The International School Award celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in international education. Fostering an international dimension in 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 work in today’s world. 

Students at Didcot Girls’ School benefit from a rich programme of international opportunities. These include the long-standing exchange with its partner school in Planegg, Didcot’s twinned town in Germany, the annual Year 7 trip to France, and a range of international visits such as Borneo, Seville and Paris, open to students across year groups. 

The school promotes a strong global ethos through age-appropriate discussion of world events and by marking key awareness days including International Women’s Day, Earth Day, Black History Month, Holocaust Memorial Day and Pride Month. This international outlook extends beyond current students, with global themes explored during Year 7 transition and local primary pupils welcomed to the school’s popular annual International Day. 

On hearing the news that Didcot Girls’ School had received the award, Co-Head Teachers Martha Hawes and Sarah Roberts said: 

“This award recognises that fostering an international dimension is central to our curriculum and ethos. We are committed to ensuring that our students develop the cultural understanding, curiosity and global skills they need to thrive in today’s interconnected world.” 

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 in bringing the world into their classrooms. The desire to build on their international work shines through and it is with utmost 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.’ 

The Award is now available worldwide in countries such as Greece, India, and Nigeria. Over 6,000 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 international partner schools 

• Year-round international activity 

• Involvement of the wider community