A Spanish school built by people who love what they do.
El Patio started as a shared idea between a group of friends. We wanted to create something different, not just another formal language school with rows of desks, but a real community where people could learn Spanish in a warm, relaxed atmosphere and actually enjoy the process.
That was over ten years ago. Since then, we've taught thousands of students across Edinburgh and online, added Italian to the mix, and grown a team of native teachers who bring genuine enthusiasm to every class. The wee school on Albany Street turned out to be exactly what we hoped it would be.
Meet the team.
Every teacher at El Patio is a qualified native speaker, and every one of them has a story that brought them here.
Co-founder & Spanish Teacher
ÓSCAR GONZÁLVEZ
"I graduated in dramatic art at RESAD in Madrid and I was part of several theatre companies until I met my current partners and decided to start this beautiful adventure with El Patio. I got my Diploma in teaching Spanish as a foreign language and since then I have been loving teaching Spanish"
Co-founder & Spanish Teacher
VERÓNICA LÓPEZ
"As an educational psychologist with experience teaching languages at secondary school and uni, I decided to jump into this project after realising how exciting and challenging it was to teach my own language to others. Got my Diploma in teaching Spanish as a second language and started this venture"
Co-founder & Director
RUBÉN BARRERA
"I moved to Edinburgh from Madrid after finishing my Master's degree in Business Management & CSR. I met my partners and fell in love with the project, since then I got my Diploma in teaching Spanish as a second language and I have been enjoying El Patio and its community"
Spanish Teacher
ROCIO LARA
" I was born and raised in Madrid, where I graduated in Illustration, Design and Publicity although life and my need to live new experiences took me to Italy and now for the second time to Scotland. Through these experiences I decided to change my professional course to dedicate myself to another of my great passions next to art: languages. Got my certificate as a Teacher of Spanish as Foreign Language and since then, by teaching Spanish I found the perfect link to be able to merge creativity with my great passion for the Spanish language"
Spanish Teacher
ALEJANDRO CASARES
"After finishing my studies in Translation, I took my first steps into teaching English as a Corporate Language Trainer. I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed teaching, which led me to work both with private students and in different academies. In 2020, after COVID hit, I moved to Scotland with my partner. In mid-2025, I had the chance to join the El Patio team, and I’ve loved the atmosphere from day one. My goal is simple: to help every student enjoy the journey of learning Spanish!"
Spanish Teacher
NATALIA PEREIRA
"I started teaching Spanish grammar and literature at high school in Buenos Aires, my hometown. My experience as a teacher was very rewarding and I always knew I wanted to devote myself to it. After leaving Argentina, living in Spain and sharing a different way of speaking Spanish, I got my diploma to teach Spanish as a second language. It is wonderful to be able to share my own language and I am very happy to be part of the El Patio project"
Spanish Teacher
ISABEL MEDINA
"When I was finishing my English degree in Spain, I had the opportunity to work as a teacher trainee in a Spanish language school. Guess what? I loved the experience!!! After that training and working in the UK as a Spanish language assistant, I specialized in language teaching. When I moved to Scotland in 2016, it just made sense to carry on this rewarding career!"
Our Italian Partner: Strada22
A few years into running Spanish classes, it felt natural to extend the family. Strada22 is our Italian language partner, run by Claudia Musorella, a Sicilian-born, Edinburgh-based Italian teacher with a master's degree in International Relations and a genuine passion for language.
If you've finished with Spanish and fancy a new challenge, or simply want to learn both, Claudia and the Strada22 team are the people to call.
Spanish classes in Edinburgh, and beyond
Whether you're learning in person at our space in Edinburgh or joining us online from anywhere in the world, you'll get the same thing: small groups, native teachers, and an approach built around real conversation. We work with beginners, intermediate learners, and advanced speakers. We also run evening classes, online courses, and intensive programmes for people who need to move faster.
If you'd like to find out more or aren't sure which course is right for you, get in touch. We're happy to help.
