At AoBSO, we believe the best way to understand the value of DfE BSO accreditation is to hear directly from those who have experienced it.

In this collection of case studies, BSO Principals share their personal journeys, highlighting the challenges, insights, and lasting benefits that accreditation has brought to their schools.

From strengthening leadership and governance to enhancing the quality of teaching and learning, these stories showcase the real impact of becoming a DfE-accredited British School Overseas.

The International British School of Bucharest

British Schools Overseas Accreditation – The Gold Standard of Education

Achieving British Schools Overseas (BSO) accreditation through the UK Department for Education’s inspection scheme marked an important milestone for the International British School of Bucharest (IBSB). Far more than a point in time inspection, BSO accreditation has provided a clear framework for rigorous, ongoing self-evaluation and school improvement, enabling IBSB to achieve and maintain the high standards synonymous with British Schools Overseas. The inspection report, available on GOV.UK and our school website, provides transparency and the quality assurance needed to build trust and successfully market our school to prospective parents, with BSO accreditation also aiding the recruitment of high calibre teachers, including Early Career Teachers (ECT). Access to various BSO networks, in particular, has proved invaluable, enabling our school to thrive within a community of collaboration, ensuring British Schools Overseas remain the ‘gold standard’ of British Education in an increasingly competitive market. 

Kendall Peet (Head of School)

GEMS Founders School, Al Barsha, Dubai

BSO Accreditation: A Milestone of Excellence

GEMS Founders School (GFS), Dubai, is honored to have achieved British Schools Overseas (BSO) accreditation in May 2025, following our third inspection since the schools inception in 2016. Endorsed as the United Kingdom Government’s ‘gold standard’ for British international schools, this distinction reflects our unwavering commitment to educational excellence and strict adherence to UK standards.

The official inspection report and our unique DfE reference number, now publicly accessible, position us among the leading British schools globally and enhance our reputation within the community. This accreditation grants us the authority to deliver the complete Early Career Teacher (ECT) induction programme, with outcomes formally certified by the UK Department for Education, an exclusive privilege of BSO accredited schools. Since the programmes inception, we have supported over 100 ECTs, reinforcing both our recruitment efforts and professional development opportunities. This recognition assures parents and educators of our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in British education.

Matthew Burfield (Executive Principal/CEO)