WCIH is Now a COBIS Patron's Accredited Member

2023-08-21

We are delighted to share the absolutely amazing news that WCIH has now been confirmed as a *COBIS Patron’s Accredited member school* with *24* commendations for areas of strong practice, and *THREE BEACON STATUS AWARDS* for outstanding practice! Beacons were awarded for our work in the areas of Governance, Values and Wellbeing. There are less than a dozen Patrons Accredited Schools in Asia, and we believe we are the only school *IN THE WORLD* to receive THREE BEACONS!

What is COBIS?

Council of British International Schools, or COBIS, is the largest premier global association for British schools, committed to school improvement, safeguarding, and supporting its members and the wider sector. It is a membership association that represents more than 450 schools and organisations globally. High-quality COBIS schools, which educate over 165,000 students and employ more than 17,000 teachers, can be found in more than 80 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas. According to the official website of COBIS, Wellington College International Hangzhou and Hiba Academy Hangzhou are among no more than its 13 membership schools in China.

COBIS Accreditation Standards can be found here and set the bar high. Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment, Student Welfare, Facilities, Governance, Ethos and Values, Learning and Teaching, Leadership in the School, Communication, Extra-Curricular, Enrichment and Engagement.

Kathryn Richardson

Master of

Wellington College Education (China) - Hangzhou

I am delighted with the outcome of our recent COBIS visit. To achieve 3 Beacon Status is an outstanding accolade for the school and really reflects the commitment of the whole school community. I have always been proud of the focus we place on pupil and staff wellbeing and to achieve Beacon status for this shows we really are leading the way in this field and demonstrating exceptional standards from which other schools can learn.

Stewart Brown

Head of Junior High

and Senior School

COBIS is a global accrediting body for international and bilingual schools, and they provide a UK Government recognised quality assessment for top-performing schools. We have enjoyed a team of six current and ex-Heads of School from all over the world visiting lessons, speaking to parents and children and reviewing our data, policies and paperwork. Thank you to every student, parent, and teacher your work, support and commitment to this process and for your fantastic work and reflective of a strong team effort over the past 18 months.

Matthew Coleman

Head of Primary

This recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing an exceptional education that prepares our pupils for success in a rapidly changing world. We are proud to have met these standards and to be part of a global community of schools that share our dedication to delivering a world-class education.

Receiving COBIS accreditation provides us with access to a wealth of resources and opportunities for collaboration with other accredited schools. We look forward to continuing to grow and improve as we strive to provide our pupils with the best possible education.

Achieving Beacon status shows our dedication to promoting a positive and nurturing environment for our pupils and staff whilst maintaining academic excellence. We are honoured to have been recognised for our efforts in this area and to be part of a community of schools that prioritise the wellbeing of their pupils and staff.

COBIS accreditation report

The school enjoys several key advantages and assets structurally, professionally and culturally. These include engaged and eager students, trusting and aspirational parents and a strong staff community. The campus is impressive. Leaders genuinely combine care with ambition and staff want for nothing in terms of resources. Such conditions will allow more creative, boundary-pushing around practice within the wide curriculum.

WCIH has received 24 commendations across this two-stage COBIS Accreditation process and, uniquely, has been recommended for three Beacon Status awards for Governance, Values and Wellbeing. This is remarkable and a well-deserved set of accolades and a ringing endorsement of the strength and success of the school after its first five years.

* Schools may be commended in areas where they have made important strides and, in some cases, may be awarded ‘Beacon Status’ for outstanding practice. Such awards are given to the school on the understanding that they will be open to sharing areas of excellent practice with other COBIS schools in our network.

At Wellington, we pioneer education to serve and help shape a better world and will continue to create a caring, international community that develops well-rounded individuals with strong values and the skills to thrive within an ever-changing world.