Why being a British Council Partner School improves educational outcomes

The British Council offers expert educational and operational support to schools delivering UK international school qualifications. We support over 2,600 Partner Schools in more than 40 countries with resources, expertise, and a global network that collectively enhances education outcomes. Our close collaboration with UK-based awarding bodies means that Partner Schools offering UK international school qualifications benefit from the combined expertise of both the British Council and the UK-based awarding body you choose to work with. We work hand in hand to ensure your school is in the best possible position to deliver UK international school qualifications.

From administering exams and tailored professional development for educators, to guidance on safeguarding children — this article explores the many benefits of becoming a British Council Partner School. We also highlight how our targeted support helps schools improve their quality of education and have a greater impact on students' academic and personal development.

Let’s start by unpacking what it means to be part of the British Council Partner Schools community.

Access to a global learning community

British Council supports a global community of over 2,600 Partner Schools, providing Partner Schools the opportunity to access an expansive international school network. This network is a global and vibrant community of educators and learners. Within it, Partner Schools share a wealth of knowledge and experiences that enriches the educational journey of every member.

Schools can participate in international exchange projects, classroom-based collaborative projects, and global conferences that foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual learning. This exposure to diverse educational practices and cultures offers fresh perspectives and approaches to teaching and learning.

The various networking opportunities for educators and school leaders are provided in the form of online forums, training sessions, and conferences. These offer a space for educators to share insights, collaborate on projects, discuss challenges, and brainstorm solutions. Every year, for instance, we organise the Schools Now! conference.

What is the Schools Now! conference?

The Schools Now! conference is a two-day global event that brings together school leaders from our Partner Schools worldwide. Each year, the conference provides a platform to discuss key areas in international education, share best practices, and network with like-minded individuals.

For Schools Now! 2024, the theme was 'Enriching Your Curriculum.' We unpacked the value of a rich, internationalised, and contextualised curriculum through interactive sessions. Additionally, we touched on our four thematic building blocks: digital learning, leadership, well-being, and safeguarding.

Professional development for educators and school leaders

We have an unwavering commitment to the professional development of educators. Recognising that the quality of teaching is linked to the quality of learning, as a Partner School, educators are encouraged to foster an environment where continuous growth and development of teachers, managers, and school leaders is prioritised. This commitment takes various forms, from professional pathways and training modules to online resources.

These professional development resources encompass a broad spectrum of educational themes. This includes, but is not limited to:

Contemporary pedagogical techniques
Leadership in education
Classroom management
Integration of technology in teaching
Methods to creating an inclusive classroom

In these training sessions, teachers can engage, question, and collaboratively explore new ideas and teaching methodologies.

A significant aspect of these professional development initiatives is their adaptability and accessibility. Many of these programmes are available online, allowing teachers and school leaders to upskill at their own pace and convenience. This flexibility ensures that professional development is not seen as an additional burden but as an enriching part of an educator’s journey.

For instance, we have an empowering programme called ‘Train the Trainer’ which allows teachers to become facilitators of learning within their own school, passing down knowledge and skills through all layers of the educational ecosystem.

This ensures that training extends far beyond individual participants to improve the entire school community.

Feedback from Partner Schools often highlights the transformational impact they have on teaching practices. For example, Heba Elshaer, Head of the English Department at Star International shares,

“We had webinars and many training sessions, which made a huge difference in the experience I provided my students throughout the year.”

A Business Studies teacher, Rana El Matarawi at Nefertari International School also shares her experience,

“Through training and webinars, I was able to understand how the examiners think, and how my students should prepare for exams.”

Thanks to our professional development opportunities, teachers benefit from renewed enthusiasm, innovative teaching strategies, and a better understanding of student needs. This improves learning experiences for students, elevating the overall educational outcomes.

How the British Council has helped Partner Schools succeed

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Holistic school development

The British Council Partner Schools programme embraces a holistic approach to school development, as educational excellence stems from a balance of academic and non-academic factors. We support schools through webinars, conferences, and courses around curriculum enrichment and pedagogical practices to ensure they have the tools to develop key areas that help students to flourish and unlock their potential.

We also place a strong emphasis on creating a positive and supportive school culture. This involves strategies to improve student engagement, develop a sense of belonging, and build strong relationships within the school community. Schools are encouraged to take part in extracurricular programmes such as the Your World competition and social action projects, which play a vital role in developing well-rounded individuals.

