AoBSO

Statement from James McDonald Chairman of AoBSO following the release of the latest Ofsted Quality Assurance of BSO Inspectorates: “We welcome the publication of Ofsted’s latest quality assurance reports into the inspection work of British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspectorates. The detailed and regular external quality assurance provided by Ofsted is an important and necessary part of maintaining confidence in the integrity, consistency and credibility of the BSO framework internationally. The BSO scheme remains the only accreditation framework for international schools formally recognised by the UK Government and externally quality assured by Ofsted. The latest review process demonstrates that the BSO framework is being rigorously monitored, independently challenged and continually strengthened, exactly as would be expected of a UK Government accreditation scheme for British international schools. This level of scrutiny ensures that schools continue to be assessed against a robust and credible framework, providing reassurance to parents, schools and stakeholders around the world. The reports highlight both strengths and areas for improvement across the sector, reinforcing the value of rigorous external quality assurance. It is positive to see effective practice recognised, while it is equally important that any recommendations made by His Majesty’s Inspectors are addressed promptly and embedded consistently across inspection activity. British Schools Overseas accreditation continues to provide unique benefits to schools worldwide, including formal UK Government recognition, rigorous external inspection, and the opportunity for schools to benchmark themselves against the standards expected of the best independent schools in England. It also provides important assurance for families seeking high-quality British international education. We remain fully supportive of all accredited BSO schools, as well as schools aspiring to achieve BSO status, as they continue their important work across the global education community". https://lnkd.in/eB5R-kEU

Last weekend the first International Schools Governance Forum (ISGF) brought together 16 international associations, accreditors and inspectorates. We considered the vital role that governance plays in assuring quality and accountability in the international schools sector. Uniting all those present was a conviction about the importance of good governance across the wide range of school models, including not-for-profit, proprietorial, group, corporate and partnership. The Forum was unanimous in its collective commitment to create a shared understanding of good governance, to establish principles that can be applied to all schools, and to ensure that governance has greater profile and prominence throughout the sector. The Forum undertook to explore initiatives such as kite-marking, ways to support accreditation and inspection outcomes, and targeting effective training. Immediate actions will focus on creating and maintaining momentum, engaging with other relevant organisations and establishing a framework for working together.

Following recent queries around DfE-certified ECT Induction eligibility, AoBSO sought direct clarification from the Department for Education. The DfE has confirmed that there have not been, and are not planned to be, any changes to the statutory eligibility criteria for international schools offering ECT induction. ECT induction remains available only to international schools that: ✔️ Have completed BSO accreditation in the last 6 years ✔️ Are members of a DfE-recognised membership association ✔️ Are working with an Appropriate Body to support their ECTs We hope this clarification provides the reassurance and certainty the international education sector has been asking for. #ECT #InternationalSchools #BSO #TeacherInduction #AoBSO

We’re delighted that AoBSO has been asked to represent the views of British International Schools Association Group (BISAG) members as advisers to the UK Government Education Sector Action Group (ESAG). Crucially, this means amplifying the voices and expertise of our regional association colleagues across BSME, FOBISIA, LAHC and NABSS, ensuring their perspectives are heard in shaping the UK Government's International Education Strategy. We’re proud to champion this global community at the highest level. https://lnkd.in/e3XMJT2g BSME - British Schools in the Middle East COBIS - Council of British International Schools FOBISIA

We are delighted to announce that the AoBSO Conference 2026 will take place from 8–10 November at the Richmond Hill Hotel in London. Each year, this flagship event brings together leaders from DfE-accredited British Schools Overseas to reflect, challenge assumptions and strengthen our global community of practice. The 2026 programme is centred on a single, compelling theme: leadership under pressure and sustaining performance at the highest level. We are joined by an exceptional line-up of speakers from elite sport, military leadership, adventure, psychology and high-performance engineering, each offering insights that speak directly to the challenges facing school leaders today. The conference will also include strategic updates from the Department for Education and the Department for Business and Trade, including the latest developments in the 2026 International Education Strategy. Priority booking is now open for AoBSO member schools for the 2026/27 academic year. If your school is DfE-accredited and you are interested in becoming an AoBSO member, please contact Mark Bignell at admin@aobso.uk

This morning, representatives from AoBSO met with colleagues from BSME - British Schools in the Middle East, COBIS - Council of British International Schools and HMC (The Heads' Conference) to discuss the current situation affecting a number of schools across the Middle East and to agree a coordinated approach to supporting those institutions that may be impacted by escalating regional tensions. During the meeting, we explored the potential implications for the Summer 2026 examination series, particularly the concerns being raised by member schools regarding the continuity and administration of examinations should the situation deteriorate further as we move into Term 3. Initial conversations have already taken place with the examination boards to ensure they are aware of the emerging challenges that some schools may face. In the coming days, the associations will issue a joint communication formally outlining the situation and requesting support and flexibility should the conflict extend into Term 3 and begin to affect examination delivery. Our collective aim is to ensure that the concerns of member schools are clearly represented and that appropriate contingencies are considered at the earliest possible stage. We will continue to monitor developments closely and will keep members informed as the situation evolves. If your school requires support, please do not hesitate to contact the AoBSO team. James McDonald Kieron Peacock Debra Forsyth Mark Leppard MBE Colin Bell Jim Knight Ruth Sanderson

Great to see the Educational Success Partners Ltd (ESP) team showcasing this unique opportunity for ECTs. An opportunity only afforded to Department for Education accredited British Schools Overseas Amanda Picillo Liberty Taylor - Hopkins Mark Bignell

Great to see our business partners GO 4 Schools benefitting so much from their recent attendance at the BSME Conference. We look forward to having the team join us at the AoBSO Conference in London in November.

The AoBSO Conference 2026 returns from 8–10 November at Richmond Hill Hotel, London, bringing together Principals and Senior Leaders from Department for Education accredited British Schools Overseas for three days of insight, challenge and connection. This year’s programme features an exceptional line-up of speakers, including record-breaking adaptive adventurer Darren Edwards sharing his powerful Redefining Impossible journey; five-time Olympic gold medallist Dame Laura Kenny on media, scrutiny and communication in the public eye; former UK Special Boat Service leader and SAS: Who Dares Wins instructor Jason Fox on building inner strength under pressure; Team GB performance psychologist Dr Tom Bates exploring why mindset defines performance; and Formula 1 strategist Ruth Buscombe revealing how elite teams drive success through innovation, data and marginal gains. Alongside high-impact briefings from the UK Department for Education and the Department for Business and Trade, including updates on the 2026 International Education Strategy, this remains the only global conference created exclusively for leaders of DfE-accredited BSO schools. Bookings are now open, with priority given to schools holding AoBSO membership for 2026/27. If you are a BSO school interested in becoming an AoBSO member for 2026/27, please email Mark Bignell on admin@aobso.uk to find out more... James McDonald Stephen Viner Vanessa Whay Matthew Burfield Craig Considine Craig Halsall Abraham Swart Helen Olds Kendall Peet FCCT NPQH Craig Halsall Mark Bignell Amanda Picillo Kieron Peacock

We’re delighted to welcome Adele Stanford and King's College, Latvia as our latest new AoBSO member school in Europe. Their membership further strengthens AoBSO’s global network of schools, and we’re especially pleased to see them join through the newly established European AoBSO Branch, a significant milestone in expanding collaboration and professional connection between the Department for Education accredited BSO schools across continental Europe. We look forward to working closely with Adele and the team in Riga and to the insights and expertise they will bring to our international community. Welcome to the AoBSO family of BSO schools!