Accreditations and Affiliations
BISR is accredited by a number of different organisations, having to meet rigorous standards as part of the accreditation processes. This gives our families confidence in the quality of programmes, which are comparable with the best in the UK and the wider international school community. Additionally, we are affiliated with a range of different groups, giving access to high-quality training for our staff and enrichment activities for our students. These various groups give us access to support and advice when required, helping us to continually develop and improve as a school.
Accreditations
BISR is accredited by two organisations, the Council of International Schools (CIS) and as a British School Overseas (BSO). Both organisations have a clear set of standards which we have to meet in order to be accredited. The award of Full Accreditation Status provides us with the recognition and credibility which reassures parents and students of our school's commitment to the best practices in education, both in the UK and internationally.
CIS
The Council of International Schools (CIS) is the premier worldwide accreditation organisation for international schools. The Accreditation Service manages an Accreditation Programme which encourages teaching and learning focused school improvement through a process of continuous Self-Study and Peer Visitor evaluation. Working in partnership with member schools, this service sets the standards for international education. BISR was first accredited in 2014 and was re-accredited in 2022. Please see the full report below.
BSO
The British School Overseas inspection process, carried out by an organisation called PENTA, is a voluntary inspection scheme for British international schools. Schools are inspected against a common set of standards. By achieving the standard, participating schools demonstrate that they provide a British education that has similar characteristics to an education in an independent school in the UK.
International Baccalaureate
BISR is an authorized school for the International Baccalaureate (IB).
IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programmes of
international education that share a powerful vision.*
*Only schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years
Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme or the Career-related Programme (CP).
Affiliations
The school is affiliated with numerous cooperations and exam boards.
BSME
BISR is a member of The British Schools of the Middle East (BSME). BSME was formed to monitor and maintain strict standards in providing the best British education in the Middle East. Founded in 1984, BSME is a regional group of British international schools. Among its aims are to keep abreast of British education, promote consistency in member schools, celebrate British heritage and the cultures of host countries as well as facilitate school improvements through shared programmes of professional development to address members’ needs.
BSME runs its own Accreditation System, Annual Headteachers' Conferences, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme of over 100 courses per year and a range of inter school sports, music, arts and other events.
National Association for Able Children in Education
BISR is a member of the National Association for Able Children in Education. This organisation has existed since 1983, and advises schools on how to provide support for the most able children.
NACE members are part of a unique community of professionals where aspirational provision for able gifted talents students raises standards and levels of achievement for all.
As a member of NACE we receive information about research as well as subject specific resources for teachers to challenge their more able learners in curriculum aligned subjects groups.
Examination Boards
BISR has been approved as an examination centre by three different exam boards, AQA, Edexcel and Cambridge International.
BISR is also an examination centre for SATs, tests widely used for college admissions in the United States.
Eco School
BISR is proud to be an accredited Green Flag Eco-School. Throughout the course of the 2019-2020 academic year we have been preparing for renewal of this accreditation, which during the COVID-19 period, has taken place via a remote assessment. This has truly been a community collaboration between students, teachers, members of the PTA and support staff across our Salwa and Al Hamra campuses. The introduction of fabrics using recycled plastic into our new PE kit and development of a whole school project to recycle and reuse plastics are exciting new ways we will continue to develop our Eco-School work moving forward.
Duke of Edinburgh International Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global framework for non-formal education and learning, which challenges young people to dream big, celebrate their achievements and make a difference in their world. Through developing transferable skills, increasing their fitness levels, cultivating a sense of adventure and volunteering in their community, the Award helps young people to find their purpose, passion and place in the world. It operates in more than 130 countries and territories, helping to inspire millions of young people to take control and make their own choices.
TASS
We are proud to be a Founding Member of The Alliance for Sustainable Schools (TASS) – a growing network of schools around the world working together for a sustainable future through a shared commitment to the principles of the Sustainable Schools Charter. As a community of practise, The Alliance connects sustainability practitioners in schools around the world, sharing their learning and amplifying their impact. As an agent of change, TASS harnesses the collective influence of its members, engages with their students, and partners with innovative organisations in their local communities to catalyse systems change in five focus areas – school food, school buses, school uniforms, school buildings and education for sustainability.
The Heads' Conference
BISR is a member of HMC. HMC (The Heads’ Conference) is a thriving, proactive association of heads at some of the world’s leading independent schools.
The association’s aims are to serve and support its members, to represent their views and to exemplify excellence in education. In particular, HMC seeks to:
- help members and their schools grow and develop;
- promote and protect the independence of HMC schools;
- encourage and share innovation in HMC schools and more widely;
- promote the discussion of national and international educational issues; and
- inform policy and public opinion with regard to the independent sector.