Safeguarding and wellbeing

Our commitment to safeguarding and child wellbeing extends beyond the physical environment, also encompassing online safety and digital well-being.

To protect students from online harm, the British Council provides resources and training for educators and parents. We help them:

Identify signs of cyberbullying
Understand the psychological impact cyberbullying can have on students
Learn what effective measures they can take to address and prevent online harm.

By understanding how digital literacy and online behaviour impact education, schools and parents are better equipped to teach students to safely and ethically use technology. This helps students remain in a safe and positive environment for learning, while also fostering critical thinking skills and how to safely navigate online information.

Additionally, we also address the broader aspects of digital wellbeing, such as managing screen time and understanding the impact of digital media on mental health. By supporting digital well-being, we help Partner Schools develop students who have a balanced and healthy relationship with technology.

Added value for parents and families

As an education partner we understand the crucial role of parents and families within education. This is why we offer support to engage and involve parents, strengthening the educational experiences schools provide.

Parents of students in our Partner Schools often express their satisfaction with the UK international school curriculum provided by UK-based awarding bodies, especially its emphasis on developing critical thinking skills.

Marie Nagiud, a parent of a Grade 10 student at St. Fatima Language School, praises UK international school qualifications’ fairness and its broad learning spectrum. She shares:

"The system not only reflects students' efforts fairly, but it also gives students a variety of things to learn and enables them to discover themselves and know what they want to be."

Partnering with the British Council enhances a school's credibility, giving parents confidence that their children are receiving a holistic education aligned with the latest best practices, trends, and technological advancements in teaching. It also ensures that teachers are continuously developing professionally, and maintaining high educational standards.

In addition, children in Partner Schools have the unique opportunity to engage in international projects facilitated by the British Council. For instance, schools from different parts of the world might collaborate on a classroom project through Partner Schools Connect. These projects focus on addressing global issues and developing an international perspective among students through the exchange of ideas. These experiences nurture global citizenship, enhance communication skills, and develop cultural understanding and adaptability. These are essential traits for success in the fast-paced, global job market.

Such exposure is also invaluable for students preparing for higher education, particularly in international settings. For parents aiming to provide global education opportunities or envisioning international careers for their children, this aspect is especially beneficial.

The British Council and UK-based awarding bodies offer resources specifically designed to help parents support their children's educational journey. This includes workshops to navigate the UK international school qualifications and implement strategies to support learning at home. These resources effectively bridge the gap between home and school, creating a supportive environment that helps students perform at their best.

Visit our Parents' Hub

We understand that choosing the right school qualifications
for your child is a crucial decision.

To help you make your decision, this page explores how UK international school qualifications like International GCSEs, International AS Levels and International A Levels can set your child up for success.

Learn more

Streamlined examinations administration

We provide operational support to help schools securely administer exams. From the registration of exams to the post-exam services, our support spans the entire exam delivery process. This includes registration and payments, dispatching results and certificates, and handling complex administrative tasks related to exams.

To facilitate exam delivery Partner Schools are governed through our rigorous Quality and Compliance Assessment (QCA) framework.

A key advantage of letting the British Council handle the intricacies of exam administration is that it enables schools to spend more time teaching, and less time handling complex logistical tasks. Our support helps schools:

Keep exam materials safe and secure

All confidential exam materials are directly and centrally managed by the British Council. This centralised approach is key to maintaining the security and confidentiality of exam materials.

Provide quality assurance and proof of compliance

By partnering with the British Council, schools are assured that they are following the standards and requirements set by UK-based awarding bodies. By adhering to strict quality and compliance standards, schools ensure that exams are fair, consistent, and of high integrity.

Supervise exam sessions

We provide trained staff to supervise exams and maintain the highest standards of integrity and conduct.

Minimise risk

Our proactive approach to managing confidential materials and employing trained staff minimises the risk for schools. This includes managing unforeseen challenges like currency movements, customs duties, and local tax regulations involved in the importation and transport of exam materials.

A commitment to educational excellence

Being a British Council Partner School means embracing a journey towards educational excellence. This partnership provides schools with the tools, resources, and support needed to enhance learning outcomes, teacher development, and overall school effectiveness. As the global education landscape evolves, the British Council remains a steadfast trusted partner in driving forward these initiatives, ensuring that Partner Schools are well-equipped to prepare students for success both in school and later in life.

Become a British Council Partner School

Become part of the British Council Partner Schools network
for resources and support improving the educational outcomes at your school.

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