GovWire

We have put in place a voluntary inspection scheme for British schools overseas (BSOs). This ensures schools provide their pupils with the skills and qualifications they need to enter or re-enter the British education system.

The scheme informs parents about how the standards in British schools overseas measure up against the standards that apply to independent schools in England.

Accreditation

British schools overseas: standards for schools lists the standards that all accredited BSOs must meet. Approved inspectorates will use these standards when they inspect your school.

To become accredited, you must have an inspection every 3 years showing that your schools performance against all the standards is at least satisfactory.

Approved inspectorates

Inspectorates are approved by us to inspect British schools overseas and produce inspection reports, and are monitored by Ofsted. Ofsted reports on the quality of these inspections annually.

The following organisations are approved to inspect and report on BSOs:

• Education Development Trust
• Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)
• Penta International

Schools in Dubai should request an inspection through the Knowledge and Human Development Authority of the Government of Dubai, which works in partnership with the Education Development Trust.

Inspection fees

We have no role in setting fees for overseas inspections. Schools must arrange their own inspections by contacting an approved inspectorate.

Inspection reports

Inspectorates are required to publish the results of all inspections for the past 3 years on their websites. We also publish BSO inspection reports.

If your school meets the standards, it will be allocated a unique reference number on the national school reference system, get information about schools.

Support

The following organisations provide help and support to British schools overseas in arranging and preparing for inspections:

• Association of British Schools Overseas (AoBSO)
• British Schools in the Middle East (BSME)
• Council of British International Schools (COBIS)
• Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA)
• The National Association of British Schools in Spain (NABSS)

Guidance on offering inductions to your newly qualified teachers is available.

Inspections affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)

In exceptional circumstances, if we have been made aware that a school has had its inspection postponed due to COVID-19, we will make sure that its BSO accreditation is extended until the rescheduled inspection has been carried out.

We would advise all BSOs whose inspections have been impacted and who would like to apply for an extension to their accreditation to contact us at BritishSchools.OVERSEAS@education.gov.uk.

Jurisdiction

We have no jurisdiction over schools operating outside England. Complaints about a school should be taken up directly with the school.