The Association of British Schools Overseas (AoBSO) is a not-for-profit membership body officially recognised by the UK Department for Education (DfE), and we don’t just sit at the table, we speak with influence. As the only association dedicated solely to BSO-accredited schools, AoBSO plays a leading role in shaping the future of British international education. We advocate boldly for our members and support schools aspiring to BSO accreditation, championing their interests with the UK Government and Education Ministries worldwide.

Leading with Vision. Connecting with Purpose.

At its core AoBSO is about leadership driving excellence in British international education. Operated by a Headteacher-led Board, AoBSO unites visionary school leaders from some of the most respected British international schools, creating a powerful network committed to sharing best pedagogical and leadership practices.

This unique, school-leader-led structure ensures that AoBSO remains deeply rooted in the real-world challenges and aspirations of British international education, striving always to achieve and maintain the highest educational outcomes for every pupil.

Our Story: Built by Leaders, For Leaders

AoBSO was founded in response to a growing need for representation and collaboration among schools accredited through the British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection scheme, introduced by the UK Department for Education (DfE) in 2010.

The association’s founder, Ed Goodwin OBE, recognised the importance of creating a dedicated body that would give BSO-accredited schools a collective voice, both within the sector and with UK government. As long-serving Principal of St Christopher’s School, Bahrain, Ed led the school through multiple outstanding BSO inspections and played a pivotal role in shaping the early direction of the accreditation scheme alongside the DfE. In recognition of his significant contributions to British international education, Ed was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2013.

In 2018, Sir Roger Fry CBE succeeded Ed as Chair and took a major step in AoBSO’s evolution by formally establishing it as a UK-based entity. Under Sir Roger’s leadership, the association was officially registered as a company limited by guarantee at Companies House on 23 April 2019. In 2021, following his retirement from the Chair, Sir Roger became AoBSO’s first Honorary President.

In September 2023, James McDonald, CEO and Principal of GEMS Wesgreen International School in Sharjah, UAE, took over as Chair. Under his leadership, AoBSO continues to expand its global impact and deepen its engagement with schools, leaders, and policymakers.

Beyond Advocacy: Leading with Purpose

AoBSO is more than an advocate. It is a dynamic professional network, offering opportunities for:

  • Collaboration and knowledge exchange through annual conferences and events.

  • Direct policy insight via briefings and consultations with UK government officials.

  • Global visibility and credibility through affiliation with a trusted government-recognised body.

Supported by Trusted Partners

AoBSO’s growth and effectiveness have been amplified by collaboration with a small group of carefully selected business partners, organisations with deep expertise and a proven track record in supporting British international schools worldwide. One such key partner is Educational Success Partners Ltd, which operates under contract to the AoBSO Board to manage all of our UK-based activities. They also serve as the DfE’s sole specialist Appropriate Body for Early Career Teacher (ECT) Induction in BSO-accredited schools, ensuring that quality, compliance, and professional development are upheld at the highest levels.

A Complementary Voice in International Education

While AoBSO offers a unique and focused platform for BSO schools, it is not intended to replace or replicate the work of other DfE-recognised associations such as BSME, COBIS, FOBISIA, IAPS, LAHC, and NABSS. Instead, AoBSO complements these membership bodies, offering an additional layer of advocacy and professional enrichment specific to the BSO context. We actively encourage schools to maintain membership with both AoBSO and their regional associations, building a truly connected and empowered global network of British international educators.