As we continue to strengthen our commitment to educational excellence, we are progressing towards dual international accreditation with the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
When a school holds accreditation from either COBIS or NEASC, it is eligible to apply for additional accreditation with the other organisation. This is possible because both accrediting bodies mutually recognise the quality and standards upheld by each other’s accreditation. At Alice Smith School, we have already submitted our latest COBIS accreditation report, which reflects our excellent standing and commitment to maintaining the highest educational standards.
Having earned notable recognition from COBIS, including prestigious Beacon Status Awards for Ethos & Values and Student Leadership, Alice Smith School stands proudly in good standing within the COBIS community. Alice Smith School has already submitted its latest COBIS accreditation report as part of the evaluation, showcasing the school’s consistent commitment to quality and continuous improvement. This strong foundation has paved the way for the school to pursue additional accreditation through NEASC.
A key milestone in this journey is the upcoming NEASC Foundation Standards visit, known as the Transfer and Addition Report (1.6). During this visit, NEASC will review the school's adherence to its rigorous foundation standards. Once the Foundation Standards visit is successfully completed, Alice Smith School will be awarded NEASC accreditation in addition to its existing COBIS accreditation. The school will maintain both accreditations concurrently until the next COBIS accreditation cycle, at which point a joint accreditation visit will be conducted by a combined team from both COBIS and NEASC. This collaborative approach ensures a streamlined yet thorough evaluation process that upholds the highest international standards.
This mutual recognition and partnership between COBIS and NEASC benefits Alice Smith School by enhancing our international reputation and providing students with credentials that are widely recognised by universities and educational institutions worldwide. It also reinforces the school’s ongoing commitment to a transformational learning environment that prepares students for global success.
With this dual accreditation, Alice Smith School exemplifies the best of British international education alongside globally benchmarked standards, delivering a rich, future-focused educational experience for its community.
While COBIS focuses on maintaining the highest standards within British international education, NEASC complements this by providing rigorous, globally recognised standards applicable across diverse curricula. Together, they ensure Alice Smith School meets—and exceeds—the broadest spectrum of international quality benchmarks.
Double accreditation signals to universities, employers, and parents worldwide that the school upholds exceptional standards in both British and international education communities. This dual recognition enhances the credibility of student credentials and provides smoother pathways for higher education globally.
Membership and accreditation with both COBIS and NEASC open doors to extensive professional development opportunities, collaborative learning communities, leadership training and resource sharing. This benefits teaching staff while enriching the curriculum and learning environment for students.
Combining the strengths of COBIS’s quality assurance and community approach with NEASC’s transformative, learner-centred accreditation process creates a robust cycle of self-reflection and strategic growth. The school is better equipped to innovate, adapt and elevate student outcomes consistently over time.
Through strategic partnership and mutual recognition from accreditation bodies like COBIS and NEASC, the school can move towards global standards of compliance and focus on delivering excellence in education.
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) is a voluntary, non-profit accrediting organisation founded in 1885. NEASC accredits over 1,500 public, independent and international schools worldwide. Its mission is to support and promote high-quality education by partnering with schools through a rigorous process of self-reflection, peer review and continuous improvement.
A globally recognised standard of excellence, NEASC Accreditation attests to a school's high quality and integrity.
- Learning Structure (clear curriculum, effective teaching, and assessment)
- Organisational Structure (qualified leaders and staff, transparent governance)
- Health, Safety, and Security (safe learning environments, robust child protection)
- Finance, Facilities, and Resources (sustainable financial practices, fit-for-purpose facilities)
- Ethical Practice (fair treatment and non-discrimination)
- Boarding/Residential Programs (where applicable)
NEASC works with international schools in over 90 countries: members, candidates, and schools to strengthen their accreditation journey.
The NEASC Foundation Standards are the essential pillars that ensure a school provides high-quality, safe and ethical learning experiences. Each standard must be substantially met by accredited schools, forming the basis for ongoing improvement and trust. Here’s what each one entails:
This standard requires a school to have clear, shared statements about what high-quality learning looks like. There must be a well-documented curriculum with defined outcomes, teaching practices and assessment principles. Policies supporting effective learning, such as those for assessment, language, admissions, diversity and inclusion—must be organised, accessible, and regularly reviewed.
A school must have transparent governance and leadership, with well-defined roles and responsibilities for all staff and faculty. Policies and procedures must be carried out consistently and effectively in practice. Mechanisms must exist to assess the effectiveness of these structures, ensuring accountability and ongoing professional development for staff.
Schools are required to maintain a healthy, safe and secure environment for all community members. Including robust policies and protocols for child protection, annual reviews and compliance with local laws. Emergency plans, committees for safety, access control and mental health support services are also key indicators under this standard.
Financial health and sustainability are critical. Schools must have transparent financial management, sufficient resources (personnel, equipment, facilities) and clear planning to support all learning goals. Facilities should be safe, suitable for their purpose and future-focused, with adequate insurance and budgets for professional development and maintenance.
Schools need transparent, well-established policies to ensure that employees, learners, and parents are treated fairly, equitably, and ethically. Non-discrimination policies, fair discipline procedures and transparency in hiring, retention and dismissal are central. The overall climate should reflect a healthy, happy, and just community where policies are not just documents but lived practices.
These Foundation Standards collectively guarantee a strong infrastructure, a safe and inclusive environment and effective practices that benefit every student and family in the learning community.
For more information about NEASC or the school’s accreditation process, parents can attend the upcoming workshops, contact school leadership or visit NEASC’s official website.