International educational excellence you can trust: What independent accreditations mean for your child

Why accreditations matter in international education

In a diverse international education landscape, many schools promise excellence - through curriculum choices, impressive facilities and exam results. All of these things matter. Yet one of the most meaningful indicators of quality often works quietly behind the scenes: accreditations.

Accreditations give families a clear window into a school’s true quality - whether it’s independently verified, rather than just assumed or self-declared. For parents navigating the world of international education, accreditations act like a trusted compass, providing clarity, confidence and reassurance in what can otherwise feel like a confusing maze of choices.

Accreditations bring external expertise into the school. Global educational specialists visit classrooms, review evidence, observe lessons, and speak directly with staff and students. They look closely at how a school teaches, how it supports and cares for children, how it keeps them safe, and how it plans for ongoing improvement. This kind of independent review helps ensure that high standards are not just claimed but consistently delivered.

At The British School of Tashkent (BST), we believe families deserve that level of reassurance. Our accreditations confirm that what we say about our education is supported by ongoing external evaluation. We are proud to be the only school in Uzbekistan accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), recognised through the British Schools Overseas (BSO) framework, and a member of both the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) and the Association of British Schools Overseas (AoBSO). Together, these four recognitions reflect a depth of independent quality assurance that no other school has achieved in the country.

What do accreditations actually look at?

Accreditations are not about badges, labels and logos - they’re about what happens every single day at a school, and how it supports children throughout their learning journey. Independent inspectors and reviews take a close, evidence-based look at

• Teaching that inspires and delivers - lessons that meet UK standards while engaging every learner
• Wellbeing and safeguarding that really counts - keeping students safe, supported and happy every day
• Leadership and staff development that drives excellence - teachers and leaders continually learning, and staying up to date with the latest research and best practices
• A school culture built to last - strong values, a clear vision, and long-term planning that benefits every child

Accreditations give families confidence that a school has been thoroughly checked from all angles - not just academically, but across every part of educational journey. In other words, accreditations prove that the school’s quality is genuine, not just a marketing campaign.

Council of British International Schools (COBIS)

COBIS is one of the leading accreditation bodies for British international schools worldwide, and earning their accreditation is no small feat. Schools are accredited only if they can excel in

• Outstanding teaching that meets and often exceeds UK educational standards
• Strong safeguarding and student welfare systems to keep every child safe and supported
• Ongoing professional development to ensure that teachers are always learning, growing and inspired
• Effective leadership and a culture that’s committed to continuous excellence

COBIS accredited schools are regularly reviewed so that standards are consistently high, to ensure that each student can be their best.

British Schools Overseas (BSO)

The BSO framework, overseen by the UK Department for Education, is all about making sure that British schools meet or exceed the same high standards as independent schools in England. Accreditation inspections take a close, evidence-based look at these key areas.

• Curriculum and student progress - making sure learning is challenging, engaging and on track
• Personal, social and cultural development - supporting students to grow into confident, well-rounded individuals
• Health, safety and safeguarding - protecting every child, giving families peace of mind
• Leadership, governance and staff quality - strong, capable teams driving continuous improvement

BSO recognition gives families extra reassurance that a school’s standards are closely aligned with those in the UK - perfect for parents who want a truly British education, wherever their child’s journey takes them.

Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA)

FOBISIA is a dynamic network of British international schools across Asia, where collaboration, innovation and excellence are at the heart of what members do. Being part of FOBISIA reflects a school’s commitment to

• British educational values and curriculum - delivering learning rooted in the best of UK education
• Sharing best practice - learning from and with other high-quality schools across the region
• Student enrichment - providing competitions, events, and leadership opportunities that go beyond the classroom
• Continuous improvement through collaboration - striving to get better every day

For students, this means richer experiences, new opportunities, and connections that extend far beyond the walls of their own classroom.

Association of British Schools Overseas (AoBSO)

AoBSO membership is exclusive to schools that have earned BSO accreditation. It offers support, guidance, and a platform for ongoing growth by providing

• Professional guidance and representation - helping schools navigate complex challenges with confidence
• Peer learning and governance development - sharing ideas and strategies to strengthen leadership and operations
• A continued focus on safeguarding and quality - keeping children safe and learning standards high

Through AoBSO, BST stays connected to a global community of schools that prioritise transparency, accountability, and professional excellence, ensuring our standards are not just maintained but constantly evolving.

A culture of continuous improvement

Accreditations aren’t just a one-off achievement - they’re a commitment to maintaining excellence and staying at the forefront of international education. They encourage schools to reflect and ask the important questions: Are we delivering the very best in teaching? Are we supporting every child’s wellbeing? Are we preparing students for the challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing world?

Some schools may provide enjoyable lessons, modern facilities or good exam results, but without rigorous, independent accreditation, there’s no guarantee that these experiences consistently meet international standards, or that students will graduate with a globally recognised qualification. As a Nord Anglia Education school, we take this commitment even further, connecting to global expertise, shared best practice and a worldwide community of leading schools.

What this means for families

For parents, accreditations bring clarity and confidence- reassurance that standards are independently verified and internationally recognised. For teachers, they provide professional support and accountability, helping staff continue to grow and thrive. And for students, they guarantee a learning experience that is respected, transferable, and valued, no matter where their educational pathway takes them around the world.

Accreditations are not about comparison - they are about trust. They show that a school is open to external scrutiny, committed to transparency, and focused on continual improvement.

At The British School of Tashkent, we see accreditation as an important responsibility to our students and families that we will always aim higher, deliver consistently, and provide the very best education possible.