The British International School Jeddah (BISJ) has been formally recognised as a training school by the Council of British International Schools, marking a significant milestone in the school’s continued commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and workforce sustainability.
This recognition acknowledges BISJ as a provider of high-quality professional development for educators within the global British international schools network. It reflects the strength of the school’s teaching practice, mentoring capacity, leadership structures, and its ability to support educator development in line with British education standards.
Commitment to Professional Development
The COBIS status recognises schools that deliver high-quality education while actively contributing to the training and development of staff within the wider international school community.
It highlights schools that drive improvement within their own communities and demonstrate a sustained commitment to Initial Teacher Training (ITT), career progression, and whole-school workforce development. The recognition also reflects collaboration, research, and the sharing of best practices across schools.
A distinctive strength of BISJ’s ITT involvement is its support for internal and non-traditional routes into teaching. The school has a proven record of developing adults who initially engage with the school as volunteers or support staff before progressing into Teaching Assistant roles. They subsequently complete Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) training before securing qualified teaching positions within the school.
This pathway has successfully supported multiple individuals and demonstrates BISJ’s dedication to talent development, inclusion, and long-term staff retention.
Focus on Leadership and Mentorship
As a COBIS training school, BISJ’s recognition reflects its sustained commitment to ongoing staff training, including support for higher-level qualifications such as Master’s degrees and other UK-recognised qualifications.
This is driven by trained mentors, structured systems, and established frameworks that support lesson observation, feedback, and professional growth.
Professional development leaders and mentors at BISJ are carefully selected from departmental, year group, and whole-school leadership teams across Primary and Secondary divisions. This ensures that mentors possess both the pedagogical expertise and the strategic understanding required to support professional growth effectively.
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030
Helen Olds, Director at the British International School Jeddah (BISJ), said:
“At BISJ, we believe that exceptional learning is shaped by exceptional educators. This recognition affirms our ability to support the professional growth of our staff and contribute more broadly to the development of educators across the international school community. Rooted in British educational values and guided by a global perspective, BISJ remains committed to creating a nurturing environment where both students and educators can thrive.”
BISJ continues to invest in leadership development and academic advancement, reinforcing a culture of talent identification, inclusion, and professional growth aligned with the school’s strategic priorities and the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
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Further Reading:
- New Schools, Nurseries and Universities Opening in Saudi Arabia for 2026–2027
- Malaysia’s New Education Hub Set to Expand Higher Education Opportunities in Saudi Arabia