British Council International School Award success for Wellington School
Wellington School has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.
The award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in global education. Bringing an international dimension into the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life and work in today’s world.
The 2026 award ceremony took place at Westminster on Monday 2 February and was attended by Members of Parliament and representatives from schools around the UK.
Wellington School’s international work includes a wide range of cross-curricular activities across the school with an international ethos emphasis.
The assessors commended the school on very successfully meeting the requirements for Reaccreditation for the Full British Council International School Award. In particular, they noted the strong and active international partnerships and links we enjoy with many countries and continued:‘You provide your students many opportunities to enhance their language skills, through interactions with their international peers, as part of collaborative projects. I am impressed how you have engaged all your students in activities that help them to develop as global citizens. I enjoyed watching the video of the Model United Nations and very aware of its power in encouraging young people to think about the complexities of global politics and issues. It is creditable that you also provided the opportunity for members of the student body to organise events such as Fairtrade Fortnight. It was a pleasure to read your submission. Congratulations!’
Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, said: ‘The school has earned this prestigious award through its inspirational international work and links with schools abroad.
The International School Award is a chance for schools to be recognised for their important work bringing the world into their classrooms. The desire to build on their international work shines through and it is with upmost pride that we celebrate their achievements.
By embedding an international dimension in children’s education, these schools are preparing their students for successful lives in the UK or further afield, empowering them to be global citizens, and are creating vital opportunities in an increasingly global economy.’
Over 6000 International School Awards have been presented to successful schools in the UK since the scheme began in 1999.
The International School Award encourages and supports schools to develop:
- An international ethos embedded throughout the school
- A whole school approach to international work
- Collaborative curriculum-based work with several partner schools
- Year-round international activity
- Involvement of the wider community