The British School of Bahrain (BSB) has been named British International School of the Year 2026 at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards, one of the most prestigious celebrations of excellence in the global independent school sector.
The award recognises BSB’s distinctive approach to British international education, combining academic excellence and ambitious educational provision with a strong sense of community, personalised pastoral care and a commitment to developing responsible, internationally minded young people. Selected from six finalists, BSB was the only school representing Bahrain and the wider Middle East in the category, making the achievement a significant milestone for the school and the Kingdom.
The awards ceremony took place at the Law Society in London on 13 October 2026, with BSB Executive Headteacher Ms Liz Stanley attending on behalf of the school community.
Run by Independent School Parent magazine, the Independent Schools of the Year Awards are in their ninth year. They are open to independent schools belonging to an association within the Independent Schools Council or COBIS. Judging is chaired by Dr Helen Wright, international education adviser and former Vice Chair of the ISC, supported by a panel of leading headteachers and professional experts, who look for strong, evidence-backed stories of achievement.
BSB won the award for offering a compelling interpretation of a British international education. The judges praised a submission that showed ambitious provision, clear values and a strong, confident community.
At the heart of BSB’s submission was a community achievement that reflects the school’s values. To mark its 30th anniversary, students, staff, parents and the wider school community raised $86,000 in partnership with UNICEF, enough to send 10,000 underprivileged children to school.
The project reflects the school’s focus on active citizenship and on developing internationally minded young people alongside academic excellence. Through BSB Support360 pastoral care approach, BSB provides a framework designed to support students’ wellbeing and individual development, helping them build the confidence, resilience and independence needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
The achievement demonstrated the strength of the BSB community and its commitment to making a positive difference beyond the school gates. It also reflected the school’s emphasis on active citizenship, encouraging students to understand their responsibilities as members of a global community and to translate their values into meaningful action.
The judges highlighted this collective achievement as a central part of BSB’s award submission, recognising the way the school brings its educational principles to life through shared purpose and community engagement.
As a leading British international school in Bahrain, BSB continues to focus on providing an education that opens doors to future opportunities. Its approach combines a rigorous academic pathway with an emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and personal growth, equipping students to pursue higher education and future careers in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
For families, this means an educational experience that looks beyond examination results alone. It is about ensuring that students leave school with the academic foundations, personal confidence and broader perspectives required to succeed at university and make a positive contribution to the world around them.
The British International School of the Year 2026 title provides international recognition of this approach and reinforces BSB’s position as a school where high academic expectations sit alongside care, character and community.
Commenting on the award, Ms Liz Stanley, Executive Headteacher of the British School of Bahrain, said:
“Winning British International School of the Year 2026 is an extraordinary honour and a proud moment for our entire school community. This award is a reflection of what makes the British School of Bahrain so special: our family-first approach, our commitment to personalised care and exceptional education, and the strength of the relationships that bring our community together. It recognises the dedication of our staff, the ambition and achievements of our students, the trust of our parents and the support of everyone who contributes to school life. Above all, it celebrates the people behind our success and the shared values that guide us. As we look to the future, this recognition inspires us to continue listening and innovating as we support our young people to step out into the world ready to make a positive difference.”
Nadim Nsouli, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Inspired Education, said “To be named British International School of the Year is an extraordinary achievement and a powerful endorsement of BSB’s vision for education. The school has created an environment where academic excellence is matched by exceptional pastoral care, global perspective and a genuine commitment to student wellbeing. As part of the Inspired Education Group, BSB continues to demonstrate how schools can prepare young people not only for leading universities and successful careers, but also for lives of purpose, leadership and positive impact. We are incredibly proud of everything the BSB community has achieved.”
The award marks an important chapter in BSB’s story as it continues to build on its 30-year legacy in Bahrain. More than a celebration of past achievements, it recognises a school community committed to continuous improvement, international-mindedness and an education that prepares every student to fulfil their potential.
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