A private coeducational school with a focus on holistic learning is growing to accommodate an increase in demand.

The expansion of Chatmore British International School in Smith’s coincides with its 20th anniversary and it is hoped that the works will be completed within 18 months.

Britanni Butterworth, Chatmore’s director, said: “We have 45 students and we have outgrown our space — that is why we are looking to expand.

“It’s down to the values we place not only on academic performance but also on holistic education and ensuring personal development in our students.

“We have that connection to nature and play is built into the day, not just for the 5-year-olds but for the older students too. We focus on wellness, build their confidence and develop students to be critical thinkers, adaptable and principled. We also make sure the families are involved as much as possible.

“Those are some of our core values. We have been taking that approach for a long time and it works. Year on year, more parents are understanding the value in the approach we have.”

The school has been able to raise about $40,000 but is ready to turn to the community to reach its goal of approximately $100,000.

“We have been raising funds, which is key to expanding our existing campus with some new structures that will support our outdoor learning programmes,” Ms Butterworth added.

“It is future-focused, something that will allow us to maintain the greenery of the property and ensure that the preserved land is maintained.

“We always intend to remain small but we do want to grow. We love where we are — it’s a peaceful location and lends itself to the culture of the school.”

Chatmore opened as a preschool in 2004 and went on to accept primary and middle-school-aged children.

It originally provided education to children with learning differences but is now open to students of all abilities.

The curriculum is British-based, with IGCSE, Singapore Maths and integrated, holistic learning such as the International Primary Curriculum and the International Middle Years Curriculum.

Ms Butterworth said: “This a testament to our commitment to forward thinking and innovation. Now, many schools on island adopt this curriculum, which is great as it ultimately benefits more students.”

Ms Butterworth said she did not know yet the number of additional places coming for the school but added: “We are hoping to add steadily over the next three to five years.

“We will always remain smaller than most schools on the island.

“We have ten full-time teachers now and about five part-time for specialist subjects. As we grow, we are supporting teachers through their training. We want to support that because there is a teacher shortage worldwide.”

Ms Butterworth said that students at the school engaged in Dynamic Learning Weeks, where they can gain professional experience or immerse themselves in activities designed to expand their horizons.

Chatmore achieved Council of British International Schools compliance status last year.

Cobis awards schools with “a clear dedication to quality assurance, safeguarding and holistic student development”.

The school recently hosted its first international teaching conference with a keynote speech by Colin Bell, the chief executive of Cobis.

The conference was supported by the school’s charitable arm, Chatmore School Development Association, and the school’s founder, Angela Fubler.

Ms Butterworth added: “The aim was for the charity to provide the community with an opportunity to learn together, collaborate and experience the benefits of an international conference without leaving Bermuda, therefore supporting local business and our economy.”

Chatmore, at 9 St Mark’s Road, will host a fundraising spring fair on Saturday from 11am to 4pm, with egg hunts, bouncy castles, pony rides, a petting zoo and games, as well as food vendors, face painting and glitter tattoos.

Entry is free, with tickets for activities on sale.

Attendees can park at St Mark’s Church, where there will be a shuttle service.