The British School in the Netherlands Achieves COBIS Accreditation & is Awarded Beacon School Status

July 5th 2024

The British School in the Netherlands (BSN) proudly announces its successful accreditation by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). The school has met all five standards for Compliance and four standards for Accreditation*, reflecting its commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience. Additionally, the BSN has been awarded the prestigious Beacon Status for excellence in student welfare.

A Significant Whole School Achievement

This accomplishment underscores the BSN’s dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment. The rigorous COBIS Accreditation process evaluated various aspects of the school’s operations, including safeguarding and recruitment, student welfare, facilities, governance, ethos, learning and teaching, leadership, communication, and extracurricular activities.

Excellence in Supporting Student Welfare

The Beacon Status, awarded for outstanding student welfare, highlights the BSN’s comprehensive approach to supporting its students. The school’s initiatives, such as the 'Healthy Minds' programme and the robust pastoral care system, promote students’ physical and mental wellbeing from the moment they join the school and throughout their time at The British School. The synergy between the Health Care, Pastoral, and wellbeing staff highlights the school at its best, harnessing the staff’s expertise and dedication to provide the best for the students and broader BSN community.

Holistic Education

The British School’s curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education, balancing academic achievement with the development of essential life skills. The school offers a broad range of subjects and extracurricular activities, catering to its students' diverse interests and needs. From the Early Years to the Sixth Form, the BSN emphasises personalised learning, inclusion, and celebrating cultural diversity. The school provides the space and breadth of opportunities for every student in their care to discover and develop their interests and support their future aspirations.

Outstanding Facilities and Community Engagement

The school’s modern facilities and specialist resources, such as Music rooms, Art studios, and Science laboratories, support a rich educational experience. The Forest School programme and Eco Clubs further enhance learning by connecting students with nature. The BSN’s engagement with the local community through charity work and sustainable projects reflects its commitment to making a positive impact beyond the classroom.

Strong Governance and Leadership

The school's dedicated Board of Governors and visible leadership team play a crucial role in maintaining high standards and fostering a positive school culture. Their proactive involvement in safeguarding and transparent governance practices ensures that The British School continues to thrive as a leading educational institution.

A Bright Future

The British School in the Netherlands remains committed to continuous improvement. The feedback from the COBIS Accreditation process will guide further development, ensuring that the BSN continues to provide an exceptional education for its students. The school’s journey with the High Performance Learning approach promises to enhance its already outstanding educational offering and unify the four campuses with a shared language.

Peter Bayliff, OBE, the Chair of the Board of Governors, welcomed the successful Accreditation:

There is a tremendous amount to celebrate following the external quality assurance review of The British School across the full provision offered to our students and community. Being awarded Beacon School Status for excellence in student welfare is a significant point of pride. As a school, nothing trumps the wellbeing of our students.

* The COBIS Compliance and Accreditation include an additional standard (standard 6) for schools that offer boarding. This standard does not apply to The British School in the Netherlands.