British Council International School Award success for Thornton College School

Thornton College in Buckinghamshire has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.

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.

 Thornton College’s international work includes:

 

• Embedding Global Citizenship Throughout School Life
  Thornton College integrated internationalism into its curriculum and ethos, promoting global citizenship, cultural awareness, and linguistic confidence across all key stages.

 

• Building Strong International Partnerships
  The school developed active collaborations with Visitation Academy (USA), JM Madrid, and JM Lebanon, engaging students in joint wellbeing initiatives, creative arts projects, and intercultural exchanges.

 

• Promoting Student Leadership Through Language Learning
  Thornton introduced Japanese in Early Years and Latin in Key Stage 3 and Sixth Form, using innovative peer-led teaching models to build confidence, leadership, and cultural understanding.

 

• Celebrating Cultural Identity and Global Perspectives
  Through events like Saint Claudine’s Day, International Day of Languages, and student-led assemblies, Thornton encouraged reflection on identity and appreciation of diverse cultures.

 

• Championing Inclusive, Student-Led Initiatives
  The school planned and delivered inclusive events such as “This is Us Day,” empowering students to celebrate individuality and global belonging through off-timetable activities.

 

On hearing the news that Thornton College had received the award, Dr Shaw, Headteacher, commented:

 

‘We are absolutely delighted that Thornton has been awarded the International School Award by the British Council. This recognition reflects our deep commitment to global learning, cultural exchange, and the celebration of diversity within our school community. I am incredibly proud of the staff and students who enthusiasm and hard work made this possible.’

 

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. This is especially commendable when schools have been deeply affected by the global pandemic. 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