One of the many joys of working in international education is the chance to visit not just established schools and the regions in which the sector is strong but also those in earlier stages of growth, and witnessing the buzz that comes with this.
This was exactly the case last month when I visited Bermuda to take part in our first regional conference for the Caribbean, warmly hosted by Angela Fubler, founder of the first Council of British International Schools (COBIS) quality-assured school on the island, Chatmore British International School.
In association with COBIS, Chatmore’s phenomenal students and team attracted more than 150 delegates at all job levels from schools of all sizes across the island, and a few from schools on other islands, to discuss a raft of topics.
These topics included teacher training and supply, artificial intelligence, outdoor learning, using data to better inform student wellbeing strategies, and, of course, the power of music across all aspects of learning and life - our Bermudian gombey drumming sessions hit that note perfectly!
International school connections
What was clear to see was how much those in attendance valued the chance not just to talk strategy and interact with keynote speakers but also to meet other much valued educators in the region and build those interconnected networks that are crucial to international school leadership.
After all, while engaging with one another online is part of the modern era of networking, meeting face to face is still fundamental to building relationships with contacts that school leaders rely on during times of challenges. This is something that, five years on from the pandemic, we should be mindful of not taking for granted.
It was also notable how the presence of high-quality teacher training providers from the UK was welcomed by the delegates, again underscoring the high esteem in which the system is held, and why the curriculum and assesment review must be mindful of its global impact.
Furthermore, as the international qualified teacher status (iQTS) process marks its third anniversary this year, it is clear that teacher training overseas is a key part of the international schools sector’s support to the profession. Hopefully, with perhaps a couple of policy tweaks to widen access to early career teacher induction, it continues grow and thrive under the Labour government.
More schools in India
Turning to the other side of the world, this week I find myself in India for school visits, including a morning with students and staff from the proud COBIS and Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) member school The British School New Delhi, and meetings with directors from the British Council, the Department for Business and Trade, the UK India Business Council and the Association of Indian Universities.
Plus, representing our mission and vision to support, empower, reach and connect with all British international schools, with COBIS chair Lord Jim Knight and our global development director, Deniece Wheeler, I am delighted to be signing a new partnership agreement with .
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This will further strengthen our joint commitment to all things connected to 51ºÚÁÏ, child protection, quality assurance, professional development, teacher supply and more. Surely, an opportunity for a drum roll of tables, and …
While India is, of course, already a very large market for international schools, there is still huge growth potential, especially for more entry-level schools keen to offer a British education at an entry fee accessible to a wider range of parents.
Growing together
´¡³ÙÌýCOBIS we are always keen to support such efforts to ensure that the British education brand is strengthened, protected and enhanced, and has the chance to grow in any areas where it is in demand.
From making introductions to others in the region to providing access to high-quality training, resources, research, practical guidance and, of course, school improvement and quality-assurance schemes, inclusivity is key.
The growth of international schools over the past decade has been clear to see to anyone involved in the sector but we must remember that this had not happened in a vacuum.
Central to much of it has been the willingness of everyone in the sector to work together, share insights, support one another and generally recognise we are stronger together.
In uncertain times and for the express benefit of children and young people worldwide, trust, collaboration, shared ambition and respect are vital to help us all move forward together - whatever part of the education ecosystem you represent and wherever you are in the world.
Colin Bell is CEO of the Council of British International Schools
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