts, sport, and innovation.

Teacher benefits at Newton College includes instructional coaching led by master teachers. This program receives praise from staff to help improve classroom practice and growth. We’ve heard that the leadership style is democratic and encourages shared decision-making across the school.

The recruitment package is competitive by international standards, and includes relocation support and benefits. But be aware that the school does only offer a 50% discount on tuition which may rule some teaching families out.

Lima itself is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. It’s known as one of the world’s best food capitals. While many expats live in Miraflores or Barranco, living in La Molina offers a safer, drier, and more spacious environment. If you choose to live outside La Molina, be aware that commuting across the city can be a challenge due to traffic.

Are you currently working at Newton College? We’d love to get your feedback. Please get in touch with us to let us know about your experience. Or fill out our teacher survey to share more insights about what the school offers for international teaching families.

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