The COBIS Standards have undergone a significant review, in consultation with key stakeholders such as the National Association for Special Educational Needs (nasen), Boarding Schools' Association (BSA), Safeguarding Alliance and the COBIS network of schools. They are now more expansive and cover a broader range of a school’s operation and practice.  

The revised Standards have an even greater emphasis across the full safeguarding spectrum with even more focus on safer recruitment, the single central record, child protection, staff and governor safeguarding training and mental health and well-being for staff and students.  

The Standards feature a clarified focus on British educational values and ethos and specific obligations on schools to demonstrate their holistic provision and student opportunities to engage with other cultures and beliefs.  

COBIS now requires schools to demonstrate their preparedness to deal with critical incidents, such as pandemics, and also includes a sharp focus on the provision of, and support for, online learning. 

In addition to next step recommendations for each Standard, COBIS now produces Priority Next Steps for schools; large development areas which will form the agenda for regular reviews with the Lead Improvement Partner.   

Now COBIS provides even richer support through video meetings in the 5-6 month preparation period for the visit and meets with a wider range of educational and operational leaders from each school. These now also includes the option for pre-visit SCR and safer recruitment checks.  

Where travel restrictions might be in place, COBIS now offers the option – to eligible schools -  of a virtual visit to ensure schools can continue with their quality assurance journey. This process carries the same status and validity and offers the same support and rigour than the on-site counterparts.

The scheme has even higher expectations of governors in terms of their engagement with a school.

The process celebrates success and now gathers greater evidence around the positive impact of initiatives and developments in schools, and these are formally recognised through the awarding of Commendations.

The total cost of COBIS Accreditation or Compliance is based on the number of sections a school has. This is due to the fact that with more sections, comes more complexity in terms of quality assurance. 

All schools will be charged a base fee (one section), and then depending on the age range of a school, there will be an additional fee for an additional section.

The following will be considered one section. Schools which serve:

• Primary only  = one section
• Secondary only = one section

These schools will be charged the base rate only (plus Boarding if applicable).

The following with be considered two sections. Schools which serve:

• Primary and Secondary = two sections

• No additional charge if there is an EYFS section or Sixth Form

 These schools will be charged the base rate, plus the additional fee per additional section (plus Boarding if applicable).

If your school does not fit into a category above, or you are not sure which price applies to you, please do not hesitate to contact Sharon Gallagher on Sharon.gallagher@cobis.org.uk or +44 7590 847346.

*all subject to VAT where applicable.