Written by Tony Emmerson, Senior Deputy Head, The English College in Prague, a COBIS Training School

The English College in Prague (ECP) stands at the intersection of British and international thought, valuing our collaborations with schools in Europe and the UK. There is a ‘B’ in COBIS, and working with our colleagues in Britain helps us stay connected to HQ while integrating internationally-based ideas into the domestic sector.

Teaching Together in Europe, an initiative providing UK trainee teachers with placements in three European HMC schools, is now entering its fourth cycle. This programme has become an integral part of our approach to education.

Recent developments have focused on strengthening relationships with individual schools and HMC more broadly. ECP recently hosted a visit from Loughborough High School to gain insight into our curriculum and pastoral programmes, recognising the value of our holistic approach to education. We hope this will open opportunities for our staff and students to collaborate in the future. Our new Director of Sport is already looking forward to visiting the heart of sports excellence in the UK.

We have also been working with Latymer Upper School in London. This bilateral visit focused on their transition from a KS4 curriculum based on GCSEs to a more tailored programme designed to better serve their pupils. This evolution mirrors a similar initiative I led at ECP several years ago, aimed at customising our curriculum to meet the diverse and aspirational needs of our students. This has not only enhanced our academic programme but also fostered a culture of freedom, continuous improvement, and collaboration. I am confident that other schools will see the benefits and follow Latymer's lead sooner rather than later, and it is an honour to have played a small part in their journey.

Our latest project is a new iteration of the Independent Schools Qualifications in Academic Management (ISQAM). ISQAM Europe: Wider Perspectives is aimed at middle leaders from the UK and Europe. Accredited by the Institute of Education, UCL, and under the aegis of HMC, this programme will provide a platform for sharing ideas based on a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, generating new and exciting concepts for delegates to take back to their schools. Schools too often work within their own groupings, sometimes becoming echo chambers. This programme offers a unique opportunity for middle leaders to develop their core leadership skills while learning from each other, broadening their horizons, engaging with diverse perspectives, and challenging the status quo.

The integration of British and international educational ideas is crucial for the greater good of education. The perceived divisions between UK and international practices are harmful, restricting the movement of valuable ideas and people due to a sense of “otherness” that quickly dissipates when we communicate and collaborate.

By blending these perspectives, we can develop a more holistic approach to education, preparing our students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. The English College in Prague remains dedicated to this mission, continually striving to enhance the educational experiences of our students and contribute to the global educational community, proudly carrying the flag of the COBIS Training School initiative wherever we go.

For more information and registration, visit ISQAM Europe: Wider Perspectives or contact the English College in Prague.

Learn more about the initiative on our HMC Blog.